Happy last Perfect Picture Book Friday before Halloween, everyone!
I apologize for the late post – family situation hopefully now under control!
Before I share my Perfect Picture Book for today, I just want to mention (apologies in advance for shouting out my own book) that I am honored that Beth Stillborn has very kindly showcased ALPHABEDTIME for her PPBF today, and there’s a little Mystery Interview to go along with it, which I may or may not have had something to do with 😊 I hope you’ll hop over and visit her because she did this specially!
Now, that that dreadful commercial interruption is over 😊, I have a delightful story to share with you today – deliciously scary for Halloween! 😊🎃🧙♀️👻 If you have a sensitive or easily frightened little one, have a look at the illustrations below so you can judge if it’s a good choice for your little pumpkin.
Title: I Want To Be In A Scary Story
Written By: Sean Taylor
Illustrated By: Jean Jullien
Publisher: Candlewick, July 2017, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 2-5
Themes/Topics: humor, scary vs. funny, interactive story (between main character and narrator)
text copyright Sean Taylor 2017, illustration copyright Jean Jullien 2017, Candlewick
Opening: “Hello, Little Monster. What do you want to do today? Can I be in a story?”
text copyright Sean Taylor 2017, illustration copyright Jean Jullien 2017, Candlewick
Brief Synopsis: Little Monster wants to be the star of an utterly terrifying scary story. But scary stories . . . well, they can be very scary — especially for their characters! Especially if they involve dark forests and creepy witches and spooky houses . . . Oh boy! Maybe a funny story would be better after all!
text copyright Sean Taylor 2017, illustration copyright Jean Jullien 2017, Candlewick
Links To Resources: how about a “scary” game of hide ‘n’ seek? Hide, and when the seeker gets close, pop out and say, “BOO!”; make up a scary story of your own and tell it to your family or friends in a spooky voice; talk about what makes something scary – different things scare different people – and whether you like to be scared (some people do!) or not (some people don’t!)
text copyright Sean Taylor 2017, illustration copyright Jean Jullien 2017, Candlewick
Why I Like This Book: This book is just the right amount of scary for young readers who like a little scare. Little Monster is adorable (definitely not scary 😊), and like all youngsters, sometimes what he thinks he wants turns out not to be exactly what he wants. He asks the author to put him in a scary story. The author cautions him that perhaps a funny story would be better, but Little Monster is sure! He wants a SCARY story! So the author puts him in a dark and terrifying forest. And, um, that’s a little too scary! As the story continues, the author keeps complying with Little Monster’s wishes and the story gradually becomes less and less scary until it ends up funny, a complete turn-around of what Little Monster originally asked for. But he also turns the tables on the author, which is where much of the humor comes from. The story is a little scary (maybe not for kids who are easily frightened, and maybe not the best choice for bedtime 😊 depending on your child) but it is also a story that explores setting boundaries and feeling safe within them – Little Monster is always in control and can change the rules so he knows he’s never really in danger, and it is a story after all! For writers, this is a fun title to examine. It is written completely in dialogue, and is interactive in that it is a conversation between the author and the main character.
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!
I have a wonderful family fall book to share, but first, one quick note:
Perfect Picture Books are meant to be reviewed on people’s blogs and include all the relevant information (title, author, illustrator, publisher, themes, age range of intended audience, review, etc), most importantly, links to resources or ideas of how the book can be expanded on at home or in the classroom, so the links provided must go to people’s blogs. You cannot put an Amazon link to a book title. You cannot put a Goodreads link to a book title. I had to remove about 50 titles that had no reviews by the person listing it and no resources provided. This list is meant to be a resource for parents, teachers, and writers to find great books. The reviews and resources are critical. Thank you all for understanding and following the guidelines!
Now! It’s Applesauce Day! 😊
Title: Applesauce Day
Written By: Lisa J. Amstutz
Illustrated By: Talitha Shipman
Publisher: Albert Whitman (August 2017), fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: autumn, apples, family tradition
Opening: “I spy the big pot on the counter right away. “Hooray!” I say. “It’s Applesauce Day!” Hannah cheers. Ezra bangs his spoon.”
text copyright Lisa J. Amstutz 2017, illustration copyright Talitha Shipman 2017, Albert Whitman
Brief Synopsis: Each fall, Maria’s family has Applesauce Day. All together, they go pick apples. Then they bring them to Grandma’s house and all together they make applesauce in the big pot that has been in their family for generations.
text copyright Lisa J. Amstutz 2017, illustration copyright Talitha Shipman 2017, Albert Whitman
Links To Resources: Make applesauce! It’s easy, fun, healthy, and delicious! HERE is a RECIPE
text copyright Lisa J. Amstutz 2017, illustration copyright Talitha Shipman 2017, Albert Whitman
Why I Like This Book: The text is simple and straightforward, and tells the story of a family doing something they do every year – going apple picking and then heading to Grandma’s house to make applesauce. At first, the child telling the story doesn’t see what’s so special about the pot. It looks like a regular pot to her. But as the family washes and slices the apples, her mother tells her about making applesauce with grandma in that pot, and grandma tells about making applesauce with her mother in that pot. And suddenly, the old pot seems very special because it draws them all together. By the end of the story, when they are driving home, the girl imagines that maybe someday she will have a child and make applesauce in the same pot that she, and her mother, and her grandmother, and her great-grandmother all used. It’s a lovely story of family and tradition, and also about the joy of picking apples and making applesauce in the fall.
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! There was a problem with the form earlier. I hope it’s fixed!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Maybe go pick some apples and make applesauce! 😊
Today, we get to learn all kinds of helpful things from Carrie Sharkey Asner, who has a lot to tell us about the self-publishing route to publishing a picture book.
Let’s jump right in, shall we? 😊
Blueberry Blue Bubbles written by Carrie Sharkey Asner illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski self-published October 18, 2022, fiction, ages 4-8
A bubblegum blower blows a blue bubble. But what happens when the bubble gets bigger, and bigger and bigger? Packed with humor, and filled with lively alliterations, this book is sure to have them begging to hear it again and again!
SUSANNA: Where did the idea for this book come from?
CARRIE: I realized I didn’t know much about picture books, so I took a lot of courses (including Making Picture Book Magic) and read many books. One repeating concept was to use strong verbs/nouns and not use many adjectives or adverbs. I thought, “I’ll show them” and ended up with a book with an increasing list of “B” words to describe a growing bubble. I would suggest trying out different things to see what works best for you and the book.
SUSANNA: How long did it take you to write this book?
CARRIE: It took me about 10 months from thought to self-publishing. I have a folder for each potential book idea and then add to them as I think of additional information. Many folders just have a sentence or two. Then I write a really rough draft and put it up for a few weeks. I revise it and put it back for another few weeks. Then I repeat it several times. Taking breaks seems to work the best for me. I also shared it with 3 critique groups and 2 editors and made changes after their input.
Carrie’s writing assistants, Joule and Aurora. . .. . . and Pixel (but not at the same time – Pixel does not tolerate dogs! 😊)
SUSANNA: When did you know your manuscript was ready for publication?
CARRIE: After the 3 critique groups, I had a critique/developmental edit and then a more in-depth edit with one editor and then I worked with an editor in our self-publishing class for the final edit.
Once the illustrations were back, I read the story to a 4-year-old. The book has a repeating line “I want it bigger.” After a couple of times, she was saying it with me and by the end, she was almost shouting it. Then she said my new favorite word – “Again!”. We read it 6 times. That encounter really helped me think it was ready to go.
SUSANNA: At what point did you decide to self-publish rather than submit to traditional publishers? Did you try traditional first? Or did you have specific reasons for wanting to self-publish?
CARRIE: I have several friends who have self-published and strongly suggested I go that route. I had heard that even if I went the traditional route, I would still be responsible for most of the marketing. I also wanted to pick out my own illustrators. Those are the main reasons for me to self-publish.
SUSANNA: How did you find an illustrator?
CARRIE: I absolutely LOVE my illustrators. I had two books that I sent out at the same time – a fun one and a sweet one. I felt I needed two very different styles of illustrations. Early on, I joined many Facebook author/illustrator groups and I saved any illustrations that I wanted to look at again. I followed illustrators on Instagram and looked through SCBWI and Reedsy and Fiverr illustrators. I spent hours trying to find the ones I thought were the best fit. After reviewing them many times, I decided on one that I found on Instagram and one from Facebook. I contacted them and was thrilled and surprised when they said they could work on my books.
SUSANNA: Did you and the illustrator have a contract of any kind? What types of items did it address?
CARRIE: I wanted to have the rights to the illustrations. So I had a work-for-hire contract for one and the other one also had a Fiverr page which basically has a work-for-hire contract so we worked through Fiverr. We had a time frame set up – one was much faster, and the other would send a new illustration every week. I had them sign a non-disclosure agreement as part of the contract.
I also used a graphic designer to place the text and help with the cover. Everything I read stresses how important the cover is.
SUSANNA: Are you able to give a ballpark figure of any kind (or a specific one if you’re so inclined 😊) about the cost of the illustrator?
CARRIE: One of them was ~$3500 and the other was ~ $1800.
SUSANNA: What was the illustration process like since you were directing it? Any particular challenges? Anything you particularly enjoyed?
CARRIE: I actually gave them a lot of freedom and I am so glad I did. They had a copy of the manuscript and I intentionally put in very few art notes. They came up with ideas that I never would have thought of. They did rough sketches and then we tweaked them from there.
SUSANNA: How did you format your book for publication?
CARRIE: The graphic design team also did the formatting.
SUSANNA: How did you select a printing service?
CARRIE: I followed what many of the self-publishing people I know to do, print-on-demand. Amazon for the eBook and soft cover. (Amazon does not have a hardcover option for lower-page number picture books).
Many also use IngramSpark for the hardcover which can be sold on Amazon and for hard and soft covers for other sellers besides Amazon. I have looked into using an offset printer for better pricing, but I feel I should see how my books sell before ordering the large minimums.
SUSANNA: Did you do a print run so you’d have inventory, or is your book print-on-demand? (And where is your book available – online bookstores? brick and mortar bookstores?)
CARRIE: Right now, it will be print-on-demand. My launch day is October 18 and will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
SUSANNA: Were you able to get your book reviewed by Kirkus, SLJ, Hornbook, Booklist etc?
CARRIE: I’m looking into the review process soon.
SUSANNA: Describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book.
CARRIE: I had a song commissioned for the book from a musician on Fiverr. It was so much fun! I started a website with help from my sister and we have the song plus a few activities to go along with the book. I am planning on adding more educational activities – something that teachers could use along with the book if they wanted. I also started a launch team so hopefully, it will help with reviews. I’ve reached out to other “bubble” picture book authors and hopefully, we can work out a group project for Bubble Week which happens the first week of Spring.
SUSANNA: Anything else you’d like to share about your book’s journey from inspiration to publication?
CARRIE: It is a LOT of work, but it is also really fun. The internet is full of resources that people can use and I would highly recommend critique groups – for both the feedback and the friends that you can make. I am so grateful to my family for their support.
SUSANNA: Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this series and paying it forward to other writers, Carrie! We so appreciate the opportunity to learn from you! Wishing you all the best with this and future titles!
Readers, if you have questions for Carrie, please post them in the comments below and if she has time I’m sure she’ll respond!
You may purchase Carrie’s book at: (all links below are book-specific)
It feels like Thursday, but somehow it’s Perfect Picture Book Friday already!
Where did this week go?
Any time there’s a holiday, the whole week just seems to speed by!
Where I live, the leaves are in their full fall finery, so it seems like a perfect day for a picture book about fall.
Are you ready for just about the cutest fall picture book ever written? Have a look at this truly Perfect Picture Book!
aren’t you just already in love with that little fox?! 🙂
Title: Fletcher And The Falling Leaves
Written By: Julia Rawlinson
Illustrated By: Tiphanie Beeke
Greenwillow Books, August 2008, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: seasons (autumn/winter), nature (changing seasons), love
Opening: “The world was changing. Each morning when Fletcher bounded out of the den, everything seemed just a little bit different. The rich green of the forest was turning to a dusty gold, and the soft, swishing sound of summer was fading to a crinkly whisper. Fletcher’s favorite tree looked dull, dry, and brown. Fletcher was beginning to get worried.“
text copyright Julia Rawlinson 2008, illustration copyright Tiphanie Beeke 2008, Greenwillow Books
Brief Synopsis: When the leaves on Fletcher’s favorite tree turn brown and begin to fall, Fletcher thinks something is terribly wrong. “Don’t worry,” his mother tells him. “It’s only autumn.” But Fletcher is worried. He does his best to catch the falling leaves and reattach them, but in spite of his efforts the last leaf finally falls. He promises the tree he’ll keep the last leaf safe and he takes it home to bed, still worried. To his surprise and delight, though, he wakes in the morning to a magical sight that convinces him everything is all right.
text copyright Julia Rawlinson 2008, illustration copyright Tiphanie Beeke 2008, Greenwillow Books
text copyright Julia Rawlinson 2008, illustration copyright Tiphanie Beeke 2008, Greenwillow Books
Why I Like This Book: Oh my goodness! What is there not to like?! The story is so sweet. Fletcher is so earnest in his desire to help his tree, so dedicated to saving it, and so worried on its behalf since he’s unable to understand from his child’s-eye-view the concept of autumn, changing seasons, and the cycle of life. He doesn’t know that it’s natural for leaves to fall and that his tree is just fine and will green again come spring. It takes the magic of icicles glimmering in the morning sun to show him that his tree is beautiful (and okay!) in every season. The art is such a perfect match for the story – impressionistic water colors in soft, hazy tones of autumn brown and orange that give way to the cool blue/green and white tones of winter, and Fletcher himself is so endearing. As adults, we often take the change of seasons for granted, but this book is a gem for the way it shows the wonder of changing seasons as a child appreciates them.
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!
Dear Steph, Leslie, Phyllis, Katie, David, Deborah, Patricia, Kim, Tim, Genevieve, Danielle, Lauri F, Karen, Marty, Charlotte, Bru, Susan, Jenna, Ashley, Ellie, Laura, Mary, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Cathy, Angie, Jilanne, Jen, Ingrid, Lauri M, Sarah, Sandy, Lorelei, Jessica, Judy, and Lindsey,
Thank you all so much for coming to the baby shower, and for ALL the wonderful gifts you brought! With 16 days to go until its arrival, Betsy and I are thrilled that, thanks to YOU, our alphababy has been added to 20 Goodreads shelves, been shared on Twitter 18 times, on FB 5 times, and on Instagram 3 times, requested for purchase by 20 libraries from NH all the way to OR, requested for stocking at 5 Indie bookstores, and pre-ordered by 6 of you! Our alphababy is so lucky to be joining such a generous and welcoming family! Betsy and I thank you with all our hearts! Thank you, thank you! ❤️
And now, I’m delighted to announce the winners of the 3 giveaway copies of ALPHABEDTIME, personalized and signed by me (and if we can manage it, 😊 Betsy as well!)
Winners were drawn by entering every gift given into random.org and generating a random list from which the top 3 were selected
Congratulations to you all, and thanks again to everyone who helped share ALPHABEDTIME! Winners, please email me with your snail mail addresses and who you’d like the book signed to and we will get them out to you as soon as we can!
ALPHABEDTIME will be having a blog tour which will be properly announced with graphics and link list, along with possible additions or alterations, but you can look forward to seeing it at the blogs below between October 16 and November 13!
October 16: Book Journey with Kathy Temean plus GIVEAWAY
October 25: Simply 7 Author/Illustrator Interview with Jena Benton plus GIVEAWAY
October 25: Author/Illustrator Interview with Lindsay Ward plus GIVEAWAY
October 28: Perfect Picture Book Friday Review and Interview with Beth Stillborn plus GIVEAWAY
October 28: KidLit 411 Giveaway
October 29: Will Write For Cookies Interview with Vivian Kirkfield plus GIVEAWAY
November 1: Review and Interview with Maria Marshall plus GIVEAWAY
November 5: Review and Alphabet Recipe with Julie Abery plus GIVEAWAY
November 7: Book Related Activities with Laura Sassi plus GIVEAWAY
November 8: Review and Interview with Laura Roettiger plus GIVEAWAY
November 8: Picture Book Look Podcast with Author and Illustrator
November 13: Author/Illustrator Interview and Craft with Lauri Fortino plus GIVEAWAY
Is it just me, or has this been a crazy, busy week?
Also, an exciting week as just yesterday I got my author copies of ALPHABEDTIME! Want to see? 😊
Violet is so excited to have a new book to read!
For anyone who might be in the area, I will be at Warwick Children’s Book Festival on Saturday along with many other fabulous children’s authors and illustrators! And (fingers crossed!) I will hopefully have copies of ALPHABEDTIME, available before the official release date just for Warwick! I hope you’ll join us if you can!
But now, I have a lovely book to show you. It has been a casualty of supply chain issues and so had its release date pushed back, but that just gives you more time to preorder it 😊
Title: Teddy, Let’s Go!
Written By: Michelle Nott
Illustrated By: Nahid Kazemi
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books, December 6, 2022, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: transitional object, new sibling, family, love
Opening: “The wavy-haired woman with love in her eyes pulled me close and whispered in my ear. Then she wrapped me up. And I floated.”
These are the first words of the story, but it begins earlier with the art, showing Grandma at her sewing machine making Teddy.
Brief Synopsis: My’s beloved Teddy Bear goes with her everywhere. Through her early childhood he is a constant companion and friend. As she grows older, she relies on him less, but he still holds a special place in her heart. So special that when her little brother comes along, she knows just what she must do.
Links To Resources: Make a teddy bear for yourself, a new sibling, a friend, or anyone you love
Why I Like This Book: This is such a sweet story! So many children have transitional objects, those loveys they carry with them everywhere to lend strength and comfort. This little girl has a Teddy who was made with love especially for her by her grandma. From her crib to camp, Teddy goes with her, always listening for her words: “Teddy, let’s go!” And he always goes. As she grows older, he goes less and stays home more. She doesn’t need him all the time, which is as it should be, but she still needs him sometimes. Then things begin to feel different around the house. In the art, preparations are being made. A mom whose shape is changing. A crib with a mobile. And then, one night, a small voice cries, and the girl takes her beloved Teddy to their first bed and tucks him in next to her brand new little brother. (Moms and Dads, I dare you not to tear up 😊) Young readers will relate to this love for a special stuffed animal or blankie, as so many of us have had something like that, to the comfort it brings, and the love with which it is bestowed. And maybe one day some of them will pass their loveys on to a new sibling, too.
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!
Just a smidge behind with the post this morning (oops! 😊) but woohoo! It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday!
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a book I thought was gorgeous on this level. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, I highly recommend finding a copy because it is not to be missed!
Let’s have a look, shall we?
Title: Brown Is Warm, Black Is Bright
Written By: Sarah L. Thomson
Illustrated By: Keith Mallett
Publisher: Little Brown Books For Young Readers, August 30, 2022, lyrical fiction
text copyright Sarah L. Thomson 2022, illustration copyright Keith Mallett 2022, Little Brown
Opening: “Brown is crisp. . . crunch and crackle, catch me as I fall. Black is splash. . . Spray! Splatter! to send a puddle flying.”
text copyright Sarah L. Thomson 2022, illustration copyright Keith Mallett 2022, Little Brown
Brief Synopsis: From the publisher: “Have you ever paused to savor the power and beauty of brown and black? Brown is strong as a tree and sweet as honey in tea; black is the hopeful promise of a seed and the grace of a bird in flight… and the quiet space where dreams begin.”
text copyright Sarah L. Thomson 2022, illustration copyright Keith Mallett 2022, Little Brown
Links To Resources: what do Black and Brown (or other colors) mean to you? How do they make you feel? Draw a picture of it, or write a haiku or a poem about it. What do you think of when you think of Black or Brown (or other colors)? Recipes to make? Make them! Flowers or vegetables to plant? Plant them! What is one dream you have? Is it something you’d like to share? Or something to hold in your heart just for you?
text copyright Sarah L. Thomson 2022, illustration copyright Keith Mallett 2022, Little Brown
Why I Like This Book: This book is a perfect example of what picture books should be – a beautiful marriage of text and art. It is a celebration of Black and Brown, but also of love and hope and wonder, strength and dreams and play, warmth and safety, and the beauty of the natural world. The words are lyrical and evocative, and the art is warm and lush and gorgeous. It makes you feel the text. And Keith Mallett’s skill with facial expression is remarkable. A lovely read that will create a feeling of calm and safety and encourage children to explore all that the world has to offer outside, and all the dreams they may have inside.
text copyright Sarah L. Thomson 2022, illustration copyright Keith Mallett 2022, Little Brown
text copyright Sarah L. Thomson 2022, illustration copyright Keith Mallett 2022, Little Brown
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!
I’m thrilled to present debut author Shachi Kaushik and her beautiful book about Diwali, DIWALI IN MY NEW HOME! She has a lot of great tips and advice to share, so let’s get right to it! 😊
Diwali In My New Home by Shachi Kaushik Illustrated by Aishwarya Tondoon Published By: Beaming Books Releasing: September 27th, 2022 Age: Early Grades (5-8 years)
Priya loves being with family and friends to watch fireworks and celebrate Diwali. But this year Priya and her parents are living in the United States, and no one seems to know about the holiday. Priya misses the traditions in India. But as the day passes she celebrates the day with her neighbors. And even though the celebration is different this year, it’s still Diwali.
SUSANNA: Welcome, Shachi! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today and share your journey to publication. We can’t wait to hear about it! Where did the idea for this book come from?
SHACHI: For the past few years, I had been doing Diwali events for children at the RoundRock Public Library. This event grew bigger and bigger each year. Seeing the joy on children’s faces bought so much satisfaction to me that I wanted to write a Diwali book. The story of Priya is drawn from my own personal experience. The ideas are always floating around us. We just need to catch one and make it our story.
SUSANNA: How long did it take you to write this book?
SHACHI: Most of my manuscripts are a result of the Writing Barn classes. For me taking classes are a self-investment. These classes keep me focused, I learn new techniques, I get to make new friends and most importantly one can find their critique group. I took classes from The Writing Barn, The Storyteller Academy, SCBWI and the monthly 12×12 webinars.
SUSANNA: Did you go through many revisions?
SHACHI: The rough draft of this manuscript had 1200 words, which now is under 500. So there have been several revisions. The first draft is never your final draft. I wrote drafts from the point of view of first person and third, in past tenses and present tenses. Once I have my manuscript I do storyboarding where I put the layout the text onto thirty pages. This helps me see the story more clearly and helps with my edits. One can use Canva or sticky notes for storyboarding.
SUSANNA: When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?
SHACHI: I took my manuscript to different of critique groups and took a lot of feedback. I eventually submitted it for the Austin 2019 Writers & Illustrators Working Conference where this manuscript was nominee of Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award. At that time, I knew I could start submitting it to agents.
SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?
SHACHI: I first submitted this manuscript for LEE & LOW BOOKS – New Voices Writing Competition. When I did not get a response for three months, I signed up with an agent and the manuscript went out for submissions.
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”?
SHACHI: This book got a number of rejections, and it took almost 9 months when the ‘Yes’ came my way. But it came from three publishers. One of them wanted me to make changes, which they did not quite like and rejected. In the end I had two offers. The 9 months were worth a wait.
SUSANNA: When did you get “the call”, which these days is more likely to be “the email”? (Best moment ever! 😊)
SHACHI: We all want to hear that good news as early as our book is out for submissions, but it doesn’t always happen. I got several rejections for this book. At one point I rebranded my book, by changing the title and changing the name of the main character. The book was earlier titled ‘Diwali Away from Home’ and the main character was a boy character which now is a girl.
SUSANNA: How long was it between getting your offer and getting your contract to sign?
SHACHI: I got the offer in June 2021 and signed the contract in July 2021.
SUSANNA: How did you celebrate signing your contract?
SHACHI: I had moved from Austin to Toronto, without my husband behind. Due to covid restrictions, Toronto was still under a a lockdown. I celebrated virtually with my husband eating pizza and later celebrated the big news with my new friends in a new city, Toronto.
SUSANNA: Was the contract what you expected in terms of advance, royalty percentage, publication timeline, author copies etc.?
SHACHI: When I had two offers, I evaluated both the publishing houses on the publication timeline and the marketing of their books. I signed the contract with Beaming Books and negotiated on the number of author copies.
SUSANNA: Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?
SHACHI: My editor Andrea Hall made the process helpful. Andrea gave notes with explanation which helped me learn why the change was necessary. There were a few changes that I had to make, and nothing major that would make the story go off track.
SUSANNA: What was your experience of the illustration process like?
SHACHI: My publisher involved me from the early process. They shared Aishwarya’s work and asked what my thoughts were. I loved her work. It was colorful and beautifully detailed. Knowing that Aishwarya is from India, I was happy cause she too celebrates Diwali and could bring out all the colors of festival. The illustrator and art director did a wonderful job in bringing the story to life. I added my personal elements to the story with my words and similarly Aishwarya added her personal elements and touch to the story with her art.
It was lovely to meet Aishwarya and hear what her thoughts were when she read my manuscript and how she filled the story with colors. In the cover you see the character wearing a sweater with a sun, the sun is the sign of Beaming Books.
I did add my notes because I wasn’t sure if the illustrator would be someone who would have experienced the holiday. Aishwarya did get a few notes but not all.
SUSANNA: Did you get to see advance reviews from Kirkus, SLJ, etc? What was that like?
SHACHI: The Kirkus review wasn’t so great. It said, “A book about Diwali that doesn’t quite crackle.” First, I was disappointed but as a creative I’ve learned not everyone will like your book. I get more satisfaction when an immigrant tells me that they relate to the story and share their experience.
SUSANNA: Reviews can be tough. It’s wonderful that you were able to focus on what was important – your readers! How long did it take from offer to having the first copy in your hand?
SHACHI: 15 months.
SUSANNA: What kind of marketing and promotion has your publisher done for this book?
SHACHI: Beaming Books is good with their promotion. They meet you in advance and have one on one with you to discuss the marketing plans. The publicist has reached out to several bookstores for events, made connections with media companies for my book.
SUSANNA: Describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book.
SHACHI: I joined a picture book promotional group, and we help each other promote. I did create a book trailer. As my book is on the holiday Diwali, I’ve made a special Diwali Kit, which has my book, bookmarks, stickers and a few Diwali goodies.
SUSANNA: That sounds like fun! How long was it between the time you started writing seriously and the time you sold your first picture book?
SHACHI: When I started writing I thought of self-publishing, but when I came out of Carmen Oliver’s class at the Writing Barn, my perspective changed. I started writing seriously in January 2019 and sold my book in June 2021.
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?)
SHACHI: Read, Write, Critique, go out for events and have patience because it takes time.
SUSANNA: Anything else you’d like to share about your book’s journey from inspiration to publication?
SHACHI: One thing I’ve learned if you can believe it, you can achieve it. Just keep working towards it.
SUSANNA: That is great advice! Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this series and paying it forward to other writers, Shachi! We all wish you the best with this and future titles!
Author Shachi Kaushik and illustrator Aishwarya Tondoon. Shachi was finally able to take a trip to India and met her in Jaipur.
Are you ready for this week’s list of Perfect Picture Books? I am! And I have such a sweet one to start you off with!
Title: The Little Bear
Written & Illustrated By: Nicola Killen
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, June 28, 2022, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: first day of school, apprehension
Opening: “It was the night before school started and Ollie was feeling nervous. She filled her little bear backpack, ready for the morning, and had one last practice lesson on the way to bed.”
text and illustration copyright Nicola Killen 2022, Paula Wiseman Books
Brief Synopsis: [From the publisher] “The end of summer can be a bittersweet time, and Ollie isn’t sure if she’s ready to go back to school. But the night before her first day back, Ollie dreams about a magical schoolhouse in the woods full of friendly little animals who make learning an adventure. When Ollie wakes up, she can’t wait to go to school!”
text and illustration copyright Nicola Killen 2022, Paula Wiseman Books
text and illustration copyright Nicola Killen 2022, Paula Wiseman Books
Why I Like This Book: I am such a fan of Nicola Killen’s books. They are all lovely, sweet, friendly, and comforting, and this one is no exception. Ollie is excited about school, but a little nervous. The night before school begins, she dreams that she follows an owl on a magical journey into the woods, where she finds a little school house filled with friendly animals. A little bear is standing outside looking nervous. Knowing exactly how he feels, Ollie suggests they go in together. One fun activity follows another and everyone has a wonderful day. When Ollie awakens in the morning, she is excited and ready for her first day! The story makes school look so fun and friendly that any young reader who is feeling anxious about school will feel encouraged to give it a try with a positive attitude. The art is charming – so appealing! – with a little cut-out like a magical door at the beginning and end of the journey, and highlights of shiny foil here and there to add sparkle. A sweet, quiet read that will reassure anyone who is apprehensive about their first day of school.
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!
A fabulous list of Perfect Picture Books just in time for the weekend!
But FIRST! I’m happy to announce the randomly selected winner of last week’s giveaway, Rosanne Kurstedt’s beautiful AND I THINK ABOUT YOU!
ANDREA MACK, come on down! YOU are the lucky winner! Congratulations!!! Please email me (you can use the handy contact form in the menu above if you don’t have my email) and let me know your snail mail address so I can send you the book!
Lovely!
Onward!
Today I have a very entertaining book to share called I CANNOT DRAW A HORSE.
Now, I don’t want to brag, but I actually CAN draw a horse.
Look:
I drew that myself – a Susanna Hill original – no artistic training whatsoever!
I know. It’s a gift.
But for those of you who might need a little instruction, (not to mention a fun story) check out this book!
Title: I Cannot Draw A Horse
Written & Illustrated By: Charise Mericle Harper
Publisher: Union Square Kids, October 11, 2022, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-8
Themes/Topics: creativity, imagination, self-belief, art
text and illustration copyright Charise Mericle Harper 2022, Union Square Kids
Opening: “This is my shape. Hello, shape! “What am I?” asked the shape. I am a nothing shape. You are not a nothing shape. Look! I can draw a cat. I want a horse.
text and illustration copyright Charise Mericle Harper 2022, Union Square Kids
Brief Synopsis: The book has a shape. It can make the shape a cat. The cat wants a horse. The book cannot draw a horse, but it can draw lots of other things to give the cat fun and excitement. But the cat still wants a horse. Can the book find a way to supply one?
Links To Resources: the book itself is a fun art resource. The pages are like graph paper, and all of the images are made from simple, easy-to-copy shapes and lines that kids can have fun trying their hands at. Start by trying the ones from the book, then see what you can make on your own! Topic for discussion: how important is it to believe you can do something? Does believing you can do something make you able to do it? Does believing you can’t make it impossible?
text and illustration copyright Charise Mericle Harper 2022, Union Square Kids
Why I Like This Book: For starters, this book is a clever departure from standard story telling. The book itself plays an important role by creating all the images that appear. It begins with a shape that looks like a gumdrop. When the shape complains it is nothing, the book makes it into a cat. The cat demands a horse, which the book says it cannot draw, but it willingly supplies other friends – a squirrel, a beaver, a bunny, and a dog. It provides fun in the form of a pool for splashing and a skateboard for going fast. The cat, however, will not be happy until it gets a horse. So at last the book grudgingly makes an attempt. I will not give away the ending – you must read it for yourself or it will be spoiled – but it made me laugh out loud! This picture book, which is like an introduction to graphic novels, is sure to have kids giggling, and experimenting with shapes to see what they can draw!
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! 😊 Practice your horse drawing 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
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