Category: Would You Read It

Would You Read It Wednesday #402 – The Adventures Of Ricky And Flash: Escape From The City (CB)

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Welcome to the last Would You Read It Wednesday of 2021!

By this time next week, we’ll be all-in on the Holiday Contest, and that will pretty much keep us occupied until school is out and we’re all up to our ears in holiday prep, travel, family and friend get-togethers, baking, cooking, and wrapping…all with kids underfoot 😊 Busy and wild, but just the best, isn’t it?

In order to fuel up for all that, I think we’d better get right to Something Chocolate! I don’t think we can go wrong with Caramel Mocha Nutella Brownies!

Caramel Mocha Nutella Brownies

Recipe HERE at Half-Baked Harvest

Ooey-gooey-chocolatey goodness! Make some for yourself, make some to give as holiday gifts, sample all of them 😊 Yum! Yum!

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Emily who says, “I am a physical therapist, writer, rock climber, and animal lover – yes, even rats! (They’re really not so bad. Google ‘cute rat pictures’… aww!) I usually write picture books, but inspired by my pets’ antics, I figured it was time to try my hand at a chapter book series. I had a blast writing the first book, and best of all, I didn’t have to watch the Word Count box tick upwards with a feeling of dread! Thank you so much for your feedback on the pitch! Find me on Twitter @emilydurwrites”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Adventures Of Ricky And Flash: Escape From The City

Age/Genre: ChapterBook (ages 7-9)

The Pitch: After double-crossing Slick, the street-hardened stray cat who rules the alleyways, city rats Ricky and Flash race to leave New York City before they get caught. But where will they go? 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.

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 your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Emily 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 bar above.  There are openings in January, so you could get your pitch up pretty soon for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Emily is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to baking some ginger cookies because, you know, it’s important to give the oven a warm-up and let it practice a little before the full work of holiday baking begins! Otherwise it might pull a muscle or something 😊

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

Would You Read It Wednesday #401 – Don’t Think About Lions! (PB)

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What a busy week it has been! Apparently we’re at Wednesday already, and do you know what that means?

It means that since tomorrow is Thanksgiving I can no longer put off cleaning my house.

I’ve been waiting for it to clean itself.

I’ve been incredibly patient, if I do say so myself.

But at this point I think it’s safe to say it’s not going to happen so, desperate times calling for desperate measures and all that means it’s up to me.

Some people love to clean. I love things to BE clean, I just don’t like to be the one who has to get them that way 😊 When I’m Queen, I’m going to get someone to do it for me 😊 I’ll take care of their horses and they can clean my palace!

Wow. Just thinking about having to clean makes me require Something Chocolate. We better have something good. I think I’ve got just the thing!

Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars

Recipe HERE at Oh,BiteIt!

I feel fairly confident that with enough of those I can get the house clean 😊

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Melissa who says, “I have spent the last 15 years living in Tanzania as an English teacher, a journalist and then as a wife, mum and storyteller.”

Find her on the web at Twitter: @MelissaKValente

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Don’t Think About Lions!

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: DON’T: Told not to do something, our minds often wander to doing that very thing. When mum goes out, she leaves a series of instructions, including: “Don’t think about lions!”, but this cheeky monkey and his renegade bush baby buddy get so focused on meeting a lion that they break all the rules. The refrain ‘what if we just…’? encourages little readers to turn the page and follow these wild risk-takers as they get closer and closer and ultimately learn their lesson, in this 400-word rhyming adventure. 

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 your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Melissa 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 bar above.  There are openings in January, so you have a little time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Melissa is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to seeing lots of family this weekend for Thanksgiving! (Even if it does mean I have to clean the house 😊😊😊)

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone, and a delicious, delightful, happy, healthy, family Thanksgiving!!! 😊

Would You Read It Wednesday #400 – Welcome To The Word Factory (PB)

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Hi there, everyone!

Wow! It seems like forever since we had a Would You Read It! It’s really only been a couple weeks, but Halloweensie kind of takes over the world 😊

Somehow we’re halfway through November! – how did THAT happen?! – and just 8 days away from Thanksgiving. I am cooking and have barely given it a thought and still don’t know exactly how many I’m cooking for. But you know me. I’m a daredevil. Live life on the edge – that’s me! Leave it to the last minute! That’s my motto 😊

Oh, no, wait. My motto is EAT CHOCOLATE CAKE!

Right now!

Let’s have Something Chocolate!

Since today is our pitcher’s birthday (Happy Birthday, Deborah!!! 😊🎈🎁🎉) I feel pretty sure we can’t go wrong with 24 layers of chocolatey goodness! Grab a fork(lift!) and dig in!

24 Layer Chocolate Cake

Recipe HERE at OMG Chocolate Desserts

YUM! And since we’re celebrating a birthday, help yourselves to seconds and thirds!

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from birthday girl 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: Welcome To The Word Factory

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: 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!”

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 your 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 bar above.  There are openings in January, so you have a little time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Deborah is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to cleaning my house!

No. You’re right. That is a total falsehood!

How about this? I am looking forward to my house being clean!

That is completely true. I just wish Violet would do the cleaning. But she is busy with other things 😊

Someone needs to savagely chew this toy into a billion pieces and leave them all over the rug! Leave it to me! I’m a total pro!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

Would You Read It Wednesday #399 – The Pied Piper Of Grannies (PB)

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So, it looks like Wednesday!

Is everybody ready for Halloweensie?

It’s only 2 days away!

Have you written your entry?

Revised and edited and polished and proofread and revised and edited and polished and proofread and revised and edited and polished and proofread. . . ? yeah, I know how it is 😊

I did it on this little sample for you and I bet you can’t even tell! It probably looks like I spouted it right off the top of my head. (Okay, maybe I did. But if I’d had time I would have revised and edited and polished and proofread and it might of ended up being worth reading 😊)

Pomeline‘s Halloween (100 words)

Pomeline had a problem.
Her glow-in-the-dark grin gave her goosebumps.
Jeepers creepers!  She scared her pumpkin self!
If only she hadn’t eaten all those goodies!
Tootsies and toffees and sticky-sticky caramels!
What had she been thinking?
Now her gappy three-toothed grin was truly terrifying!
Pomeline’s teeth needed protection before she ended up with a gappy one-toothed grin. . . or WORSE!
She sucked up an orange quarter, swallowed the fruit, and pressed the peel against her smiling lips.
Presto!
Protected teeth and no more glow-in-the-dark smile!
Pomeline would have patted herself on the back, but she was short on arms.

I think we can agree that we all need Something Chocolate after that! 😊🎃🎃🎃

How about a plethora of Fun Halloween Treats?!

Recipes HERE at Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Melissa who says, “I have spent the last 15 years living in Tanzania as an English teacher, a journalist and then as a wife, mum and storyteller.”

Find her on the web at Twitter: @MelissaKValente

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Pied Piper Of Grannies

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: THE PIED PIPER OF GRANNIES: Malakai thinks he wants a granny, but when he pied-pipers a crazy conga line of grannies home using his enchanted harmonica he discovers he still feels lonely and now he has to face the town’s grandkids!

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 your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Melissa 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 bar above.  There are openings in January, so you could get your pitch up pretty soon for/[so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up] for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Melissa is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to HALLOWEENSIE!!!!!!! (Rules on that link if you haven’t written yours yet and need the guidelines!)

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

Would You Read It Wednesday #398 – Do Your Thing, Peking (PB)

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Hello there, my friends!

It’s Would You Read It Wednesday!

Which camp are you in?

Wow! It’s Wednesday already?

or

“It’s only Wednesday?”

I’m in the first group this week because I’m still somewhere back around last Friday! 😊

But I know just the cure for that.

I bet you can guess. . . 😊

Something Chocolate!

Since Halloween is practically here, let’s indulge in some Hocus Pocus Cookies – so bright and cheery and, most importantly, so CHOCOLATE! (They also have “slime” in them – meant to be delightfully gross for the youngsters in your life 😊)

Recipe HERE at The Soccer Mom Blog

DELECTABLE! don’t you think? Let’s have seconds! 😊

Now then, onto today’spitch which comes to us from Jan who says, “I’ve been writing picture books for two years and meeting regularly with three critique groups. I’ve attended Susanna’s class, “Making Picture Book Magic”, as well as several conferences and many webinars. I’m in my second year with Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Challenge, and I read about 10-20 picture books every week and many with my grandsons. They are my motivation for seeking an agent and getting published. I’m on twitter as @jansuhr.”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Do Your Thing, Peking

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: 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.

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 your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Jan 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 bar above.  There are openings in January, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Jan is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to more Hocus Pocus cookies! I need a little magic this week.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

Would You Read It Wednesday #397 – Hibernation Exasperation (PB)

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Tra la! It’s Would You Read It Wednesday!

Which prompts me to ponder the following:

Pithy Polly penned a pack of perfect pitches,
A pack of perfect pitches Pithy Polly penned;
If Pithy Polly penned a pack of perfect pitches,
Where’s the pack of perfect pitches Pithy Polly penned?

Now say that 5 times fast 😊

Now say it 5 times fast with your mouth full of Something Chocolate (and try not to spit crumbs all over your keyboard 😊)

Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Cake

Recipe HERE at OMG Chocolate Desserts

All I have to say to that chocolate cake is YUM! Come to Mama! 😊

And the answer to where Pithy Polly’s pack of perfect pitches got to is, of course, right here, where a peck of practiced pitchers can always be found!

Let’s have a look at today’s pitch which comes to us from Melisa who says, “By day, I work in the corporate world, but at night and on weekends I wrangle words into stories.  Writing has always been an interest of mine, and over the past couple years I’ve decided to give it the time it deserves. This story started as a seedling during Storystorm 2021 and I’m glad that it actually blossomed into something rather than dying on the vine.  I’m definitely a better writer than a gardener. Thank you for your help with my pitch.”

Find her on the web at Melisa Wrex (Twitter @mowrex)

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Hibernation Exasperation

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-7)

The Pitch: We all have that one neighbor…Groundhog just wants to hibernate, but tiny miscommunications keep Beaver SMACK WHACK WHACKing at the door—offering ingredients for…soup?!  Groundhog has to figure out a way to get the message across before Beaver whittles hibernation season down to a mere nap. Back matter, colorfully narrated by Beaver, includes fun facts about groundhogs and the uniquely U.S. holiday—Groundhog Day. 

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 your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Melisa 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 bar above.  There are openings in January, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Melisa is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to the upcoming Halloweensie Contest, only 16 days away! In case you missed this year’s contest guideline, they are posted HERE. I hope you’ll all come join the fun!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

Would You Read It Wednesday #396 – The Worry Zoo (PB)

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Guess what? It’s the first Would You Read It Wednesday of October!

So I wrote you a song to celebrate.

Yup, I did.

Just for you. (And the rest of the whole entire world that will soon be singing it because it is SO SO good.)

(And I’m not just saying that because I made it up and I’m so incredibly talented at songwriting. I mean, remember my theme song for Tuesday Debut? Woohoo! Woohoo! Time for something new! Woohoo! Woohoo! Tuesday Debut! I know you’re all still singing THAT one! Admit it. It was your shower song this morning.)

This one is going to be all the rage. Everyone is going to be singing it.

You all know London Bridge, right? That will be the tune 😊

So are you ready?

Aaaand…EVERYBODY!

Autumn leaves are turning gold,
Orange, red, bright and bold.
Autumn leaves are turning gold,
It’s October!

Apple picking, what a treat!
Smooth and round, crisp and sweet,
Gather all that you can eat,
It’s October!

Pumpkin’s insides have to go,
Carve out eyes, mouth and nose,
Light it with a candle’s glow,
It’s October!

Wowee! That is some kind of song isn’t it?

If that doesn’t require Something Chocolate, I don’t know what does! Let’s stick with our autumnal theme and have some Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – you know, you can use those pumpkin insides that have to go, just like the song says!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Recipe HERE at Mom On Timeout

A few slices of that delicious and nutritious Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread and a few rousing choruses of my new song and I bet you’re ready to get down to pitching! Am I right or am I right or am I right?

Today’s pitch comes to us from Robin who says, “As a librarian and ordained clergy, I love to connect children with the right book for the right moment. I live in the Chicago suburbs where I write stories to read and read again. http://www.robincurrie.net/index2.html “

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Worry Zoo

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 3-7)

The Pitch: “I have a Worry Zoo inside me.” A child imagines the unsettling feelings and resulting actions as various zoo animals. “it is crowded and noisy when they all come at once.” With help, the child discovers simple self-soothing techniques to tame the animals and become the Zookeeper.

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 your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Robin 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 bar above.  There are openings in January, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Robin is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to when my new song hits #1 on every kind of chart that measures music popularity which I think is going to be by the end of the week! 😊😊😊

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

Would You Read It Wednesday #395 – Readerosaurus (PB)

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Well, would you look at that?

It’s time for Would You Read It Wednesday again!

I don’t know about you guys, but ever since the whole pandemic thing started (and by the way, whose idea was that because we totally shouldn’t listen to them any more!) it feels like everything has ground to a halt. I used to actually do stuff, but these days going to the mailbox is what passes for excitement around here.

Imagine, therefore, the absolute thrill I got today when I was out walking the dogs and. . . wait for it!. . . I saw a cray fish crossing the road! I kid you not! I mean, come on! That’s big news! I’ve lived here for just shy of 29 years and never seen a cray fish before, on or off the road. I’m not sure what business a cray fish had wandering around in the road far, far away (in cray fish miles) from anything that could be classified as water. So I think the only question to be asked here is. . . (I know it, you know it, let’s ask it together!) . . .

Why did the cray fish cross the road? 🤣

Surely there’s a picture book in that!

Anyway, cray fish aside, I do believe it’s time for Something Chocolate! Now that autumn is in the air, I know that even though it’s too early o’clock, you are all sitting around your own personal campfires faint with hunger, so what could be better for our Something Chocolate snack than S’mores Cupcakes?

a. nothing
b. what time exactly is too early o’clock?
c. Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with the candlestick
d. who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?

I’m sorry. Did I forget to say there was a pop quiz? Well there is, and you were all wrong (unless you said (a)). The correct answer is:
e. Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore! Have a S’mores Cupcake!

Perfect S’mores Cupcakes

Recipe HERE at OMG Chocolate Desserts

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Jennifer who says, “¡Hola! I’m Jennifer the mother of The Readerosaurus (@Readerosaurus for IG and Twitter).  I have been itching to do a story about a kiddo or dino or kiddo wearing dino costume and using his voice to be heard! 

My son last year heard about a local center closing in our state and he decided to offer his drawings to donate to people who make a donation to the center. 

In doing so he was about to get over $5,000 of donations to go to the center. This helped make sure they didn’t close during 2020 when Covid was affecting many places.  He read all 7 continents and all 50 states his joy and excitement for helping a place was just unbelievable. He wanted to help so much. Any money he was given he put towards the center. 

I thought wow a child who is 6 has such a big heart and wants to reach so many people has to be heard. His joy and kindness spread like wild fire. Who would have thought this 6 year old’s voice would matter. 

So the story idea came to life. In a perfect world I want to have this book so that I can get proceeds from the book to donate to places all over the world that need help with their animals. Maybe it’s a zoo, an aquarium or maybe a marine center. Anyway we can help we want to!”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Readerosaurus

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: 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? 

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 your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Jennifer 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 bar above.  There are openings in January, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Jennifer is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to a little sleuthing. Someone’s got to! That crafty cray fish was clearly up to something. . .and I’m going to find out what!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

Would You Read It Wednesday #394 – Which Newbie You Be? (MG)

30 Comments

Hi Everyone!

It’s officially Autumn!

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE Autumn! The pleasant days and cool nights, the colorful trees and crunchy leaves, the tang of woodsmoke in the air, and the season for miniature candy bars 😊 What’s not to love? Although I have to say, I have NO idea how we got to September 22 so fast! Wasn’t it August like, yesterday?!

Whether or not yesterday was August, today is Would You Read It Wednesday and I’m so glad you’re here!

Let’s start of the fun by announcing the winner of Rebecca Mullin’s darling board book, ONE TOMATO! (You all remember Rebecca – she was on Tuesday Debut last week. That link will take you there if you want another look at her book 😊)

And… the lucky winner of ONE TOMATO is… Bru Benson!!!

Bru, please email me or use the contact page above to email me so I can get your snail mail address and send you your book! I know you’ll love it! 😊

Nothing like talking about garden vegetables and thinking about how Autumn brings miniature candy bars to make you want Something Chocolate, so how about a little indulgence? Today I’m thinking Tiger Butter, which is a creamy fudge-type candy/bark made from chocolate, white chocolate, and peanut butter. Yum! Sounds like breakfast to me! 😊

Tiger Butter

Recipe HERE at Butter With A Side Of Bread

The recipe website says it makes a great holiday candy, but it looks to me like it would be delicious ANY day! 😊

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Kelly who says, “I live in eastern Washington on the mighty Columbia River. I homeschooled my son and daughter, then finished my degree in Early Childhood Education. I worked with the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program before retiring and pursuing a career in children’s literature. I am a determined literacy activist who tutored ESL students in college. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2000 and am a passionate mental health and neurodivergent  advocate.”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Which Newbie You Be?

Age/Genre: MG

The Pitch: The author uses weather metaphors to tell the story of resilient teen with a “can-do” spirit juggling the secret of her bipolar disorder as a newbie, negotiating the stigma of mental illness, middle school friendships, another newbie and parental conflict, to show hope through a life-altering move to a small town. Someone with a broken leg or diabetes does not have a stigma attached to their illness, why should a person with a brain disorder?

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 your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Kelly 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 bar above.  There are openings in November, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Kelly is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to trying out that Tiger Butter recipe which looks simple enough that even I might be able to pull it off. If I fail at the recipe, Tiger Butter sounds like a good title for a picture book, so it’s all good 😊

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

Would You Read It Wednesday #393 – The Good Wolf (PB)

45 Comments

Howdy Friends!

How’s the first week of school going for everyone? Hopefully your school buses are showing up!

Things are busy in my neck of the woods, but I got a surprise visit from my sister, so that was amazing! (Too short, but I guess every visit is. We should live closer!)

Also, in my quest to discover that which is nonessential but endlessly entertaining, I found out that Violet’s DNA test claims she is a mix of 24 breeds including 9% Chihuahua, which is why even though she looks like this:

she still clearly thinks she’s a lap dog 😊

It’s all in how you see yourself, right? 😊 I’m pretty sure there are a whole lot of good picture book ideas in that!

I don’t know about you, but I see myself having a little Something Chocolate right about now. Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Chocolate Cake anyone? Why yes, thank you, don’t mind if I do! 😊

Oreo Cheesecake Chocolate Cake

Recipe HERE at OMG Chocolate Desserts

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Hannah who says, “Hello, there! I’m Hannah, an army wife, mother to three boys, and children’s writer. I love writing for kids because it brings out the kid in me 😊”

Find her on the web at https://www.hannahlapehnbooks.com/

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Good Wolf

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: 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.

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 your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Hannah 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 bar above.  There are openings in October, so you could get your pitch up pretty soon for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Hannah is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to reading the pile of picture books on my desk – some new, some just new to me – but all of them look good!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊