Author Interview: Karina Iceberg Celebrates Community Connection in A Good Hide

by AJ Eversole

Today I get to chat with author Karina Iceberg. Her debut picture book,  A Good Hide, illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Heartdrum, 2026), is about what happens after the moose hunt, when community comes together to celebrate the sustenance the animal provides. In a starred review,

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Author Interview: Bread, Love, and the Art of Showing Up with Pooja Makhijani

By Suma Subramaniam

I met Pooja Makhijani a few years ago through an online South Asian children’s book group, and we’ve stayed friends ever since. Pooja is an incredible baker. She taught me how to make naan. When I heard about her forthcoming picture book celebrating bread, I couldn’t wait to cheer for her and share it with the world.

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New Voices: Author Cathy Petter on Picture Book Revision, the Author-Editor Relationship & Embracing Inspiration

By Mitu Malhotra

Today we are excited to welcome Cathy Petter to share her writing journey with Cynsations.

Cathy’s debut, Dear Moxie, Dear Rex, illustrated by Bryony Clarkson (Reycraft Books, 2025), was released on Sept. 16. This picture book is an epistolary experiment that reveals the true feelings of two pets.

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Author Interview: Twila M. Barnes Reflects on The Cherokee People, Culture, & History

By AJ Eversole

I was delighted to chat with respected Cherokee historian, Twila M. Barnes, about her latest release from Capstone, The Cherokee People, Culture and History. The book is part a wonderful Indigenous Peoples series from Capstone that seeks to showcase a deep look into various Natives across the present-day United States,

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Author Interview: Ha Dinh Discusses Her New Chapter Book Series, Ly-Lan

By Suma Subramaniam

Hà Dinh and I have been friends on instagram for a while, and I loved her picture books. Now she has come up with a new chapter book series, Ly-Lan and the New Class Mix-Up (Zonderkidz, 2025), illustrated by Tracy Nishimura Bishop.  I am excited to welcome Hà to Cynsations to share all about it.

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The Dividing Sky by Jill Tew

Author Interview: Jill Tew On Writing Dystopian For A New Generation

Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!

By AJ Eversole

I have seriously loved every title I’ve read that comes from the JoyRevolution imprint, and this YA Dystopian—featuring Black main characters who have to bring down the corporate overlords all while riding a forbidden,

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New Voices: Sara Holly Ackerman & Elle Gonzales Rose Celebrate Debuts

Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!

By Mitu Malhotra and AJ Eversole

Sara Holly Ackerman – interviewed by Mitu

Today we welcome Sara Holly Ackerman to share her writing process with regards to her debut picture book The Gabi That Girma Wore,

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Author Interview: Srividhya Venkat Reflects on Her Creative Life & Picture Book Writing

By Suma Subramaniam

I’m thrilled to welcome Srividhya Venkat to Cynsations today!

What do you love most about the creative life/being an author? Why?

I consider my creative life to be a privilege and I’m grateful that I get to do this every day. I like that I can decide what projects to work on and do them at my own pace (with the exception of contracted projects). 

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Author Interview: Sher Lee on her Debut Journey & Fake Dates and Mooncakes

I am so happy I came across an early copy of Fake Dates and Mooncakes (Underlined/Penguin Random House, 2023). It charmed me from the very beginning of the story, the meet cute had me squealing, and then took me on a wonderful ride. I just knew I wanted to celebrate it and was delighted when author Sher Lee agreed to an interview.

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Kidlit Caravan Authors Debbie Zapata, Donna Cangelosi, Margaret Aitken, Rebecca Gardyn Levington & Robyn McGrath Discuss Picture Book Journeys

By Suma Subramaniam

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Kidlit Caravan authors Debbie Zapata, Donna Cangelosi, Margaret Aitken, Rebecca Gardyn Levington, and Robyn McGrath to Cynsations.

Kidlit Caravan is a troupe of authors and author-illustrators with debut picture books headed your way in 2022.

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