Bologna 2023: Visiting the Bologna Children’s Book Fair as it Celebrates 60

By Elisabeth Norton

Spotlight image: Sarah Baker and Jess Racklyeft at the SCBWI booth at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

This year Bologna Children’s Book Fair celebrated its 60th fair. I asked three visitors to this year’s fair to share more about their experiences with the readers of Cynsations.

Arthur A.

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Throwback Thursday: Martine Leavitt on Writing & My Book of Life by Angel

Congratulations to Martine Leavitt on the publication of her newest novel, Buffalo Flats (Margaret Ferguson Books, 2023). From the promotional copy:

Seventeen-year-old Rebecca Leavitt has traveled by covered wagon from Utah to the Northwest Territories of Canada, where her father and brothers are now homesteading and establishing a new community with other Latter-Day Saints.

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Author Interview: Brian Young Discusses The Joy of Writing His Second Book

By AJ Eversole

Today we get to hear from Brian Young, author of American Indian Youth Literature Award Winning Healer of the Water Monster (Heartdrum, 2022). The sequel, Heroes of the Water Monster (Heartdrum, 2023) will be released May 23. From the promotional copy:

An unmissable companion to Healer of the Water Monster,

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Guest Post: Author Michael Leali on Retellings & His New Middle Grade Novel Matteo

By Michael Leali

As much as I’m a reader, I also love movies and television. As I recently told my boyfriend, “I’m addicted to story,” and I have been for as long as I can remember. Growing up, Disney animated features like The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin were some of my absolute favorites.

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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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Guest Post: Jacquetta Nammar Feldman: Your Manuscript Needs a Calendar!

By Jacquetta Nammar Feldman

My journey in calendaring my manuscripts did not begin with a calendar. It began with a list—a lengthy, elaborate document I had created to cross-reference dates, settings, and activities for my main character Yasmeen in my debut middle grade novel, Wishing Upon the Same Stars (HarperCollins, 2022). I thought my list was perfect.

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