Authors Jane Houng, Heather Demetrios & Yvonne Ventresca Discuss Writing Through Trauma & Grief to Empower Readers

By Mitu Malhotra

Spotlight image: Authors A.S. King, Mitu Malhotra, Jane Houng and Heather Demetrios at the 2024 Highlights Retreat.

In the spring of 2024, I attended a Highlights Foundation In-Community Retreat organized by the Rebecca Dykes Writers. This transformative retreat, designed for authors crafting books for children and teens,

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Author & Editor Interview: Author Debbie Zapata & Editor Kristine Enderle on Addressing Tough Topics in Picture Books

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Today we welcome author Debbie Zapata and her editor, Kristine Enderle of Magination Press to discuss writing about tough topics, bilingual books, and Debbie’s latest book, Abuela’s Letter, illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz (Magination Press, October 2024).

Debbie Zapata, author and Licensed Clinical Social Worker

When considering picture book topics,

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Guest Post: Author Tamara Ellis Smith & Illustrator Nancy Whitesides on Tackling Stories Close to the Heart

Today we welcome author Tamara Ellis Smith and illustrator Nancy Whitesides to Cynsations to discuss the joys and challenges of creating a book that’s close to the heart. Their new book, Grief is an Elephant (Chronicle, 2023) is available now. It’s Nancy’s debut book, so Tamara kicks off the interview with questions about Nancy’s path to publication.

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