By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Game of Freedom: Mestre Bimba and the Art of Capoeira by Duncan Tonatiuh (Harry N. Abrams, 2023).
Throwback Thursday: Susanna Reich & Gary Golio on Social Justice, Music & Picture Book Biographies
Congratulations to Susanna Reich on her newest picture book, Pass the Baby, illustrated by Raúl Colón (Neal Porter Books, 2023). From the promotional copy:
What does it take to make a perfect family meal? Is it the forks, spoons, plates, and napkins? Maybe it’s sister’s lemonade, Papi’s guacamole, or delicious meatballs and ravioli eyed by a hungry pup.
Author Interview: Lesléa Newman Discusses Poetry, Point of View & Always Matt
Spotlight image: Mitu Malhotra and Lesléa Newman with Lesléa’s books.
Today we welcome Lesléa Newman to share her writing process. I have long admired Lesléa’s lyrical works for children. Her YA novel October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard (Candlewick, 2012) was a mentor text for me during my MFA journey.
Continue Reading Author Interview: Lesléa Newman Discusses Poetry, Point of View & Always Matt »
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Okra Stew: A Gullah Geechee Family Celebration by Natalie Daise (Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2023).
Author/Illustrator Insights
Throwback Thursday: Laurie Goodluck Reflects on Influences & Forever Cousins
Congratulations to Laurie Goodluck on the publication of Rock Your Mocs, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) (Heartdrum/HarperCollins, Oct. 10, 2023). From the promotional copy:
We’re stepping out and kicking it up.
Wearing beauty on their feet—as art, as tradition, with style, with pride—kids from different Native Nations know every day is a day to rock your mocs.
Continue Reading Throwback Thursday: Laurie Goodluck Reflects on Influences & Forever Cousins »
Author Interview: Kim Rogers on Career After Debut
By AJ Eversole
I had the pleasure of interviewing former Cynsations reporter Kim Rogers for her debut picture book, Just Like Grandma (Heartdrum, 2023) back in January and am so pleased to interview her for her second picture book, A Letter For Bob, illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Heartdrum,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Kim Rogers on Career After Debut »
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: My Grandfather’s Song by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huynh Kim Liên (Make Me a World, 2023).
Throwback Thursday: Dawn Quigley on Her Drive to Write for Young Readers
Congratulations to Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe) on the publication of Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day, illustrated by Tara Audibert (of Wolastoqey and French heritage)(Heartdrum/HarperCollins, Sept. 19, 2023), third in the Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series. From the promotional copy:
Oh, snow day, snow day, what a very fun no-school day!
Continue Reading Throwback Thursday: Dawn Quigley on Her Drive to Write for Young Readers »
Author Interview: Nasugraq Rainey Hopson is Drawn to Stories Celebrating Unity
By AJ Eversole
I’m thrilled to have Nasugraq Rainey Hopson (Inupiaq) today on Cynsations! Hopson has contributed to three short story anthologies, Rural Voices (Candlewick, 2022), Tasting Light (Miteen Press, 2022) and the forthcoming Boundless (Inkyard Press, 2023). Also an accomplished illustrator, Nasugraq also designed the logo for HarperCollins Heartdrum imprint.
Continue Reading Author Interview: Nasugraq Rainey Hopson is Drawn to Stories Celebrating Unity »
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Rock Your Mocs by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Heartdrum, 2023).
Author/Illustrator Insights
Spilling the Tea With Author Joanna Ho from We Need Diverse Books.