WHALE FALL CAFE written by Jacquie Sewell
Have you ever read something and thought: “Now THAT is a story!” What do you do after that lightning strike? Learn how Jacquie Sewell turned an idea into a draft and finally into the book WHALE FALL CAFE, illustrated by Dan Tavis and launching April 2021!
OCEAN SOUP: A RECIPE FOR YOU, ME, AND A CLEANER SEA written by Meeg Pincus
If you’re a fan of rhyme and you’re a fan of STEM subjects, then you’ll be blown away by this RHYMING STEM book. Read about author Meeg Pincus’ revision journey for her rhyming picture book OCEAN SOUP: A RECIPE FOR YOU, ME, AND A CLEANER SEA illustrated by Lucy Semple and launching March 2021!
FREE FOR YOU AND ME: WHAT OUR FIRST AMENDMENT MEANS written by Christy Mihaly
FREE FOR YOU AND ME: WHAT OUR FIRST AMENDMENT MEANS is such an important book that all kids and adults should read it. But how did a picture book about this timely topic come to life? Read on to learn about Christy Mihaly’s revision process and see some of the beautiful illustrations from Manu Montoya.
HOW TO BUILD AN INSECT written by Roberta Gibson
Have you ever wondered if it is worthwhile to try to answer an open call? Read more about Roberta Gibson’s publishing journey for her book HOW TO BUILD AN INSECT, illustrated by Anne Lambelet and published by Lerner Books. Coming soon in April 2021!
WHEN THINGS ARE HARD, REMEMBER written by Joanna Rowland
Joanna Rowland has created beautiful stories to help children process emotions such as THE MEMORY BOX, STAY THROUGH THE STORM, and so many more. She is an elementary teacher by day and a writer by night. Learn how she wrote and revised her upcoming story WHEN THINGS ARE HARD, REMEMBER, illustrated by Marcela Calderon and launching March 2021!
THE SCRUMPTIOUS LIFE OF AZALEAH LANE written by Nikki Shannon Smith
If you’re a fan of chapter books like me (and also a chapter book writer, like me!) then read on to learn how author Nikki Shannon Smith creates and revises the world of Azaleah Lane! I’m utterly thrilled that Nikki was willing to share how she wrote and revised the third installment of her chapter book mystery series, THE SCRUMPTIOUS LIFE OF AZALEAH LANE illustrated by Gloria Felix.
THE FORT written by Laura Perdew
A story takes many forms over many revisions...but sometimes, the heart of it never changes and it just takes one ‘ah-ha!’ moment for it to be brought to the next level. Read how Laura Perdew started, wrote, and polished her upcoming book THE FORT, illustrated by Adelina Lirius.
THE OWL WHO ASKS WHY written by Michelle Garcia Andersen
Why is the sky blue? Why are clouds white? Those are good questions, but another great question is: HOW does a published author write and revise a story? You’ll love the gems of wisdom from Michelle Garcia Andersen and her revision journey for her delightful tale THE OWL WHO ASKS WHY illustrated by the amazing Ayesha L. Rubio.
THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF LEONARDO DA VINCI written by Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan
Ever wonder how an award-winning author starts and polishes a book? I know I do...all the time. Luckily for us, Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan shares her writing and revision journey of her upcoming nonfiction book THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF LEONARDO DA VINCI, illustrated by Micah Rauch and launching May 2021.
LET’S DANCE! written by Valerie Bolling
Valerie Bolling’s debut book LET’S DANCE! is a beautiful and rhythmic picture book about dances from all over the world. Are you curious how this fun romp came to the publishing stage? Read about Valerie’s revision journey for LET’S DANCE!, illustrated by Maine Diaz.
WHOLE WHALE written by Karen Yin
Welcome to the first post of First Draft to Final Book. Karen Yin, debut author of the upcoming book WHOLE WHALE shares insights and advice from her revision journey. Have you ever had an idea percolate in your head? Learn how Karen turned her concerns for the world into an impactful published story coming from Barefoot Books in May 2021!