Author Spotlight: Anna Kang

Our youngest, Miss L, has been having an awfully hard time lately with an immovable fact: There are many kids who are bigger and older than she is.

She’s not quite four and a half. And admittedly, she is a peanut…

Things came to a head last week, when Miss L was gearing up to attend her friend’s slime-making birthday party. We were just about to leave the house when it hit her.

“Wait, is Juliana going to be FIVE?!”

We talked for almost an hour about all of Miss L’s thoughts and concerns on the matter. And oh my. The sadness ran DEEP. While her reasons for being upset made a lot of sense, there wasn’t anything she could do about it. The reality was simple: She is small, and many are big. But there was an upside: She is bigger than some.

This dilemma and its underlying glimmer of hope were illuminated brilliantly by author Anna Kang and illustrator Christopher Weyant in the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning picture book YOU ARE (NOT) SMALL (Two Lions, 2014).

Since writing this big hit, Kang and Weyant have gone on to create three additional titles that take on topics of major concern to young children far and wide. Each story centers on two creatures (one orange and big, one purple and small) working their way through a problem. THAT’S (NOT) MINE is about the conflict that arises when the fuzzy friends want to sit in the same chair. I AM (NOT) SCARED is about the things that do, and don’t, scare the pair.

Last week, Kang and Weyant released WE ARE (NOT) FRIENDS. You’ll notice in the cover art that this famous duo has become a trio, and that there are mixed feelings about the addition of a third wheel…

WE ARE (NOT) FRIENDS continues the successful storytelling style of the “(Not)” books: In sparse text, the characters express key differences of opinion that build and build, then result in a very emotional response. The core problem at the center of this tale is jumpstarted by a seemingly simple question. Can I play with you?

Through Weyant’s artwork, we instantly see that the idea is welcomed by one fuzzy friend, but not the other, thus establishing the conflict. As the adage goes, two’s company but three’s a crowd. And true to form, the beloved fuzzy characters experience all the emotional bumps and bruises that come with being left out.

At first, the big creature is in on the fun, tap dancing with the new blue friend in a vaudeville duet, as the small one steams on the sidelines. But in quick order, the big friend is relegated to the margins, as the other two play dinosaur hunters. When they ask the big one to be a scary dinosaur, the assignment is taken begrudgingly.

Sadness grows, then releases in a feverish breaking point. Kang’s text and Weyant’s art explode on the page, showing the declaration, which speaks volumes…. at a very high volume indeed.

In WE ARE (NOT) FRIENDS, readers feel all the friendship feels - expectation, disappointment, frustration, sadness and fury - then are safely and tenderly led to the realization that the addition of one doesn’t supplant an original friend. It expands the group and creates opportunity for even more fun.

When it comes to understanding the nuances of friendship, there is no way to learn except through. With concision and focus, Kang steers us into hardships and on to the finish line, where laughter and joy await. How does she do it? Let’s meet Anna Kang, and find out!

3 Questions with Anna Kang

The (Not) series takes on broad concepts in a way that's so distilled and direct. How do you weed away the many possibilities and arrive at this clear, punchy style?  

The distilled and direct style started with You Are (Not) Small, our first picture book. I didn't consciously choose the style -- I was focused on the concept of perspective and subjectivity, and the tone and style came out naturally from there. When the book grew into a series, I sat down and thought about the many situations that have varying interpretations and points of view, but I wanted to keep the same pared-down style to be consistent and to engage beginning readers. 

Your books have such fun twists at the end. What is the key to a great ending, and how do you know when you've found it?

I think humor or a bit of a surprise, as long as it is consistent with the tone or theme, helps achieve a good ending. I usually go with my gut to tell me if I've found it. 

What advice would you give to writers who aspire to create a picture book series? What needs to be in "book 2" and beyond, to keep the fun and momentum going?

My advice is always the same: read as many picture books as you can and be aware of what you like or don't like about them; try to write every day; join SCBWI or another organization that supports writers and illustrators and provides networking opportunities; polish your manuscript until it is the best that it can be; research publishers and/or agents who feel like a good fit and respect their submission guidelines. SCBWI posted a useful set of tips and information on their site regarding this question.

As for "Book 2" and beyond, I try to find ways to explore the same concept of conflicting perspectives without repeating myself. With our latest book, WE ARE (NOT) FRIENDS, or Book 4, we broadened their friendship a bit to include a third creature, and in future books we will continue to have fun with their world and hopefully explore different dynamics. 

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Thank you, Anna!

WE ARE (NOT) FRIENDS is by Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant, the author/illustrator team behind You are (Not) Small, That’s (Not) Mine, I Am (Not) Scared and Eraser (Two Lions), and Will You Help Me Fall Asleep? and Can I Tell You a Secret? (HarperCollins).

One lucky reader will win WE ARE (NOT) FRIENDS, signed by Anna Kang! Here's how to enter:

*** Win WE ARE (NOT) FRIENDS ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 5/10/19 

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Kidlit Spotlight: Picture books by Marla Frazee

“Mom, isn’t this SO beautiful?”

My four-year-old’s assessment of this illustration, near the beginning of the picture book ALL THE WORLD, was spot on. The color, movement, breadth and grandeur just overwhelmed her - and me, too...

We lingered on this spread of ALL THE WORLD (Beach Lane Books, 2009), by Liz Garton Scanton, illustrated by Marla Frazee, for a long time. Our eyes scanned the rich landscape until we found them: Characters like us, so very, very small, searching for their place in the enormity of the world.

The books of Marla Frazee, winner of two Caldecott Honor medals - including one for ALL THE WORLD - invite us to do just that: Zoom in, and feel all the feelings that each unique moment brings. Then back way up, to see bigger things in motion and understand where we fit in it all.

Being somewhat new to the PB world, I heard Marla Frazee’s name before I knew her books. I could tell she was beloved by many, but I wasn’t yet familiar with her work. After reading more of her titles over the past few years, I knew that at some point I’d be writing this post. There is something incredibly special about this creator, whose honest characters and sweeping art and imprint themselves in your mind and heart.

If you know Frazee’s character “The Boss Baby” - inspiration for the major motion picture - than you know that wit and humor are key elements of her storytelling. True, and oh so much more. Thanks to my wonderful library, I was able to amass quite a hefty stack of Frazee’s books and do a deep dive...

Frazee’s titles keep working their way into our story times and independent reading (my kindergartener is off and running - be still, my heart!). I hope you, too, find your way to these titles, if you haven’t read them all. Your children and students will feel seen and, at the same time, get a broad view of the people and places that comprise the land we call home. They’ll also meet new people and creatures to love, and visit wildly imaginative settings.

(Pssst, you’ll get to do all this, too.)

So without further ado, here are the things I absolutely, positively love about books by Marla Frazee:

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Emotional Range and Relational Intimacy

To be alive is to love and argue, try and fail. To beg, to pout, to hide, to relent. Within a given day, we experience all of these things, and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen an artist capture this range quite as Frazee does. In HARRIET, YOU’LL DRIVE ME WILD! (Harcourt, 2000) by Mem Fox, illustrated by Frazee, the main character (and pesky child) Harriet Harris feels it all…

Frazee brings us close to Harriet, as she does things that we’ve all done. We’ve all made massive kitchen messes. We’ve stood guilty before another and tried not to cry. We’ve fallen into the embrace of a parent and received (and given) grace and forgiveness. The raw everydayness in this book is also on full display in THE SEVEN SILLY EATERS (Harcourt, 2000) by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Frazee.

Lots of picture books capture familiar feelings and experiences, but the very best among them express emotions in ways that delight and surprise with their truth and clarity. Through facial expressions, emotive posture and nimble choreography, Frazee creates indelible scenes worth a thousand words.

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A Sense of Community

Who comprises our society? And how do we relate to one another? Frazee knows people, and her art is generous and hopeful about who we can be. In an illustrative range that is heartening in its inclusivity and dazzling in its specificity, Frazee gives all of us equal time and opportunity to be understood. The aforementioned ALL THE WORLD gives a gorgeous, poetic look at community, environment and humanity…

As the mom of a child with special needs, I feel the need for representation in art acutely. Frazee’s books burst with characters from all walks of life. Babies worn by their mothers. Little boys on big wheels. Little girls climbing trees. Couples on benches and riding bikes for two. Parents guiding children. Seniors walking dogs and feeding birds.

The varied ages, races and family compositions that make up our society are enlivened and celebrated in this book, as well as in Frazee’s ROLLER COASTER (Harcourt, 2003) and IT TAKES A VILLAGE (Simon & Schuster, 2017) by Hillary Rodham Clinton, illustrated by Frazee. Her depictions of everyday life capture the love between us when we share nature, music, adventure and dreams.

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Cinematic and Imaginative Narratives

There are many joys about being a creator, but I think one of the grandest is the open invitation to follow your imagination and bring forth worlds and characters that have never been seen. It’s something that many aspire to, but it’s so much harder to achieve. In the same way that movies establish aesthetics and premises that completely transport, so do Frazee’s books. THE FARMER AND THE CLOWN (Beach Lane Books, 2014) was the first of Frazee’s titles that I encountered, and it just blew me away...

Like a cinematographer, Frazee works the frame. She gives us every vantage point we could hope to see, and active moments that communicate new information about her characters and firmly plant us in their environment.

In MRS. BIDDLEBOX (HarperCollins, 2002) by Linda Smith, illustrated by Frazee, the artist again pulls us into an unknown place - a home dark, smoky and full of angst. As Mrs. Biddlebox wrestles the fog around her, Frazee’s incredible use of lines sweeps the reader into a kinetic, frenetic swirl. Fog seeps, steams, tangles and folds in wild, beautiful abandon. It’s hard to imagine anyone but Frazee breathing life into this spellbinding book.

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An Honest, Spirited Voice

Frazee’s stories are articulated in a direct, clever voice that children and adults alike adore. The precision and restraint of her prose is perfectly complemented by her illustrations, which take the humor of her text and give the moment yet another layer of laughter. Frazee uses repetition, comparison, silence and space with great impact in BOOT & SHOE (Beach Lane Books, 2012), my children’s favorite…

Frazee introduces sibling puppies by first emphasizing all that they share - a home, a bowl, a tree (to pee on), a bed - only to reveal one key difference in their routine, which creates a rich opportunity for conflict. My girls love the back-and-forth compare and contrast in this book, and tracking the dogs through the narrative. It’s also one of the first books my 5-year-old learned to read by herself, which carries lots of meaning to me, of course.

Frazee gets to the heart of the parent-child power struggle with perfect word choice in the picture book heaven that is THE BOSS BABY (Beach Lane Books, 2010). The premise of an infant running the house like a ruthless corporate suit tickles parents, and children relate with ease to the thing the “boss” wants most of all… control. It’s playful, charming, stylish and smart - all of the things that make you want to read a book again and again.

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This winter in NYC, I’ll attend a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) workshop led by Frazee, Allyn Johnston and Rubin Pfeffer, who will share their experiences creating “The Picture Book.” As a reader, I can’t wait to hear the stories-behind-the-stories noted above. And as a creator, I eagerly await the chance to grow my craft by learning how they came to be. Thank you, Ms. Frazee, for creating these brilliant tales, which have filled my family’s reading time with hope, understanding and laughter.

Author Spotlight: Sue Fliess

My girls sat down to pen their letters to Santa the other day. My middle crafted an awesome list complete with illustrations, for extra clarity. I was going to share it with you, but I didn’t snap a picture in time, and it’s already on its way to the North Pole!

After finishing their lists, the girls paused to create a special gift: “If Santa gets cookies,” my middle said, “Mrs. Claus needs to get something.” They decided that frozen pancakes would probably be Mrs. Claus’ preferred snack. (The note: “SAV THIS FOR MISIS CLOS”)

Why was my daughter so inclined to include Mrs. Claus in her Christmas preparations? I think it has a little bit to do with a spunky holiday adventure we’ve been reading - new picture book MRS. CLAUS TAKES THE REINS by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Mark Chambers (Two Lions).

MRS. CLAUS TAKES THE REINS is a rhyming holiday picture book that puts Santa’s bride in control of the reindeer fleet’s bridles and Christmas Day. The story - set in a quaint and cozy North Pole village - begins on Christmas Eve. The whole team is ready to go… but where’s Santa?

Mrs. Claus checks on her hubby and finds him sick in bed, red-nosed as Rudolph. It’s clear the big man isn’t up to the big task this year. “I have a solution,” says Mrs. Claus, eyes glimmering behind emerald tinted cat-eye glasses. “I’ll go in your place!”

Mrs. Claus wastes no time getting to it. With the help of her elf crew, she gathers supplies and maps her route. Everything is on the up, up and up until the weather goes south and the sleigh springs a leak….

Where beloved Santa uses magic to deliver joy to girls and boys, Mrs. Claus is a master of improvisation, who confronts problems with smarts, gusto and flair. When she returns to the North Pole after a job well done, she finds her partners, the elves, awake and ready to celebrate her victorious voyage. Chambers’ illustration in this scene really captures this book’s jovial tone and positive spirit.

Fliess’ rhyme in this Christmas tale-with-a-twist is engaging, bouncy and bright, a perfect extension of Mrs. Claus’ pep and spark. Check out this incredibly cute trailer, which features some of the story’s standout rhymes…

Sue Fliess, the author of more than 20 books for children, has a natural gift for engaging children, and this winter she’ll visit classrooms across the country to talk to kids about reading, writing and imagination. I asked Sue questions about her school visits, and she kindly shared a few sweet stories with us. I hope you enjoy this Author Spotlight with Sue!

3 Questions with Sue Fliess

You're in the midst of sharing MRS. CLAUS with students. What are some of the questions kids are asking about the story and about writing books? 

I’m so glad you asked this! I just visited a Virginia school where I talked to pre-K through 8th grade, and the middle school students were working on analyzing the plots of some of my books. One group chose Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins and let me know they were working on the theme of grit. Which I love. It’s the perfect word to describe the heart of the story. Since Mrs. C doesn’t have magic, she relies on her intellect, quick-thinking, and grit! At another school visit this fall, the kids noticed and appreciated that Mrs. Claus is using modern technology to get the job done—her list and her map are all on her handy tablet! At school visits, I often get asked “What’s the hardest part about writing a book?” My answer is usually, writing the ending. I have lots of stories started and stalled because I haven’t found quite the right way to end it. I always strive to ‘bring it home’ at the end, and there’s not always a clear path to the end!

School visits provide such wonderful quality time with young readers. How do you structure your school visit days, to make the most of this precious time?

I feel like I could talk all day long about writing, my books, my process, so I need to be conscious of our (the students and myself) precious time together. In order to give the school the most bang for their buck, I offer a variety of presentations geared towards the different grades/ages, from nuggets about writing and how I get my ideas, to research, revising, and getting to the heart of your story. But I always make sure I touch on the things I think they’ll find the most interesting, that they can take back to their own writing—to feel like they really got something out of my time with them, rather than just being entertained. My hope is always that it kicks their brains into gear so the teachers can piggyback on my visit and extend the messages into their lesson plans. So far, the feedback from schools is that this is happening, so hooray!

Can you share a story from a school visit, that hit an emotional chord with you or has inspired your work? 

At one school visit last spring, I was talking about research for one of my books that involves a machine that the character builds (Mary Had a Little Lab). I asked the kids, “If you could invent a machine that could make anything, what would it be?” Some answers included ice cream, unicorns, money, wishes, and then one boy said, “I would invent a machine that makes Sue Fliesses, so you could be here every day!” I got a little choked up! The kids’ enthusiasm and joy that I am visiting their school is totally contagious, and absolutely the most rewarding thing about school visits. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do this with my life! 

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Thank you, Sue! MRS. CLAUS TAKES THE REINS is available at or through your local bookstore, or via the online bookseller of your choice. Sue Fliess (@SueFliess) - pronounced "fleece" - is the author of numerous children's books, including Tons of Trucks, Shoes for Me!, Robots, Robots Everywhere!, The Bug Book, and many, many more. Mark Chambers (@markAchambers) is an illustrator and author of children's picture books and young fiction, who is represented by The Bright Agency.

One lucky reader will win a signed copy of MRS. CLAUS TAKES THE REINS! Here's how to enter:

*** Win MRS. CLAUS TAKES THE REINS ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by EOD 12/7/18 

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Author Spotlight: Jess Keating

When you think of cute animals, what tops your list? Kittens and puppies get all the love. What about axolotls, huh? 

What's that? You've never heard of axolotls? Me neither, until I saw the cover of the latest book by author and zoologist Jess Keating. Here it is, in all its undeniable cuteness...

CUTE AS AN AXOLOTL (which releases Aug. 28) is the third book in Keating's "The World of Weird Animals" series. When writing these surprising, exciting animal books, Keating combs the planet for creatures of a certain theme. Our family was wowed by the first two - Pink is for Blobfish and What Makes a Monster? - and eagerly awaits axolotl and all its cute counterparts, which are surely more than a sweet face.

Here's the trailer for the book...

You know I love Twitter, and I extra love following Jess Keating there. She constantly shares words of inspiration for writers and super cool animal videos and pictures. Check out this one...

As a fan of Keating's work, as well as her approach to creating, I jumped at the chance to feature her on the blog. (It was just hard to limit my questions to three!) I hope you enjoy this Author Spotlight with the fabulous Jess Keating:

3 Questions with Jess Keating

Is there anything cuter than an axolotl? My goodness, adorable! Have you always had a soft spot in your heart for this sweet amphibian?

Aren’t they so sweet? Yes, I have always loved axolotls. They are a perfect example of an unassuming creature with superpowers! I have a soft spot for any animal that can surprise us with its abilities, which is why I am endlessly fascinated with pretty much every animal out there. Axolotls are particularly amazing because behind that adorable face, they are able to regenerate body parts. But not just tails or legs like some creatures you may know about: they can also regenerate parts of their brains! It’s incredible.

How do you go about match-making extraordinary animals into different themes when you plan your books?

This is a great question! It’s also the element of these books that takes up the most time: the theme and animals I pick really need to work together perfectly, but also in a unique way that I haven’t seen before. When I started this series, I knew I wanted the books to be about more than animals. I wanted them to be mirrors of our own judgments and attitudes about animals and ourselves. With Pink is for Blobfish, I wanted to explore our gender expectations behind color, so I knew I would have to showcase a wide variety of animals to allow kids the breathing room to explore various “traits of pink.” In What Makes a Monster?, my goal was to get them thinking about difference, and where we draw the line between scary and unique.

Cute as an Axolotl tackles our judgments about appearance, but this time, we’re looking into appealing traits and exploring how we limit those creatures by boxing them into a “cute” category. They’re so much more than a cute face! Because I want readers to see the astonishing variety out there, I chose animals that, collectively, embody the picture I see when I look at the world of cute. If I do my job on these books, kids will have enough examples to recognize a little bit of themselves in some of these creatures. We all contain multitudes! 

You give so much encouragement to writers, from advice and perspective to vibrant original artwork. (So many talents!) Where do you turn for inspiration, on the web and - perhaps most importantly - far, far from it?

Thank you! I hope that readers and friends online are encouraged by my posts. Life is too short to not chase after what inspires you, so I make a point to tweet out daily pep talks. After years of practice, I find inspiration everywhere, and I’ve learned that the secret is to not judge where my curiosity wants to take me.

I follow hundreds of scientists and science journals online, which keeps my head full of the latest developments out there. But most of my book ideas don’t start from the science. Instead, they come from quiet time and following my interests, especially out in nature or exploring some new art practice. Without quiet, it’s hard to hear your inner voice (or call it curiosity!), so I make time everyday to intentionally listen to what’s bubbling under the surface of my ideas. I believe creativity comes when we mix all of our favorite things together, so don’t hesitate to learn about anything that strikes you! You never know what connections and ideas will come from it.

Thank you for having me!   

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The pleasure is truly all mine, Jess! CUTE AS AN AXOLOTL (Knopf Books for Young Readers) is available at or through your local bookstore, or via the online bookseller of your choice, starting Aug. 28. You can learn more about Keating, author of numerous books for children at jesskeating.com. Titles by Keating include the "My Life is a Zoo" series (How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes are Untied, How to Outswim a Shark Without a Snorkel, and How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue), "The World of Weird Animals" series (Pink is for Blobfish, What Makes a Monster?, and Cute as an Axolotl) and the picture book Shark Lady. Connect with Jess on Twitter at @Jess_Keating.

And, fabulous news... one lucky reader will receive a signed copy of CUTE AS AN AXOLOTL. Here's how you can enter:

*** Win CUTE AS AN AXOLOTL ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 8/24/18 

(Submit a blog comment below and get a BONUS ENTRY!)

GOOD LUCK!

Author Spotlight: Diana Murray

We're back from another summer vacation. Phew! Unpacking, I see two familiar faces - new books by children's author Diana Murray. Let's just say, it's not their first family vaca with us this summer. They might be ready for a rest!

The first Murray title I pull out of the bag is vibrant, lyrical picture book SUMMER COLOR!, illustrated by Zoe Persico (Little, Brown and Company, May 2018).

SUMMER COLOR! celebrates the joy and beauty of our warmest season through the adventure of a pop-up storm. Murray’s poetic narrative presents color after color, giving each hue a stage upon which to sparkle and shine. From willows and lily pads, to deer and egrets, readers encounter familiar flora and fauna on each spread. As the impending storm draws near, the book grows more and more luminous. With brilliant contrast and great exuberance, Persico's art takes us directly into and through the drama of a summer day made complete by lighting crash and puddle splash. (Here's the book trailer!)

The second book to emerge from our canvas tote on unpacking day? Sweet, peppy early reader PIZZA PIG, also by Murray, illustrated by Maria Karipidou (Random House, February 2018).

In PIZZA PIG, chef Pig makes pizza pies to-order for all of his regular animal customers. All goes swimmingly, until tough-to-please Turtle enters Pig’s restaurant. Art by Karipidou matches Murray’s cast of characters in both cuteness and cleverness. Bright, tight and paced just right, PIZZA PIG delivers a super fun and super delicious read – a great title for a child beginning to master early reading skills. (Watch the book trailer here!)

The author of these books, Diana Murray, is a writer I greatly admire for her musical, spirited, satisfying storytelling… as well as her versatility. PIZZA PIG is Murray’s first early reader, and she handily adapted her writing to this very different kidlit category.

As a writer currently transitioning a picture book manuscript into an early reader, I’ve been getting up to speed on the genre’s unique characteristics. A few questions keep popping up, and I thought Murray would be a fantastic person to touch base with, to see how she approached her work. To my delight, she was willing to share her experience!

So without further ado, here’s my latest Author Spotlight, with Diana Murray.

3 Questions with Diana Murray

Picture books and early readers are very different literary forms. What titles served as mentor texts for you, as you approached PIZZA PIG?

I was especially drawn to “Level 2” readers, and I studied texts that my kids and I both enjoyed. Two books that we read over and over again and loved were CENTIPEDE’S SHOES by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Bob Staake, and SHAMPOODLE by Joan Holub, illustrated by Tim Bowers. Both are written in fun rhymes. Another one we adored was PIRATE MOM by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin. But that one is Level 3 and written in prose. I should note that each imprint/line of early readers has a somewhat different style, so it’s important to look at books from the particular line you’re interested in. In general, for the imprints that have a lot of licensed books (Disney princesses and such) you need to write something super, duper commercial with lots of hooks. It needs to “jump off the shelf,” as my editor said.

In PIZZA PIG, you introduce so many fun animals, while also moving quickly to the conflict. What challenges and considerations came into play, to ensure that the pacing and story arc were just right?  

Interesting question! I was initially worried that the conflict didn’t come soon enough. In picture books it usually comes by page three or four. But in this case, the conflict acts more like a climax. It was somewhat the same with SHAMPOODLE. In the middle of SHAMPOODLE, a cat comes into the dog salon and creates mayhem. In PIZZA PIG, the pig chef makes every pizza just right, until a shy turtle comes into his shop and he can’t figure out what she wants. The conflict is introduced later in the story, but acts as a sort of surprise to increase tension and action and to leave readers with a deeper takeaway message.

Both of your new titles have a lovely musicality about them. SUMMER COLOR!'s phrasing is longer and more languid, while PIZZA PIG is punchy and playful. How did you find the right tone and tenor for PIZZA PIG?

SUMMER COLOR! is written in anapestic tetrameter while PIZZA PIG is written in iambic tetrameter. Anapestic meter does come across as a bit more “languid,” while iambic meter can feel more “peppy.” Anapestic meter has a greater number of unstressed syllables which makes it seem slower and longer. When deciding which kind of meter to choose for a story, I always go with my gut. SUMMER COLOR! is somewhat lyrical while PIZZA PIG is humorous and jaunty, so the type of meter I chose for each felt right to me. Also, within SUMMER COLOR!, the pace is controlled by page turns. Splitting up stanzas between pages slowly stretches the text out, and then, when it comes to the rainstorm, there are some more text-heavy pages which feel quicker and denser. So there are other ways to control the pace besides the choice of meter.

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How fantastic, Diana! Many thanks for giving readers (and writers) a look behind the curtain!

While reviewing Diana's bio, I learned that we share a love of green tea ice cream (my fave!). Diana Murray has written many books for children, including the Grimelda adventures (GRIMELDA: THE VERY MESSY WITCH and GRIMELDA AND THE SPOOKTACULAR PET SHOW), CITY SHAPES and new title ONE SNOWY DAY, which comes out in October 2018. Connect with Diana Murray on Twitter: @DianaMWrites

I'm excited to share... One lucky reader will win *autographed copies* of both SUMMER COLOR! and PIZZA PIG. Here's how you can enter to WIN these new books, signed by Diana Murray:

*** Win SUMMER COLOR! and PIZZA PIG ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 8/3/18 

(Submit a blog comment below and get a BONUS ENTRY!)

GOOD LUCK!

Author Spotlight: Margarita Engle

The past can feel so far away - locked in pictures and passages chronicling distant people from distant places. Reaching through to it, and connecting with it, can seem an impossibility.

Author and poet Margarita Engle bridges this gap, breathing life into the past - giving it emotional footing and enduring meaning. Through vivid, sensory storytelling, Engle guides us directly into the minds and hearts of her characters, bringing history's dates, names and places into focus and reminding us of the universality of dreams.

Engle has a particular gift for reaching children. She is the current Young People's Poet Laureate, an honor awarded by the Poetry Foundation. During her two-year term (2017-2019), Engle is raising awareness of young people's natural receptivity to poetry, especially when poems are written specifically for them.

This week, I'm thrilled beyond measure to feature this master of the written word - Young People's Poet Laureate Margarita Engle.

Engle has two new books out this year. Her latest picture book is The Flying Girl, How Aída de Acosta Learned to Soar, illustrated by Sara Palacios (released by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in March 2018).

In this tale, readers meet young Aida - a girl who longs to fly and dares to make her dream come true. Engle's story places us firmly in time, when brave, bold women were viewed as social outcasts unfit for marriage. But Aida doesn't care. She longs to "pull this lever, tug that rope, drop more ballast, believe, practice, hope!"

My girls were enthralled by Aida's adventure and thrilled to find that she was a real woman. Their mom (that's me) was surprised to learn that Aida's flight in the summer of 1903 occurred six months before the Wright Brothers flew a fixed-wing airplane. We have borrowed this book from our library three times. Aida's story, as told through Engle's heart-driven narrative, is a powerful example of following that passionate, persistent voice inside. 

Engle's newest young adult book is Jazz Owls, a Novel of the Zoot Suit Riots, featuring art by Rudy Gutierrez (released by Atheneum in June 2018).

This novel-in-verse illuminates the story of the Zoot Suit Riots - when navy sailors about to deploy for battle in World War II descended upon Mexican American neighborhoods of Los Angeles, attacking young boys and men and burning their zoot suits. The story is told through many voices. The most prominent are two young "jazz owls," the term used to describe the Mexican American girls who danced with sailors before they left for the front lines.    

I wish you could see my copy of this book. I'm a dog-ear reader, and one-third of it is off-set by folded corners. So many verses in this novel just take my breath away. I find myself reading and rereading them, trying to figure out exactly how Engle has done it. The words she uses are so familiar - like the fabrics you live with, wearing and softening with repeated use. But her arrangements are spellbinding, three dimensional with discernible pitch and dynamics. Alive, with a heartbeat you can hear and feel.

Engle's words are a gift. And so it's with great pleasure that I pass along the gift of her writing wisdom to each of you! I hope you enjoy this Author Spotlight:

3 Questions with Margarita Engle

Your books amplify and enliven the stories of so many people from history. How do you choose who to feature, and how do you hone in on character voice?

It's a contemplative process. First, I read as many first person narratives as I can find, including diaries, letters, and memoirs. Then I daydream. I imagine. It's almost as if I'm still listening to those historical voices, but now they're floating above their own pages, helping me wonder how it felt to live in a particular time and place.

My girls are so engaged by your books! I look up to find them hanging on every word. Can you describe your special connection with young readers?

That's so wonderful. I was a shy, quiet, serious child who read more grownup books than children's books. As an adult, I became a scientist, but never lost my love of poetry, which I had been writing since the age of 5 or 6. After I had my own kids, I discovered poetry written for young readers, and fell in love with verse novels. Now I feel free to imagine, and that includes feeling free to imagine my eleven-year-old self, time-traveling across oceans and borders, or back into history.

There is such elegance, focus, and spirit in your work. What advice might you give to writers developing their craft - particularly in the area of revision?

Thank you! The first draft offers complete freedom. Write from the heart. Write by hand, with a pen, on paper. Let it flow. Say what you really need to say, without worrying about publication. By the time you reach the second draft, it will be hard work. There's no escaping the pain of revision. Remember, this is your chance to make the book better, so you can't afford to get discouraged. It takes laser sharp concentration, one page at a time.

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Thank you, Margarita! Both of the books featured in this post are available through your local bookstore, or via the online bookseller of your choice. You can learn more about Engle, author of more than 25 books (including Newberry Honor winner The Surrender Tree and one of my all-time favorite picture books, All the Way to Havana), at www.margaritaengle.com. Connect with Engle on Twitter at @YPPLaureate.

One lucky reader will receive a copy of THE FLYING GIRL and JAZZ OWLS. Here's how you can enter to WIN these new books:

*** Win THE FLYING GIRL and JAZZ OWLS ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 7/20/18 

(Submit a blog comment below and get a BONUS ENTRY!)

GOOD LUCK!

Author Spotlight: Mike Wu

It's a pleasure to feature author-illustrator Mike Wu in my latest Author Spotlight post. Wu is the creator of the ELLIE picture books. Since Ellie was first published in 2015 (Disney Hyperion), this sweet elephant's big bashful eyes have been calling readers near to grow more familiar with her gentle heart.

Later this year (October 2018), Ellie will be joining the board book world in ELLIE IN COLOR. Here's the brilliant cover... 

It's no wonder that Ellie continues to find new ways to connect with young readers. Picture book characters can often be quite loud, bossy and quirky. Ellie, in contrast, is so very sweet, measured and reflective. Her adventures deliver a tenderness that many children seek at reading time, and Wu's artwork provides a lyrical journey that's full of memorable movement.

All of this is especially apparent in Wu's latest Ellie picture book: ELLIE IN CONCERT.

From the beginning of ELLIE IN CONCERT, readers are reminded of the comfort and warmth of Wu's vibrant storytelling. Animals pop off the pages like familiar friends - their sounds calling out in large letters that beg a dramatic read-aloud. 

The central conflict in ELLIE IN CONCERT is... well... all that glorious noise - which isn't so glorious to poor Lucy, the giraffe. It's keeping her up when all she wants is a good night's sleep.

When Ellie hears Betty Bluebird singing a beautiful tune, it gives her a great idea. (I adore this spread, which uses a musical staff to seamlessly carry the reader from Betty's song to a close-up of our familiar friend's thoughtful eyes.)

Is it possible for Ellie's zoo friends to express their unique sounds, but make music, not discord? That is the question posed in ELLIE IN CONCERT - and this lovely book provides a hopeful and celebratory answer.

Mike Wu hopped over to the blog to answer a few questions about ELLIE IN CONCERT and share a bit about his approach to illustration and his animation experiences, as well.

3 Questions with Mike Wu

The Ellie books are at times gregarious, but also so gentle and soothing. How did you arrive at this style?

For college, I attended Cal Arts (known as the Disney school) in Valencia, CA, and was fortunate enough to be inspired by many creative artists there - particularly one great teacher, Deborah Ross, who introduced me to the art of watercolor painting. It was at school and through her that I really fell in love with the soft, natural and beautiful art of watercolors. I would often go to the zoo and paint the animals in watercolors and it was so fulfilling and almost therapeutic. I came back to this style as an professional and through my children's books and have really enjoyed finding that part of self expression again! I feel like the medium really suits the sweet characters in my Ellie series and makes her unique for readers today.  

I love your use of the rainbow and the musical staff to illustrate the tone and tenor of animal voices. What inspired this?

Since I have an Animation & Film background, there are always subliminal elements added into movies to lead the viewer, evoke emotion or movement, etc., and I felt like both of these elements sort of acted as almost like a character within itself to either spark creativity or illustrate music/story point in a fun and visual way.  

My kids were excited to hear that you’ve also worked on some of their favorite movies (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, Toy Story 3). As an animator, what about picture work writing and illustrating appeals to you? Do they relate at all?

So happy to hear your kids are fans of the Pixar films! Those are some of the greatest ones! They are actually related since they are both an art form trying to convey unique stories or introduce characters in fun or unique situations. I'm so incredibly lucky to work at a great studio like Pixar where I get to work with some of the most talented artists in film today but I also get to tell/create my own unique stories through my children's books.

Wu was an animator on the Academy Award-winning Coco team. Pixar's Incredibles 2 hits theaters Summer 2018.

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Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, Mike! Visit www.theartofmikewu.com to learn more about Mike's books, including HENRI'S HATS (September 2018) created in association with the Pixar Artist Showcase.

ELLIE IN CONCERT can be purchased in bookstores nationwide, as well as online through the bookseller of your choice. You also can enter to WIN an autographed copy through my Twitter page and blog!

*** Win ELLIE IN CONCERT ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 4/13/18 

(Submit a blog comment below and get a BONUS ENTRY!)

GOOD LUCK!

For an in-depth chat about ELLIE IN CONCERT, listen to Episode #374 of The Children's Book Podcast with Matthew C. Winner. (Thank you, Matthew, for introducing me to this book in this interview!)

And, as a parting treat, here's the fabulous book trailer for ELLIE IN CONCERT, with music by composer and artist Andrew Jimenez.

Author Spotlight: Adam Rex

I love hearing stories of how couples first met. The second they jump into their well-worn narratives, I'm completely entertained. The divided dialogue is always peppered with conflict and misunderstanding, but driven by a sweet inevitability: For better or worse, they're meant for each other...

... kind of like this couple in When Harry Met Sally. I'll never forget when the husband says, "Her face was burned on my brain." Look at how tickled she is about that...

Yes, the best of love stories always have a feeling of certitude about them from the get-go. But that awareness isn't always shared by both parties, right away. Sometimes, great loves start metaphorical miles apart. And it takes a good deal of creativity and perseverance to bridge the distance.

Picture book XO, OX: A Love Story by Adam Rex (illustrated by Scott Campbell) has great fun with this very idea. It's a bumpy-road-to-love story that connects with kids and grown ups alike, and I thought Valentine's Day would be a perfect time to share it with you! 

XO, OX is the story of clumsy Ox who is in love with glamorous Gazelle. One day, Ox decides to write to Gazelle to share his feelings, and his correspondence kicks off a hilarious exchange filled with assumptions and misunderstandings. Rex's language is poetry, and the comedic subtleties are just genius.

How do I love this charming story? Let me count the ways...

1. The Letters: XO, OX is told entirely through letters sent between Ox and Gazelle. Both characters lean on formal phrasing to establish their intentions. (For Ox, flattery. For Gazelle, dismissiveness.) But when their wires get crossed, clarifications prove quite challenging.

2. The Insults: Quite by accident, Ox repeatedly insults Gazelle. Every note includes a dose of adoration, along with a backhanded compliment. While Gazelle tries desperately to cut off the correspondence, she can't help but set him straight.

3. The Fury: With every letter, Gazelle grows more and more furious and emotionally entangled. She knows Ox is beneath her in every traditional way, but his letters cut through her hardened exterior and reach her heart. Isn't that just how love is? 

For all of these reasons and more, XO, OX was one of my very favorite books of 2017. Our family loves Rex's many other books, too, from Tree-Ring Circus and Moonday to 2017 standouts Nothing Rhymes with Orange (written and illustrated by Rex) and The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors (illustrated by Rex). July 2018 brings Rex's next book - the much-anticipated Star Wars title Are You Scared, Darth Vader?

It's an honor and a pleasure to have Adam Rex as the featured guest in my latest Author Spotlight...

3 Questions with Adam Rex

I adore everything about XO, OX. It’s so ornery and sweet at the same time. What inspired the story?

It’s such a dumb anecdote. I saw a safety sign, like the one below; and I can only assume that finding the word OX in such a context got me thinking about the individual letters, and how they also connote kisses and hugs. The phrase, "XO, OX" popped into my head and struck me as funny, and I got to thinking about what kind of story might have such a title.

Your illustrative work is phenomenal. How do you know if you’ll take on the art for a book (like MOONDAY - another fave of mine) or if you’ll team up with an artist, as you did with Scott Campbell in XO, OX?

Sometimes I just don’t think a manuscript plays to my illustrative strengths all that well. Sometimes it’s just a feeling—am I strongly compelled to illustrate this one myself? If not, then why would I when I could potentially get to collaborate with one of my illustrator heroes? Then, as a result, I often have enough leeway in my schedule that I get to illustrate a book for one of my author heroes.

When our family reads your books, it’s like hanging out with a friend who knows just how to make us laugh. Can you share a bit about how you came to find your writing voice? 

I wish I knew how to pick it apart. I know there’s a lot of Douglas Adams in there, because I first read his Hitchhiker’s trilogy at age eleven, at a time when I don’t think I was even faintly aware of authorial voice. Most of what I was reading probably had little or no voice at all. And then here comes this book that is almost 100% this idiosyncratic, funny voice, and it taught me that just the right arrangement of words can really exceed the sum of its parts. And a slight rearrangement of the same words can fall dead on the page. And I think I’ve been chasing after that idea ever since.

Thank you, Adam, for stopping by the blog - and Happy Valentine's Day to all! 

Author Spotlight: Josh Funk

When you open your fridge and survey the scene, what do you see? Foil-topped bowls. Lidded pans. Packaged cheese and meat. Jars of this and that.

Look harder. Every shelf and drawer is a neighborhood, in a way. Items are grouped and stacked, nestled by type. But regardless of partition or bin, each member of the fridge community has it's own internal clock. A week too long in the tall cold box, and things can run afoul.

Yes, sometimes your fridge becomes a custodian of things undeniably offensive. Unbelievably obscene. Downright stinky. Locating the source of the stench isn't for the faint of heart. Super sleuths are often required. And who better to investigate than a croissant with something to prove?

The answer is found in The Case of the Stinky Stench, a delectable adventure by picture book author Josh Funk, illustrated by the fantastic Brendan Kearney. 

The Case of the Stinky Stench is the second book in Funk's Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series. (The third book, Mission Defrostable, will be released in September 2018.)

Our family LOVES Stinky Stench. Reading it is like tumbling headfirst into Candy Land. In this imaginative world, beloved grocery store staples transform into home-cooked landscapes, and unexpected events await beyond every turn.

The very first page serves as a proper amuse-bouche: You know right away that you're about to embark on a sensory-alerting fun-filled rhyming experience.

Inspector Croissant is tasked with unearthing the root of a horrible odor, and Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast (his aunt and uncle) are happy to help. Clues lead them to every corner of the fridge - across Salsa Ravine, around Mount Everbean, through Applesauce River, and beyond.

The investigation isn't easy. Here, we see Croissant as he trips "by Miss Steak." (My girls love finishing this gem-of-a-sentence.)

At long-last, Croissant locates the source of the stinky stench. I asked my 4 year old to point to her favorite part of the book, and this moment of discovery was her immediate choice. (Kudos to Funk for plotting and pacing mastery!)

The melodic, clever story resolves sweetly, with heart and optimism - leaving plenty of room for a sequel, but also standing alone splendidly. 

As such, The Case of the Stinky Stench fits like an oven mitten alongside the warm and engaging titles already perched on the Funk bookshelf: the just-released It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk, as well as Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, Dear Dragon, and Pirasaurs! (And Funk has many, MANY more books in the pipeline... this is an author to watch.)

Therefore, with great pleasure I introduce Josh Funk - star of this month's Author Spotlight!

3 Questions with Josh Funk

My girls can't hear the word "stinky" without saying "stench." Your book has a permanent place in their mental book vault. What books shaped your love of words and story as a child?

First, anything and everything Harry Potter (although I was 21 when I started reading them). I have a really hard time reading any other book about magic because I always think “No! That’s not how spells work!” (which is exactly why I couldn’t get through chapter one in the Bartimaeus Trilogy).

And as my kids will attest, I often randomly sing songs about monkeys (you don’t?). I wonder if that stems from my younger days as a fan of Caps for Sale. “You monkeys, you! Give me back my caps!”

And I’m pretty sure I’m claustrophobic because of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. That one did a mental number on me.

The worlds you create are filled to the brim with color and personality - they seem like they are as fun to write as they are to read. What part of the writing experience lights you up most?

First, thank you. Second, I’d have to say that most of the color and lots of the personality come from the amazing illustrators with whom I’ve been paired. And those illustrators are really the answer to your question: seeing the artist’s interpretation of the text for the first time is always the most incredible experience.

As soon as I first saw what illustrator Brendan Kearney had created for Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, I immediately began brainstorming new ideas to explore deeper into the depths of his incredible illustrated fridge. Within a few weeks, I had written The Case of the Stinky Stench. And I didn’t stop there - next year we go even further in Mission: Defrostable.

From your entertaining books to your enthusiastic voice in the kidlit community, it sure seems like you were born to be a picture booker! How do you balance writing time and time spent connecting with readers and fellow writers?

Balance? What is this balance you speak of? There’s always too much to do. But I guess I just try to do what I enjoy - and I enjoy writing as well as connecting with readers and writers.

When I’m really into a manuscript, I spend lots of time writing until it’s done. And then I revise, too, of course.

But what are books without readers? I guess they’re still books ... but they’re unread books. And the truth is that there are so many amazing books being written and published right now - it’s really hard for anyone to keep up with all of them. So I try to share the books I enjoy with others … and hopefully people will notice mine in turn.

And as far as connecting with readers - that’s the whole point, right? It’s all for the kids (and adults who read to kids). As I tell students all the time, I’m just a regular guy. I know the alphabet and I like stories. If you know the alphabet and like stories, there’s no reason you can’t be a writer, too.

Thanks, Anitra, for inviting me to your blog!

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The pleasure was mine, Josh! When not writing Java code or Python scripts, Josh Funk drinks Java coffee and writes manuscripts. Connect with him at www.joshfunkbooks.com and on Twitter at @joshfunkbooks.

The Case of the Stinky Stench can be purchased in bookstores nationwide, as well as online through the bookseller of your choice. You also can enter to WIN an autographed copy from Josh through my Twitter page and blog!

*** WIN The Case of the Stinky Stench ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 10/20/17 

(Submit a blog comment below and get a BONUS ENTRY!)

GOOD LUCK!

Author Spotlight: Ame Dyckman

Picture books come in all shapes, sizes, shades and tenors. The feelings they give you, the places they take you, the characters they introduce you to - all are as unique as the individuals who write them.

So if you come across the work of an author who is also a Mischief Elf, you might put two-and-two together and surmise that you're in for a bit of silly fun. Or perhaps dozens of freshly baked silly moments, iced with cleverness and sprinkled with snickers.

That's precisely what you'll find in the books of Ame Dyckman, pictured below. I'm not sure who is photobombing who in this pic! Ame and her unicorns are cut from the same magical clothe.

We have loved every one of Ame's books. Here are the titles that we most recently borrowed from our library. (Wolfie the Bunny is one of mom's all-time-faves!)

But back to mischief and the Mischief Elf herself: If you are looking for a book that is PURE FUN, then Ame's latest title You Don't Want a Unicorn! is the book for you and your crew.

What would you wish for, if granted one big whopper of a wish? For a boy who loves unicorns, the choice is obvious. But what he doesn't know... 

... is that unicorns aren't exactly as advertised.

They are as destructive as they are mysterious. As crude as they are beautiful.

And they leave behind a steaming pile of... sweetness?... wherever they go. Trust me.

But what's worse than one unicorn? Here are my three girls as they figure it out. (Elsa's leg is fine! She just wears these braces at night to keep her legs in extension.)

As a picture book author, I continually turn to the work of writers like Ame. She has such command of voice and a crystal clear creative perspective. She also naturally speaks "kid" (it's like she's BEEN one or something!) and connects easily with little audiences and their not-so-grown-up parents.

So now I giddily introduce Ame Dyckman (@amedyckman), who has let us behind the rainbow curtain of her imaginative thinking by answering these three Author Spotlight questions. Enjoy!

3 Questions with Ame Dyckman

YOU DON'T WANT A UNICORN! is such a FUN read-aloud experience. How do you know when you’ve totally nailed it? 

Thanks so much for the YOU DON’T WANT A UNICORN! read-aloud love, Anitra! Getting the read-aloud-ness (we’re gonna pretend that’s a word) of a book just right is SUPER important! Parents and guardians and teachers and librarians and booksellers read-aloud to kids who often read-aloud to themselves before they learn to read-in-their-heads. That’s a lot of folks counting on you to make every bit of a read-aloud as perfect as you can! So when I’m writing a new manuscript, I read it aloud approximately 814 times to make sure it has the right ear feel. (Bonus: on nice days with the windows open, it’s funny to see people walking by react to lines like, “STOP! You were gonna wish for a unicorn, weren’t you?”) You finally know it’s a wrap when your read-aloud sounds like you’re just having a conversation with a friend. Which is kinda what books ARE!

So… the cupcakes. Too funny! Where did that hilarious idea come from? How have fans (young and old) responded to it?

*LAUGHING* HAD TO! A can’t-overlook-it part of caring for a pet (or kid!) is cleaning up their inevitable... er, piles. (And once, after gobbling brightly-colored cupcakes at a party, my then-tot kid TECHNICOLOR PILED!) It’s been a riot watching listeners react to the cupcake scene—especially at events where I’ve brought cupcakes for refreshments! Kids who were drooling over the platter before hearing YOU DON’T WANT A UNICORN! suddenly aren’t so sure they want to eat a cupcake after! And more than one grown-up’s earned Bravery Points from their littles by taking a big bite of their cupcake anyway! 

Unicorns are so mystical and rare. They could have any number of unexpected qualities! How did you learn that they have an appetite for destruction? 

The hard way! Just like my protagonist, I wished for a unicorn, too! But was I ready for a large energetic pet who sheds, scratches, chews, jumps indoors, and… cupcakes? NO! I tried, but I could barely keep up with my one! And when *POOF* MORE unicorns appeared, I KNEW I had to warn people they DON’T want a unicorn! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to run to the home store for more hole spackling compound. (Jumping unicorns and low ceilings DON’T mix!)

THANKS for having me, Anitra! And THANKS for reading, everybody!

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Thank YOU Ame! You Don't Want a Unicorn! can be purchased in bookstores nationwide, as well as online through the bookseller of your choice. You also can enter to WIN an autographed copy from Ame through my Twitter page and blog!

*** WIN You Don't Want a Unicorn! ***

Simply...

1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)

2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter

3. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 9/29/17 

(Submit a blog comment below and get a BONUS ENTRY!)

GOOD LUCK!