We are thrilled that Elisabeth Norton is joining the Cynsations team covering the European market. The above photo shows The Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland. Hiking is one of the ways Elisabeth refills her creative well.
Welcome to Cynsations! Could you tell us about your vision for covering books related to the European market here at the blog? Why did you decide to take on this role in the conversation of books?
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Overground Railroad by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James Ransome (Holiday House, 2020).
Author/Illustrator Insights
Katie Yamasaki Talks With Roger by Roger Sutton from The Horn Book.
Today we’re chatting with a few Angelella Editorial editors about what it’s like to be a freelance editor, along with tips for working with a freelance editor.
First, what makes Angelella Editorial different from other editorial companies?
Diane: We’re small enough to work as a team, but large enough to offer a range of perspectives and experiences to prospective clients.
Continue Reading Editor Interview: Angelella Editors on Freelance Editing »
Today I am so pleased to welcome the illustrator/author debut duo Larissa and Keith Marantz. From being inspired by their own children to working as a team, they’ll share their unique path to publication.
What first inspired you to write for young readers?
Keith: Well, we had young readers at home. Our kids were our inspiration and first audience (and first critics).
I am so pleased to welcome Elisa Boxer, author of The Voice That Won The Vote: How One Woman’s Words Made History, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger (Sleeping Bear, 2020). Today Elisa shares her thoughts on writing for children and the importance of each voice.
What was your initial inspiration for writing this book?
As a journalist,
Continue Reading Interview: Elisa Boxer on Writing, Voting & the Importance of Each Voice »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
(Author Monique Gray Smith and illustrator Nicole Niedhardt are the creators of When We Are Kind (Orca, 2020).)
Author/Illustrator Insights
Congratulations, Lisa on the release of Novels in Verse for Teens: A Guidebook with Activities for Teachers and Librarians (ABC-CLIO, 2020)! What is it about novels in verse that fascinates you?
Thank you so much, Cynthia! I think novels in verse first grabbed my attention when I attended an event a few years ago where author Kwame Alexander performed live rap-like performances for his poems from The Crossover (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt,
What an honor it’s been to revisit my first few books and to re-envision them for today’s young readers:
David A. Roberton‘s latest release for young readers is The Barren Grounds (The Misewa Saga, #1)(Puffin, 2020). From the promotional copy:
Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in an epic middle grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities,
Continue Reading Native Voice: David A. Robertson on Worldbuilding & The Barren Grounds »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Cover Reveal for Jo Jo Makoons: The Used to Be Best Friend by Dawn Quigley, illustrated by Tara Audibert (Heartdrum, 2021) from We Need Diverse Books. Peek: “Hello/Boozhoo—meet Jo Jo Makoons!
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