(Although truth be told, I’m not even here today! You might have guessed that, given the tardiness of this post. I am in the Green Mountains visiting my daughter! 😊)
First off, I’m happy to announce the winner of last week’s giveaway!!! JENNY MORALES, come on down! You are the lucky winner of your choice of either a copy of GARDENS ARE FOR GROWING by Chelsea Tornetto, OR, a PB Manuscript Critique from Chelsea!!! Please email me (you can use the handy contact form in the menu bar above) and I’ll get you set up with your winnings! 😊
Now, then! I can’t say today’s choice relates to the time of year or anything that’s going on. I just loved this book from the opening sentence, and I hope you will too!
Title: Marilyn’s Monster Written By: Michelle Knudsen Illustrated By: Matt Phelan Candlewick, March 2015, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: patience/waiting, monsters, doing what you know is right
Opening: “Some of the kids in Marilyn’s class had monsters. It was the latest thing. Marilyn didn’t have a monster. Not yet. You couldn’t just go out and get one. Your monster had to find you. That’s just the way it worked.”
text copyright Michelle Knudson 2017, illustration copyright Matt Phelan 2017, Candlewick
Brief Synopsis: Marilyn longs for her monster to find her. She tries to be patient and be the kind of girl no monster can resist. But the longer she waits, the harder it gets, until finally Marilyn takes matters into her own hands. And it’s a good thing she does!
text copyright Michelle Knudson 2017, illustration copyright Matt Phelan 2017, Candlewick
Why I Like This Book: Oh, gosh! Where to begin? The story is wonderfully original and entertaining, and relates to a theme all kids can understand – having to wait for things! Marilyn is so believably child-like in her behaviors and emotions. The art is delightful, full of wacky monsters that are tons of fun to look at, and Marilyn’s face and body language are so expressive. Marilyn goes against expectation without being disobedient or breaking any rules, so it’s a nice way to model doing what you know is right, or being true to yourself. And the resolution is surprisingly sweet. Across the board, this one is a winner!
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific 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!
If you spend any time around kids, you have no doubt been challenged to a variety of tongue twisters. My sister and I had two favorites when we were kids: “toy boat” and “rubber baby buggy bumper” ((say either of them at least 3 times fast!)
But the most recent one I got challenged to (which I can barely say 1 time without messing up 😊) is “Irish wristwatch, Swiss wristwatch” Go on! I dare you!
It’s hard, right?! 😊
So, if you’re casting about for a writing prompt today, why not have a go at writing something with tongue twisters? Dr. Seuss did it. You can, too!
I think it’s actually kind of a cool exercise, since it makes you really think about the sounds in words – something we care a lot about here in kidlit 😊
Here’s Something Chocolate to get you fueled up and ready to write – Cookie Dough Fudge! Looks scrumptious, doesn’t it?
Perhaps you’ll feel inspired to write a story full of tongue twisters about cookie dough fudge 😊
Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Cindy. Cindy is a kidlit writer, graphic designer, kid at heart, and lover of all things chocolate. She works full time in marketing but writing for kids is her happy place. She is also a member of the Write2Ignite Conference team (write2ignite.com) which offers virtual workshops for children’s writers and her website is cindylynnsawyer.net.
Find her on the web at:
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Remmy’s Sticky Situation
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: When Remmy raccoon’s cotton candy disappears, he blames his friends. But he finds himself in a sticky situation when he discovers the real reason for the mystery. Has he lost his best buds forever? How can Remmy show his friends that he is truly sorry?
So what do you think? Would you read it? YES, MAYBE, or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. If you answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Cindy improve her pitch. Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. (However I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It, or on Would You Read It in the dropdown under For Writers in the menu bar above. There are openings as soon as next week (April 27), so you could get your pitch up pretty soon for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on my editor Erin Molta!
Cindy is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! I am looking forward to seeing if I can figure out a story that has been percolating in my mind for about 2 weeks. . . I hope I can get it on paper, and I hope I love it when it gets there! 😊
Today’s debutess has a lovely book called FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE. I can’t wait to show it to you! You might recognize the illustrator too, since she was on Tuesday Debut a few weeks ago (Beverly Warren.) How fun is that?
So without further ado, I’m thrilled to present Candace Spizzirri! She has all kinds of helpful tidbits to share!
Title: FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE Author: Candace Spizzirri Illustrator: Beverly Love Warren Publishing House: Clear Fork Publishing/Spork imprint Date of Publication: April 19, 2022 Fiction, Ages 3-8
Skye and Grandpa load up their tackle box, hop aboard their skiff, and chug out to their favorite fishing spot. Today, the sun is shining, the fish are jumping, but will Skye hook a big one?
SUSANNA: Welcome, Candace! Thank you so much for joining us today! We’re looking forward to all you have to share.! Where did the idea for this book come from?
CANDACE: Thanks so much, Susanna, for having me on your blog. It is a pleasure to be here! The idea for FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE came from my own childhood. My grandpa Henry and I loved to go fishing together. It was our special thing. This story is about the events of one particular day spent on the lake that is very dear to my heart.
I often look to my own life as an idea generator. The spark for my second picture book, FINLEY; A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE, was inspired by a trip to beautiful Alaska, where moose roam about freely. (and they’re so adorable!)
SUSANNA: How long did it take you to write this book?
CANDACE: The rough draft of FISHING was written in a few hours one afternoon at my local library. I like to find a cozy corner in the quiet section, be alone with my thoughts, and just let the words flow naturally. But trust me, they’re not all gems on the first go around. I always attempt to write a new story in one sitting, try to turn off my internal “editor” and just get it all down. I have to admit, I’m a bit of a pantser, not a planner, when it comes to writing.
Candace’s favorite spot to write when it’s nice out
SUSANNA: Did you go through many revisions?
CANDACE: I don’t know exactly how many revisions there were for FISHING, but not as many as usual for me. The story follows the actual events of one particular day on the lake with my grandpa Henry, so it was fully formed from the beginning. It did require a lot of tightening/cutting of darlings and line/word edits.
I generally go through many revisions before I feel a manuscript is ready to submit. After I write a new story, I like to put it away for a week or two. Then I generally do a bit of revising and send it off to my critique partners.(I don’t know what I’d do without them!) After each has weighed in, I carefully consider all of their comments/suggestions while staying true to the vision for my story.
Candace’s writing buddy, Penelope 😊
SUSANNA: When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?
CANDACE: My critique partners often tell me when they believe a manuscript is ready to go. Thanks, CPs! I also get a gut feeling that a story is finished. If the story arc is all there, the characters are developed, each line/word has been examined, and I’m happy with the beginning and ending. (endings are the hardest part for me) then, I submit and see what happens. It doesn’t mean there won’t be rejections…there are always rejections when you are a writer. It’s part of the process. Just keep going until you get your “yes”!
SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?
CANDACE: I submitted FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE directly to Callie Metler at Clear Fork Publishing in August of 2018. I was unagented and Clear Fork accepted unsolicited manuscripts.
SUSANNA: 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”?
CANDACE: FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE went to acquisitions in October 2018 and I had my YES in January 2019.
SUSANNA: When did you get “the call”, which these days is more likely to be “the email”? (Best moment ever! ☺)
CANDACE: My “call” was an in person meeting. How exciting is that?! And yep, it was the best!
Callie Metler had a conference in Southern California in January 2019 just minutes from where I live. We arranged to meet for dinner. I was nervous, but she is so warm and friendly. I have to admit my eyes welled up when she said she loved my book and wanted to publish it. Woohoo!
SUSANNA: How long was it between getting your offer and getting your contract to sign?
CANDACE: I had my YES in January 2019 and signed my contract in early February 2019.
SUSANNA: How did you celebrate signing your contract?
CANDACE: My husband took a picture of me signing my contract to commemorate the occasion. We had a wonderful dinner and a glass of champagne. I celebrated with my kids and grandkids too. Cheers!
SUSANNA: Was the contract what you expected in terms of advance, royalty percentage, publication timeline, author copies etc.?
CANDACE: The contract was exactly what I expected from a small independent publisher.
SUSANNA: Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?
CANDACE: Much of the editing for FISHING happened prior to receiving my contract. The manuscript went to acquisitions in October 2018 and came back with notes/suggestions to revise and resubmit. At that point I worked with Callie Metler and freelance editor Lynne Marie, now Editorial Director at Clear Fork Publishing, on revisions prior to it going back to acquisitions in early December 2018.
I felt that Callie had a great vision for FISHING and really loved my “slice of life” book. After the illustrator, Beverly Love Warren, paginated the book, we did some additional edits based on page turns. Then, we made a couple of small text changes just before the book went to print.
SUSANNA: What was your experience of the illustration process like?
CANDACE: Early in the process, Callie Metler shared art by a few illustrators and asked for my opinion. I was thrilled when she ultimately chose Beverly Love Warren to illustrate FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE! Callie showed me initial sketches and I loved the direction it was going. I also saw what would become the cover (oh my heart!) and spreads along the way. Bev did an amazing job and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I felt her style fit my story perfectly and she even had a few surprises, like the sweet little dog that accompanies Grandpa and Skye on their fishing trip. Oh, and I didn’t include any art notes in the manuscript for FISHING as I felt they were not necessary.
text copyright Candace Spzzirri 2022, illustration copyright Beverly Love Warren 2022, Clear Fork
text copyright Candace Spzzirri 2022, illustration copyright Beverly Love Warren 2022, Clear Fork
text copyright Candace Spzzirri 2022, illustration copyright Beverly Love Warren 2022, Clear Fork
SUSANNA: Did you get to see advance reviews from Kirkus, SLJ, etc? What was that like?
CANDACE: I am waiting on reviews.
SUSANNA: How long did it take from offer to having the first copy in your hand?
CANDACE: Callie Metler at Clear Fork sent the contract for FISHING in early February 2019 and I held an advanced copy in my hands on March 14, 2022. I must admit, there were tears of joy!
SUSANNA: What kind of marketing and promotion has your publisher done for this book?
CANDACE: Clear Fork sent out FISHING to reviewers and did a promotion of their Spring releases. They also sent me high resolution cover art and a PDF version of my book so I could send it out for reviews as well. Clear Fork, Callie Metler, Beverly Love Warren, and I have worked together to market and promote FISHING.
SUSANNA: Describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book.
CANDACE: I belong to two awesome promotional groups @KidLitCollective and @PB22Peekaboo. They have been absolutely invaluable! We share about one another’s books on social media and support each other on this writing journey.
For FISHING, I scheduled an interview blog tour with book giveaways during April, May and June. I created bookmarks, stickers, and other swag. Beverly Love Warren made some fun coloring pages. I have a couple of appearances scheduled and an author visit to my niece’s second grade class.
SUSANNA: How long was it between the time you started writing seriously and the time you sold your first picture book?
CANDACE: I first started writing back in 2016, but didn’t get serious until January of 2017. I joined SCBWI and Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, connected with critique partners, started taking classes/webinars, and absolutely fell in love with writing! I sold FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE in February 2019. So, a little over two years.
SUSANNA: What is the most important/helpful thing you learned on your way to publication? (Or what is your most helpful piece of advice for up and coming writers?)
CANDACE: Be patient. Work on your craft. Take classes, attend conferences, find critique partners, join writing groups, and connect with the kidlit community. What an amazing, supportive group they are! And most importantly…never give up! You’ve got this!
SUSANNA: Anything else you’d like to share about your book’s journey from inspiration to publication?
CANDACE: I just want to say to pre-published writers, believe in yourself and keep at it! Write the stories only you can tell. Enjoy the journey and make some friends along the way. The kidlit community is truly an amazing group.
I’m so happy to be on your blog today, Susanna! And thank you for all you do for the kidlit community!
SUSANNA: My pleasure, Candace! Thank YOU so much for taking the time to participate in this series and paying it forward to other writers! It’s such a wonderful opportunity to learn!
Welcome to today’s edition of Perfect Picture Book Friday!
I have a lovely book to share – perfect for spring time! It makes me want to get out and garden (and I have a black thumb, so that’s saying something! 😊) I’m sure it will have the same affect on you and any young readers you share it with.
As an added bonus, we have a little Q&A with the author, Chelsea Tornetto, who is also offering winner’s choice of a picture book manuscript critique or a copy of her beautiful book to one lucky commenter! So please leave a comment on this post by Wednesday April 20 at 9PM Eastern and you could be the randomly selected lucky winner! Check out Chelsea’s critique service HERE so you can see what she offers!
Now, let’s have a look at the book!
Title: Gardens Are For Growing
Written By: Chelsea Tornetto
Illustrated By: Hsulynn Pang
Publisher: Familius Publishing
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: gardens/nature, growth, family, cycle of life
text copyright Chelsea Tornetto 2022, illustration coptright Hsulynn Pang 2022, Familius
Opening: “Shovels are for turning soil, and clumps are meant for breaking.”
text copyright Chelsea Tornetto 2022, illustration coptright Hsulynn Pang 2022, Familius
Brief Synopsis: A father shows his daughter how to take a patch of earth and till and plant and tend until it grows into a beautiful garden. As the garden grows more lush with every passing year, the little girl grows up.
text copyright Chelsea Tornetto 2022, illustration coptright Hsulynn Pang 2022, Familius
Links To Resources: First, a treat! A little Q&A with author Chelsea Tornetto!
SUSANNA: How did you come up with the idea for Gardens Are For Growing?
CHELSEA: My husband puts in a backyard garden every year. When our daughter, Tessa, was small, my favorite thing about spring and summer was watching her hanging out in the garden with her dad. As she grew older the tasks she could/would help with changed, but the memories they made were always precious. It struck me how she was growing up just like the garden did each year. And Gardens Are For Growing was born!
SUSANNA: What do you hope kids will take away from it?
CHELSEA: I hope families are inspired to take time to get outside together! I also hope it helps them realize that the best, most powerful memories are usually made in the small moments. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a big fancy vacation to make lasting memories.
SUSANNA: What is your favorite part of being an author?
CHELSEA: I love the creativity of it. I love the challenge of finding just the right word to complete a rhyme or create a certain feeling. And I love giving my words to a talented illustrator and seeing their vision come to life!
SUSANNA: Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Chelsea! It’s so wonderful to know a little about the background of the books we love!
Next, some wonderful activity pages!
Why I Like This Book: This lovely story, told in rhyme, shows young readers the many things involved with growing a garden, from breaking up the earth, to sowing seeds and watering, to seeing earthworms, to watching things grow. With each turn of the page, the garden grows, going from a patch of earth, to neat garden with thin, young plants, until eventually it is a lush, mature garden. As the garden grows, a young girl grows alongside it, until the garden, the seasons, and the girl and her father together demonstrate the cycle of life. The art is bright and full of details, a wonderful complement to the text. Young gardeners (whether in the country with a true patch of earth, or in the city with a pot on a windowsill) will especially love this chance to learn about gardening, but it is a beautiful story anyone will enjoy.
text copyright Chelsea Tornetto 2022, illustration coptright Hsulynn Pang 2022, Familius
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 wonderful weekend, everyone! Happy Passover and Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates! 😊
Don’t forget to leave a comment for your chance to be randomly selected to win your choice of a copy of this book or a picture book manuscript critique from Chelsea!
Here’s a little puzzler for first thing in the morning.
April is a big birthday month in my family, which prompts discussions of how likely it is people’s birthdays will land on Easter. I am well aware of the deep and important meaning of Easter and do not make light of it, but let’s face it: for kids it’s all about getting birthday presents AND jelly beans in the same day 😊
I googled a bit, but was quickly sent scurrying back to my rightful place by Scary Math. So, as is appropriate, I’m going anecdotal.
My dad’s birthday has been on Easter 3 times: 1962, 1973, and 1984. Perhaps Easter dates move in 11 year cycles? (How’s that for deductive reasoning? Take that, Scary Math!)
One of my daughters’ birthday has never fallen on Easter for her, but will in 2031. (I will not say how old she’s going to be because it is not polite to tell a lady’s age 😊)
My niece’s birthday is April Fool’s Day and her birthday landed on Easter in 2018 when she turned 14, and will again in 2029 and 2040. (There are those 11s again!) My nephew’s birthday fell on Easter 2 years before he was born when it wasn’t his birthday yet and isn’t due to land on that date again until 2066 when he will be 62 years old!
I, as you know, am extremely ancient, and yet my birthday has only landed on Easter once, the year I turned 9.
My deductions, based on the anecdotal evidence cited above, (and just try to stay with me on this because I know math and science simply aren’t for everyone and you should just not feel bad if your mind has a hard time with the acrobatic feats demonstrated by mine!), is that my next Easter birthday will be whenever Easter feels like it 😊
There will be extra credit for anyone who can guess the dates of my Dad’s, daughter’s, nephew’s, and my birthdays. The cat’s already out of the bag on my niece’s 🤣🤣
Now that I’ve limbered you up with mental calisthenics, let’s do a little celebrating, shall we? I am thrilled to announce the pitch winners that you all voted on last week! Woo hoo!!!
The Pitch Winners are . . . .
September 2021 – Hannah – The Good Wolf (PB 4-8)
October 2021 – Robin – I Am The Zookeeper (PB 3-7)
November/December 2021 – Melissa – Don’t Even Think About Lions! (PB 4-8)
January 2022 – Patti – Dragon Is Out Of Here (PB 4-8)
Congratulations, Hannah, Robin, Melissa, and Patti! Great job! Your pitches have already been sent to editor Erin Molta and I’m sure she will reply with her comments as soon as she can! We have a lot of Straight From The Editors to look forward to!
Congratulations to all our other pitchers, too! You all did a fabulous job presenting your pitches and then taking the feedback offered by our wonderful readers and using it to revise and improve. I hope everyone feels like a winner because I think you all ended up with stronger pitches!
I appreciate everyone who steps up to share because it gives all of us a chance to learn and improve our skills! So, thank you all!
All that math and excitement has rendered me slightly faint, so I think it’s time for Something Chocolate! Don’t these Easter Blossom Cookies (or Spring Blossom if you don’t celebrate Easter) look delicious? So springy! And, more importantly, so delightfully chocolate in the middle! 😊
Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Deborah. Deborah Foster is a mother, an architectural drafter, and a fantastic cook. She is a member of 12×12, Inked Voices, and SCBWI. She is always looking for more writing friends on Twitter. Follow her @DeborahClaytonF or check out her blog at www.deborahfosterbooks.com.
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Little Camper’s Not-so-big Adventure
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Little Camper can’t wait for her first big adventure! Will it be the Grand Canyon? Roaring Niagara Falls? When Little Camper’s first adventure bounces down dusty back roads to the Apron Museum, she’s ashamed to recount her travels to the other campers. But after a hurry-to-the-next-stop trip, Little Camper realizes that bumpy back roads and odd attractions might just be the perfect adventures for her.
So what do you think? Would you read it? YES, MAYBE, or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. If you answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Deborah improve her pitch. Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. (However I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It, or on Would You Read It in the dropdown under For Writers in the menu bar above. There are openings immediately, so you could get your pitch up next week if you want for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on my editor Erin Molta!
Deborah is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! I am looking forward to Easter weekend! 😊
I’m sure none of us could have waited another minute for this week’s list of Perfect Picture Books!
I have a lovely one to share today. I’m pretty sure it’s been reviewed by a couple of other members of this group already, but I wanted to share it, too. It’s a wonderful book, and it was written by a graduate of Making Picture Book Magic, so I get to give you a recommendation and celebrate her accomplishment at the same time! 😊
Title: This Could Be You
Written By: Cindy Williams Schrauben
Illustrated By: Julia Seal
Publisher: Cardinal Rule Press, April 1, 2022
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: being yourself, believing in yourself
Opening: “Who pursues their top dreams, their never-ever stop dreams, persist-until-they-drop dreams? Believe. It could be you!”
text copyright Cindy Williams Schrauben 2022, illustration copyright Julia Seal 2022, Cardinal Rule Press
Brief Synopsis: This book is an invitation to children of all backgrounds, interests, and abilities to follow their dreams and believe in themselves.
text copyright Cindy Williams Schrauben 2022, illustration copyright Julia Seal 2022, Cardinal Rule Press
text copyright Cindy Williams Schrauben 2022, illustration copyright Julia Seal 2022, Cardinal Rule Press
Why I Like This Book: Every child can benefit from encouragement to be themselves, pursue their dreams, believe they can be or do anything they want, and this book celebrates exactly that. It is an invitation to young readers to imagine themselves in all kinds of ways they may not have considered. Every child will be able to see her or himself as at least one of the many kinds of people shown – creative, supportive, persistent, adventurous, inquisitive, observant, protective. . . And for many kids the options will be eye-opening, showing them things they could be or do that they might not have known about yet. The illustrations are warm, colorful, and appealing with plenty of details to catch kids’ attention and interest. The children pictured are a nicely diverse group. Kids will enjoy exploring all the possibilities open to them while absorbing the important message that they can be whoever they want to be, and that they are valued and should value themselves. A lovely read!
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!
Last week we caught up on Straight From The Editor.
But this will tell you exactly how crazy life is around here. Do you realize what I did last week? Did you notice? Did you catch it?
I FORGOT SOMETHING CHOCOLATE!
How can that even happen???!!!
You are all witness to the fact that I am losing my marbles!
So, to be sure I don’t make such a gigantic faux pas this week (and because you need to fuel up for today’s demands!) let’s have Something Chocolate right now! These are just so darn cute I couldn’t resist them – Polar Bear Paw Cupcakes!
The cupcakes are chocolate (yum yum!), the fur is made of shredded coconut, the paw pad is a peppermint patty, and the toes are chocolate-covered raisins. So clever! (and delicious 😊) And, like all the treats offered on my blog, they have no calories and can be considered health food if thought about in the right way. 🤣
Now then! This week, we’re all about voting. (Well, voting and eating cupcakes…)
Look at us, catching up! 😊
Let’s choose some pitch winners, shall we?
There is a poll below each group so you can vote for your favorite in that group, so, 4 separate polls in all. Please cast your votes by Monday April 11 at 9PM Eastern and I will post the pitch winners next week on WYRI!
First up, the September 2021 Pitch Pick!
#1 – Elizabeth – CHICK-A-GATOR (PB 3-6)
I bet you’ve never met a chick-a-gator. Neither had the hens in the chicken coop. When one hatches from an egg, pandemonium breaks out. None of the hens accept him; they make him sleep outside the fence;They run whenever he comes near; his rooster father disowns him. But there’s more to Chick-a-gator than they know. One night he performs an heroic act that changes their opinion of him. He is hailed as a hero. He’s half chicken and half gator with a mighty roar. He’s the Chick-a-gator!
#2 – Hannah – THE GOOD WOLF (PB 4-8)
All Wolfington wants is to be included, but when he goes into town, grandmothers hide, pigs squeal, and sheep faint. Fed up with the big bad wolf stereotype, Wolfington sets out to prove that his heart is bigger than his stomach.
#3 – Kelly – WHICH NEWBIE YOU BE? (MG)
While trying to keep her bipolar disorder a secret in a new town, Ella, a twelve-year old resilient young girl overcomes seventh grade obstacles to find hope and discover what friendship is all about despite a bully that reveals her secret. Distinctive weather metaphors help the reader really feel what the main character is thinking and feeling in WHICH NEWBIE YOU BE? a middle grade novel appropriate for ages eight to twelve.
#4 – Jennifer – READEROSAURUS (PB 4-8)
A kid who loves dinosaurs all because he devours books finds out that his favorite place in the whole world is closing and there isn’t anything he can do about it. Or is there? Will his roar be heard among giants?
SEPTEMBER 2021 PITCHPICK POLL
Next, the October 2021 Pitch Pick!
#1 – Robin – I AM THE ZOOKEEPER! (PB 3-7)
“I have a Messy Zoo inside me.” That is what the child feels about all the emotions growing inside her and escaping as animal behavior. Bear grows and stomps, porcupine prickles, monkey is silly. Loud and crowded! With help, the child discovers self-soothing techniques to tame the animals and become the Zookeeper.
#2 – Melisa – HIBERNATION EXASPERATION (PB 4-7)
Groundhog needs to hibernate, but mounting misunderstandings keep Beaver SMACK WHACK WHACKing at the door with puzzling offerings of unrequested assistance. Groundhog must figure out how to get the message across before Beaver whittles hibernation season into a mere nap.
#3 – Jeannette – DO YOUR THING, PEKING (PB 4-8)
As the zoo’s only peachick, Peking struggles to discover what makes him unique. He can’t swing like Monkey or waddle like Penguin or trumpet like Elephant. He looks at his reflection in the lily pond and doesn’t see anything spectacular. Peking visits the zoo’s animals, tries to copy their talent and asks their advice. Peking’s specialty does surface with time and patience and he becomes brighter and bolder than anyone could have ever imagined.
#4 – Melissa – THE PIED PIPER OF GRANNIES: A joyous twist on the original story. (PB 4-8)
Gran has hit the road with her band, and shy Kai misses his best friend, until he discovers he can use his harmonica to charm grannies galore! That should fill the void… only… it doesn’t.
When the grandchildren track down Kai’s geriatric conga line, Kai has to make some decisions and find his voice, only then does he solve his loneliness – by making a friend.
A 527-word rhyming romp featuring grannies and music from all over the world.
OCTOBER 2021 PITCHPICK POLL
Next, the November/December 2021 Pitch Pick!
#1 – Deborah – WELCOME TO THE WORD FACTORY (PB 4-8) 2d9a5f
Come along on a tour of The Word Factory and listen as EP (exclamation point) explains how words are discovered, spelled, and defined. Despite the repeated interruptions from Oxford, EP is unaware of the growing problem until the tour arrives at the lunchroom where they find a messed up menu and hangry punctuation marks. Thankfully, EP knows the perfect punctuation needed, “Oh Oxford!”
#2 – Melissa – DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT LIONS! (PB 4-8)
He’s been warned, but this renegade monkey and his bush baby buddy break all the rules Mama mentioned as they venture out on a lion quest.
The refrain ‘what if we just…’? entices readers to turn the page, following these wild risk-takers as they creep closer… closer… too close! GULP!
Despite a dramatic rescue, followed by a breath-taking chase, only one of them learns his lesson!
A 437-word madcap rhyming PB adventure featuring found family, and not following the rules.
#3 – Emily – THE ADVENTURES OF RICKY AND FLASH: ESCAPE FROM THE CITY (CB 7-9)
City rats Ricky and Flash race to leave New York City after double-crossing Slick, the street-hardened stray cat who rules the alleyways. But the brothers have never known anything but city life, and country living comes with its own perils! They try to make a home at Wild Down Farm, but just like in the city… cats rule. When two kittens get trapped, Ricky and Flash have a decision to make—help out the fearsome barn cat who has been stalking them or walk away from both the kittens and their new life on the farm.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 PITCHPICK POLL
Finally, the January 2022 Pitch Pick!
#1 – Patti – DRAGON IS OUT OF HERE (PB 4-8)
Dragon is out of here, leaving his ‘same old’ book and flying off to find a better spot in one of the other books on his shelf. But the grass isn’t any greener with the Big Bad Wolf, the Old Woman in the Shoe, or Sleeping Beauty. After a close call with Old MacDonald, Dragon rediscovers his own story where he can fly, breathe fire, and be his true self.
#2 – Kizzi – THERE WAS A SMALL PYTHON WHO SWALLOWED A FLEA (PB 4-8)
There was a small python who swallowed a flea. He swallowed the flea because it was small, but pythons need MORE after all. So the small python swallows more and more things and grows and grows. Soon he’s a huge python swallowing a moose and caboose, and a door and a store. Just when he couldn’t possibly swallow any more… he sees a rat, and even full pythons have room for that. But this rat is tough and cheesy, and soon python feels a bit queasy. After some moaning and groaning, a huge buuuurrrrppppp might solve all his problems.
THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY meets THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR in this gluttonous tale.
#3 – Jessica – THE PAPER ROUTE (MG)
Grace takes over the neighborhood paper route, only to discover that these are no ordinary newspapers. These newspapers are magical. Not only do they reveal her neighbors’ wishes, but Grace soon learns that she is able to grant these wishes as well. Grace navigates this newfound secret power, but wrestles with simultaneously feeling more invisible than ever to her friends and family. She desperately needs the advice of her trusted friend, Miss Maisy. But, Miss Maisy died two years ago. As Grace grapples with this reality, her own life hangs in the balance. Will she be able to grant one last wish—her own—before it’s too late?
#4 – Reed – THE ALLEY CAT CHRONICLES: MR. FUZZYPANTS, BOOK 1 (CB advanced 7-9)
Over-confident housecat Mr. Fuzzypants, meets street-wise Sassy, and between them, they have one competent alley cat … it’s not Mr. Fuzzypants.
THE ALLEY CAT CHRONICLES follows the adventures of Mr. Fuzzypants and Sassy and their alley-cat crew as they navigate living on the streets. Mr. Fuzzypants, claims to be an “expert” of the outside world despite a life lived indoors. When he finally slips away to chase his dreams, he discovers that life outside is harder than it looked through the window. A feisty street cat Sassy, who can out-hunt and out-climb him steps up to help him learn the ways of the alley. Mr. Fuzzypants must accept he is in over his ears and hightail it home or dig in his claws and let Sassy teach him the ways of the streets.
JANUARY 2022 PITCHPICK POLL
Whew! That was a whole heckofalotta great pitches and hard decisions! Help yourself to another cupcake to restore your strength!
Please remember to place your vote for the person you think should win in each group by Monday April 11 at 9PM.
It’s Tuesday and time for today’s version of the Tuesday Debut theme song which you may sing to the tune of Happy Birthday 😊
Good morning to you! It’s Tuesday Debut! We’re so glad you joined us! Hope you’ll learn something new!
I know. There’s nothing like starting your day with a little song written by moi 😊
Are you ready to meet today’s debut?
I’m delighted to introduce Kimberly Wilson, and give you a glimpse of her fabulous picture book, A PENNY’S WORTH and her journey to its publication!
Picture Book Title (Fiction): A PENNY’S WORTH Author: Kimberly Wilson Illustrator: Mark Hoffmann Publisher: Page Street Kids Date of Publication: April 19, 2022 Age Range: 4-8
Synopsis:Penny’s, worthless? Non-cents! Hot off the minting press, Penny feels like a million bucks. But as other coins and bills are spent while she sits forgotten, she begins to doubt her value. She is too small to slot-surf with Quarter. Even penny candy sells for a dime! Refusing to be short-changed, she sets out to find her purpose at any cost. Readers will laugh at the wealth of money puns, learn a basic lesson on US currency, and discover that self-worth is truly priceless.
SUSANNA:Kimberly, thank you so much for coming to talk with us today!Where did the idea for this book come from?
KIMBERLY: Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Susanna!
A Penny’s Worth began as a Storystorm 2019 idea. I looked at the coin jug on my kitchen counter and saw something more––a plucky penny on a mission to prove she’s cent-sational, despite her face value.
Through Penny’s journey, I realized I not only had the opportunity to make readers laugh with countless puns and introduce them to money math, but also to show them the importance of self-worth.
SUSANNA:How long did it take you to write this book?
KIMBERLY: From first draft to the revision that received an offer was about a year and a half.
SUSANNA:Did you go through many revisions?
KIMBERLY: I did six major revisions on this manuscript. I save my work quite often because I like to go back and forth between versions, etc., and I saved this manuscript approximately 200 times before the official rounds of edits began! I did a lot of layering while writing the manuscript: weaving puns throughout, creating each character’s unique personality, sneaking in some early money math into the dialogue, and forming the ever-important emotional arc. One of the biggest challenges I faced was using the word “worth” both as the face value of money and “self-worth.” I also had to think about how an anthropomorphic inanimate object like a penny could move around from pocket to purse while remaining active in reaching her goal. Sometimes she had to be picked up or passed around, but when motivated, she had to make a move. So, like any penny would, I had her pop out of a hole in a pocket, roll down the sidewalk, and even ride a wave (out of a soda cup, thanks to Mark Hoffmann!).
text copyright Kimberly Wilson 2022, illustration copyright Mark Hoffman 2022, Page Street Kids
I was so lucky to have my amazing critique partners with me every step of the way, cheering me on, through frustration and celebration. Writing (and revising!) a picture book takes a village, and I’m extremely thankful for mine!
SUSANNA:That is so true – critique partners are priceless!When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?
KIMBERLY: I knew the story was ready for final submission when I revised the manuscript from my heart. It was then I finally felt Penny’s triumph in learning the difference between face value and self-worth (and my CPs felt the same!).
SUSANNA:When and how did you submit?
KIMBERLY: I had a critique at the SCBWI NJ Conference in June 2019 that turned into an R&R!
SUSANNA:That’s amazing! Take heart, everyone reading this – these things really do happen at conferences! How long after you found out about your book going to acquisitions or after you submitted were you told it was a “yes”?
KIMBERLY: My R&R was approximately a year-long process. I worked with Page Street Kids on a few rounds of revision. But once I had that feeling about the emotional arc we discussed in the last question, the offer came quickly.
SUSANNA:When did you get the email?
KIMBERLY: I received the email offer when I was at the DMV with my then 15-year-old daughter! She had just passed her permit test and we were in the parking lot walking out to the car. Needless to say, I was shaking as she drove us home for multiple reasons 😉
SUSANNA:How did you celebrate signing your contract?
KIMBERLY: I turned up some 90’s music, popped a bottle of bubbly, and had a little dance party in my kitchen!
SUSANNA:Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?
KIMBERLY: If I could use one word to describe my experience with the editorial process, it would be “collaborative.” This book has been a team effort all the way through, from the bigger picture edit rounds, to line edits, and small tweaks as the art developed. We did a lot of brainstorming at each stage, which is one of my favorite things to do. My editor encouraged and challenged me in so many wonderful ways, and I have grown in my craft as a result.
SUSANNA:What was your experience of the illustration process like?
KIMBERLY: So exciting! I received the first character sketches on my birthday––best birthday gift ever! I was looped it at every step and asked if I had any feedback, from sketches to final art. It was amazing to watch Mark Hoffmann’s talent at work bringing Penny to life on the page. His unique style and amazing color palette complement the story perfectly. I’m thrilled with how our book turned out.
SUSANNA:Did you get to see advance reviews?
KIMBERLY: Yes!
Have you ever seen someone dance in the middle of the dentist’s office? That was me when I received the Kirkus Review and read, “Filled with clever and chucklesome wordplay, Wilson’s spry narrative is engaging but also educational, providing a solid, accessible introduction to basic money equivalents.”
I had the same reaction when I later received the Booklist review, “[…] This tribute to what is, the author notes, still our country’s most minted coin offers a perfect opportunity to discuss the difference between mere purchasing power and real value.”
SUSANNA:Very nice!How long did it take from offer to having the first copy in your hand?
KIMBERLY: It was approximately 20 months from offer to publication date, though I was able to hold a hard copy a few months in advance.
SUSANNA:What kind of marketing and promotion has your publisher done for this book?
KIMBERLY: When I had my marketing meeting, I was amazed at everything they had been doing behind the scenes! They’ve done everything from marketing to booksellers and libraries, to reaching out to social media influencers, submitting for reviews, creating activity guides and bookplates, handling book giveaways, connecting me with bookstores and school visit opportunities––and the list goes on and on!
SUSANNA: Here is a link to a book guide created by the publisher if anyone wants to have a look!
SUSANNA:Describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book.
KIMBERLY: I was so lucky to find my debut group, Kidlit Caravan, early on. We became fast friends and worked hard to create our platform on social media, our website, etc. Working with them and having their support on so many levels has been a highlight of the last year and a half!
I also come from a marketing background, so my wheels are always turning. I’ve been working on social media, a pre-sale campaign, scheduling school visits and library story times, and writing guest blog posts.
Mark Hoffmann, the amazing illustrator of A PENNY’S WORTH, and I have a virtual event tonight, April 5th at 7pm, and I have an in-person (yay!) event Sunday, April 24th at 12pm, at Park Road Books in Charlotte, NC.
SUSANNA:That’s terrific! What an asset to have a marketing background. How long was it between the time you started writing seriously and the time you sold your first picture book?
KIMBERLY: After dreaming of becoming a writer since the third grade, I finally started taking it seriously in 2017. I joined the SCBWI shortly after, in March 2018 and received my offer for A PENNY’S WORTH two and a half years later!
SUSANNA:What is the most important/helpful thing you learned on your way to publication?
KIMBERLY: I could go on and on about what I’ve learned. But the biggest lesson for me, has been patience––with my own writing, querying, all the way through publication process (and beyond). With that, I also try and focus on things I can control versus the things I can’t (sometimes easier said than done!). Just recently, due to shipping delays, the publication date for the book was pushed back two weeks to April 19. I couldn’t swim out into the ocean and bring the books ashore, so I’ve used the extra time to reach out to more bookstores and schools.
SUSANNA: Thank you so much for joining us, Kimberly, and sharing your knowledge and expertise! We so appreciate the opportunity to learn from your journey! Wishing you all the best with this and future titles!
Welcome to another installment of Perfect Picture Book Friday! (And that’s no April Fool 😊)
To start the day’s festivities, I’m happy to announce that the winner of last week’s book giveaway, JACKIE AND THE MONA LISA, is Stephanie M! Congratulations, Stephanie! I think you will love it! Please email me with your address (you can use the contact button in the menu bar above), and I will have the publisher mail out your copy!
Now! Let’s get to today’s book! Such a perfect little gem!
This book is actually a companion to A FRIEND IS. . .(reviewed HERE on PPBF in January 2021), and if you haven’t had a chance to check that one out, I recommend reading it too! For those of you who might live in the Mid-Hudson Valley area, you can meet today’s author/illustrator and get a signed copy of both these books at the Poughkeepsie Book Festival tomorrow! I will also be there, as will Iza Trapani, Karen Kaufman Orloff, Della Ferreri, Tania Guarino, Michael Garland, Nancy Furstinger, Marie-Therese Miller, Raven Howell, and lots of others!
But now, the book!
Title: A Family Is. . .
Written & Illustrated By: Lisa Thiesing
Publisher: Aladdin, March 8, 2022
Suitable For Ages: 4-8 (but I think younger children would really enjoy it too!)
Themes/Topics: family
Opening: “A family is. . . for “Good morning!” A family is. . .for having breakfast and for getting dressed.”
text and illustration copyright Lisa Thiesing 2022 Aladdin
Brief Synopsis: (from the publisher) “Whether big or small, a family is for reading, for laughing, for holding you tight. And, perhaps most importantly, loving you for who you are.”
text and illustration copyright Lisa Thiesing 2022 Aladdin
Links To Resources: make your own A Family Is. . . book by writing and/or drawing something family means to you on each page; make playdough families with different sized cookie cutters in the shape of people, or bears or other animals; draw a picture of your whole family; make a family tree; Family Themed Finger Plays and Action Songs
text and illustration copyright Lisa Thiesing 2022 Aladdin
Why I Like This Book: This sweet book gives young readers a lovely and very accessible description of what family means. Each page highlights ways families spend time together, from having breakfast and getting dressed to walking in the park and biking, to parties and games. But the book also reminds kids that, on a deeper level, families are about being together and belonging. As always for me, Lisa’s art takes a charming text and makes it even better. Her color palette is soft and appealing, her characters are delightful, and her depiction of family makes you want to climb right into the book and join the fun and the love. A perfect story for bed time or any time, and especially for when someone needs a little extra reminder of how much they are treasured in their own family.
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!
Seems like it’s been awhile since we had any Straight From The Editor feedback, so today we’re going to rectify that!
Don’t laugh. I know how far behind these are. Apparently editor Erin Molta has been as busy as I have, and between us she didn’t get to these and I didn’t remind her, so here we are learning from February, March, and May of 2021. (Not sure what happened to April – hoping that comes through soon!)
ANYway, we now have an opportunity to learn, so get ready to take notes! 😊
The winner of the February 2021 Pitch Pick was Robin, with this pitch:
But When She Opens the Door… (PB 4-8)
On an Irish March day, Katie O’Shea and her feline assistant, Shamrock, are surprised by the fickle weather shifting dramatically each time she opens the door. In rollicking read aloud rhyme, Katie keeps changing clothes until a look at the calendar reveals the perfect outfit!
Erin’s comments are as follows:
This sounds so cute and I think it has potential but…rollicking read-aloud rhyme aside—will there be some weather facts in said rhyme or is it just a cute paean to unpredictable March—it comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb type of thing? If it’s got a little weather information in it, I think you may want to state that a tad more clearly or if it’s a book about St. Patrick’s Day you need state that more clearly, too. Different editors will be interested in different aspects and you want to clue them in right up front. No need to keep them guessing.
The winner of the March 2021 Pitch Pick was Diana with:
Wait For Cate (PB 5-8)
Cate promised her team she’d finally be on time for the championship kickball game. But when she encounters the new girl in her class, stuck in the sand on the playground in her wheelchair, she has to make a BIG decision. Should she help or hurry on by? The clock’s ticking.
Erin’s comments are as follows:
I love the premise of this story but I think the pitch might be helped with a tad more “showing” not telling. And maybe an example of why Cate is always late—does she get distracted helping others a lot—whether it be people, animals insects… And I don’t think you need to ask the question of whether she should help or not. THAT can be implied.
Perhaps something more like: Cate is late for everything! She always has a really good reason but when her kickball team plays the championship game she promises she won’t let them down. What’s she supposed to do when the new girl in school’s wheelchair is stuck in sand in the playground?
The winner of the May Pitch Pick was Patricia with:
TY’S TREASURES (PB 4-7)
A crystal. A marble. A feather. Ty growing collection of treasures is causing problems for his family. But where can he stash them? Not in the toybox. Not in the closet. Not in the bed. Mom wants them outside. In his search for a worthy spot, Ty observes birds, squirrels, even his dog hanging on to their treasures. But a visit with his grandma helps Ty discover the difference between a treasure and a memor,y and that there is a place for both.
Erin had this to say:
I like the premise of this story but it seems so quiet and honestly if the poor boy can’t keep a box of treasures (a crystal, marble and a feather are very small, easily stored objects. If you want to make the point that he’s got a lot –rather than saying it’s causing problems for his family — say what is exactly. Is he collecting tires or does he have 4000 marbles and 250 feathers? Is he spreading them all across the dining room table? Or in his mother’s flour canister? Dad’s medicine cabinet? Go big so you can get the point across in a fun way—to grab an editor’s attention and then you can end with how his grandmother helps him tell the difference between a treasure and a memory.
As always, I find Erin’s thoughts so enlightening and so helpful! I hope they are useful to all of you, too!
Due to all the recent upheaval, the upcoming Would You Read It calendar is wide open. If you’d like to share a pitch here for feedback from our wonderful readers between now and June and the chance to get your pitch in front of Erin, please email me! I’d be happy to fill the calendar. Hopefully next week we’re going to catch up and do some voting on who the winners should be for the fall 2021 pitches and then we’ll be sitting pretty 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
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