New Voice: Author Miriam Chernick’s Debut Inspired by Pets & Pandemic Reminiscences

By Mitu Malhotra

Today, I am excited to welcome Miriam Chernick to share her writing journey with Cynsations. Her debut The Zuzu Secret (Charlesbridge, 2025) is a heartwarming story about spunky Josie, her older brother Abe, and a bearded dragon. Two real life icons: James Herriot the British veterinary surgeon and author,

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New Cynsations Reporter Veeda Bybee

By Stephani Martinell Eaton

Today we welcome Veeda Bybee to the Cynsations team as a reporter. With a background in journalism as well as someone who participates enthusiastically in conversations surrounding the kidlit community, she is well-suited in this role. Veeda has contributed to the anthologies Rural Voices, edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter (Candlewick,

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Career Achievers: Louise Hawes on Thriving as a Long-Time, Actively Publishing Children’s-YA Author

Career Achievers: Louise Hawes on Thriving as a Long-Time, Actively Publishing Children’s-YA Author

Learn more about Louise Hawes.

By Cynthia Leitich Smith

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 (creatively, career-wise, and your writer’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?

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