Spotlight image: Debbie Zapata reads Up and Adam, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang (Kids Can Press, 2022) with the assistance of an American Sign Language Interpreter for a group at an Austin park.
Today we welcome two Texas authors to Cynsations to share their path to publication for books inspired by their own families.
Continue Reading New Voices: Alda P. Dobbs & Debbie Zapata Create Books Inspired by Family »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Katherena Vermette Interview by James Feder from Kirkus Reviews. Peek: “‘Indigenous teachings,’ she explains, ‘have a very different take on the wolf and what it does.’ Rather than something threatening and dangerous,
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Julie C. Dao on Fairy Tales, Romance & Her Latest YA Novel by Karis Rogerson from We Need Diverse Books. Peek: “‘Looking back, I see now how every rejection and roadblock happened for a good reason,’ she said,
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Robin Galbraith, Gayleen Rabukukk, and Stephani Eaton for Cynsations
Diversity
Reflections on This Place: 150 Years Retold by Helen Kubiw from CanLit For Little Canadians. Peek:
“This is the power of storytelling.
By Cynthia Leitich Smith,
Robin Galbraith, & Gayleen Rabukukk
Awards
Congratulations to winners and finalists of the Writers’ League of Texas Book Awards, including Austin authors Laura Creedle and Chris Barton, who won in the middle grade/young adult and picture book categories,
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Robin Galbraith, Gayleen Rabukukk & Kate Pentecost
Author/Illustrator Insights
Mark Does YA: The Prolific Critic and Creator Talks About “Anger Is a Gift” by Shelley Diaz from School Library Journal. Peek:
“A lot of this book is wish fulfillment on my part.
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Robin Galbraith, Gayleen Rabukukk & Kate Pentecost
Author/Illustrator Insights
Jacqueline Woodson’s Upcoming Book is a Moving Letter to Kids Who Feel Alone by M.J. Franklin from Mashable. Peek:
“My mom used to tell us there’d be moments when we walked into a room and no one there was like us.
In children’s-YA writing, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field. Reflecting on your personal journey, what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
By Cynthia Leitich Smith,
Gayleen Rabakukk & Robin Galbraith
Author/Illustrator Interviews
Cherie Dimaline On Ersaure, the Power of Story, and The Marrow Thieves by Shelley Diaz from School Library Journal. Peek:
“I very strongly believe that with the current state of the world,
Debut author Cate Berry interviews illustrator Charles Santoso about Penguin and Tiny Shrimp Don’t Do Bedtime! (Balzer+Bray/Harper Collins, May 2018)
Cate: Hi, Charles! I’m here with Penguin and Tiny Shrimp to talk about—
Penguin: Hey, Charles! Love the cover, but what’s with the pajamas?
Continue Reading Cover Reveal: Penguin & Tiny Shrimp Don’t Do Bedtime »
