Kicking Off a New Writing Year

With the beginning of January and a new calendar year, also comes the start of a new 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge year, the goal during which is twelve new picture book rough drafts in twelve months. This particular year is full of hope and progress for me as I've upgraded my membership from silver to gold. Looking forward to a year of motivation, inspiration, persistence, production and interaction.

New Contract Signed!

 

I am so excited to announce I've recently signed a contract on a new picture book. Thank you, Vivian Zabel of 4RV Publishing, for believing in me and COUNTING THE WAY TO ABUELA'S. I am excited to see my story come to life in Aidana's art and illustrations.

The Germination of an Idea

Starts. It seems this is the name of the game these days. I come up with an idea I feel has merit. Start the manuscript, sprinkle in a few other ideas, see which way it may go, and then let the dust collect on it. I've started so many stories over the last few months, but only one has come to fruition as a complete PB. I am quite excited about this story and have high hopes, but I am stuck trying to figure out how to be better at developing the seed of my other ideas into a complete story.

September brings a new month, a new start, and I am re-energized to be productive and develop the fresh ideas as they come. An upcoming SCBWI conference should help fuel the fire as well.

I would love to hear your strategies for productivity and what helps you see an idea through to completion should you be inclined to share.

Enjoy the long holiday weekend and happy writing!

Newest Book Review of ALPHABET ZOO

I am excited to share another lovely book review of ALPHABET ZOO. Thank you, Ann Marshall, for taking the time to read and review my book. Read Ann's review below:

"Alphabet Zoo is a delightful book, full of clever rhymes and colorful, adorable illustrations. Besides being such an entertaining read, it’s also a wonderful teaching tool—not just for helping children learn the alphabet, but also for gaining fascinating animal facts (e.g., Did you know ostriches can’t fly…and that the jaguar is the world’s 3^rd largest cat?!). Congrats to author, Karin Larson, and illustrator, C.E. Dale, for creating this fun-filled journey through the alphabet that kids will love!"

 

Here is one of the adorable illustrations by C.E. Dale to which Ann was referring.

 

 You can find more on my website as well as purchase information.

Mission Complete

As January came to a close and February dawned (bringing Spring ever closer, thankfully), I wrapped up my January StoryStorm challenge of 30 ideas in 31 days...I actually jotted 31 ideas in 31 days. Not all are good nor worthy of developing even to the shiXXy rough draft stage, but some I am quite excited about pursuing. 

Thank you, Tara Lazar, for your ongoing inspiration and support of children's authors everywhere.

 

Picture Book Bonanza

In a world where chaos, fear and uncertainty reign supreme, sometimes you just have to lose yourself in a good picture book and revisit the wonder of childhood. As a picture book author, I do this all the time; however, I highly recommend it for everyone. It makes the heart happy!

Here is what is on my reading list for the next couple days. Some classics and some new, but all wonderful.

The Remember Balloons
Where the Wild Things Are
The Giving Tree
Goodnight Moon
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Velveteen Rabbit
Love You Forever
Oh, The Places You'll Go!
The Kissing Hand
Neck & Neck
I Wish You More
The Rainbow Fish
The Snowy Day
Owl Moon

And, of course, my own...

Mission Accomplished

Another great StoryStorm finished.  31 picture book ideas in 31 days. Thank you, Tara Lazar, for the wonderful month of inspiration!

Book Review: Mixter Twizzle's Breakfast

TITLE: MIXTER TWIZZLE’S BREAKFAST

AUTHOR: Regan W.H. Macaulay

ILLUSTRATOR: Wei Lu

PUBLISHER: Mirror World Publishing

PUBLISHED: September 1, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-987976-49-6

Mixter Twizzle’s Breakfast, written by Regan W.H. Macaulay and illustrated by Wei Lu, is the story of Mixter Twizzle, a mischievous creature living below the chicken coop at Riverdale Farm. His devilish escapades render him an outcast on the farm. But is this lonely life enough for Mixter? Kids and parents alike will enjoy following Mixter’s antics around the farm as he stirs up trouble.

Ms. Macaulay’s creative use of language and alliteration in her story telling make this a fun read. MIXTER TWIZZLE’S BREAKFAST allows kids to learn the benefits of treating others well without preaching the lesson and is highly recommended for readers ages 4-7.

Ms. Lu’s beautifully bright and animate illustrations really bring Mixter Twizzle and his story to life.

Learn more about Ms. Macaulay at  https://reganwhmacaulay.weebly.com/.

**Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review consists only of my truthful opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher.

Book Contract

I am excited to announce I've recently signed a contract for my third children's picture book, ALPHABET ZOO.  I am excited to work with the 4RV family once again and can't wait to see my story come to life as the illustrator brings his/her vision to the creative process.

Check back for updates as we get closer to publication and the release date.

Exciting New Guardian Angel Publishing Releases

October 2016 Guardian Angel Releases

Coby Ryan Harris is Officially Fat!
Chapbook for Tweens
by Joni Klein-Higger, Flora Zaken-Greenberg, Ph.D.
An inspiring novel about Coby Ryan Harris, a smart and funny seventh-grade boy who overcomes the challenges of childhood obesity, bullying, girls, and divorce.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/coby-ryan.htm

Once Twice Thrice
Academic Wings
by Kim Chatel; Illustrations by Kathleeen Bullock
Once Twice Thrice is a loving and humorous look at a father trying to explain plurals to his child. Names of groups of animals to learn about, too.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/123.htm

Something to Crow About- A Children’s Easter Musical
Angelic Harmony
by Dixie Phillips, Sharon Phillips
Crow the rooster is an eyewitness the night Peter denied Jesus, but no one has ever heard his account until now.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/crow-about.htm

Too Big
Chapbook for Tweens
by Judith Dearborn Nill
Shelby Bradshaw hopes to escape the ridicule she endures for being the biggest girl in her class by skipping fifth grade, but her problems worsen as she tries to act older than she is.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/too-big.htm

What a darling picture book!

Title: MRS. BETSY FIELDMOUSE BORROWS AN EGG

Author: Barbara Bockman

Illustrator:  Elexis King

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Published: August 2016

Paperback ISBN: 9781616337841

eBook ISBN: 9781616337858

MRS. BETSY FIELDMOUSE BORROWS AN EGG, written by Barbara Bockman and illustrated by Elexis King, is an endearing picture book perfect for children ages 3-7.

The best laid plans often go awry as Mrs. Betsy Fieldmouse finds out when her mission to bake a birthday cake for a friend, Mrs. Tillie Beaver, runs into a snag…she doesn’t have an egg.  So begins a circular process of calling on friends in a time of need with a nice little surprise at the end.  Mrs. Bockman uses lively language (“twitchy whiskers,” “button nose,” “bushy ring tail”) and a repetitive manner in story telling that children will enjoy reading over and over again. 

Ms. King’s creative and colorful illustrations engage children and give life to Mrs. Bockman’s text.  MRS. BETSY FIELDMOUSE BORROWS AN EGG is a fun picture book which teaches children about the joy of helping others and taking pride in doing so.  Highly recommended!

Author information can be found at www.barbarabockman.com

Illustrator information is available at www.elexisking.com

** Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.  This review consists of my truthful opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher.

A Delightful Read

Title: In and Out, All ‘Round About—Opposite Friends

Author: Penelope Anne Cole

Illustrator: Agy Wilson

Paperback: 32 Pages

Publisher: Magical Book Works (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)

Published: January 2016

ISBN: 978-1943196-04-3

Penelope Anne Cole’s newest release, In and Out, All ‘Round About—Opposite Friends, illustrated by Agy Wilson, is an endearing rhyming book that teaches of enduring friendship despite differences and distance. 

In and Out is a great read-aloud for children which may also be used in the classroom to teach about opposites and cultural diversity.  It will be a terrific tool for generating conversation and open dialogue regarding differences amongst all of us.  It proves that differences between kids are not an obstacle but can and should be something to celebrate and build solid friendships upon. 

As is typical of Penelope Anne Cole’s writing style, she teaches solid values in such a storytelling way that kids will not even be aware of all they are learning.

Ms. Wilson’s vividly colorful and beautiful illustrations give life to Cole’s voice.  A must read for all children ages 5-8!

Learn more or contact Penelope Anne Cole at:

www.penelopeannecole.com

www.pennyreviews-chat.blogspot.com

pennyannecole@gmail.com

Learn more about Agy Wilson at:

www.agywilson.com