The Starlin chapter book series—words by me, pictures by Katie Crumpton—is officially out in the world!
The party started on Sept. 15, the publication day for Starlin: Picture Day Drama. I had the joy and pleasure of celebrating the release at a book launch party at my local indie, Harvey’s Tales in Geneva, IL. It was a rainy day, just like in Picture Day Drama—very fitting for the occasion! The love and support in the room was pretty overwhelming.
I dedicated the book to my girls, and it was so special to have them with me that day. Thank you, friends and family and new readers, for welcoming Picture Day Drama into your hearts and bookshelves, and spending a cozy afternoon in the treasure that is Harvey’s Tales! Here are some pictures from the day…
After the launch party, I popped back over to Harvey’s Tales to sign some pre-ordered books. I still pinch myself that this is something I get to do!! I’m extremely grateful to Harvey’s Tales for their friendship and support over the years. A perk of being an author is getting to tuck things and people you love into your stories. The second book in the series, Starlin: Concert Queen, has a nod to Harvey’s Tales in it—see if you can find it!
As Picture Day Drama has begun making its way into people’s bookshelves and reading stacks, I’ve been tagged in the coolest social posts. Nothing can quite prepare you for the individual experiences that readers have with work that you imagine and write at your house!
Sharing about the story behind Starlin has provided much needed and valued time for reflection. (I wrote it six years ago! So much has happened since then!) Thank you to Jan Milusich (author of the incredible Schneider Family Book Award honor picture book I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea, illustrated by the incomparable two-time Caldecott medal winner Chris Raschka) for featuring the Starlin launch on her blog Writer-Reader-Teacher!
After the launch of Picture Day Drama, I stretched my author muscles in a few different ways! In early October, I led a craft session at an SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) event, the SCBWI Illinois 2026 Fall Harvest: Community Gardens virtual conference.
My presentation was called “Crop Rotation.” As a farmer’s daughter, this metaphor of switching up what you write, to keep nutrients in your writing soil nutrient-rich, hit close to home! (Thanks, Geneva Public Library, for the sound-proof room rental—it was perfect for presenting!)
In October, I also had a chance to sit down with readers and chat about Picture Day Drama. In a room full of readers, you’ll always find writers! Each of the students I chatted with liked telling their own stories, too. And naturally, they all like to write different things. That is my favorite thing—it’s why everyone should write the stories they want to read.
Then, I began gearing up for the Oct. 27 release of Starlin: Concert Queen! Here’s an unboxing reel I did for Instagram. Click the image below to watch! Making these little vids gives me an excuse to play with video tools and techniques I see other authors and illustrators using—and it’s always a fun exercise to try to find a song that matches the moment!
November brings a blitz of author events—in Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois and Wisconsin. I can’t wait! Below you’ll find all the info, and I’ll add pictures after each book event takes place! If I’m in your area, please come out and say hello—I’d love to see you!
Hope to see you soon—and a parting thought! If you haven’t ordered the Starlin books, I’d be so honored if you considered adding them to your home library, school library, or the collection of a reader you love—especially this coming giving season! Much love, Anitra
