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 »
A big welcome to middle-grade debut authors, Kelly J. Baptist and Jess Rinker. Both authors share with us how the people around them influence their writing as well as moments along their journeys to publication.
Kelly Baptist
What first inspired you to write for young readers?
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 »
Sam McBratney, author of nearly 70 books for children and young adults, died Sept. 18 at his home in County Antrum, Northern Ireland. He was seventy-seven.
Sam McBratney is best known as the author of the best-selling children’s book Guess How Much I Love You illustrated by Anita Jeram (Candlewick,
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
Today Cynsations celebrates the debuts of YA authors Adiba Jaigirdar and Kim Johnson. They discuss their journey to publication—the inspiration, the challenges, and the accomplishments. Both authors drew from their own experiences and identities to create their compelling stories.
Adiba Jaigirdar
What was your initial inspiration for writing this book?
Continue Reading New Voices: Adiba Jaigirdar & Kim Johnson on Their Journeys to Publication »
By Emma Kress
2020. What. A. Year. And, um, as you may have noticed, it ain’t over yet.
So what is it that drags us from our beds each day? Sure, for many of us it’s our insistent children. But besides them? Hope.
This year, we’ve seen the footprints of hope everywhere: billboards thanking medical workers,
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 »