Today, I am so excited to welcome Bree Rae to the Cynsations Team! Bree joins us as a reporter-at-large covering the many facets of the children’s-YA community.
Welcome to Cynsations! Could you tell us about your vision for your coverage here at the blog? Why did you decide to take on this role in the conversation of books?
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: The Mysterious Stones by Enrique Pérez Díaz, illustrated by Yayo (Crocodile Books, 2020).
Author/Illustrator Insights
Literature Is a Bridge for Dreams by Enrique Pérez Díaz from We Need Diverse Books.
I recently talked with Andrew Rushton, Associate Publisher with NordSüd Verlag (Switzerland), and Beth Terrill, Editor, NorthSouth Books (U.S.), to learn more about publishing in two different markets. In the above photo, Beth Terrill and Lulu the dog are enjoying a good story.
For people who are not familiar with NordSüd Verlag (NorthSouth Books,
Continue Reading Industry Interview: Andrew Rushton of NordSüd Verlag & Beth Terrill of NorthSouth »
If you love old dogs and small kids, Martha Brockenbrough’s newly published picture book This Old Dog, illustrated by Gabriel Alborozo (Levine Querido, 2020) will capture your attention and your heart as you experience a friendship blooming between “old dog” and “his girl.” The story is remarkably well written,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Martha Brockenbrough on Real-Life Inspirations for Stories »
I am pleased to introduce Cynsations readers to our newest reporter, Rebecca Kirshenbaum, pictured above with one of her sons. She will cover books by neurodiverse authors reflecting neurodiverse characters as well as their work more globally.
Welcome to Cynsations! Could you tell us about your vision for covering books written by neurodiverse authors here at the blog?
Continue Reading New Cynsations Reporter Rebecca Kirshenbaum »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad by Don Tate (Peachtree Publishing Company, 2020).
Author/Illustrator Insights
As a talented author and poet, how does your love of poetry influence your picture books?
Poetry is where I got my start. I have loved words from the moment I meet them and found it was great fun to twist them around and make them sing! I wrote my first poem when I was eight years old and continued to and through adulthood.
Continue Reading Awesome Authors: Danna Smith on How Poetry Inspires Picture Books »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: It’s Halloween, Little Monster by Helen Ketteman, illustrated by Bonnie Leick (Two Lions, 2020).
Author/Illustrator Insights
Making a Joyful Noise Through Writing by Ashley Franklin from We Need Diverse Books.
I’m excited to welcome Crystal Allen, author and co-director of Kindling Words, who shares with Cynsations readers her vision for the retreat as well as her thoughts on writing.
Congratulations on being named co-director of Kindling Words! First, can you tell us a little bit about the Kindling Words retreat and its history?
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?