Today I’m honored to feature Monique Gray Smith, “a mixed heritage woman of Cree, Lakota, and Scottish descent” and the author one of my favorite new titles–my official go-to gift book for 2016.
What put you on the path to writing for young readers?
I never set out to write for young readers and to be honest,
Maria Gianferrari writes both fiction and nonfiction picture books from her
sunny, book-lined study in northern Virginia, with her dog Becca as her
muse.
Maria’s debut picture book, Penny & Jelly: The School Show, illustrated by Thyra Heder (2015) led to Penny &
Continue Reading New Voice & Giveaway: Maria Gianferrari on Penny & Jelly »
“Barefoot Books was founded in 1992 by two young moms working from home with the dream of creating beautiful books that celebrate diversity, spark curiosity and capture children’s imaginations.”
There’s been an ongoing conversation about diversity in children’s literature. What are your thoughts on the subject?
Continue Reading Publisher Interview: CEO Nancy Traversy of Barefoot Books »
Over the summer, the children’s-YA book community has continued discussing diversity, decolonization, authenticity and representation both throughout the body of literature and the industry. Here are highlights; look for more in quickly upcoming, additional update posts.
Mirrors? Windows? How about Prisms? from Uma Krishnaswami. Peek: “…cultural content in children’s books needs to be woven into the story so the authors intention is not stamped all over it.”
Continue Reading Summer Children’s-YA Lit Diversity Conversations »
The Hallmark Great Stories Award will recognize and celebrate the power of storytelling by honoring new children’s picture books that celebrate family, friendship and community and that exhibit excellence in both writing and illustration.
Annual nominations will be reviewed by a multi-disciplinary panel of esteemed judges.
By Elisabeth Norton
for SCBWI Bologna 2016
and Cynthia Leitich Smith‘s Cynsations
Paul O. Zelinsky grew up in Wilmette, Illinois; the son of a mathematics professor father and a medical illustrator mother. He drew compulsively from an early age, but did not know until college that this would be his career.
Continue Reading 2016 SCBWI Bologna Illustrator Interview: Paul O. Zelinsky »
By Angela Cerrito
for SCBWI Bologna 2016
and Cynthia Leitich Smith‘s Cynsations
Lisa Anchin has been drawing since she could hold a pencil and making up stories since she could speak.
She grew up just outside of New York City,
Continue Reading 2016 SCBWI Bologna Illustrator Interview: Lisa Anchin »
Congratulations on the release of The Opposite Zoo (Alfred A. Knopf, 2016). What was the initial spark for this picture book?
Thank you! I am so excited about this book.
Even though the concept of opposites has been on my wish list for a long time,
Continue Reading Author-Illustrator Interview: Il Sung Na on The Opposite Zoo »
After judging nearly a thousand entries for recent writing contests, I’m reminded once again of the importance and power of effective opening hooks.
Start out swinging, and readers can’t wait to read more. Meander around and readers will quickly lose interest.
The truth is, authors have mere seconds to capture an editor’s heart.
Continue Reading Guest Post: Lori Mortensen on Hooking Readers »
