This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Erika Lewis. All opinions are my own.

The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts
Written by Erika Lewis

A 2023 Teacher Favorites Winner (6th-8th Grade) for the Children's Book Council
Brimming with Celtic mythology, action, and danger, Erika Lewis's Kelcie Murphy and The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts introduces readers to a new kind of magical school and a warrior who must choose with which side of an epic battle her destiny will lie.

The Otherworld is at war. The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts trains warriors. And Kelcie Murphy―a foster child raised in the human world―is dying to attend.

A place at AUA means meeting Scáthach, the legendary trainer of Celtic heroes. It means learning to fight with a sword. It means harnessing her hidden powers and―most importantly―finding out who her parents are, and why they abandoned her in Boston Harbor eight years ago.

When Kelcie tests into the school, she learns that she’s a Saiga, one of the most ancient beings in the Otherworld. Secretive, shunned, and possessed of imposing elemental powers, the Saiga are also kin to the Otherworld's most infamous traitor.

But Kelcie is a survivor, and she’ll do whatever it takes to find her parents and her place in their world. Even if that means making a few enemies.

Erika Lewis is the author of the Kelcie Murphy Series from Starscape, The Color of Dragons from HarperTeen, Game of Shadows from Tor Books, Firebrand from Legendary Comics, and more, many of which have been published around the world.
She grew up in Virginia before going off to Tennessee for school. While at Vanderbilt University, studying Math and Theatre, she spent a semester abroad, visiting haunted ruins and magical forests that would forever spark her imagination and leave behind an insatiable need to travel.
An internship at CNN led to exciting years working in television, developing scripted and reality shows for various studios and networks. Then, one day, Erika knew it was time for her to write on her own, to build fantastical worlds that stayed with her after every return from a trip, and also to play her part in inspiring the next generation of readers and writers.
For more information, visit erikalewis.com

Where did you get the inspiration for KELCIE MURPHY and the RACE for the
REAPER’S KEY?
The Race for the Reaper’s Key is the third book of the Kelcie Murphy trilogy. The
original inspirational for the series came from a passion for Celtic mythology and a trip
to the isle of Skye, to the real location of the school that was the launching point for The
Academy for the Unbreakable Arts. In the lore, the Irish teaching warrior goddess,
Scáthach taught Ireland’s most formidable heroes how to fight with magical weapons
and extreme martial arts. Her school was called The Fortress of Shadows. The ruins are
called Dunscaith Castle
I visited the Isle of Skye and stood on the Bridge of Leaping (if you’ve read book one or
two then you know what that is.) I knew when I was standing there, waiting for the
bridge to toss me off, that I wanted to recreate Scáthach’s school in the Otherworld. To
create a school that trains soldiers with weapons and martial arts, who possess powers
inspired by Irish mythology. Things like shapeshifting, controlling the elements,
telekinesis, telepathy, etc.
The main story for the Race for the Reaper’s Key specifically involves the big bad villain
from Book One, King Balor, who is also a figure in Irish mythology. The Never-Ending
War is going to end once and for all, either with the complete annihilation of both sides,
and everyone Kelcie loves, or with peace.

What was your writing process for this book?
Step 1: Research! This entire series necessitated a lot of research, which I love.
Of course, I let my imagination travel off the mythological descriptions of
creatures and events from the legendary pasts, but my first step was to discover
whatever I could about the Irish Mythological Cycle.
Step 2: World-Building for the two lands in the Otherworld, the Lands of Summer
and Winter, and the Never-Ending War.
Step 3: Character Development: Who was going to take the reader into the
Otherworld? Somena from the Otherworld or someone who discovers it? In the
end, Kelcie was abandoned in the human world, but originally from the Lands of
Summer, something she discovers early on in Book 1, The Academy for the
Unbreakable Arts.
Step 4: Write the books. That took 5 years.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My favorite part of writing for children is when I am on school visits, and I see their excited
faces when I hand them a book. Reading is a gift. Comprehending the words on a page, letting
imagination create the scenes playing out on the page rather than a director telling you what it
should look like, it’s an experience that can only be had through reading. When I see the love and
desire all children have to read, even if they’re struggling learning how, and see the inspiration
from my visit, that’s the best part. I had a hard time learning to read and have some techniques
that can help with that. If I can even get one child diving in for another chance at loving books,
then, to me, I’ve won the lottery.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on something NEW! I can’t believe I get to do that. I’ve been on deadline with
Kelcie for five years. It’s exciting and scary too. My next project is a middle grade fantasy
mystery. Can’t tell you too much, but it’s so much fun. I’m also on sub with a graphic novel
series that got its beginnings from Salem, Massachusetts and the witch trials.

What is your favorite book?
This question is SO hard. I have so many. In the children’s space, I loved J.C. Cervantes fantasy
Storm Runner series. I also loved Janet Fox’s contemporary Carry Me Home. C.S. Lewis’s The
Chronicles of Narnia was a favorite of mine when I was the age I’m writing for now. I love
wandering through lands I’ve never heard of, in both real life and my imagination.

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a signed hardcover set of all three books in the Kelcie Murphy series, including the final installment: Kelcie Murphy and the Race for the Reaper's Key! 
​​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Expound Publicity. All opinions are my own.

A Tall Tale- How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs
Written by Scott Sollers
Illustrated by Alejandro Echavez
Ages 4+ | 38 Pages
Publisher: Stephanie’s Stories (2024)
​ISBN-13: 9781637557730
Publisher’s Book Summary: This is the story of two rival communities living in valleys separated by a ridge. The Have-Alls live in a fertile, beautiful valley with their leader, Chief Somebody, and their prized pets, the Squatz. In the other valley, one more desolate and barren, live the No-Haves and their leader, Chief Nobody.

​Where did you get the inspiration for A Tall Tale?
This and all of my 13 stories were conceived by me from scratch from thinking and visualizing a setting where a group of characters interacted in a way that promoted an interesting story line that presented a conflict or challenge of sorts, a resolution and a successful outcome.

What was your writing process for this book?
I would visualize the story line and tell the story to my daughter at bedtime. She always liked my stories and after telling her the story, I would write an outline of the story so I would remember it and eventually bought a blank hardback book and hand wrote thirteen of them out longhand and did simple illustrations for myself as a keepsake.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
The joy and laughter they promote!

What are you working on now?
I am working with my publisher and marketing consultant to complete various books. Two have been published, a third is in production and the fourth has been edited and the artwork has commenced.

What is your favorite book?
Ever? Probably “Blindside” by Michael Collins. I love all his writing!

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a copy of A Tall Tale: How Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs and a $25 Amazon gift card!
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jennifer Nestor.  All opinions are my own.

Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River
Written by Frank Payne
Illustrated by Romney Vasquez
Ages 4+ 40 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 9781637556733
Publisher’s Book Summary: This is the story of Webster the beagle and his adventures at the Rappahannock River, whose tale of hope will inspire you to never give up on your dreams. Sometimes, we think we’re lost when, really, we’re just hoping to be found.

Frank Payne’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious, so dog breeds such as beagles and Labradors are a perfect fit for him. He is an avid hunter, tennis player, and fan of all things James Madison University. Frank is also active in his community and enjoys exploring new ventures—from owning racehorses to oyster farming.
Frank is vice president and a minority owner of PD Brooks Company Inc., a traffic control company in Richmond, Virginia. He lives in Richmond with his wife, Caren, and their two dogs: Billy, the beagle, and River, the black Labrador retriever. On July 1, 2022, Frank adopted Billy the beagle from Richmond Animal Care Control (RACC). Billy was one of over four thousand beagles rescued from Envigo and adopted across the country. RACC was instrumental in protecting and fostering many of the beagles in Virginia.
For more information, visit https://www.websterthebeagle.com/

Where did you get the inspiration for Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River?
I wanted to carry on the legacy of Webster and since the river is one of my favorite places to be with my wife and dogs, it was the perfect continuation of his story. The river was also a big part of Webster’s life since we spend so much time there and some of our best memories with Webster happened there.

What was your writing process for this book?
I thought about the hobbies I have at the river combined with the interesting wildlife of living on the river and wanted the reader to experience them thru Webster.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I have a chance to think about what I enjoyed reading and how I learned as a child. But mainly having the opportunity for children to experience the love of a dog and the adventures you’ll have through reading about mine with Webster.

What are you working on now?
I do not have any current plans at the time for another book… but I didn’t preplan having a second book when I wrote Webster the Beagle but my wife and I did adopt a beagle puppy, Billy, so you never know!

What is your favorite book?
Green Eggs and Ham, Dr. Seuss

Enter for a chance to win a free signed copy of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River. ​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Leona Cobham. All opinions are my own.

Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin
Written by Leona Cobham
Illustrated by Timothy O’Brien
Ages 7+ | 144 Pages
Publisher: Cobham Wings | ISBN-13: 9781739407032
Publisher’s Book Summary: A group of anthropomorphized airplanes encounter extreme weather while training at a mountain base. The Spitfire and the biplane, Woody, discover a suspicious mining operation. Tom, the F-14, accidentally gives their radio frequency to the antagonists at the mine. A snowstorm causes more problems. Tom makes amends by rescuing an F-117 Nighthawk.
The second story is a comic tale of mistaken identity. Spif feels responsible for the smooth running of a historical commemoration, but his plans are hampered by a series of hilarious errors involving statues of Wellington and Napoleon.
In the final story, when the friends are invited to an air show in the height of summer they become impatient with a Chinook who is garnering attention. They take to the sky, and the Tomcat lights his afterburners. When a fire starts, he assumes it was his fault. He overcomes his shame to help with the firefight. Spif must put his pride aside and accept assistance from the popular Chinook. Each aircraft contributes to the effort with its own unique skill set. When they save some scouts who have been camping, it turns out it was the scouts who started the fire. They realize through making mistakes, we learn.

I'm excited to share my interview with Leona Cobham. She was immersed in the world of aviation from a young age; her grandfather, Sir Alan Cobham, made many first-time flights as well as pioneering the invention of air-to-air refueling. Leona absorbed this love of flying and travel. While working in a forest recuperation project in Brazil, Leona volunteered to teach in a shanty town. Here, a lifelong interest in understanding different learning styles began. On return to the UK, she began to write children’s fiction and worked part-time as a classroom reading assistant. Believing happy children learn best, Leona infuses her writing with humor, adventure, and a big feel-good factor. Her endearing characters overcome personal as well as technical challenges to succeed.

For more information, visit: www.cobhamwings.co.uk

Where did you get the inspiration for Flying Circus Airplane Adventures series?
Children are reading less than any previous generation; a third of children surveyed
reported being unable to find things to read that interest them. Yet research shows that
strong reading skills are a key predictor of successful learning. So, I felt inspired to
combine exciting fiction, which is enjoyable to read, with facts. Many children groan at
the thought of learning, but I honestly believe it’s possible to enjoy the process. If a child
feels happy, they learn so much better. By combining feel-good adventures with
technical information about aviation, my books put readers in this happy space where
they see how the airplanes pull off the feats they do. I’m passionate about aviation and I
want to share that excitement.
For example, in Dangerous Elements (Book 2), an airplane is lost and her pals on the
ground use radar to look for her. The lost airplane is a stealth plane, so she has a very
small radar return. My reader now has a visual on how radar works in the real world. I
believe it’s this combination of fact with fiction that can be effective in getting youngsters
back into reading.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I work out the driving question behind the story before anything else. This is embedded
in the plot. For children’s adventure books, I believe this has to take the form of a
physical challenge, a hero’s journey. Emotional challenges then arise on the back of this
physical challenge. I write an outline with the inciting incident, the motivating aspect that
locks the protagonist in, plot points for the unfolding action, and finally the resolution:
the new truth. Only then do I begin writing the book.
Early on, I decided I didn’t want to write for a traditional publisher but instead, write for
me and my readers! That means I can retain my integrity and write what I believe in. It
also means I have to take time out from writing for marketing. It’s well worth the price.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I write about the awesome nature of flight! I hope I inspire readers to follow careers
which push the boundaries of technology. The character arcs in my stories allow
readers to see the value of emotional intelligence and the benefit of collaborating with
others. And at the end of the day, my readers may develop a love of reading simply
because they felt good when they were engrossed in the world inside the book.
I think there’s a metaphor inherent in flight: my readers can get themselves off the
ground and fly high. They are in the pilot’s seat. By learning, they become empowered.

What are you working on now?
Book 3 in the Airplane Adventures series.
​
What is your favorite book?
Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach.

Enter the giveaway below for your shot at nabbing a copy of Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin.
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kathleen Welton. All opinions are my own.

The Magic Sea Turtle
Written by Kathleen Welton
Illustrated by Chau Pham
Ages 3+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Bookfox Press | ISBN-13: 978-1960157515
Publisher’s Book Summary: Once upon a time, Myrtle chased her dreams–dreams of being a queen with a crown that sparkled like the moon. One day, she tumbles down, down, down into the sea. Max helps rescue her and a magic carpet flies her to a place even more amazing than her sandcastle dreams and she discovers an entire ocean of possibilities! There are dolphins who welcome her and a friendly otter with the biggest smile. They can teach her to swim and enjoy the day. Another magical glow surrounds Myrtle when she decides to stay and wishes to be a sea turtle like Max.
And guess what? Myrtle’s fall may have been unexpected, but thanks to a touch of magic, it leads her to a place where her wishes come true. Myrtle becomes a queen AND a magic sea turtle too, ready for incredible adventures! Myrtle the Turtle learns that being a queen means having the best friends ever. And with her sparkly crown and a heart full of joy, she is the happiest queen the whole ocean has ever seen!

I'm excited to share my interview with Kathleen Welton. She advocates for beaches, birds, and wildlife; is an award-winning independent publisher; and writes picture books and screenplays. She began her book publishing career as a college textbook sales rep. Since then, she has served as senior editor for Dow Jones-Irwin, publisher for Dearborn Trade, vice president and publisher for IDG Books, director for H&R Block, and director of book publishing for the American Bar Association. As a book producer at aka Associates, she collaborates with authors and organizations on publishing projects.She earned a BA in both English and Italian Literature from Stanford University as well as a Certificate in Feature Film Writing with distinction from UCLA Extension. When she is not writing, Kathleen enjoys meditating, reading, and exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Learn more about Kathleen at kathywelton.com.

​Where did you get the inspiration for The Magic Sea Turtle?
I am just a girl who loves turtles. The end. I grew up close to the beaches in Southern California.
The ocean as well as rivers and lakes has always been my favorite place. As such, I support
sustainability initiatives connected to beaches, birds, and wildlife.
Sea turtles are one such creature that I have long admired. I am fascinated by the myths and
stories about them including the story of Turtle Island which according to some is a name
for Earth or North America, used by some American Indigenous peoples, as well as by others.
Myrtle is a 500-pound sea turtle who has lived at the New England Aquarium in Boston for more
than 50 years. She is thought to be in her nineties and she is expected to live for a few years. I
have a coffee mug with her outline etched on my desk. So her spirit was beside me when I wrote
my book.
I wanted to write a picture book that would celebrate these creatures for what they have given us.
In addition, I am grateful to be able to live near Lake Michigan. And I am grateful where my
publishing has landed me—going from an editor and publisher to a writer. Sometimes where you
end up turns out to be better than where you first started life.

What was your writing process like for this book?
First off, over the past few years, I focused on learning everything that I could about being a
writer including online courses, reading lots of picture books, and reading lots of books about
how to write. It wasn’t until a few years ago, that I really had the confidence to tell my own
stories. A few writing colleagues and a good friend pushed me to take the plunge. I chose a
middle ground between publishing the books myself and finding an agent and went the” hybrid”
publishing route. Those decisions have made all the difference in taking the next steps.
Questions that I asked myself included what kind of picture books did I want to write? How
many pages? I love animated movies such as “The Lion King” where the animals are the story
tellers and wanted to have them be the ones that teach us lessons. So I used animals I love—from
birds and horses to lions and tigers and bears to get the words and concepts come to life.
As a project management type, I like to use templates as well as value feedback from other
readers and editors. Choosing those people carefully made all the difference to me. They not only
gave me essential encouragement and believed in me but also fabulous ideas for illustrations and
how to make everything come together. I could not be happier with all the choices that I made and the journey that I am on.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I have been extremely lucky to find wonderful picture book pros to work with and am grateful
for the opportunity to collaborate with amazing editors and illustrators on my debut picture
books! Having served as a book publishing professional for many years, it has been a dream
come true to enter the wonderful world of picture books. My wish is that my books help to spark
a love of reading and lifelong literacy.

What are you working on now?
I have two books ready for publication in 2024— “Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo”
(September 2024) which was inspired by one of my favorite places—the Lincoln Park Zoo. In
“Pigs Have Wings,” (June 2024) Miz Pig dreams she can dance and sing, but it's harder for a pig
than you'd think! With a little help and inspiration from her friends, Miz Pig finds she can do
almost anything! 
The second book in the Myrtle the Turtle series in the works for publication in 2025. In addition,
there are a few other picture books either in process or on the drawing board. Animals are the
real storytellers in my picture books. They inspire my imagination with their beauty, bravery, and
wisdom.

What is your favorite book?
I discovered “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae  (Author), Guy Parker-Rees  (Illustrator)
many years ago and fell in love with this picture book first for Gerald the adorable giraffe. It
remains a gold star example for me of the perfect classic combination of text and illustrations
that seem to dance together just like the main character.

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of The Magic Sea Turtle, a plushy of Myrtle, and a Baby Turtle Adoption from seeturtles.org.
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Hillary Harper.  All opinions are my own.

1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me
Written by Hillary Harper
Illustrated by Felipe Calv
Ages 3-8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Cannoli & Co. Books | ISBN-13: 9798988363637
Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet Mack, the pup with emotions as big as his paws! At times, Mack finds himself overwhelmed by his feelings. His stomach is filled with butterflies, his legs grow wobbly, and he feels short of breath. Thankfully, Mack has his trusty sidekick, Gertie, to guide him through the tough times. Together, they explore ways to manage and overcome these powerful emotions.
Through Mack’s journey, children can learn breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and other self-regulation activities that can be practiced in their daily lives.

I'm excited to share my interview with Hillary. She has worked in the field of early childhood education since 2006. During this time she has worked as an elementary and preschool teacher, academic designer, and preschool/center director.
Her love of children’s books helped launch her book company, Cannoli & Co. Books, in 2023. Cannoli & Co. Books bring engaging, timeless, and creative stories to children and adults alike. The company is named after Hillary’s “best boy”, an English cream golden retriever named Cannoli. He and his canine brothers and sisters are the inspiration for her funny stories.
Hillary is a native of Ohio. She has three teenage daughters, who also inspire her on a daily basis. She is a second generation teacher and writer, following in the footsteps of her parents. Outside of her professional life, Hillary enjoys spending time gardening, taking care of her house plants, and going on adventures.
Learn more about Hillary and her book company at cannolicobooks.com.

Where did you get the inspiration for 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me?
The idea for this book was sparked by our family dog, Mack, who struggles with anxiety.
We've experimented with various methods to help him relax. Alongside our dog, I aimed to
tackle the rise in anxiety among children post-pandemic. The goal was to develop a fresh
picture book centered on imparting self-regulation skills and calming strategies to children
experiencing anxiety.

What was your writing process like for this book?
While crafting this book, I studied the self-regulation skills imparted to the students at the
preschool where I serve as director. Targeting children aged 3-9, who are the intended
audience for this book, I aimed to ensure that the strategies presented were relevant.
Moreover, I aimed to portray the heartwarming bond between the two dogs, illustrating
how having a supportive companion can assist in navigating challenging emotions.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My joy in writing children's books peaks when I read the words aloud. Witnessing the
genuine reactions of children to my stories is truly rewarding. Their honesty shines
through in their feedback and suggestions, making them a wonderful audience. Moreover, I
appreciate the freedom to unleash my creativity as children enjoy exploring their
imaginations.

What are you working on now?
I am creating a journal to accompany this story. It will feature a section where children can
draw, write, and reflect on their emotions. Additionally, there will be coloring pages and
engaging activities to help children channel their focus during times of anxiety.
I'm currently writing my third book, which revolves around a playful cat and her closest
companion. Together, they use their creativity to unravel the mystery behind why the cat
brings piles of leaves to her owners daily. The story is inspired by my friend's famous
Instagram cat, Mary.

What is your favorite book?
My favorite children’s book is The Great Lollipop Caper by Dan Krall.

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a copy of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me, signed by Hillary Harper as well as a children’s journal companion to the book.
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Elisa Stad. All opinions are my own.

Mama’s Love Language: Sometimes Love Tastes Like Hainan Chicken Rice
​Written by Elisa Stad
Illustrated by Ry Menson
Ages 5-10 | 31 Pages
Publisher: Ginger Lotus Press | ISBN-13: 9798988378518
Publisher’s Book Summary: Jade is a girl who lives in two worlds and, coming from a multicultural family, she’s on a quest to understand her identity and where she truly belongs.
She is trying to find her place in the world but feels different from the other kids at school. Back home, Jade’s parents have their unique approach to love and care. Sometimes Jade is embarrassed by Mama’s accent and she can’t understand why she is not just like any other mother she knows.
The real adventure unfolds when Jade starts rebelling against her mother’s traditional ways of showing love, especially through food. It’s a struggle that takes her on a path of discovery, as she learns about her family’s rich heritage and her mother’s challenging past in Vietnam and as an immigrant.
Jade then discovers that even though Mama doesn’t hug or say I love you, the healing aroma of ginger, green onions, and chicken broth does. “Mama’s Love Language” is a heartwarming children’s book that addresses the universal theme of belonging and the beauty of cultural diversity. Through Jade’s story, children will learn that being different is not only okay but something to be celebrated, and that love can come in many shapes and forms.

I'm excited to share my interview with Elisa. She spent the majority of her career, as a brand and international business executive for luxury goods and consumer product companies. After experiencing working in over 40 countries, she acquired a passion for globalization and the sharing of cultures based on her experiences. Elisa is also focused on inspiring the youth through her efforts in healthcare inequities through Stad Center of Pain, Palliative, and Integrative Medicine and serves on college boards at USC, UCSF and Harvard.Elisa grew up in a mixed-race household, as a daughter of a Vietnamese refugee mother and American father. She grew up in a multicultural home, searching for identity. She also moved homes often in her childhood including to Asia and within the US to Idaho and California.
She always wanted to share with other young children the beauty of humanity and how we can celebrate our unique gifts. You can find her enjoying ballet, visiting local Asian street markets, practicing yoga, and focusing on her spiritual practice. Elisa lives in Southern California with her husband, 3 children and a bernedoodle.
For more information, visit https://www.elisastad.com/

Where did you get the inspiration for Mama's Love Language: Sometimes Love Tastes Like
Hainan Chicken Rice?
I grew up in a mixed-race household as a daughter of a Vietnamese refugee mother and an
Scottish-Irish American father. My search for identity has been a constant question- having
been raised in a multicultural home and never feeling I fit in. With my Chinese family, I was
white. With my white family I was Chinese. When I lived in HK I was very American. When I
lived in Idaho I felt like my Chinese traits stood out. It was my lifelong dream to write a book to
share with young children that everyone has a place and should be celebrated just as they are.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I started writing this book on a returning flight from Hong Kong. I felt compelled to share my
story with other young children who could identify with feeling out of place with the mix of
cultures and race. I went back to this piece during the start of the pandemic and then put it down. I finally had the courage to get this piece published when my children started to ask about when the book could be in a library.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I love hearing the conversations the children are raising with Mama’s Love Language.  All
children can relate to Jade in different ways: emotions she feels, wanting to fit in, and trying to
understand herself. I'm very passionate about spreading diversity and this book gave me the
opportunity to show children from multicultural and multiracial homes that being different makes
us unique.

What are you working on now?
I’m focused on getting Mama’s Love Language to different communities, libraries, bookstores
and schools. In the coming months we will see what Jade evolves into. I’m also working on the
launch of a Pediatric Integrative medicine center at UCSF. At the end of the year I will start
writing my next book.

What is your favorite book?
As mother of three elementary school kids the Roald Dahl series are a must read, such as
Matilda or BFG. I was an addict of Roald Dahl from 2nd grade on. As an avid adult reader my
favorite authors are Amy Tan and Lisa See. I just finished Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa
See which connects Eastern medicine modalities and is a historical fiction piece. I keep
exploring a piece of my heritage and history through the lenses of authors like Tan and See.

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a copy of Mama’s Love Language: Sometimes Love Tastes Like Hainan Chicken Rice, signed by Elisa Stad, and a $50 Amazon gift card!
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Alysson Foti Bourque. All opinions are my own.

Alycat and the Sunday Scaries
Written by Alysson Foti Bourque
Illustrated by Chiara Civati
Ages 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Pelican Publishing | ISBN-13: 9781455627790
Publisher’s Book Summary: It’s Sunday, the day before the school week begins, and Alycat is nervous. She just knows that Monday is going to be the Mondayest Monday ever! On the playground, Alycat realizes she isn’t the only one suffering from the Sunday Scaries. It’s hard to ride a bike. What if Kit falls? The treehouse is so high. Will Spotty make it safely back down? The kittens band together to overcome their fears, but can they turn the Sunday Scaries into a Sunday Funday? The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity toward problem-solving.
Fans of Alycat and her friends will enjoy spotting references to the kittens’ daily adventures within these pages. Tips for a successful lemonade stand are included!

I'm excited to share my interview with Alysson. She began her career as a teacher after graduating from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education and went on to earn a law degree from Southern University Law Center in 2007.After practicing law for nearly eight years, it was time to trade in writing trial briefs for writing children’s books and collaborating with non-profits to support philanthropic initiatives such as Foster the Love with First Lady Donna Edwards, Lafayette Walk to Defeat ALS, The Family Tree, Operation Shower, Wild Cat Foundation, and Hayley’s Bracelet fundraiser to benefit Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Her series has won over 23 awards and has received glowing reviews.
Find Alyson and Alycat online at  www.alycatseries.com.

Where did you get the inspiration for Alycat and the Sunday Scaries?
Writing the last book in the week-based series made me scared that the series would end. I
channeled this feeling into the context and lessons of the book, which helped give me tools to
fight through the fear. This fear and the ways to deal with them inspired this story.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I wrote down a list of worries that I had in this world and a list of worries a child might have in this world. It became apparent that the way to deal with worries are the same no matter how old you are. Coping techniques and healthy lifestyles are important in conquering fears and worry. I used these worries and techniques to create a problem-solving manuscript that could help
readers young and old.
​
What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My favorite part is when a reader tells me that they started to like reading after reading The Alycat Series. Author visits are also my favorite! I love meeting the Alycat fans!

What are you working on now?
I am working on the storyboard illustrations for Alycat
and the Copycat and soon to start illustration descriptions for another top secret Alycat
book.

​What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is Happy Birthday, Moon. Bear discovers that he and the moon share the same birthday and he wants to give his nighttime friend a present. But what do you buy the moon? It’s a heartwarming story of generosity, imagination, and friendship.

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of the book and three adorable Alycat plush toys!
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kat Chen. All opinions are my own.

Play with Me
Written by Kat Chen
Illustrated by Lorraine Nam
Ages 1+ | 24 Pages
Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop | ISBN-13: 9780593659717
Publisher’s Book Summary: This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. The picnic playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive experience that will provide readers with a reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.

I'm excited to share my interview with Kat Chen, author of Play With Me. Kat serves on the advisory board for Books for Newborns. After becoming a grandmother and spending most of her free time helping with “the fun stuff”—conversations, crayons, and crawling—she was inspired to delve into children’s books and help kids master the art of simple conversation through shared play. Learn more about Kat and her work atkat-chen.com.

Where did you get the inspiration for Play with Me? 
Do you want the official answer or the truth? Official answer: I saw a TED talk about how kids
learn to talk with questions. Someone asks, what’s your name? They answer. Someone asks,
What color do you like? They think about it and answer. It’s how most conversations begin—a
question and an answer. So that’s what I wrote. (That’s all true, it’s just not the full truth. For
that…see below.) 
 
The secret, unofficial answer is that I watched a relative reading to my granddaughter and was
surprised that he just read the words. There was no pausing, no interacting, no questions with
the child. That’s when I realized many people don’t know how to read with a toddler. They
need help learning how to engage the child with the book. So, I wrote the questions and the
interactions to help the adults engage with their child and the book together. 
 
What was your writing process like for this book? 
Once I had the idea, it was all about putting together activities and art with simple questions.
This is a board book, not a picture book, so it’s meant for very young children. Simple questions,
simple colorful art.  That was my idea, but I only wrote the words. Once I started working with
the brilliant editor Nicole Fox at RISE, we shaped the activities and the questions together. It
was a true collaboration. 
 
What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? 
It’s the best and the worst part. It’s all about the idea. Once I have the right idea, it’s so fast to
write. At least that’s how it feels. I can write the manuscript in an hour (as opposed to my adult
novels that take months.)  However, I end up spending hours then refining one word here, one
word there. The detail to every word can be exhausting. So the short answer is: my favorite part
about writing books for kids is that the idea is everything, the writing is fast, and picture books
are short and quick. Which means if the idea is crap, no amount of time will fix it. And the short
amount of words means every single one has to be perfect.  
 
What are you working on now? 
Right now I’m focused on adult novels as Jade Lee, but I’m always writing new picture books.
That’s the joy of having two grandbabies. Every time I’m with them, I get a new picture book
idea.  
 
What is your favorite book? 
My favorite kids books is The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey and Don Wood.  That’s quite a long title, isn’t it? I love everything about this book. The artwork is amazing, the story is delightful, and it is the pinnacle of picture books for me.

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Play with Me and a $25 Amazon gift card.
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and P. J. Davis. All opinions are my own.

Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time
Written by P. J. Davis
Illustrated by Thomas Peacock
Ages: 8+ | 234 Pages
Publisher: Philaments | ISBN-13: 979-8990031616
Book Summary: “…it’s hard to prove the world’s most important substance is missing when no one knows it’s gone.”
“Substance? What substance?” asks thirteen-year-old Max Kellerman. “Why time itself!” exclaims the strange professor who Max meets in the back of his uncle’s bookstore. In fact, he says, time is being sucked out of every living person by invisible thieves and stored away in a deep, dark netherworld.
Could the professor possibly be right… or just plain crazy?
It depends on whether Max can unravel the mysterious clues in the tattered manuscript the professor leaves behind. With the help of his best friends Derek and Samantha, Max begins a quest to find this dark realm and to discover its hidden secrets. But with the time clock ticking and the professor gone missing, Max uncovers a truth he never thought possible.
Max must unravel the mysteries of Nemesis to save not just his world, but the very fabric of time itself.

G​I am excited to share my interview with PJ Davis. He lives in the tiny mountain town of Brevard, North Carolina overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. He lives there with his wife, youngest son, three sleepy cats and three noisy ducks. For his day job, he names things, such as companies, products and services. he even named the town’s annual White Squirrel Festival.
​For more information, visit http://www.PJDavisAuthor.com

Where did you get the inspiration for Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time?
It started with a feeling of empathy for the main character Max, who’s this kid that’s sort of
lost in his own thought bubble. I could relate to how that internal world can lead to isolation and misunderstanding at school and in life in general. So I started to write about him, explore the character and let it play itself out with all of his ruminations and imaginations. Then I just followed the threads of his thoughts to see where it took him, and it took him to some pretty interesting places.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I would describe my process as inspired fits and spurts. When the ideas flow, they really flow.
It’s almost like I’m a witness to the writing and there’s an internal dictation going on that I
can barely keep pace with. But then the story will suddenly turn cold and just sit there for a
while. So I typically let it do just that… sit. And then I come back and tinker a bit and see if I
can pick up the trail again. Sometimes I ask the story what it wants to say, as if the story itself
is a person. My goal is to get out of the way as much as possible and let the story tell itself. So
it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Then there’s the more tedious process of synthesizing
it, reviewing it, sending it to my editor for input, and doing the revisions and fine tuning. So
it’s both inspiration and dedication, there’s no cutting corners.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My favorite part of writing middle grade fiction is the anticipation that comes with knowing
who I’m writing for – those bright, bubbly, and unbridled young minds. In fact, I write with a
very specific mental image of my intended audience. For this book, I pictured a ten or eleven-
year-old boy coming up to my table at a future book signing alongside his mother. He asks
questions about my book that even I don’t have adequate answers to. Why? Because he’s so
fully invested in the story that he’s made this new world his very own. And when that moment
arrives, I’ll know that my goal in writing this book was absolutely accomplished.

What are you working on now?
I have a strong suspicion that Max, Derek and Samantha will be back. There is some
unfinished business they’ll need to attend to, and the forces at work are still very much at
work. For a clue, look at the last illustration in the book at the very end… and stay tuned!

​What is your favorite book?
Tough question as probably most would agree. But in terms of impact, I would say The
Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois. I have a soft spot for fantastical adventures and this book about a man’s globetrotting visit to a remote island of millionaires really
captured my imagination. I was in fifth grade at the time and it helped spur a love of reading ​and misadventure.

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a copy of Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time autographed by P.J. Davis, a Galaxy Flying Orb Ball, and a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
​