 Hello, everyone, and welcome back to KidLit Oasis! This is the last post of the year and I'm so excited to chat with a returning guest about her new book! Welcome back, Lauren! Thank you for returning to the KidLit Oasis! It must mean you liked my hospitality the first time ;) but it also means you have a new book that you'll be sharing with our readers! Congratulations! So, first, let me ask you this: I know that every book is special to its author in a particular way—how is this book special to you? Dear to your heart in a different way? What was the experience like, compared to previous ones? Is there an interesting behind-the-scenes about the idea for the story, its creation, an unusual journey to publication perhaps? What stands out? LHK: I loved your hospitality and am excited to be back. Thank you for having me! This book is dear to my heart because although I wrote this to help children (and adults) process grief—especially my children—it really helped me process my own grief. From the jewelry box to the cucumber hiccups, pieces of my family are sprinkled throughout the book, which makes it extra special. And to piggyback on the questions above, did anything surprise you with this book or the publisher's approach (whether it was the same publisher or a new one)? Did you learn anything new? Was it harder or easier to bring the books into the world? LHK: Honestly, the thing that surprised me the most about the process for this book was how smoothly everything went. Working with Andrea Hall and the whole team at Beaming Books was wonderful. When did you find out who the illustrator was for the project and were you asked for an input? What was it like working with the illustrator for this book? When did you first see the art and what was your reaction? LHK: I was THRILLED when Nanette Regan accepted the project. Her resonant and lively style felt perfect for this book. I was floored when I saw the art for the first time. And I LOVED how she incorporated butterflies throughout. It truly feels like the butterflies represent our loved ones.    What do you hope to accomplish within the next 2-3 years? Any specific goals or aspirations—personal or writing related—that you could share with us? LHK: I am hoping to grow my ghostwriting and developmental editing work. I LOVE helping creators bring their projects to life. I also hope to finish revisions on my YA. It is an important book to me and I’d love to share it with the world. I’d also love to make sure I’m holding space for my own writing. It is tricky to balance the ghostwriting and developmental editing with my own writing. What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any other exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers? LHK: I am ECSTATIC to announce my next book, Hope Rode with Union Square Kids. It will be out in Spring 2025 and is, in essence, a love letter to librarians. It highlights the incredible tenacity and kindness of the librarians who rode for the Packhorse Library Project (a program established under the Works Progress Administration and spearheaded by Eleanor Roosevelt) in the 1930s. It is a nonfiction picture book and has been such a passion project for me. I have another soon-to-be-announced picture book coming out in 2025 as well.  About Lauren Lauren H. Kerstein is an author, psychotherapist, developmental editor, and ghost writer. She is represented by Deborah Warren with East/West Literary Agency. Her writing goals are simple. Embrace feedback. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts. www.LaurenKerstein.net X: @LaurenKerstein IG: @LaurenKerstein Click on the cover to order your copy of Remembering Sundays with Grandpa  G I V E A W A Y! ! !
Comment below for a chance to win one of the two prizes that Lauren is so generously providing for my blog readers. Let us know which prize you prefer. 1. A signed copy of her book plus swag (U.S. only) 
2. A picture book Zoom critique And the winners are... Joyce Uglow wins the book, and Kristin Coco wins the critique! Congratulations to you both!
59 Comments
Melissa Stiveson
12/20/2023 06:13:28 pm
What an engaging and heartfelt book. Love it! 1/15/2024 09:06:12 pm
Oh, Aubrey. That is just heartbreaking. I hope this book offers some comfort. Please take care. 1/15/2024 09:07:17 pm
Tackling tough topics isn't easy. I am so glad you're working on books that offer insight into the tough stuff. They are so needed.
Ryann Jones
12/20/2023 09:43:11 pm
Thank you for writing a tender story like this. ❤️
Gail Schlenger
12/22/2023 11:40:10 am
What a touching story and a great interview. I’d love the picture book Zoom critique! 1/15/2024 09:08:38 pm
Thank you so much, Gail. I am glad the story touched your heart.
Sheri Bentley
12/22/2023 11:41:30 am
Such a beautiful and important book! I'd love the book for my students or the critique for me. Thanks for your generosity, Lauren! 1/15/2024 09:09:32 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Sheri! Fingers crossed for you.
Katie Snyder
12/22/2023 11:50:01 am
It's always so interesting to hear about writers' journeys. Brava to you for tackling such a difficult topic. I especially loved where you said "embrace feedback" because I'd love a critique! 1/15/2024 09:10:21 pm
I'm glad you found my journey interesting, Katie. "Embracing feedback" isn't always easy, but it sure helps in the end!
Danielle Hammelef
12/22/2023 12:13:12 pm
Congratulations on your heartwarming book! I know it will help readers understand more about grief and ways to help deal with the loss. I would love to win a copy of this book, thank you. I'm excited to read your next book and learn more about the traveling librarians. 1/15/2024 09:41:08 pm
Thanks so much, Danielle! I hope it does help readers understand more about grief and loss. I can't wait to share HOPE RODE with you in 2025.
Ashley
12/22/2023 12:29:07 pm
What an awesome post! I would love a picture book critique if chosen, thank you so much! 12/22/2023 01:05:47 pm
I enjoyed learning about your book journey and your upcoming book. 1/15/2024 09:50:04 pm
Thank you for reading the post and your kind comments, Mark! 12/22/2023 01:17:22 pm
Thank you for sharing and offering the prizes. I would love to be the recipient of either of these lovely prizes.
Joanna
12/22/2023 01:20:52 pm
I love the book. I have a student who would love that book. 1/15/2024 09:51:15 pm
Thanks you so much, Joanna! I'm happy to hear you love the book! 12/22/2023 04:17:57 pm
I love how you highlight the role of children's books in helping little ones deal with big (and difficult) life moments. I'd be honored to be considered for a picture book critique. Thank you. 1/17/2024 04:16:32 pm
Hi Kathleen. Thank you! I love thinking about the role picture books have helped all of us (children and adults) in dealing with big/difficult moments.
Margaret Lea
12/22/2023 10:08:12 pm
Thanks for sharing! I will look for the book. Would love a critique if chosen. 1/17/2024 04:17:17 pm
Thanks, Margaret. I hope that if you can't find it at your local library, you'll either ask them to order it or request it via interlibrary loan! Be well! 12/23/2023 12:14:22 am
Lauren, both your words and the illustrations revealed in this post look exceptional. And will help anyone who is facing grief and loss, either recently or in the past, and that’s just about everyone. Thank you for writing about such a tough topic! A PB Zoom critique sounds like a wonderful opportunity, thank you for offering this! 1/17/2024 04:18:09 pm
Thank you, Katie. It really is just about everyone. I'm so glad you stopped by!
Jessica Milo
12/23/2023 01:02:47 am
Congrats on your new picture book, Lauren and Nanette. Such a needed book that looks tender and beautiful. I'd love the picture book critique. Thank you Rosie and Lauren for this great interview! 12/23/2023 07:22:18 am
Thank you for reflecting with us on your book. It is an important read for a child who has gone through the loss of a loved one, or anyone for that matter. 1/17/2024 04:19:55 pm
Thank you, Robin. I agree! I think the butterflies offer a symbol for children to hold onto in their grief. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to help others on their journey! So many people have helped and continue to help me! 1/17/2024 04:20:49 pm
Thank you, Liz! I'm so happy to hear you're working on a manuscript that is also dear to your heart!
Amy Kurlansky
12/28/2023 08:43:55 am
How impactful! I imagine this book will help give children a way to express the difficult feelings around grief! Thank you!! 12/30/2023 11:19:13 am
I love books that deal with generational family ties. I would love to win a copy of your book and a possible critique of my PB that also promotes generational memories.
Barbara Senenman
12/30/2023 11:21:22 am
This book will resonate with many people. Look forward to reading it. 12/30/2023 12:07:00 pm
What a touching story, and the illustrations are just so beautiful and help enhance the story very well. These are the types of stories children need to read to help with coping of any sort of loss. Thank you for such a beautiful story! -Rose
Sharon McCarthy
12/30/2023 12:07:05 pm
All of your writing topics seem to coincide with mine! I would love either a crtique or a copy of this book. I look forward to checking out all your books and upcoming projects online. Congratulations on getting these important books out into the world! 12/30/2023 01:13:57 pm
Thanks for the great interview and generous offer, Rosie and Lauren. I had the pleasure of reading this lovely picture book. If chosen, would like a picture book manuscript critique. Thanks!
Jennifer Buchet
12/30/2023 01:19:09 pm
Perhaps it was kismet, or Fate, or an angel's guiding hand but I stumbled across this blog at the perfect moment. My father-in-law will be leaving us soon & the pages you shared me made me both smile and tear up. Losing a loved one is so hard but you've already made it easier to cope with by penning this tale. Thank you!! Wishing you the best on your book launch & finding more time for your own writing. 1/26/2024 10:55:26 pm
My heart goes out to you. I hope this book offers some comfort during this excruciating time.
Ellie Langford
12/30/2023 04:53:51 pm
I strongly relate to this book. My husband and I are having so much fun with our first greatgrandchild. She's 2. 1/26/2024 10:55:56 pm
I hope you continue to make wonderful memories with your first great-grandchild! 12/30/2023 06:45:25 pm
Thank you for a wonderful post!
Thelia Hutchinson
12/30/2023 08:27:57 pm
Congratulations on your book. Great interview!
Kristin Coco
1/3/2024 05:36:40 am
I work with 3-5 year olds and this is a wonderful story to help these little ones navigate one of the most difficult moments in life. Thank you for tackling a tough topic in such a heartfelt way. Praying for you as you continue the journey of grief, and hoping that your writing continues to be cathartic. 1/26/2024 10:56:57 pm
How wonderful that you work with 3-5 year olds. That is such a terrific age!
Holland Paley
1/9/2024 02:58:00 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. Thank you so much. I'm so very sorry for your loss. No matter when they leave us, It is never enough time with our loved ones.There are not enough books on grief for children. I have a ms that I have been submitting, which is also about grief, the loss of a grandmother. I started this book two years ago when I lost my beloved mom. I would love a PB critique if I'm not too late to the party and/or suggestions of who I could send the ms to since I am "unagented" at this time. I think it is so important to speak to children about their grief and to be as open, honest and loving, as possible. When my daughter was born, my mom cried and asked me to always be honest with her because a child's imagination could be worse than the truth. She was a holocaust survivor. I'm grateful to have her resilience in my DNA. Congrats, and many blessings. With gratitude, Holland 1/26/2024 11:01:07 pm
Your mom sounds like an incredibly wise women. Her resilience and strength will guide you always. As a holocaust survivor, she sure knows the horrible evil that can exist. She has also had the opportunity to see the beauty in her family. Thank you for sharing her wisdom with us. 1/26/2024 11:01:46 pm
I so appreciated your beautiful review, Catherine! Hugs to you! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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About Rosie J. Pova
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 
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