Hi Everyone!

I have a treat for you today!

A brand new book, not even out until September 30th, that you’re going to get to see TODAY!!!

(And don’t worry – you can still add your PPBF to the link list below!)

I don’t get the opportunity to do a lot of cover reveals, but I am so happy – and honored! – to be able to share this moment with Jenna, a talented author who took Making Picture Book Magic back in January of 2022, and has gone on to having her first book published! (An accomplishment that did not surprise me at all – she is a good writer!)

How about a little celebratory confetti?

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. . .

Just kidding 🤣 You didn’t think I was going to show it to you THAT fast, did you???

First, you get to hear about the book from Jenna herself!

JENNA: I’m excited to have EVERY BODY MOVE! as my debut. It’s one of the first picture books I wrote, and is also so different from anything else I have written.

It’s a sing-a-long, which is so wild to me because I never thought I would ever write a song! I’m so grateful to everyone at Barefoot, and especially the musicians they hired, to help make sure the music all came together. (I’m also REALLY thankful for Audra Mariel’s voice because I did not want to be the one singing!)

I wrote this book for little me. I had such a hard time as a child who used mobility aids. I often felt ashamed or embarrassed when using my tools and felt so different from other kids. But I wanted to change that narrative. As an adult, I still use mobility tools, albeit different ones from my childhood. I’m happy to say I no longer feel ashamed. Rather, my mobility tools give me freedom to live my life in the best way that I can. I am proud to be a part of the disability community and I hope other kids can find pride within their communities, too. I am excited for the world to finally see Ananya’s beautiful art. Ananya was truly a dream illustrator for this project. Ananya, Audra, and I are all disabled, so this book is coming from authentic voices. That was really important to us. I hope all kids can read this book and find themselves reflected back on the page. That would be a huge win!

NOW! ARE YOU READY FOR REAL???

TA-DA!

Beautiful, isn’t it???!!!

This wonderful sing-along picture book will be out in the world on September 30, 2025, but you can pre-order it now!

If you follow this link to Jenna’s website https://www.jennaelysejohnson.com/books, you’ll have the opportunity to pre-order from Ruby’s Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop!

Ruby’s Books is Jenna’s local independent bookstore, where she works as a bookseller, and she will have signed copies available there. Just leave a note when you check-out that you want it signed and who you want it to be made out to. 😊  There will probably be some fun other swag available through Ruby’s too, when books are pre-ordered. https://www.rubysfolsom.com/item/VF0jLSXwo2R3A5Iqyx7_zg

The book will come in both paperback and hardcover, which is fun! 

If you’d like to keep up with Jenna, her instagram handle is @kidlit_jennaj. 
If you’d like to keep up with the illustrator, Ananya Rao-Middleton, her IG handle is @ananyaraomiddleton

Jenna is generously offering a giveaway today, too! A signed copy of EVERY BODY MOVE! Since the book does not release until September 30th, the winner will have to wait a little while to receive their prize, but that will just be something to look forward to! 😊 Just leave a comment on today’s post by Friday June 27th at 3PM Eastern to be in the running for the random selection!

Jenna did NOT ask me to say this, but I’m saying it anyway 😊 If you’re so inclined, I am sure she would be very grateful if anyone would like to share her book cover on social media, ask your local library to order it, and/or leave a review on GoodReads or any of the other places online where people go to learn about books. We all know how hard it is getting started in this business, and how important a little visibility can be!

Jenna Elyse Johnson
Children’s Author, Teacher and Bookseller
EVERY BODY MOVE, Barefoot Books (2025) Pre-order now!
I SPARK LIKE LIGHTNING, Free Spirit Publishing (2026)
Represented by Christie Megill of The CAT Agency
Website: www.jennaelysejohnson.com
Bluesky: @kidlitjennaj.bsky.social
Instagram: @kidlit_jennaj

Jenna holds a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from Pepperdine University. Her favorite part of the day has always been story time, so she made a career out of it! 

As a disabled author, it is her passion to showcase disabled joy through her writing.

Jenna’s an active member of SCBWI, and Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Challenge. In 2022, Jenna was chosen as a PBChat Mentee and her career has grown from there. She is represented by Christie Megill of The CAT Agency.

When she’s not writing, Jenna is teaching elementary students, working at her local independent bookstore, visiting her twin brother in Southern California, or exploring with her service dog, Hamilton. 

​Most days, you can find Jenna curled up by the fireplace (she’s always cold!) reading a good book (most likely kidlit!), munching on a scrumptious gluten-free treat, or at a coffee shop with her laptop working on her next big idea.

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!

Have a great weekend everyone! I am away next week, so see you after that! 😊