Everybody in the Red Brick Building

Posted on 11/22/2021

Everybody in the Red Brick Building
by Anne Wynter, illustrated by Oge Mora

Balzar & Bray  | 978-0062865762

 

Have you read EVERYBODY IN THE RED BRICK BUILDING yet? It’s the first of many beautiful books on the way from Anne Wynter. With starred reviews from Kirkus, Book Page, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist and gorgeously illustrated by Oge Mora, with acrylic paint, gouache, china markers, pastels, patterned paper, and old book clippings, the collage art in jeweled tones provides the perfect canvas for Wynter’s rich and onomatopoetic text.

The story begins with a quiet double spread, full moon in the sky, lights out in all the windows: “Everybody in the red brick building was asleep.”

Until… with a turn of the page:

Baby Izzie sat up in her crib and howled.
WaaaAAH!

CLICK TO ENLARGE ©illustrations by Oge Mora

One-by-one, baby, parrot, children and parents, cat and car wake up!  The building fills with noise until, finally…

Back on her perch,

Pepper curled up tight

and listened to the shhhh shhhh

of the street sweeper.

Kids crawl back inside their sleeping bags, wind chimes “ting ting,” quiet descends and, eventually, everyone in the red brick building falls asleep.

CLICK TO ENLARGE ©illustrations by Oge Mora

I’m so happy Anne agreed to visit ReaderKidZ to chat about her debut, offer a few writing tips, give readers a peek into upcoming books, and so much more!

DIANNE: Welcome Anne! 

I read in a recent interview that EVERYBODY IN THE RED BRICK BUILDING was one of two picture book manuscripts you had written at the time you sent out queries to agents. But I also know that you’re a playwright and you’ve had lots of other experiences as a freelance writer, copyeditor, and content strategist.

In what ways have you found these various experiences helpful in writing picture books and understanding how the industry works?

ANNE: As a freelance writer and creative writer, one of the biggest challenges is getting started on a new project. You imagine a story in your head, but getting the first words out on paper is tough. But with freelancing, I had deadlines and I needed to move on to other assignments – plus I had to earn money! – so I learned to jump in and get started, even when I was hesitant. It’s definitely a skill I use when tackling new picture book ideas (even though I’m still scared and hesitant sometimes!)

My playwriting experience was especially helpful because it’s similar to writing picture books. For both formats, you’re writing words that are meant to be read aloud. And your words are just one step in the creative process. For theatre, the script is a jumping off point for the director, actors and designers. For picture books, your text is a jumping off point for the illustrator. You have to be okay with handing off the project to other creatives.

CLICK TO ENLARGE ©illustrations by Oge Mora

DIANNE: Taking it one step further, how have you found your experience as a Marketing and PR Specialist helpful as you prepared for the launch of EVERYBODY IN THE RED BRICK BUILDING?

ANNE: It definitely helped, but not as much as I thought it would. It’s still much easier to promote other people’s work than it is to promote your own. Also, things change so quickly. When I was doing publicity and marketing work, Instagram wasn’t a big thing yet and TikTok wasn’t around at all. We weren’t talking much about influencers. Some of the things I used to do probably aren’t as relevant anymore.

But having marketing and PR experience was very helpful when I was querying. Pitching something to a media outlet is a lot like querying agents. Following their directions, being professional and courteous, doing your research – it’s all such a big part of it, and I’m glad I had that experience when I started querying.

DIANNE: What was your biggest, most delightful surprise as a debut author?

ANNE: I’d heard authors and illustrators say school visits were their favorite part of being an author, but I was still surprised when it turned out to be so much fun! I’ve actually only done one visit so far – and it was virtual – but I had a blast! Seeing how students react to the story, hearing their questions, being a part of their school day . . . It’s so energizing and inspiring.  I can’t wait to do more.

CLICK TO ENLARGE ©illustrations by Oge Mora

DIANNE: You’ve talked elsewhere about drafting on poster board. I love this idea of what you call “taking up space” to write story ideas in a nonlinear format. It’s not something I’ve tried, but it’s easy to see how it keeps the brainstorming process fluid and forces us to imagine our writing in a slightly different way.

Do you have any other helpful tips for writers? Things you fall back on when you’re further along in the process, but still feel stuck?

ANNE:  Turning to mentor texts is definitely helpful. And now that my kids are older, I sometimes read my work to them. I love to see how they react and find out what they think will happen next.

One of the best – but hardest – ways to get fresh ideas is to silence outside voices. So, if I’m thinking of taking a walk with a podcast, or cooking while listening to an audiobook – sometimes I force myself to do those things in silence. It gives my mind a chance to wander, and interesting ideas can come out of that. However, I almost never do this because it’s tough – there are so many great books and podcasts to listen to! But I’m working on doing it more often.

 

DIANNE: You’re branching out into new formats. In addition to writing plays and picture books, you have two board books (HANDS ON! and ONE BIG DAY, both illustrated by Alea Marley, January 2022) and a few more unannounced projects on the way. Do you have a favorite format? What can your readers look forward to next?

ANNE: It’s so hard to pick a favorite! But if I have to, I think I’ll go with board books. I love the feel of them and I have such lovely memories of reading board books to my kids when they were tiny. I enjoy writing under tight parameters, and I don’t know that you can get any tighter than a board book. Super low word counts, the simplest concepts . . . but you still have to think about the adult reader and keep them entertained! It’s a difficult but fun challenge.

I’m currently working on chapter books, and I’m finding that to be really exciting. But I’m still in the writing/drafting/exploring phase with those. Hopefully they’ll make it onto shelves one day because I’d love to share this story and these characters with readers!

In the meantime, readers can expect more picture books. I’ve got a few more coming out, starting with Nell Plants a Tree, which is illustrated by the absolutely wonderful Daniel Miyares and which will be released in winter 2023.

DIANNE: Thanks for joining me on ReaderKidZ, Anne!

***

 

Learn more about ANNE and her books (including some great writing tips) in these interviews:

Enjoy this interview with illustrator Oge Mora on Diverse Books.Org.

 

Cranky Chicken

Posted on 11/14/2021

Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby
Margaret K. McElderry Books | 78-1534469884

 

One of the things I love about social media is the way it often leads me to new books I haven’t heard about yet. Such was the case with CRANKY CHICKEN, the first chapter book in a new illustrated series by Katherine Battersby.

Who is Cranky Chicken? A fussy, curmedgeony chicken who is bothered by everything. Bright sunshine. Itchy feathers. Dirty dirt. Even a fallen leaf she finds on the ground.

CLICK TO ENLARGE  © illustrations by Katherine Battersby

“Leaf, you are in my way.
Move now, or else.
Ok, I warned you….”

Suddenly, Cranky Chicken takes a running start, comes speeding towards the leaf and KICKS it out of the way!

The last thing she expects to see hidden beneath the leaf is a friendly, optimisitic worm named Speedy. Polite and persistent, Speedy quickly befriends Cranky.

“I like you.
Why?
Because you saved me!
I did?
Yes! From the EVIL leaf.”

In charming pale-toned colors rendered digitally using custom chalk, pastel and watercolor brushes, CRANKY CHICKEN is a perfect chapter book/graphic novel for emerging readers.

 

 

 

MARTY

Posted on 11/07/2021

MARTY by Rachel Noble, illustrated by Zoey Abbott
Holiday  House | 978-0823446629

 

“This is Marty.
Marty is a Martian.
He lives on Earth now.
You’ve never noticed him before because is undercover…”

Marty is a master of disguises and can fool just about anyone. Is he lonely?  Yes, sometimes. People tend to be afraid of others who are different from them. What would Marty’s friends do if they discovered he was a Martian? Scream, that’s what.

One day, Marty joins a costume parade. It’s nice being part of something. When the parade ends, it’s hard to say goodbye to his new friends. And that’s when Marty knows something will need to change. Instead of blending in, Marty will do something to stand out!

It works for a while, and Marty likes the extra attention, but then…

“Curiosity turned into suspicion.
Suspicion turned into investigation.
Investigation turned into…”

Well, you can imagine. Marty’s cover was blown!

Whimsically illustrated by Zoey Abbott, MARTY, by Rachel Noble is a sweet story about what it means to be completely  yourself and to find a friend who knows and accepts you exactly as you are.

***

 

 

The Treasure Troop: Mr. Summerling’s Secret Code

Posted on 10/31/2021

Penguin Workshop | 9780593094839

 

Marly loves a good mystery. She’s listening to THE WESTING GAME and just as she’s about to find out the truth about Sam Westing, the doorbell rings. A man, who does not identify himself, delivers an envelope addressed to: MARLENA MARIE DEAVER.

“What’s this about?” her mom calls to the man. But before she has a chance to get an answer, he hops in his red car and drives away.

Soon, Marly learns that her presence is requested at the reading of her eccentric next-door neighbor’s  — Mr. Harry Summerling’s — will. Mr. Summerling is known around town for his quirky ways and his walks sweeping the ground with a metal detector. Might he have left Marly money or buried treasure?

On Monday, Marly and her soon-to-be-new friends, Isla Thomson and Sai Gupta, gather in the attorney’s office to hear the reading of a single sheet of paper – a letter from Mr. Summerling:

” ‘If you’re hearing this letter, then I am missing, dead, or perhaps I’ve been abducted by aliens… It’s time to give away some of my  earthly possessions – ‘ “

Mr. Summerling has created a series of puzzles for the three kids to solve! And so the journey begins. Each of the kids has unique skills that they will have to use to solve the puzzle and find the treasure. Can they crack the code?

Mr. Summerling’s Secret Code  is the first book in THE TREASURE TROOP early chapter book series, by Edgar Award Winner Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Tim Budgen. Sure to capture the attention of budding mystery enthusiasts, books #2-4 are already out, so readers can jump right into the next mystery!

 

  • Readers will enjoy this Word Scramble game written in Mr. Summerling’s Secret Code!

 

 

something good

Posted on 10/24/2021

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | 978-0759557420

 

Something bad has happened at school. Someone has written hateful words on the girl’s bathroom wall and all the girls from Mr. Gilbert’s class are called into principal Martínez’s office. When asked if they have any information, some of the girls say no. Others look down at the carpet.

“Mrs. Martínez took her time looking at each of us. She seemed very serious and very sad. She said quietly but firmly,’ This kind of thing won’t be tolerated at our school.’ “

Everyone wanted to know what the bad something was and, even though the principal had told them that no one was allowed to return to the bathroom, after lunch a few of the girls snuck inside. They looked:

“around, and over, and on, and under.
Until we saw it.
The bad – something.”

One girl cried. Another ran out. “Kiyoko kicked a stall really hard, and the sound made us cover our ears.”

The next day, the principal speaks to all the students reminding the kids that “the bad-something had no place” in their school. Later, Mr. Gilbert tells the class they’ll create a beautiful mural on the bathroom wall, each child adding something special – flowers, dragons, rainbows and lots of smiling people. Then, the kids write poems “about the world outside the painting…. about how there was more good than bad, more love than hate.”

CLICK TO ENLARGE © illustrations by Corrina Luyken

We all know that something good isn’t always the end result when something bad happens. As Campbell writes in her Author’s Note – “… just as there are varied reactions, there are also varied solutions. This book portrays just one way a school might deal with an incident of hate speech.”

something good, by Marcy Campbell  illustrated by Corinna Luyken is a thoughtful, sensitively handled story inspired by real-life events at the author’s children’s schools. This powerful book is one way to begin conversations and healing after a hateful incident in a school or larger community.

These helpful resources can supplement discussions:

 

OVER and UNDER the CANYON

Posted on 10/10/2021

Chronicle Books | 978145269392

 

If you’re familiar with Kate Messner‘s OVER and UNDER series, you may have already seen the newest, OVER AND UNDER THE CANYON. Living, as I do, in Arizona, this was a book I wanted to read. Inspired by the Anzo-Borrego Desert State Park, south of Palm Springs and west of Ramona, CA, it’s a landscape I’m familiar with, not too far from the homes of several members of my family.
CLICK TO ENLARGE © illustration by Christopher Silas Neal

Readers are introduced to several animals who make their homes in the desert canyons – there are jackrabbits and golden eagles, red diamond rattlesnakes and roadrunners. As the sun fades, “Bobcats prowl the shadows, and great horned owls call through the sky.

Even if it’s not possible to travel to the canyon and experience it in person, don’t miss Christopher Silas Neal‘s gorgeous mixed media illustrations and this rich introduction to desert canyon life.

CLICK TO ENLARGE © illustration by Christopher Silas Neal

To learn a little more about other of Kate’s books and how she juggles different writing projects, enjoy this January 2021 interview with Kate and author Lisa Bullard.

 

Farm Lullaby

Posted on 10/03/2021

Chronicle Books | 978-1452181035

 

Neigh-a-bye lullaby
Slowly swaying rock-a-bye

Nuzzle nose, breathing deep
Plodding, nodding off to sleep

 

With these gentle words, FARM LULLABY opens and, already, I can feel my breath slowing, the rhythms of the nighttime farm settling in. Young readers will be calmed, too, drawn into Karen Jameson’s beautiful text with endearing illustrations reminiscent of favorite books from our own (adult) childhoods.

As wooly lambs, drowsy piglets, and downy ducklings make their way to their respective bedtime spots, little ones everywhere will find it hard to resist the urge to curl up with a soft pillow, lay down their heads, and heed the call to sleep. Beautifully illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan in dreamy jewel-toned colors, FARM LULLABY is sure to be a classic!

© Wednesday Kirwan

It’s a pleasure to welcome Karen to ReaderKidZ to share a little of the journey of this, her 3rd picture book.

DIANNE: You have an amazing talent for finding just the right soothing text to prepare young ones for sleep! You’ve already published a number of bedtime books (MOON BABIES, WOODLAND DREAMS) and I know you have more coming out in the next few years. FARM LULLABY will be your third, but it was actually the first lullaby manuscript you wrote. Can you share with readers a little about what drew you to this type of picture book?

KAREN:  Thanks, Dianne! In trying to find my niche as a picture book writer, I decided to revisit the books I’d saved from my children’s early years. In doing so, I found a common thread among our favorites – bedtime books!  As a parent, I coveted those cozy up moments at the end of the day. Calm and quiet would settle over us as we shared treasured tales, often rereading the same ones night after night. Those are the books they remember to this day. With that in mind, I set out to create my own.

FARM LULLABY was inspired by my own overnight visit to a relative’s farm when I was about five. Imagine my surprise when I saw the animals bedding down for the night! I had no idea that they had bedtime routines just like my brother and I.

I can’t wait to share more about FARM LULLABY and hear all about your newest book, WINTER LULLABY, at our double book launch through The Writing Barn on November 6th!  Find more information HERE! 

 © Wednesday Kirwan

DIANNE: You’ve had lots of success writing heart-warming bedtime books, but you’ve also been busy crafting engaging rhyming nonfiction. Can you talk about your upcoming nonfiction picture books and give readers a peek into the process of discovering a topic that interests you, doing the necessary research, and deciding what format or structure will best serve the text?

KAREN: I wish there was a magic formula for discovering a topic! Ha! For me, it’s more of an unpredictable process.  Out of the blue something will strike me as novel or interesting, and I’ll go down the research rabbit hole to see if there’s enough there to carry a book.  If the concept proves promising, I’ll dig in and try some different structures to see what gels. Along the way, I’ll check to see if there are any other children’s books on that same topic. In the case of TIME TO SHINE (Groundwood, 2022), I couldn’t find a single book about iridescent animals, so I made the leap! With A LLAMA IS NOT AN ALPACA!: And Other Mistaken Animal Identities (RPKids, 2023), a question about telling similar animals apart led to a literal rabbit hole (of rabbits and hares). More animal pairs followed and I ended up with a fun, interactive text structure.    


illustration © Dave Murray

DIANNE: Writing nonfiction has its own set of challenges, but writing nonfiction in rhyme adds one more level of difficulty to the project. Do you have any tips on how to handle research roadblocks? How do you manage to successfully weave information into a rhyming text so that the end result delights and engages your young audience?

KAREN:  I actually love the challenge of writing in rhyme and find it enjoyable. My process is brainstorming lots and lots of words, so I have a word bank at the ready. Then, it’s plenty of trial and error as I piece things together – like a puzzle of sorts. I find that roadblocks require seeing something in a new light and using a different part of my brain. Stepping away from the computer and visiting a museum or garden, taking a walk, listening to music, etc. are great ways to reframe my work-in-progress. During the pandemic, I’ve taken advantage of virtual tours to wander and explore. Mostly, I try to have fun with it.  Hopefully, that fun transfers into the book.

DIANNE: Share with readers what you’re working on now and what we can look forward to next!

KAREN:  Without giving too much away, let’s just say that one of the virtual tours I mentioned provided inspiration for my current nonfiction project. It’s an animal themed, meta type book.  Intrigued? I hope a future editor is, too!

DIANNE: Thanks for hopping on ReaderKidZ today, Karen! Tomorrow, October 5th is release day! I can’t wait to pick up my copy at my favorite indie bookstore, Changing Hands!

 

  • Find another interview with Karen on Lynn Becker Books.
  • Don’t miss Karen’s website HERE.
  • Look for two new books from Karen out in April, 2022 – TIME TO SHINE (illustrated by Dave Murray) and WHERE THE WEE ONES GO (Chronicle), illustrated by Zosienka. A LLAMA IS NOT AN ALPACA!: And Other Mistaken Animal Identities (illustrated by Lorna Scobie) releases in 2023 and WAKE UP, WOODLANDS (illustrated by Marc Boutavant) publishes from Chronicle in 2024.