By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Remembering by Xelena González, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers,
Throwback Thursday: Abigail Hing Wen on Character Development
Congratulations to Abigail Hing Wen on the publication of Loveboat Forever (HarperTeen, Nov. 7, 2023), companion to her previous title, Loveboat, Taipei (HarperTeen, 2020). The adaptation of her first novel is now streaming on Paramount+ as Love in Taipei. From the promotional copy:
Pearl was ready for a worldwide stage.
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Guest Interview: Book Dash Increases Book Ownership for Children in Africa … & Beyond
Spotlight image: Book Dash teams creating books at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy: Job Mubunya (Kenya), Fiske Nyirongo (Zambia) and Jess Jardim-Wedepohl (South Africa)
At the 2023 Bologna book fair, I had the pleasure of meeting two creators who were attending on behalf of an organization called Book Dash.
Cynsational News
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.
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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).