By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, Bree Bender, AJ Eversole and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Growing an Artist: The Story of a Landscaper and His Son by John Parra (Simon &
Author Interview: Diana Renn Reveals Her Mystery Writing Process
Diana Renn has written mysteries for adults and young adults about everything from cycling and spies to art and antiquities, set in locations around the world. But her newest book Trouble at Turtle Pond (Fitzroy Books, 2022) is aimed at younger readers, and is set much closer to home.
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Illustrator Interview: Ale Díaz Bouza on Publishing in Spain
Spotlight image: Ale Díaz Bouza at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy.
Today I’m talking with Ale Díaz Bouza, an illustrator who also serves as the Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators chapter in Spain, about publishing for young readers there.
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Editor Interview: Joy Bean of Arctis Books Brings European Titles to U.S. Readers
Today I’m welcoming Joy Bean, Lead Editor for Arctis Books, to Cynsations. Joy, many readers might not be familiar with Arctis Books. Can you tell us more about the company?
Arctis Books USA is the sister company of NorthSouth Books, which readers may be very familiar with,
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New Voices: Alison Green Myers & Meera Trehan Explore Different Ways Of Seeing The World
Spotlight image: Alison Green Myers with her son and dog exploring the setting from A Bird Will Soar.
I’m so happy to introduce Cynsations readers to two debut authors, Alison Green Myers and Meera Trehan.
Alison and Meera, thank you for joining us today.
Cynsations Winter Hiatus
Happy Holidays, Cynsational readers!
Effective immediately, this blog is on winter hiatus. We’ll return after the ALA Midwinter Conference with more inspiration, insights, and info on children’s-YA writing, illustration, literature and publishing. In the meantime, you’re welcome keep up on those topics with me on Facebook,
Editor Interview: Levine Querido’s Nick Thomas on Perspectives & Accessibility
Today I’m talking with Nick Thomas, Senior Editor at Levine Querido, an independent publisher of books for young readers that was founded by Arthur A. Levine in 2019.
Nick, thank you for joining me!
Thank you for having me! Cynsations is one of my favorite websites—I use it as a resource all the time to learn from creators and publishing people I respect.
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Interview: Sylvia Vardell on the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Many of you might know the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) best as that organization that awards the Hans Christian Andersen Award biennially to an author and an illustrator whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children’s literature. But there is so much more to the organization.
Cynsations Summer Hiatus
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, Bree Bender, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Thank you to everyone who joined us over the 2020-2021 academic year!
We dearly appreciate the authors, illustrators, gatekeepers and industry pros who shared their insights and inspirations.
Author-Translator Interview: Lawrence Schimel Talks Process, Market, & Access
Today I’m talking with author and translator Lawrence Schimel. He writes in Spanish and English and has published over one hundred twenty books in a wide range of genres. He is also a prolific literary translator.
Lawrence, can you tell us more about how you became both an author and a translator?
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