When I discovered The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, I was enthralled; immediately transported on an adventure. I devoured the whole series (at least twice). It was such an important part of my early childhood reading. An escape from reality. Just looking at "my" cover brings back fond memories of lying upside down, draped off the couch or hiding under my covers. It was such a big thrill this summer when I explored Oxford with my sister. We visited all the colleges where C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll wrote and/or taught. We ate a great lunch in The Eagle and the Child; the pub where these authors met as a critique group! Talk about awe inspiring! We even sat under artwor
I have not taken a straight path to becoming a children’s writer, but when I look back I realize that’s what I always wanted to be. ~ Caroline McAlister Caroline “started writing for children after having [her] own and being struck by the beauty and creativity of modern picture books for children. It took many false starts and rejections before [she] got published. Now, as a part time instructor, [she takes her] wonderful Guilford College students to Oxford, England to visit some of Tolkien’s haunts: The Eagle and Child, The White Horse, and Pembroke College.” She lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with her “philosopher husband, and a big slobbery Labrador retriever. Her fourth picture book
At some point, in some way, everyone has felt that they don't belong. Some are just better at hiding that insecurity. While others channel it into aggression against others. But since we are not carbon copies or clones, we are all naturally different. Those differences should be celebrated, encouraged, and nurtured. Not vilified, isolated, or worse attacked, either physically or emotionally. This week's #PPBF pick explores the Hawaiian tradition of Māhū, those who embrace both the feminine and masculine. Hoping to show that everyone deserves "unconditional acceptance and respect." HOʻONANI: Hula Warrior Author: Heather Gale Illustrator: Mika Song Publisher: Tundra Books (2019) Ages: 4-8 Fict
Today I have the distinct privilege of doing a joint interview with two amazing Kidlit creators - author Heather Gale and illustrator Mika Song. Heather Gale grew up in New Zealand. While she worked fitting arms and legs, and designing braces to help people stand, walk, and run, she really wanted to write. She now lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband, family and dogs, Molly and Cooper. Heather writes nonfiction children’s picture books, and her debut book, HOʻONANI: Hula Warrior, released October 1st. For more information on Heather, read her wonderful interview on Susanna Hill's Tuesday Debut post (https://susannahill.com/2019/11/12/tuesday-debut-presenting-heather-gale/?fbclid=IwAR358
Do you remember your first crush as a child? I've been told mine happened when I was two. I'm not sure though, as I don't remember the guy. But I do remember his sled team of beautiful husky dogs. So, maybe the crush was on the dogs? I've always thought "crush" was a funny word to use for a feeling of infatuation. Especially as your "crushed" if you're rejected. And these are totally opposite emotions. Maybe we need another short, easy term for that initial fascination. I know one child who claimed she had a "break," on another person. Not sure that works either. But isn't word play fun? Especially with the English language. Beth Ferry has written a number of books that play with words and h
“Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic." ~ Albus Dumbledore Beth Ferry reads and writes by the beach in New Jersey. She is the author of many picture books illustrated by many amazing artists, including Stick and Stone, Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish and The Scarecrow. Her newest picture book, Caveboy Crush, releases tomorrow. Welcome Beth, thank you so much for stopping by to talk about your newest books and writing. Thanks so much for having me! ME: Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you write? How long have you been writing? What is your favorite type of book to write?) BETH: Writing is the thing I look forward to most each day, especi
Did you ever pretend, by yourself or with siblings or friends, that you (or they) were the dog, cat, horse, or other pet you desperately wanted? I can remember my siblings and I having many exciting afternoons pretending to gallop around, as if on horses, or "train" each other to do an obstacle course (as dogs). But I never remember any of us totally believing, or forcing, an alternate reality, until my youngest brother came along. And no, we didn't pretend he was a dog. At least, I don't think they did. I had left for college at the time. The first Christmas I brought someone home to my family, my youngest brother had just turned four. For some reason, unknown to the rest of the family, he
Wow! It's amazing to think that I just started blogging in September of 2016. It has been both an honor and great fun getting to know so many authors and illustrators. And a pleasure helping spread the news about some amazing books. But let's get to why you're really here - Mike Boldt is in the house! Mike Boldt is an author/Illustrator of seven books and the illustrator of fourteen. It should be no surprise, based on his illustrations (and photo) that he still enjoys cartoons. He admits to being “amazed and grateful every day this is my job.” Welcome Mike, ME: Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you write/illustrate? How long have you been writing/illustrating? What is your favo
It is amazing how much a simple action - like a smile, holding a door for someone, or letting them go ahead of you in the grocery line (especially when they have fewer items than you) - can change someone's day. Every day, we have the opportunity to make a difference in another person's life. A difference that might seem minor to us, but monumental to someone else or the planet. One which we should endeavor to make every day. My #PPBF post this week focuses on Finding Kindness in our lives and spreading it to others. Finding Kindness Author: Deborah Underwod Illustrator: Irene Chan Publisher: Henry Holt & Company (2019) Ages: 4 - 8 Fiction Themes: Kindness, empathy, compassion, and generosit
