Tag: Ryan G. Van Cleave

Educational Activities: The Brand-​New, Never-​Used, Perfect Crayons by Leanne Hatch

On By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

The Brand-​New, Never-​Used, Perfect Crayons
Author: Leanne Hatch
Illustrator: Leanne Hatch
22 August 2023
Margaret Ferguson Books
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Nothing is better than a brand new box of crayons. Violet loves hers so much that she refuses to share them–or even to use them– but maybe her little sister is on to something …

Violet is ecstatic when she earns her very own super big box of eighty-​four crayons all matching in length, perfectly pointed, each in their smooth, uniform wrapper. There’s even one with her name on it. She can’t stop imagining all the wonderful things she can draw with them.

But when it comes time to get busy, she can’t seem to do it—she doesn’t want to ruin all that perfection. It isn’t until her little sister takes matters into her own hands that Violet is able to let go and have fun drawing all the things she dreamed up when she first got her box of brand-​new, never-​used, perfect crayons.

With The Brand-​New, Never-​Used, Perfect Crayons, Leanne Hatch taps into the joy of sharing, creating, and letting go of perfectionism. Adorable art set alongside textured crayon sketches reminiscent of classics like Harold and the Purple Crayon makes this a book perfectly suited for the shelves of young creatives everywhere.”

Need some reviews on The Brand-​New, Never-​Used, Perfect Crayons?

Educational Activities inspired by The Brand-​New, Never-​Used, Perfect Crayons:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you think this story might be about, given the title?
    • What does the setting tell you about the story?
    • What do the two children on the cover seem to be doing?
    • Do you like to draw or color? What do you like to draw?
    • Have you ever gotten a new set of crayons or markers? How did it make you feel?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Why did Violet not want to use her new crayons at first?
    • How did Violet’s sister Marigold feel about the old, broken crayons?
    • What does Marigold teach Violet about “imperfection”?
    • Why do you think Violet changed her mind about using the crayons?
    • How did the sisters solve their disagreement?
    • How would you feel if someone used your new art supplies without asking?
    • What do you think “There’s beauty in imperfection” means?
    • How did Violet and Marigold feel at the end of the story? Why did they feel that way?
  • Color Your Feelings: Draw a picture that shows how you feel today. You can use as many or as few colors as you like!
  • Marigold’s Swirls and Waves: Try your hand at drawing Marigold’s “mess” of swirls and waves. Then show it off! Do you see the beauty in the imperfections?
  • Sister Swap Art: Draw a half-​completed picture and then trade with a sibling or friend. Add to their picture, and let them add to yours, just like Violet and Marigold learned to share.
  • Design Your Own Crayon: If you could design a crayon that represented you, what would it look like and what would you name it? Draw a picture of your dream crayon.
  • Violet’s Colorful Cave: Find a quiet corner in your room and build a fort using sheets, pillows, and blankets. Decorate it with your own drawings and crayon art. How do you feel when you’re in your “Colorful Cave”?
  • Shade and Light Exploration: Violet found 84 shades of colors in her crayon box. How many shades can you find in your home? Walk around and list them. Are any too bright or too soft for you?
  • Crayon Storybook: Create a mini-​storybook using only crayon drawings. Tell a new adventure story for Violet and Marigold. What new lessons would they learn?
  • Further Reading: The Brand-​New, Never-​Used, Perfect Crayons is about sharing and creativity, but also crayons! Here are some other picture books about crayons. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Author Interview: Henry Herz

On By Only Picture BooksIn Author Interviews

This month’s Author Spotlight shines on Henry Herz. Known for his whimsical and educational tales, Henry has authored over a dozen books for kids and many short stories for adult audiences. Considering he got a late start in writing thanks to his background in engineering and political science—yeah, we’ll talk about that!—he’s been impressively prolific.

In addition to writing his own stories, Henry’s also edited anthologies for both kids and adults, such as The Hitherto Secret Experiments of Marie Curie (YA horror) and Beyond the Pale: A Fantasy Anthology (adult fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal stories). Considering Jim Butcher was in that collection, I’ll have to ask about that book, even though it’s most certainly not picture book-​ish in any way. It does have kidlit queen Jane Yolen aboard, though, so that changes things some.

Alright, I can’t wait any longer. Let’s get right to the interview to hear from Henry!

RVC: Let’s talk about the STEAM elephant in the room. You’ve got a BS in Engineering from Cornell, an MS in Engineering from George Washington University, and an MA in Political science from Georgetown. What was the plan with all of that?

HH: Ha. My degrees actually do reflect a plan. My career began as a defense analyst, so engineering degrees in operations research (applied math) combined quite naturally with a degree in national security studies from Georgetown. The thing absent in the plan was any thought of writing fiction, though I loved reading it since elementary school, from Where the Wild Things Are up through The Lord of the Rings.

RVC: Okay, that’s a fine plan. But you eventually found your way to writing, so what sparked your interest in writing children’s books, and how did you make the transition into this career?

HH: About fifteen years ago, I wanted to share my love of fantasy with my young sons. They were too little for watching most of the fantasy movies. Struck by inspiration one day, I came up with a way to share the joy of entering the magical realms of fantasy. I would write a fantasy chapter book for them. That decision had two unintended consequences.

First, I did not anticipate was that my boys would give me feedback on the story.  They devised some of the character and creature names, and made plot line suggestions.  And who better to help make the story appealing to kids than other kids?  So, the goal of interesting my sons in fantasy transformed into also encouraging them to write.

Second, I discovered that I loved writing for kids. We ended up self-​publishing that book. I was hooked. I became a SCBWI member, joined a critique group, and kept honing my craft until I sold my first picture book, Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes, to a traditional publisher, Pelican.

RVC: It seems like you get a particular kick out of mashing things up, or combining unusual things, like Little Red Cuttlefish (fairy tale + underwater story).

HH: Yes, if mixing chocolate and peanut butter produces a popular candy, why not combine two unlikely topics or literary elements to write an engaging book or story.

RVC: Good point!

HH: Now that you mention it, I think that half my picture books are mashups:

Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes = monsters + nursery rhymes
When You Give An Imp a Penny = monster + the circular structure of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Little Red Cuttlefish = underwater version of Little Red Riding Hood
Cap’n Rex & His Clever Crew = dinosaurs + pirates
How the Squid Got Two Long Arms = underwater version of a Rudyard Kipling Just So Story
2 Pirates + 1 Robot = pirates + robots

Some of my short stories are also mashups, including:

“Cheating Death” = teenage Marie Curie + Pet Sematary
“Bards of a Feather” = Pied Piper + The Witcher
“The Cost of Gold” = HBO’s Deadwood + Native American ghosts
“Libbie and Dewey’s Excellent Adventure” = teenage Marie Curie + time travel
“The Repairwoman” = Aladdin’s Magic Lamp + sci-​fi noir
“Norsemen Cruise Line” = Dracula + cosmic horror

Mashups are fun!

RVC: Mashups absolutely are fun! Now, let’s jump to one of my favorite books of yours. Talk about the origin of I Am Smoke, a story where the smoke itself serves as a narrator through time.

HH: I find the employment of fictional elements to convey facts a great way to engage with young readers and teach them without them realizing it. Fiction can be the melted cheese we pour on top of the broccoli of nonfiction.

RVC: Yum!

HH: Now, there are some picture books with anthropomorphic characters, but I’d never seen smoke treated as a character. And who better to explain the various ways in which people have employed smoke than smoke itself? But I needed an overarching structure. I considered the chemistry of smoke. It turns out that wood smoke is primarily carbon dioxide, ash, and water vapor. Water vapor got me thinking about the water cycle—water evaporates from rivers, lakes, and oceans to form clouds. Eventually, the water precipitates as rain or snow. Rinse and repeat.

Then I considered the carbon dioxide given off by wood smoke. Two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom.

Carbon.…

Inspiration struck like lightning splitting a tree. Plants are the lungs of the Earth. They breathe in carbon dioxide through their stomata. They drink up water through their roots. Sunlight provides energy to split those molecules. The plant forms cellulose from carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, sequestering more and more carbon as they grow. Conversely, burning tree branches releases the stored carbon. Eureka! Smoke has a “cycle” too.

RVC: Did people get it right away?

HH: 27 publishers declined the manuscript until Tilbury House bought it.

RVC: Wow.

HH: This is a lesson to all aspiring authors: be persistent. And I feel vindicated, because I Am Smoke earned the following acclaim: Kirkus starred review, ALA Notable Children’s Book 2022, School Library Journal’s 100 Scope Notes – The Most Astonishingly Unconventional Books of 2021, Kirkus 150 Most Anticipated Fall Books, National Council for the Social Studies 2022 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Children’s Book Council’s Sept. 2021 list of anticipated bestsellers, San Diego Union-Tribune’s Fall arts preview 2021: Top book picks this season, School Library Journal’s Predictions! NYT Best Illustrated Children’s Books 2021, Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids List of 2021, School Library Journal’s Fuse 8 Production – 2021 Science and Nature Books, New York Public Library’s Best Books for Kids 2021, School Library Journal’s Fuse 8 Production – Best 2021 Nonfiction Picture Books, Evanston Public Library’s Blueberry Award Honor, Winner of the Book Launch Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Towner Book Award nominee from The Washington Library Association, SCBWI Crystal Kite Award finalist, UNLV’s Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Notable Children’s Books 2022, Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year, SCBWI Crystal Kite Award finalist, UNLV’s Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Notable Children’s Books 2022

RVC: That’s a fantastic list–congrats!

HH: Thanks!

RVC: Beyond the lesson about persistence, what was the most important lesson that book taught you?

HH: Where there’s fire, there’s smoke. Both are dangerous. But both can be beneficial, too. The helpful uses of fire are more obvious, like providing light and heat, cooking food, making ceramics, and keeping predator animals away. Controlled fires clean forest floors, nourish the soil, promote the growth of established trees, and reduce the frequency of huge fires.

Smoke, on the other hand, was trickier. Smoke from a building fire can be deadly. Smoking cigarettes is bad for you. What surprised me most in researching the story was the many applications of smoke to help people through the millennia and across the globe. Smoke has been used to coax seeds to sprout, to drive out pests from homes, to send signals over long distances, to cover foul smells, to calm bees when harvesting honey, to flavor and preserve food, as part of religious ceremonies, and even to heal.

RVC: How do you approach the balance of education and entertainment in your books like How the Squid Got Two Long Arms?

HH: If I’m writing fiction, then I always start with entertainment in mind. I develop the story arc and develop the characters. I like to emphasis any educational elements in the back matter, so as not to distract the reader from the story. For example, the author’s note at the back of How the Squid Got Two Long Arms provides some nonfiction information about squid. STEM back matter increases the appeal of the book to parents and educators.

RVC: Please talk about the anthologies you’ve edited and how that work differs from writing your own books.

HH: I love curating and editing anthologies. It’s great fun to be part of a team that includes highly skilled authors. I learn a ton. What’s funny is that I only realized after doing five of them how similar that is to project management. Because editing an anthology involves managing creative people (see also herding cats), tracking schedule, tracking budget, diplomatically offering constructive feedback to authors who in many cases are far more acclaimed writers than I am. I’ve edited or co-​edited six anthologies so far, with two more sekret projects in the works:

  • Beyond the Pale adult dark fantasy anthology (Birch Tree Publishing) – stories by Saladin Ahmed, Peter S. Beagle, Heather Brewer, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Kami Garcia, Nancy Holder, Gillian Philip, Jane Yolen.
  • Coming of Age: 13 B’nai Mitzvah Stories middle grade anthology (Albert Whitman & Co.) – stories by Sarah Aronson, Nora Raleigh Baskin, Barbara Bottner, Stacia Deutsch, Debbie Reed Fischer, Debra Garfinkle, Henry Herz, Alan Katz, Nancy Krulik, Stacie Ramey, Jonathan Rosen, Melissa Roske, Laura Shovan, Jane Yolen.
  • The Hitherto Secret Experiments of Marie Curie young adult horror anthology (Blackstone Publishing) – stories by Mylo Carbia, Stacia Deutsch, Sarah Beth Durst, Henry Herz, Alethea Kontis, Susanne Lambdin, Dee Leone, Jonathan Maberry, Emily McCosh, Seanan McGuire, Steve Pantazis, Lissa Price, Bryan Thomas Schmidt, Scott Sigler, Christine Taylor-​Butler, Jo Whittemore, Jane Yolen.
  • Wink young adult contemporary fantasy/​sci-​fi anthology (Brigid’s Gate Press) – can’t announce the full lineup, but it includes eight NY Times bestselling authors.
  • Combat Monsters adult World War II fantasy anthology (Blackstone Publishing) – can’t announce the full lineup, but it includes seven NY Times bestselling authors.
  • A Great Miracle Happened There contemporary middle grade anthology (on submission) – can’t announce the full lineup, but it includes seven NY Times bestselling authors.

RVC: Here are the much-​anticipated Jim Butcher questions. How big of fan are you of the Dresden Files?

HH: A very big fan. I love how he writes his fae, and the clever tactics he devises for Harry.

RVC: What was it like working with Jim? 

HH: Beyond the Pale was a reprint anthology, so I didn’t work with him on his story for that. It’s an action-​packed tale of his criminal mastermind, John Marcone. I did get to meet Jim when he was on a San Diego Comic-​Con author panel I moderated.

RVC: Did you ask him what the @!$@# happened with the 2007–2008 TV series? 

HH: Ha, no. That is a sensitive subject for him. One of the best things about that series was that an actor with an English accent played a character with an American accent, and an actor with an American accent played a character with a British accent.

RVC: Please share some insights into your writing process. How do you develop your ideas, and what tools or rituals aid your creativity?

HH: I’m definitely a plotter (not a pantser). I don’t really have any tools or rituals beyond coffee. Creative ideas pop into my head when my muse sees fit. I have learned to shift projects if I feel stalled on a particular story, returning later with a fresh perspective. On other occasions, I submit to an open call for stories where the theme tickles my fancy. In that vein, I’m desperately hoping my submission gets accepted into a Winnie the Pooh – Cthulhu Mythos mashup anthology.

RVC: Who doesn’t have that literary hope? Now, Henry–we’ve got time for one final question for the regular part of this interview. It’s brag time! What’s coming up that you’re really excited about?

HH: The first “sequel” to I Am Smoke comes out next year, I Am Gravity. A third and fourth picture book for that series are ready to follow. My anthologies Wink and Combat Monsters are scheduled to come out next year. A publisher has expressed interest in my anthology, A Great Miracle Happened There. I have stories schedule to appear in a US Space Force-​themed anthology from Baen Books, a Conan-​themed anthology from Titan Books, a Dracula-​themed anthology from Dracula Beyond Stoker, and an essay about occult detective fiction will appear in the 100-​year anniversary issue of Weird Tales Magazine. Visit www.henryherz.com for all your Henry news needs.

RVC: Congrats on all that great news, but let’s shift gears to…The Lightning Round. Zip-​zap-​quick questions and zoomy-​swift answers, please!!! Are you ready, Henry? 

HH: Yes!

RVC: If you could only have one app on your phone, it’d be…

HH: If you mean in addition to the actual phone app, Gmail.

RVC: You get one freebie for 2024—personal chef, personal maid, or personal masseuse?

HH: Damn. A Sophie’s Choice. Personal chef, so I’d always eat healthily.

RVC: Five things you can’t do your job without.

HH: Desktop computer, Internet access, web browser, email, social media.

RVC: The last picture book that made you LOL?

HH: Wombat Said Come In by Carmen Agra Deedy.

RVC: Best compliment a kid reader ever gave you?

HH: When they drew their own version of one of my book covers.

RVC: Thanks so much, Henry!

HH: Thanks for hosting me.

Picture Book Review: Giants Are Very Brave People by Florence Parry Heide (illustrated by Merrill Rainey)

On By Only Picture BooksIn Picture Book Reviews1 Comment

Holiday House
1 August 2023
32 pages

This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Owner/​Operator of Only Picture Books) and freelance illustrator Edna Cabcabin Moran.

–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–

While I was familiar with Florence Parry Heide (1919–2011), the author of over 100 children’s books, I initially didn’t realize that this was a new edition of a 50-​year-​old work. Realizing that situation now actually answers some of my questions about the book, which are likely a result of audiences being so different a half century ago.

Back to the book, though.…

This is the story of a blue-​skinned child named Bigelow. To put it plainly, he’s absolutely a total scaredy-catkid. The clouds could fall on him, after all. And alphabet soup could spell out a magic word that kapoofs him into a mushroom. And rain? Well, of course he’s afraid of rain. Because he might melt.

One day, he goes out for a walk and encounters a very small woman (Mrs. Pimberly) who’s afraid of him because to her, he’s huge. She suggests that he might be less afraid if he acted a bit more fierce–perhaps by giving “a giant short of shout” such as FEE FI FO FUM. While it seems as if Bigelow is the first giant she’s encountered, she says that all giants know that phrase.

Bigelow practices the shout repeatedly while Mrs. Pimberly brews some tea. When she comes out with the tea, Bigelow is LOUD, to which she says, “You certainly scared me. That’s a very good shout. I’m sure it will make you feel much, much braver.”

All that shouting made him hungry, so Mrs. Pimberly makes him a mountain of pancakes (large to her, small to him). After he’s had the tiny snack, he offers to take her home with him, but she declines, saying that she has never traveled or had many experiences. “I’ve never even been on a train,” she says.

Back at home, Bigelow uses FEE FI FO FUM to deal with two of his fears–alphabet soup and bathtime. Maybe acting brave does help someone feel a little braver after all! The kid giant returns the favor to Mrs. Pimberly by bringing her his toy train, which allows her to ride “round and round and round the track.” While it’s unclear how riding a toy train equates to exploring the world, Mrs. Pimberly appears genuinely thrilled with the experience.

Ultimately, I have questions about the story. While children are likely to love shouting FEE FI FO FUM with Bigelow, will they feel less excited that an adult solved/​helped solve Bigelow’s problem (being afraid)? Most contemporary picture books give far more agency to kids in stories. I also wonder how a child who is afraid of everything manages to summon courage to go on long walks away from the safety from home.

Yet Rainey’s graphite pencil and digital illustrations are quite charming, as Edna will explain below. I’ve already mentioned the read-​aloud-​ability of parts of this book, and I’m also charmed by how some readers might not realize how Bigelow is a kid giant until he does himself (which is when he meets Mrs. Pimberly). There’s also a sincerity to the text that still comes through even after 50 years.

All things considered, it’s worthy of a read and an after-​book discussion about courage and fear. Great job, Merrill Rainey!

4 out of 5 pencils

–Edna’s Review of the Illustrations–

Merrill Rainey’s digital illustrations in Giants Are Very Brave People bring a freshness and verve to a bygone storytelling style by late bestselling author, Florence Parry Heide. In contrast with the story’s ambling quality, the art is direct and charming as metrical compositions of richly layered pages. Colors and textures sing. Shape and line work dance. Negative space places the main character, Bigelow, center stage in coping with his exhaustive list of fears.

Bigelow ventures (accidentally) into a place outside his fears as Rainey’s colorful artwork starts to fill the pages. Full and half-​page compositions take Bigelow and readers onto different vantage points [see pages 5 and 7] where he literally and metaphorically  gets a new perspective on things.

He meets Mrs. Pimberly who, in spite of her fear (of giants) begins to befriend Bigelow. She breaks the news to Bigelow that he is a giant and gives advice on how to behave like one. Rainey presents a visual metaphor of Bigelow finding his own voice as a giant. As Bigelow practices his Fee Fi Fo Fum chant [pages 10–11], spot illustrations move across the page spread like musical notes building up to a gigantic crescendo.

A turn to page 12 features a blue person hiding behind a door. It’s not clear right away that this is Mrs. Pimberly as she is painted in flesh tone in the rest of the book. On closer inspection of the text and visuals such as glasses, hairstyle and polka-​dot blouse, we realize this blue character is Mrs. Pimberly after all. Whether or not this is an intentional color change is unclear. Taking small pause, however, in a book that tackles the big theme of fear does not detract from the exuberance of Rainey’s tight but loosely rendered, playful yet rigorous artwork.

The scene on pages 30–31, featuring Mrs. Pimberly riding the train that Bigelow set up, is sure to be a favorite among readers. Rainey’s composition of color, shape, line, texture, and expressive animate and inanimate things, result in a tour de force for this picture book. We are not only treated to a visual symphony that resonates with an old-​timey tale of Bigelow and Mrs. Pimberly, but we are shown how to be brave in the new millennia.

4.75 out of 5 crayons

Edna Cabcabin Moran is an author/​illustrator, multi-​disciplined artist, educator, and advocate for youth voices and diversity in publishing. A Filipina-​American born to immigrants and raised in a military family, Edna grew up in the USA’s east and west coasts, Iceland, and Hawai’i. She is also a dancer with acclaimed hālau hula and dance company, Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu, and a teaching artist specializing in STEAM and integrative arts. Her latest picture book, Honu and Moa (BeachHouse Publishing), received a 2019 Aesop Accolade from the American Folklore Society.

https://kidlitedna.com

IG & Twitter: @kidlitedna

Editor Interview: Sandra Sutter (Gnome Road)

On By Only Picture BooksIn Editor Interviews5 Comments

Welcome to Sandra Sutter, the dynamic force behind Gnome Road Publishing, a vibrant press that is lighting the way for readers young and old. With a mission to produce books that engage, inform, and bring joy to the world, Sandra’s press is all about that “R” factor…Re-Readability!

Here’s Sandra’s wonderful mission statement to give us a glimpse into the soul of Gnome Road:

“To Our Readers: We produce books that engage and inform, develop and strengthen a love for reading, and bring smiles and laughter to the world. Our books are made with all readers in mind…”

Just a few aspects to make you go “Wow!”:

  • Gnome Road Publishing focuses on creating cherished, lasting books that light the way on a lifetime of reading adventures.
  • Sandra’s dedication to her creatives is unmatched, offering respect, support, and fostering collaboration and community.
  • Their approach to picture books emphasizes both engagement and education, crafting stories that can be read time and again.

Intrigued? You should be! Let’s dive into the interview and discover the unique insights and wisdom Sandra Sutter has to share about the world of picture books, her own press, and the ever-​fascinating picture book industry.

Prepare to be inspired! 📚✨

Gnome Road’s Instagram

Gnome Road’s Website

SS: That is such a lovely introduction! Thank you for inviting me to your blog to share more about Gnome Road Publishing with your readers.

RVC: We’re happy to have you here, Sandra, and we want to know more. So, please share your journey into the publishing world before founding Gnome Road Publishing. What experiences shaped your decision to start your own press?

SS: Many people may already know that I authored two picture books with another small press, so it is likely no surprise to hear that this was part of my journey into the publishing arena. Probably less well known is that I was once an attorney, mediator, and before that, an addictions counselor. My education, training and experience in those roles definitely shaped who I am as a publisher. They all dealt with bringing people or ideas together, using language and reshaping it to communicate with an audience, and looking at situations systemically. That and needing to be very organized!

RVC: Sounds like perfect training.

SS: Looking back, I can see how my work in those positions drove my desire to find a similar fit in the publishing world.

RVC: Tell us about a challenge you faced earlier in your career that taught you a valuable lesson you’ve applied to your work at Gnome Road Publishing?

SS: When my first book was published (as an author), I did not have the benefit of pre-​release professional reviews. These are very important in directing attention to a book and gaining visibility as a publishing house. We do this for all GRP title releases.

RVC: That’s a useful thing for sure! What’s the most important thing people should know or understand about Gnome Road?

SS: We hope that all young readers can find at least one book at GRP that they love and want to read over and over again. This is central to our mission and helps us in selecting new stories. We like variety, finding new talent, and creating books with layered themes that can reach as many readers as possible.

RVC: You’ve mentioned being an author as well. How does that background help you in your gnomework?

SS: Gnomework! I love that!

RVC: It’s a winner word, no doubt. Feel free to use it regularly.

SS: Apart from the answer that it helps with editing and recognizing good writing, already being part of the Kidlit community helped me tremendously in spreading the word about GRP and finding talented authors and illustrators. I’m also pretty fast at typing–which helps in completing my gnomework.

RVC: Tell us the story behind your first picture book.

SS: I’m going to talk about the first picture book published by GRP rather than my own.

RVC: Fair enough!

SS: Technically, there are two since they came out on the same day. They are Animals in Surprising Shades: Poems About Earth’s Colorful Creatures by Susan Johnston Taylor (illustrated by Annie Bakst) and Science, Matter and the Baseball Park by Catherine Ciocchi (illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne). In both cases, I knew almost immediately that I wanted to acquire them. They seemed like an excellent fit with the GRP mission statement. Susan’s presentation of poems and carefully constructed sidebar information was enough for me to ask for more–and then to sign the project when she delivered. And Catherine’s rhyming, science-​infused baseball book had kid-​appeal practically dripping off the pages.

RVC: What was the most important thing you learned from that book?

SS: These were some of the first books to test my ability to pair text with the right illustrations. Personally, I think we hit it out of the ballpark (bad pun intended). It is not an easy process, but I’ve learned that being patient and trusting my instincts will pay off.

RVC: You seem astonishingly busy. (from your website: “We are also parents, business owners, and all-​around daily task-​masters.”) How do you manage wearing so many hats?

SS: Yes, that’s true. I’ve had nights I get up at 3:00 am to do work and manage my anxiety about getting it all done. It helps to be organized, too. As things evolved at GRP, I learned to delegate more and have found some great people to help out with different tasks or in areas that would take me two or three times as long (maybe more) to get something done. That helps a lot!

RVC: Why is Louisville the right place for Gnome Road to be located?

SS: That’s an easy one. I live here. It would be hard to locate it somewhere else.

RVC: Hah, great answer! Now, how do you approach the collaboration between authors and illustrators in the creation of a picture book?

SS: Since picture books reflect the vision of both an author and illustrator (actually, of more people–including agents, editors, critique partners, etc.), both parties need to feel heard and to have room to express themselves. I start by finding out more about the author’s vision for the book (if not an author-​illustrator) and ask to see some images that appeal to them. I share a few that interest me, and we discuss potential styles and/​or artists.

Once the illustrator is on board, we talk about the author’s vision early in the process and discuss what the illustrator has in mind. The author is looped in again a little later when character sketches and thumbnails/​storyboards are completed to share thoughts. At that point, the illustrator takes the reins until the images are nearly complete.

RVC: What’s your philosophy on balancing educational content with entertainment in picture books?

SS: I think kids inherently love to learn and to share knowledge with others. And what better way to learn something new than through a book? But still, if readers aren’t connecting with the material and enjoying the experience, then a book won’t be of interest to them for very long. Nor will they want to share it with anyone else. So, entertainment is very important–which is, of course, a different experience for each reader. Bright, vivid illustrations, or soft quiet pastels. Humorous dialogue, or a rhyming informational text. All styles can carry entertainment value. The tricky part is finding how to balance it in the right amounts for each project.

RVC: Please share an example of a particularly successful picture book from Gnome Road and what made it stand out.

SS: One that really stands out this year is My Piano by Jen Fier Jasinski, illustrated by Anita Bagdi. Jen’s writing is superb. She effectively layers social-​emotional themes on top of describing how a piano works (in rhyme and cumulative structure). My team fell in love with the manuscript immediately.

And then…I found Anita to illustrate. She truly nailed it. Somehow she wrapped technical illustrations, an adorable main character, and the magical feel of music all together in one package. It recently earned a starred review from School Library Journal. Hooray!

RVC: How does Gnome Road Publishing ensure the “R” factor (Re-​Readability) in the picture books you publish?

SS: I can refer you to my prior answer about balancing educational and entertainment elements as that has something to do with it. But one thing I think all books with the “R” factor have is layers. Some people might call these hooks, but I think it goes deeper than that. A book that kids want to read over and over again is going to do more than hook them. It’s going to hold their attention long after they finish reading it. In that sense, I think the story has to touch them in a personal way. We hope to produce books that can do that for children from all walks of life. Ensuring the “R” factor means staying open to new topics, perspectives, art and communication styles.

RVC: What are some of the common pitfalls you notice in picture book submissions, and how can authors avoid them?

SS: Do your homework about what a publishing house is looking for or not looking for (in other words, read the information on the submissions page and do some research). See if they have published or will soon publish something that is similar to your project. If they are small–like GRP–then they likely aren’t looking for something on the same topic right away. If asked to limit submissions to one per submission window, please refrain from sending multiple manuscripts. In short, I think being professional, following the requested formats, and staying within the interests of the publishing house will give you a much better chance at getting published.

RVC: I’m intrigued by the Little Gnome imprint. Tell me more!

SS: I think the answer may disappoint you. Originally, we split GRP into different imprints that were rearranged when we decided to focus solely on picture books for a while. If/​when we decide to open up to board books and projects that might be suitable for the 0–3 age group, then Little Gnome will be the imprint used for those.

RVC: One more question for this part of the interview. It’s brag time. What are some exciting Gnome Road things we should be looking for?

SS: Well, a couple of our titles are set up to have sequels, and there might be a few announcements about that coming soon. We have also had some lovely reviews and several titles recognized for great writing or illustrations. Nudi Gill: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea by author-​illustrator Bonnie Kelso was selected as the “Great Reads from Great Places” children’s book to represent Nevada at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. Bonnie just returned from that trip where she sold out of her books within hours. (That was another project I thought was perfect for GRP when I saw it in the submissions inbox–and we now have several more books coming out with Bonnie over the next few years. She’s amazing!)

RVC: I hear you there–Bonnie has done an OPB review before, and I’ve interviewed her here, too! But now it’s time to change gears because it’s the BLITZ ROUND—super speedy Qs followed by zip-​zappy As. Are you ready to tackle this challenge? 

SS: Always.

RVC: Coffee, soda, or tea?

SS: Coffee. You saw my answer mentioning 3:00 am above, right?

RVC: If you could be any sea creature for a day, it’d be…

SS: Dolphin. They’re fast, smart, and super cool.

RVC: If your life was a picture book, what would the title be?

SS: Have I Lost My Mind? It’s an interactive search-​and-​find book.

RVC: One book that has profoundly influenced your career?

SS: I don’t know that there is only one, but when I think about GRP looking to publish books that have the “R” factor, I would have to say The Hunger Games (whole series). It’s the multiple layers that really draw me in, and that it’s an “underdog” story. I hope young readers want to read a GRP book as much as I’ve read/​listened to/​seen The Hunger Games.

RVC: In three words or less, the most rewarding part of your job?

SS: Bringing people together.

RVC: Best thing a child has said about a Gnome Road book?

SS: “I love that book!”

RVC: Thanks so much, Sandra!

Educational Activities: A Very Dinosaur Birthday by Adam Wallace (illustrated by Christopher Nielsen)

On By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

A Very Dinosaur Birthday
Author: Adam Wallace
Illustrator: Christopher Nielsen
20 June 2023
Tommy Nelson
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Your family will roar with laughter at this funny read-​aloud from Adam Wallace, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the How to Catch series. What if dinosaurs showed up at your birthday party? From prehistoric presents to games crashing out of control and your snacks going extinct, it’s a dino disaster! Dinosaurs are big, and strong, and scary, and farty, So do you really want them coming to your birthday party? Watch out! Birthdays will never be the same with this silly picture book adventure featuring lively rhymes and hilarious illustrations.”

Need some reviews on A Very Dinosaur Birthday?

Educational Activities inspired by A Very Dinosaur Birthday:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you think this story might be about, given the title?
    • What does the setting tell you about the story?
    • How are the children reacting to the dinosaur on the cover?
    • How do you feel about dinosaurs? What makes them interesting or exciting to you?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Did the story meet your expectations from the cover? Why/​why not?
    • What was your favorite rhyme in the story?
    • What did you think about the ending?
    • Did anything in the story surprise you?
    • What lesson did you learn from the story?
    • How did the illustrations contribute to the story?
    • Which picture did you like the most? Why?
  • Design a Dinosaur: Using modeling clay, LEGOs, or other building materials, create your own dinosaur. Think about the body shape, the type of dinosaur you’re building, and how it might move. What would it eat? Where would it live? What would it look like?
  • Make a Dinosaur Rhyme: Write your own dinosaur rhyme inspired by the rhyming lines in this book. You can create a short poem or song about a dinosaur having fun at a party or doing something else you imagine. Share it with friends or family!
  • Dinosaur Dance Party: Put on some music and dance like a dinosaur. You can stomp, roar, and shake your tail. Invite a “dino” friend to join in the fun!
  • Dino Dens: Using blankets, pillows, and chairs, create a dinosaur den. What would a comfy home for a Triceratops look like? How would that be different than for a T‑rex or a flying dinosaur?
  • Further Reading: A Very Dinosaur Birthday is about dinosaurs and birthdays. Let’s focus on the second element and look at other picture books that that explore birthdays. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Author/​Illustrator Interview: Kaz Windness

On By Only Picture BooksIn Author Interviews, Illustrator Interviews

This month’s Author/​Illustrator Interview is with Kaz Windness, who—like me!—is a member of the PB23’s picture book group.

I’ve been watching the Herculean efforts she’s put into that group to support the work of other creatives, and that alone is worthy of kudos, praise, and deep-​dish pizza. But wait…there’s more! She’s also an author/​illustrator who’s created several picture books as well as Ready-​to-​Read books like Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends and Cat vs. Vac. Did I mention she created a book called Mother Goth Rhymes? And If UR Stabby?

Perhaps more important, Kaz is a dog person. Specifically “squishy-​faced dogs.” And waffles. And all things Halloween. And thrifting.

And she has a black belt in TaeKwon-Do.

Are you ready to learn even more about Kaz? I sure am!

RVC: Let’s start with a really important topic that’s absolutely not the “correct” biographically chronological way to start an interview. How have you used your platform as an author and illustrator to advocate for neurodivergent individuals?

KW: Anytime anyone can be vulnerable and talk openly about their differences, it’s helps others gain confidence to be vulnerable, too. Neurodivergence is many things, not just autism, and I’ve found that talking about being autistic has helped others get their own autism or ADHD diagnosis, or feel confident in talking about their depression or anxiety. Maybe it’s the autism, but I don’t think any topic should be off-​limits or closeted. I would much rather you told me about your trauma than about the weather or what you had for lunch—unless you had waffles, then tell me all about it! Point being, things that are hidden get twisted.

When we talk, we learn, we heal, and we understand ourselves and our world better. We also make connections, and the ND community is amazing!

RVC: Could you explain how your experience as an autistic individual informs your storytelling? How do you think this perspective contributes to the field of children’s literature?

KW: For one, children’s books are my special interest and always have been. Being passionate about children’s literature informs my understanding of good storytelling, what is happening in the children’s book market, and it inspires my art. Every book I create is plumbing my own psyche in some way, and that includes analyzing how being autistic in a world not designed for me has been difficult, but also how my specialness is something I cherish. I absolutely love hyper-​fixating on a story idea or solving the best turn of phrase or figuring out the just-​right color palette. Those are things that delight me as an autistic person, and that works out nicely for the line of work I’m in.

RVC: Your book Bitsy Bat, School Star (note the OPB piece on it right here! ) uses a bat to symbolize being autistic. How did you come up with this metaphor, and why do you think it’s an effective way to explain neurodivergence to children?

KW: Bats are a big special interest of mine and one of my favorite animals to draw. I created a couple cute and spooky bat picture book concepts, but my publisher wasn’t interested in Halloween books from me.

One day I struck up a conversation with one of my college illustration students–someone who is autistic like me–about growing up neurodivergent. I compared it to being like a bat in a school for mice. Everything can feel upside down, and when I tried to act like everyone else, it made me feel more confused, upset, and more prone to meltdown or shutdown. I began to realize bats were the perfect symbol for being autistic. “Bitsy Bat, School Star” gives voice to a character who is female-​presenting and coded as a high-​masking autistic. This specific perspective isn’t well-​covered, but it’s applicable to many autistic children and relatable to any kid who has ever felt like they are different or misunderstood.

RVC: Thanks for the backstory with that! How important do you believe representation of neurodivergence is in children’s literature, and why?

KW: There are a lot of children’s books on the topic of autism. The number of books isn’t the problem. It’s who has been telling those stories and whose voices aren’t being heard that is what we need to work on. There is so much deeply harmful ableism in the world, so it’s important to let those who are of those group tell their own stories. We are infantized, talked over, and treated like we have a disease that needs a cure. (See also: eugenics.) I also want to take a moment acknowledge that black, brown, non-​speaking and high support needs autistics need more room in this conversation, too.

RVC: Let’s go backwards now. Can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a children’s picture book author and illustrator? What inspired you to follow this path?

KW: We were a bookish household without a TV, and my mom read to us constantly. The moment I laid my eyes on Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, I decided I was going to become a children’s book author and illustrator.

I went to art school for children’s book illustration and I teach at my alma mater. I also attended children’s book writing and illustrating conferences, entered portfolio showcase contests, and was discovered by my agent in NYC after 15 years of trying to figure out how to break in. I’m ready ready now.

RVC: Awesome! Now, what’s the story behind your first published picture book?

KW: Swim, Jim! is my debut authored and illustrated picture book. It came out last year and just won the Colorado Book Award for children’s literature. The idea came from seeing an article in the Miami Herald featuring a crocodile crossing a canal on a pool noodle. I drew a picture of him, and my agent said “write it!” so I did. It was rejected 65 times before going into auction and publishing with Simon & Schuster.

RVC: Wow, that’s persistent. What’s the most valuable lesson that experience taught you?

KW: One of the great things about it taking so long to get publishing momentum is I know who I am, what I want to say, and I have the confidence and experience to produce good quality work in a short amount of time.

RVC: How has your teaching experience at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (your alma mater!) influenced your writing and illustration work?

KW: I’m for sure a better artist. Figuring out how to revise and improve what isn’t working in student work has applied directly to me improving my own work. I also just love teaching. The students inspire me constantly and are amazing people. I get to do my special interest all day.

RVC: Can you give us an insight into how you balance the text and illustrations in your picture books? How do they complement each other to tell the story?

KW: What they don’t tell you before you break in is that a lot of the direction the story takes, including how much text, how many pages, and general style direction, is a collaboration. As an illustrator-​only, I generally prefer sparse text so the illustrations can do the heavy lifting for the storytelling. For a story like Bitsy’s, more text was needed, and I’m working with an editor that wants to make sure there is a lot of clarity for the reader in the text. It’s still my ideas and my voice, but I will be coached to clarify, explain, and add story beats. I still want the art to elevate the story and go beyond what the text is doing. Show, don’t tell. I’m always looking to distill the most important idea of the text into an illustration that makes you feel something.

RVC: Could you talk about how that happened with If UR Stabby, which isn’t exactly a picture book, but it’s funny. And stabby!

KW: “Allegedly” happened. I take the 5th. It’s not a children’s book, let’s be clear.

RVC: Fair enough!

KW: My publisher for Mother Goth Rhymes, Hermes Press, asked me for another book and said I could do whatever I wanted, so I did. Stabby is a lovable, cantankerous unicorn who deals with life the only way he knows how–horn first. It’s a humorous collection of comics, art parody, and tarot cards (you just have to see the book to understand), and it’s dark. It was cathartic for me to be creating Stabby during the pandemic, and it came out while we were still in the thick of it, so cathartic for others, too.

RVC: You’ve worked on various formats from picture books to graphic novels and early readers. How does your process differ for each one?

KW: Storytelling is storytelling. Almost always, I get the book idea from a sketch and I ask myself what story that character wants to tell, and then I go about writing it. I also don’t think panels are all that much different than any other kind of illustration composition, you just need to know how to use speech bubbles, and for early readers, get the story down into minimal words. Again, it’s another puzzle to solve, and I love solving word puzzles.

RVC: Your books are known for their character-​driven narratives. What process do you follow to create such vivid and relatable characters?

KW: Can I offer a shameless plug instead of an answer?

RVC: Sure!

KW: I teach a class on this at CuddlefishAcademy.com. It’s called Hook! Plot! Pitch! and talks about premise hooks, plotting, and selling your books.

RVC: In your opinion, what elements are essential to create a great picture book?

KW: Honesty, heart. Books should be told with sincerity and by people who either care about children or are willing to be vulnerable about their own childhoods. This isn’t just not a side hustle, it’s a terrible side hustle. Don’t let those get-​rich-​quick TikTok’s fool you. If you are passionate about children’s books, that’s the “why.”

RVC: Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to me the most significant in your career.

KW: Winning the Colorado Book Award for my debut written and illustrated picture book, Swim, Jim! was a real honor. An illustrator friend recently told me that they expect good an unexpected things to happen, and this was definitely one of those things for me. Here’s to more of that!

RVC: What about a time when things didn’t go the way you wanted?

KW: You are asking someone who took 20 years to break in. I will wear out my keyboard if I get into that here.

RVC: What trends have you observed in children’s publishing, and how do you feel they’re influencing the industry?

KW: We are all writing about what we recently experienced, so everyone is submitting grief books right now. I saw a trend in isolation and catastrophic storm books because as a metaphor for COVID and quarantine, and then I saw a trend in what I call “ampersand books,”—that is to say friend books like Worm and Caterpillar are Friends, because we were missing our friends and those narratives were wish fulfillment for renewed connections. I’m currently seeing a lot of tree books, and even have one coming out early next year (Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea written by Andrew Hacket/​Page Street Kids). Maybe it’s commentary on environmental concerns or the need for deep roots to survive—maybe both. I would caution authors not to follow trends. Instead, write the book only you can write. Dig into your psyche and pull out your truthiest truths, and tell that story. It takes way too long for a book to publish to ever be on trend. Be YOU.

RVC: What advice do you have for aspiring authors and illustrators who want to break into children’s publishing?

KW: Get professional feedback. Get manuscript and portfolio reviews. Work with a critique group. You’ll get better, and you’ll get support. (CuddlefishAcademy.com offers coaching and critiques.)

RVC: One final question for this part of the interview. What’s something upcoming that you’re excited about, or really want to promote?

KW: It’s back to school time and Bitsy Bat, School Star is perfect for getting kiddos ready for school, and is a perfect ice breaker for first day of school, and it sets the year off right by recognizing the specialness of every child. Free lesson plans at www.BitsyBat.com!

RVC: Okey-​dokey, Kaz. Let’s buckle down and get super serious because it’s time for THE SPEED ROUND! Wahoo! Sizzling swift questions and flappy fast answers, please. Are you ready?

KW: Yes!

RVC: Most misunderstood thing: UFOs, ghosts, or psychic abilities? 

KW: Psychic abilities.

RVC: Pepperoni. Great deep-​dish pizza topping, or the GREATEST deep-​dish pizza topping?

KW: I love broccoli on pizza. Do with that what you will.

RVC: If you could have a conversation with your future self, what advice would you ask for?

KW: Tell me I won’t have to work this hard later on. Tell me that my books will eventually have their own momentum so I can spend more of my energy on creating them rather than promoting them. Tell me that the rock I’m pushing up this hill will eventually roll down the other side and not back onto me. I don’t know if that is advice, per se, but it’s what I would hope to hear.

RVC: A picture book writer (living or deceased) you’d LOVE to illustrate for?

KW: Illustrating is hard. That’s so much pressure! While I’d love to get a big commercial illustration gig, I am THRILLED when someone else illustrates my words. Heather Brockman-​Lee just illustrated When You Love a Book (Viking/​Flamingo Fall 2024) and that was a dream come true. I’m also a huge fan of LeUyen Pham and I would evaporate out of my body and become a cloud in the heavens if she illustrated one of my books.

RVC: Favorite LGBTQIA+ picture book?

KW: I’m super excited for Molly’s Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson.

RVC: Best thing a kid has said about your books?

KW: I’ve had a few people send me pictures of their kids taking my books to bed with them, usually falling asleep with them on their face. Those pictures are better testimonials than words.

RVC: Thanks so much, Kaz! Here’s hoping you can finally convince your agent and editor to let you draw a toilet in a picture book someday. Ah, to have super-​duper scatological dreams….

KW: A toilet someday! Thanks for the opportunity!