Welcome to this week’s edition of Tuesday Debut, everyone!
Today’s debut-ess has a book that is absolutely perfect for this time of year, and I can’t wait to share it – and her! – with you!
But first, we have a giveaway winner and a new giveaway to announce 😊
The winner of last week’s giveaway, winner’s choice of either a copy of the gorgeous THE BLUE JAYS THAT GREW A FOREST by Lynn Street, OR a Zoom visit from Lynn with the classroom or library of the winner’s choice is. . .
ERIK AMMON!!!
Congratulations, Erik! Please email me so I can get your prize to you!
And for this week, we have a new giveaway! Angie is offering winner’s choice of a picture book manuscript critique (rhyming or non-rhyming) OR a signed copy of THE PRECISE LITTLE WITCH! Please leave a comment below by Monday September 29th at 3 PM Eastern to be in the running for the randomly selected giveaway!
Now, without further ado, I am delighted to introduce you to our debut-ess, Angela Calabrese, and her enchanting debut picture book, THE PRECISE LITTLE WITCH!
Title: THE PRECISE LITTLE WITCH
Author: ANGELA CALABRESE
Illustrator: RASHEL VAKULINA
Publishing House: LAWLEY PUBLISHING
Date of Publication: AUGUST 5, 2025
Fiction or Nonfiction: FICTION
age range: 4-7
A little witch who requires everything to be precise can get under your skin—that is, until she’s the only one to save the day.
SUSANNA: Welcome, Angie! I am SO delighted to be getting to share you and your book with the world! I know we’re going to learn a lot from your experience, and everyone is going to love Anoona! 😊
ANGELA: Thank you for having me on your blog, Susanna!
SUSANNA: Where did the idea for this book come from?
ANGELA: My quirky and organized dad gave me the spark of inspiration for this story. Everything in his world was labeled and tidy from the tools in his garage to the shoes in his closet. It was challenging (an understatement) to complete chores for him because he needed everything precisely perfect. With that premise in mind, I wondered what it would be like for a little witch to have this proclivity for order. And that’s how Anoona was conceived.
Here’s my dedication page:
To my beloved, quirky dad who always had his heart in the right place and kept his three little ducks in a row.
SUSANNA: That is such a sweet dedication! 🩷 How long did it take you to write this book?
ANGELA: I searched through my earlier drafts and found one from 2015 so I’ve been working on this story for about a decade.
SUSANNA: Did you go through many revisions?
ANGELA: Absolutely. My astute critique group offered great feedback. I also had the story critiqued at a few conferences, and my former agent gave me some editorial suggestions as well. It was interesting to read each revised version and see how it evolved to the final draft!
Angie’s writing space, and Princess Charlie, her writing buddy (when she’s in the mood!), who looks a lot like her wall hanging!
SUSANNA: When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?
ANGELA: That’s always a challenge. After going through many rounds of critiques, I let Anoona rest for a month and looked at it again through fresh eyes. I changed a few minor parts and felt that I took it as far as I could.
SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?
ANGELA: Since I don’t presently have an agent, I researched houses that accepted unagented manuscripts. Believe it or not, they do exist. I submitted my story to a batch of them which included Lawley. It’s interesting to note that Lawley requires writers to send their entire manuscript via snail mail. (which is pretty uncommon these days). So I hopped over to my local post office (like writers did in the olden days) with my precise little parcel in tow.
SUSANNA: You must have done it precisely perfectly! 😊 How long after you found out about your book going to acquisitions (if you did) or after you submitted were you told it was a “yes”?
ANGELA: I sent Lawley my manuscript in June 2023 and was offered a contract three months later.
SUSANNA: When did you get “the call”, which these days is more likely to be “the email”? (Best moment ever! 😊) and how did you celebrate (if you care to share 😊)
ANGELA: I received an email from them offering to publish my story and kept staring at the email wondering if it was legit.
To celebrate, my husband and daughters treated me to a delish dinner and even without owning a magic broomstick, I felt like I was flying above the clouds that night!
SUSANNA: What a lovely way to celebrate such a momentous occasion! How long was it between getting your offer and getting your contract to sign?
ANGELA: I believe it was about a month.
SUSANNA: Was the contract what you expected in terms of advance, royalty percentage, publication timeline, author copies etc.?
ANGELA: Since Lawley is a small house, the contract details were pretty much what I had anticipated. They were willing to negotiate the amount of author copies I received but other than that, I accepted their other terms.
SUSANNA: Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?
ANGELA: Sure! My editors told me that there wouldn’t be major revisions. However, we still went back and forth for at least ten rounds which resulted in a more interactive story. We made sure that the order of Anoona’s spells and gestures were consistent throughout the book. And then it was just a matter of throwing in a comma or stronger verb here and there.
SUSANNA: What was your experience of the illustration process like?
ANGELA: Lara and Carrie are the co-owners and sincerely want their authors to be pleased with the way each book turns out. I was pleasantly surprised (and relieved) that they welcomed and valued my feedback regarding illustrations. Sometimes a writer’s vision is quite different from the artist’s.
They asked me to send them names of illustrators whose style would fit The Precise Little Witch. Then, they emailed a list of their artists I could choose from. When I saw Rashel Vakulina’s portfolio sketches, I knew she would create a “perfect” Anoona. And she did!
SUSANNA: How long did it take from offer to having the first copy in your hand?
ANGELA: It was a month shy of two years.
SUSANNA: What kind of marketing and promotion has your publisher done for this book?
ANGELA: So far, they’ve promoted my book on Instagram and Facebook and participated in a large book event held in the Arizona area (where they are located).
They’re also launching a brand-new podcast, Lawley Story Corner, later this month! The podcast will be available on several major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Lawley Story Corner is an audio-only story time podcast, where they read aloud books from their authors. The Precise Little Witch will be one of their featured books.
SUSANNA: Wow! That’s cool! Maybe they’ll get you to read it aloud on the podcast! Can you describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book?
ANGELA: Marketing is a whole different wheelhouse from writing for sure but I’m slowly learning the ropes. I’ve created bookmarks, worksheets (they’re on my website so help yourselves!) and a cute trailer using Canva. Story time events, a book festival, and some school visits have been scheduled for the autumn.
Angie says, “I don’t line my French fries in a row or eat as neatly as Anoona would. My favorite writing snacks are buttered popcorn and Greek yogurt.”
I recently participated in a Barnes and Noble story time. Interacting with those little witchlings was a blast! We even performed a Witch Anoona song and dance number. I’ve included the song below. WARNING: You may be singing it in your head for weeks.
illustration copyright Rashel Vakulina 2025, Lawly Publishing
THE WITCH ANOONA SONG
(sung to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)
Witch Anoona likes things neat.
Clap your hands and
stomp your feet.
(clap 3 times and stomp 3 times)
Shake and wiggle, turn around.
Stretch up high, then touch the ground.
Witch Anoona likes things neat.
Clap your hands and stomp your feet!
(clap 3 times and stomp 3 times)
Help Anoona trim her broom.
(move pointer finger up and down like a scissor)
Stir her cauldron.
(pretend to hold a large spoon and circle around to stir)
Clean her room.
(pretend to hold a rag and wipe the windows)
Iron dresses, capes, and hats.
(Pretend to hold an iron and move it back and forth)
Smooth down fur on all the cats.
(pretend to stroke a cat’s fur and say “MEOW!”)
Witch Anoona likes things neat.
Clap your hands and stomp your feet!
(clap 3 times and stomp 3 times)
SUSANNA: That is the cutest song! And you’re right. . . I think it’s permanently stuck in my head! 😊 How long was it between the time you started writing seriously and the time you sold your first picture book?
ANGELA: It’s hard to pin down an exact time but I’d say around six years, give or take.
SUSANNA: What is your most helpful piece of advice for up and coming writers?)
ANGELA: I’d encourage my fellow writers to believe in their stories but at the same time, practice, practice, practice. Just like any sport or skill, you need to do it A LOT to get better. And the way to get better is learning more of the craft. Study books in your genre to see why something works in a story and resonates with kids. What’s the structure? Is it lyrical? What are some juicy word choices or page turners that drew you in?
A writer friend once suggested typing out the words of a favorite picture book and then reading it without any illustrations to carry it along. What an eye opener! I had been overwriting and taking away some of the illustrator’s job. This exercise brought that into focus. It took me some time to truly understand the critical balance between words and art in a picture book.
Attend writing workshops and conferences. Watch podcasts. Seek out a viable critique group that fits your needs. All of this will help you become a stronger writer and reach your publishing goals.
SUSANNA: Anything else you’d like to share?
ANGELA: As a matter of fact, yes…
Kudos to you, Susanna, for guiding so many of us on our writing paths. With your upbeat and playful persona, you’ve helped us learn a wealth of information by showcasing debut authors. You are extremely generous with your time (when you could be spending it writing your own stories) and it’s greatly appreciated!
It was an absolute pleasure to be your guest today.
SUSANNA: Oh, goodness, thank you, Angie! You’re far too kind! It is my pleasure to do whatever I can for other writers. We’re all in this together! Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this series and paying it forward to other writers! It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to learn from you, and we wish you all the best of luck with this and future titles!
Readers, if you have questions for Angela, please post them in the comments below and if she has time I’m sure she’ll respond!
And remember, your comment by Monday September 29th at 3 PM Eastern puts you in the running to be the randomly selected winner of Angela’s generous giveaway: winner’s choice of a picture book manuscript critique (rhyming or non-rhyming) OR a signed copy of THE PRECISE LITTLE WITCH!
Author Angela Calabrese
Website: https://www.angelacalabrese.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.ferraiolacalabrese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelamcalabrese/
Pinterest: AngieCal76
Blue Sky @angelawrites.bsky.social
Lawley’s website and handles:
www.Lawleypublishing.com
@lawleypublishing
https://linktr.ee/lawleypublishing
https://www.instagram.com/kidsbookswithheart
Rashel Vakulina https://www.instagram.com/rashelka
You may purchase Angela’s book at:
(all links below are book-specific)
Indiebound/Bookshop.org
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
We can help our debut authors successfully launch their careers by:
– purchasing their books
– recommending their books to friends and family
– recommending their books to our children’s teachers and librarians
– recommending their books to our local libraries and bookstores
– suggesting them as visiting authors at our children’s schools and our local libraries
– sharing their books on social media
– reviewing their books on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and other sites where people go to learn about books.
Thank you all for stopping by to read today! Have a lovely, inspiration-filled Tuesday! Maybe today is the day you’ll write your debut picture book 😊
Missed any previous Tuesday Debuts? Check them out HERE!
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Angela, I enjoyed learning about your book’s journey, from your dad’s personality being the inspiration to your nice dinner celebration. I will try that out tomorrow! Type the book words without illustrations. Got it! And practice! For sure! So simple and so wise. Thanks Susanna for this interview. Happy Fall to you both!
Glad you enjoyed the interview, Susana! And yes – typing out picture books you love is a great way to learn! It’s one of the things we do in Making Picture Book Magic!
I’m glad you enjoyed hearing about my little writing journey, Susana. I hope trying that activity (typing out the text to a pb) helps you like it did for me.
Congratulations, Angela! A fun book for the season. And I love your song, too!
It’s such a cute book, Rose! I think you’ll really like it. And isn’t that song great?! I love it!
Thanks, Rose. It is a catchy song.
This sounds adorable! Sometimes, I can be a precise person, too. Will be fun to read to my grandkids. And, I love the song, too!
Your grandkids will love it, Barbara! Mine do 🙂
You and Anoona have something in common then, Barbara.
I hope your grandkids enjoy my book.
Congratulations, Angela! I’ve read The Precise Little Witch and it’s adorable! Thanks so much for sharing your journey!
So glad you like it too, Kristin! Such a fun book!
Awww. Thank you for reading my story, Kristin. I appreciate that!
Congrats, Angie. ‘Tis the season for Anoona to make her appearance.🧙♀️
Exactly, Gayle! The perfect time of year for Anoona! But her story is good for all times of year, too, which makes it precisely perfect 🙂
Thanks, Gayle. It’s her favorite time of year for sure!
What a fun story with an adorable main character! I love that it’s dedicated to your dad. Congratulations!
Isn’t Anoona just the perfect little witch, Kim? And doesn’t Angie look just like her in her presentation costume? So cute!
She is a real cutie and Rashel did a terrific job of capturing her persona.
I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d dedicate this book to, Kim. Thank you for your kind comments.
I love hearing about how your dad inspired you to write about a precise witch!
I know, Christina, isn’t that wonderful? Ideas come from everywhere, but they’re extra special when they come from someone special 🙂
Thanks, Christina. I was extremely close to my father. He was funny, unpretentious, and encouraged me in many ways.
Congrats, Angela, on your precise little witch! I love the song, your inspiration, and your advice! I am looking forward to reading your book and dancing to Anoona’s song with my grandkids!!!
You and they will love it, Mona! 🙂
Thanks, Mona. Move the furniture, put on your dancing shoes, and have fun moving and grooving with your grandkids.
I love “precise.” That really sets the tone! Can’t wait to read this, Angela! Congratulations! (Great name too!!!)
Isn’t it perfect, Angie? Paints just the right picture!
Hello fellow “Angie,”
I didn’t realize it at the time but ANOONA is a palendrome, which means it reads the same forward or backward— quite a fitting name for my precise little witch!
That’s perfect! I wondered about her name!
Anoona is the kind of quirky character kids will love (and Rashel’s renderings of her are precious.) I also love the interactivity the song provides. Such a fun addition to the book! Congrats, Angela. And I second everything you said about Susanna 🙂 She’s the best!
Aw, shucks, Marty – you’re so sweet! ❤ The book and the song are super cute – fun for every kind of little! My granddaughter demanded it 5 times in a row when we read it the first time, and she loves the name Anoona 🙂
Thanks, Marty.
There are some writers who give a lot more than they receive in their kidlit community and Susanna is definitely a giant among them.
What a clever concept! I want to meet this little witch.
She is delightful, Ilona! (Also, you are a giveaway winner from a previous week! I don’t have your email address! Would you be able to email me through my contact tab?)
And she would love to meet you, Ilona. Thanks for stopping by to say hello!
What a fresh, new concept. I look forward to reading this intriguing story. Congratulations!
Thanks for the compliment, Claire!
You will love it, Claire – it is so cute!
As an engineer from a long line of them, I cannot wait to read this. I only hope that when my kids borrowed things they didn’t feel as nervous as I did, making sure i returned it exactly as found in the right place. My Dad wouldn’t have said anything but I always wanted to please him.
I wonder who had a neater garage, Lorraine—your dad or mine? LOL.
Like you, I made sure I returned everything properly, too.
I grew up in a completely different kind of household, Lorraine – where everything was in layers and piles but we still pretty much knew where things were 🤣
What a lovely take on witchcraft! Critique groups make all the difference.
Robin, you are so right. I’ve learned SO MUCH from my critique groups. They are so generous of their time, too.
They really do, Robin! What would we do without our critique partners???!!!
This PB sounds amazing! I know it will become the perfect fit in classroom libraries as well as Public libraries! Thanks for sharing so much information! I totally agree with your comments about Susanna! She truly is the best of the best❣️ 🪄
You’re so sweet, Susan! Thank you! ❤ And I do hope The Precise Little Witch finds its way into public libraries. Hopefully some of the folk who read about it here will request it in their hometown libraries!
Thank you!
I hope Anoona finds her way into some public libraries.
And you’re so right about Susanna. She is a gem.
It warmed my heart reading about how you found your book idea–and dedicating it to your dad is perfect. I can’t wait to read your book. Congratulations on finding a publisher and happy book birthday!
It was such a lovely dedication, wasn’t it, Danielle? I think we all have those books of our hearts that we dedicate to special people. NOT YET, ROSE is dedicated to my parents for those kinds of reasons.
I love the idea of this… and the opportunity for children to celebrate their self-worth, even if it seems quirky! :). And the song is adorable!! Congratulations Angela and thanks for sharing Susanna!
My pleasure, Sharon! I love this book and it makes me happy to share it. And you’re right about the message of celebrating yourself even if you’re quirky – it’s important to love who you are 🙂
Indeed!
Congratulations on your beautiful book Angela! Love the illustrations and the unique storyline. Always enjoy hearing from debut authors and their personal experiences. Love that you dress up for your story time when reading.
Congratulations on your debut PB, Angie!
Thank you for sharing your inspiration and process for publishing and promoting this story. Your dad sounds a lot like mine, a Swiss engineer. When it came to chores and household projects, two of his favorite sayings were: “Always try to do your best–or don’t do it at all;” and “Put everything back neatly, right where you found it” (which especially applied to his tools!). Thanks for bringing back those memories of his unwavering high standards as well as his loving guidance while demonstrating “walking the talk.” These principles are instilled in the manner in which I approach most everything in life. Here’s to perfectionist dads!
Your story time at Barnes & Noble looks like it was a blast. I love how you dressed like Anoona. I met you at the Poughkeepsie Book Festival this spring, Angie, and I can picture how fun and engaging your live storytelling would be.
Thank you also for the very helpful insights you shared in this interview!
Having Angela as a BFF for nearly half a century…means I know her well! I have always been aware of her warmth and spunky style in dealing with littles! She proved this in her teaching career and now as an author! She has the ability to capture just the right amount of sweetness and sass in her writing! She motivates children to be life long readers and learners! Anoona is truly a special little witch…and Angela truly used the right “potions” to make this book outstanding!
I was lucky enough to win a copy of Angela’s THE PRECISE LITTLE WITCH, thanks to Susanna’s and Angela’s generosity. I had already purchased my own copy but Angela sent a copy with a handwritten dedication for my 3 grandsons, which they will treasure, along with bookmarks, stickers, Anoona’s song!, and activity sheets, which they also enjoyed. I just wanted to say “Thank You!” to Angela (I will also be writing a review and requesting this book for my library) and Susanna and second her tribute to all Susanna does to celebrate writers, books and writing! Thank you both so much!!!