Rosie J. Pova Children's Author
  • Home
  • About
    • Bio
    • Resources
  • Books
  • Writing Workshops
    • Agents & Editors Workshops
    • PBWH (The Hub)
    • Champagne & Cupcakes Writers Retreat
    • Picture Book Mastery Mentorship
    • PB Critique Services
  • Marketing for Authors
  • Author School Visits
    • Packages and Fees
    • Book a visit!
  • News & Events
    • Media
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • The Unstoppable Writer FB Group
  • Writing with Rosie
  • Club Membership
  • Product
  • Book Ad Contest
Picture

Chitchat with Author Jenna Beatrice and Illustrator Erika Jones, Plus a Giveaway!

4/25/2023

5 Comments

 
Picture

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Kidlt Oasis Chitchat series! This is a place to get some literary recharge, inspiration, and goodies, too!

I have two wonderful guests today -- an author and an illustrator duo -- and we're chatting about their new picture book, The Loud Librarian. Plus, there's a giveaway!

Let's get into it, please welcome Jenna and Erika! 


Jenna, please tell us how the idea for this book came about. Walk us through the writing and revising process – how many drafts, how long it took to complete it, when did you share with your agent etc.
​
JB: I was brainstorming ideas one day and the thought occurred to me that it could be funny if a very loud student (so loud she could be heard in space!) was picked to be the student-librarian. But the rest of the story took shape through lots and lots of revisions. I wish I could share an exact number of drafts, but the truth is, I don’t even know how many! I worked on this story over the course of two years, so it was revisited and revised many (many!) times over.

I hear you, Jenna, I can totally relate!

Let’s talk about the submission process for this project. How long did it take from submission to offer? How did you get the news? Where were you at that moment? Can you give us the juicy details around that?


JB: This story has a lovely publication story. I applied for a mentorship through #PBChat, founded by Justin Colón, and was incredibly lucky to be picked by the wonderful Lindsay Leslie. Lindsay donated her time and talent to mentor me and to help make this and other stories submission ready. Lindsay taught me so much about storytelling and I am so grateful to her for believing in this story. At the mentorship showcase, The Loud Librarian was requested by several editors and an offer was made by Atheneum/Simon & Schuster. It was an absolute dream come true! When I saw the offer, I was home with my husband and my heart stopped. My husband was on a call, so I frantically pointed to my computer and jumped up and down until he logged off. We both cried happy tears. Then I called my parents and soon after, I called Lindsay to tell her the news!

Wow, what an incredible story to publication!

When did you find out who the illustrator was and what were your thoughts about the pairing?


JB: Our editor Kristie Choi sent me Erika’s fabulous portfolio and asked for my thoughts. I had a look around and knew right away that Erika could capture the joy and curiosity of our main character, Penelope. Penelope’s loud and excitable energy was the only aspect of the story I was really thinking about at the time, and I had a wonderful feeling that Erika was the perfect pairing for the job!  
Picture
Erika, what did you think of the story when you were approached about illustrating it? What attracted you to the book? Why did you decide to get on board?

EJ. I love it because it was the type of story I might have liked to write, but I didn’t think of it. In other words, it was my vibe (humorous, quirky character and just lots of unexpected fun) and it was being presented by a great publisher and editorial team, so I said yes. I could also relate to the main character’s passion for books. As a child I loved reading books and spending time in libraries, bookmobiles and bookstores as a little girl. So, I knew I could tap into that enthusiasm and add to this story.

Finally, I felt the story stretched me and my imagination about what was possible in a picture book in really positive ways.
 
That's amazing -- I love the way you connected to the story!

​Were there any challenges in the process of telling the visual story? I know that the author and the illustrator are typically not in direct contact. Was that the case with this project? Or did you have any communication with Jenna while working on the illustrations?


EJ. We did not have contact during the illustration process. Jenna did have a chance to give feedback after the first round of sketches and again when the final art was turned in, but that was all communicated via our editor, Kristie Choi and the art director, Karyn Lee.

Jenna, when did you first see what your main character looked like? What was it like compared to the image that you had in your mind perhaps?

JB: When the “first look” for Penelope was sent, it was such a special moment. Being able to see Penelope for the first time after imagining her so long in my own imagination was absolutely wonderful. Erika perfectly captured her energy and spirit and I think I even said out loud: “there she is!” 
​
Picture
Erika, what was your favorite spread to illustrate and why?

EJ: The spread where Penelope is in the library, ready to start her job as student-librarian. She is looking eagerly at Ms. Berry while two of the classmates are staring at Penelope. They are anticipating that it's going to be an “interesting” day. I love it because it captures the warmth between Penelope and Ms. Berry, and a bit of humor from her nosy classmates.
Picture
Jenna, what was your favorite spread when you saw the complete dummy and why?

This is a hard question! But if I had to pick, I think the scenes with the astronauts are my favorite. I love how seriously the characters take Penelope, and I think the visual of how far away they are perfectly captures how loud our little Penelope is!

This question is for both of you. What do you hope readers will take away from the book? What do you wish for this story to accomplish in the hands of children? 

JB: 
What a lovely question! I hope little readers laugh out LOUD and want to read this story over and over. And I hope they realize they don’t need to change who they are to fit in. They can make their own space to showcase all the wonderful aspects of their personalities. 

EJ: I hope children take away that whoever you are inherently, in other words whatever quirks, likes dislikes, you are born with… you don’t have to change to be like everyone else. You will in time find your purpose, your place. Just how you are - you will shine.

My final question is for both of you again. What’s next for you? What coming up, what are you working on, any new projects we should be on the lookout for, any upcoming events you’d like to share around the launch?

JB: I do have a new project in the works, but it hasn’t been announced yet so I’m afraid I can’t share more information. I’m excited to do so when I can! 

EJ: My next book, Black Girls: A Celebration of You (Harper Collins) will be released on September 26 of this year. Dominique Furukuwa wrote this love letter to black girls and got illustrate it! I am also working on my author/illustrator debut, Zara in The Middle, which will be published by Harper Collins - date TBA.

Thank you, Jenna and Erika, it was a pleasure chatting with you! I wish you all the best with the book and your future projects. Jenna, I'll be on the lookout for that announcement, and Erika, I look forward to your upcoming release and to seeing you again around Dallas!

Dear readers, see below on how you can enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of The Loud Librarian. Also, make sure you connect with Jenna and Erika. 


Order your copy HERE or click on the cover!
Picture

Picture
Jenna Beatrice is a children’s author, lawyer, and mom. She began her legal career as a lawyer for children before becoming a litigator and a trustee of a children’s advocacy center. As an author, Jenna now shares the joy of reading with young children. Jenna lives in northern New Jersey with her husband and their young son. The Loud Librarian (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster) is her debut picture book. To learn more about Jenna, please visit her at jennabeatrice.com.

​SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter: @jbeatricebooks
Instagram: @jennabeatricebooks


Picture
Erika enjoys creating quirky characters and stories that affirm and celebrate cultures. Her creative mission is to show every child they are worthy of good and deserve positive representations of themselves in literature. She loves working in mixed media and collage because it reminds her of time spent with her mom, who helped make sure all of her school projects had that special artistic shine. She grew up in St. Louis and now lives in the Dallas area with her husband and three daughters. To learn more about Erika, please visit her at erikalynnejones.com.

Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/erikalynnejones/
https://twitter.com/ErikaLynneJones


G I V E A W A Y!

Post a comment below for a chance to win a copy of The Loud Librarian

5 Comments
Linda Chavez
4/27/2023 12:48:11 pm

What a delightful post! The Loud Librarian sounds like an amazing concept. Can't wait to read it! It's also nice to hear your publication story. And the illustrations are amazing! Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Katie Lee Reinert
4/27/2023 03:07:13 pm

Just checked this out from my library and I love it! Such a fun story and the illustrations are adorable. Thanks for sharing your publication story!

Reply
Ryann Jones
4/27/2023 08:36:48 pm

I keep seeing your book everywhere! It looks so good! I cannot wait to read it. Congratulations to both of you!!

Reply
Steena Hernandez
4/27/2023 10:43:52 pm

Thanks for sharing this great interview! I love the humor, and the illustrations are so much fun. Congrats on this wonderful book!

Reply
Ashley Sierra
4/30/2023 02:50:38 pm

My little one is definitely the loud one. I can't wait to read him this book.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

      Keep up with new posts
      and updates!

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    About Rosie J. Pova

    Picture
    Rosie J. Pova is a multi-published, award-winning children's author and kid lit Writing Coach. She's the creator of Picture Book Mastery System™ that is proven to help emerging children's writers advance their career and get closer to their publishing goals.
     
    Rosie's latest picture book, Sunday Rain, was featured in The New York Times and recommended by Parents magazine. Her upcoming picture book, The School of Failure: A Story About Success will be released in the spring of 2022 in both China and the USA.

    Rosie also loves to visit schools and her interactive workshops empower students to unleash their creativity and grow in confidence through reading, writing, and creating. Teachers and librarians love Rosie for her bubbly, upbeat personality which captures students' attention, encourages them to think creatively, and motivates them to pursue big dreams.
    She has been featured on TV, radio, podcasts, and print media, and also speaks on women's and moms’ topics, sharing her journey from a Bulgarian immigrant to a published author.
     
    Find out more about Rosie's online courses, mentorships, and her work by visiting her website: RosieJPova.com

    Check out her Critique Services here, her Workshops here, and her school visits page here.

    Rosie is represented by Jackie Kruzie of Focused Artists. 

    ​Twitter: @RosiePOV
    Facebook Author Page
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    December 2023
    April 2023
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    October 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

    Categories

    All
    #2020visionpbs
    Agent Interview
    Agent Submissions
    Alison S. Weiss
    Amanda Davis
    Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum
    Anne Lambelet
    Annemarie Riley Guertin
    Astra BFYR
    Author/Illustrator
    Author Interview
    Beaming Books
    Beth Anderson
    Book Review
    Calkins Creek
    Cardinal Rule Press
    Chana Stiefel
    Charlotte Offsay
    Children's Authors
    Children's Book
    Christy Mihaly
    Claire Annette Noland
    Classroom Activities
    Contest
    Cover Reveal
    Craft
    Creative Writing
    Deb Gruelle
    Della Ross Ferreri
    Editor Interview
    Ellen Leventhal
    Emily Matheis
    Erika Jones
    Erin Dealey
    Evelyn Bookless
    Francie Dekker
    Gabrielle Snyder
    Gift
    Giveaway
    Haiku Hype
    Heather Macht Children's Author
    Helen Wu
    Henry Herz
    Holiday
    Illustrator Interview
    Jackie Kruzie
    Jaimie Whitbread
    Janee Trasler
    Jenna Beatrice
    Jennifer Cole Judd
    June Smalls
    Kaitlyn Sanchez
    Karla Valenti
    Kataneh Vahdani
    Kate Cosgrove
    Katelyn Aronson
    Kathleen M. Blasi
    Kathy Doherty
    Keila V. Dawson
    Kelly Jordan
    Kena Sosa
    #kidlit
    Kids Writing Contest
    Kindness
    Kirsti Call
    KWEST Contest
    Lauren H. Kerstein
    Librarians
    Lindsay Leslie
    Lynne Marie
    Marcie Wessels
    Maria Dismondy
    Melissa Berger Stoller
    Michal Babay
    Michelle Nott
    #MissionJoyGiveaway
    Nancy Churnin
    Naomi Krueger
    Nell Cross Beckerman
    Nicholas Solis
    Nikki Bergstresser
    #NonfictionPictureBooks
    Patricia Newman
    Picture Book
    Picture Book Structure
    Pixel + Ink
    Poetry Month
    Publisher
    Query
    Rajani LaRocca
    Raven Howell
    Rosie J. Pova Children's Author
    Sandra Sutter
    Sarah Rockett
    Sharon Giltrow
    Sleeping Bear Press
    STEM Picture Book
    Teachers
    Traditional Picture Book Structure
    Vivian Kirkfield
    Writing
    Yeehoo Press

Connect with Rosie
Contact Rosie

​©2023 Rosie J. Pova Children's Author

    Sign up for rosie's newsletter

Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Home
  • About
    • Bio
    • Resources
  • Books
  • Writing Workshops
    • Agents & Editors Workshops
    • PBWH (The Hub)
    • Champagne & Cupcakes Writers Retreat
    • Picture Book Mastery Mentorship
    • PB Critique Services
  • Marketing for Authors
  • Author School Visits
    • Packages and Fees
    • Book a visit!
  • News & Events
    • Media
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • The Unstoppable Writer FB Group
  • Writing with Rosie
  • Club Membership
  • Product
  • Book Ad Contest