Category: Interviews

Welcome, Kidlit Agent Jacqui Lipton!

9/14/2020

(c)"Raven Reflections," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

Jacqui Lipton: Raven Quill Literary Agency Founder & Kidlit Agent

Welcome, Jacqui! I'm so happy to be interviewing you!

Hi, Dionna! Happy to be interviewed.

All right, here's your first question. How is a raven like a writing desk?

Haha! Why don't you tell me.

I'm asking the questions here. Seriously, do tell a little about yourself, I'd especially like to know how you found your way to becoming a kidlit agent, and if you're enjoying it.

I always loved writing (and reading of course) ever since I was very young. In college, I took some writing classes and majored in theater studies where I was able to do a lot of script writing. Then I turned to legal studies and became a lawyer, and then a law professor. I did that for a LONG time--probably too long!--and eventually turned back to writing when I had my first child.

After taking a bunch of online writing classes, I decided to enroll in an MFA program, which I loved, but I found the business/legal side of publishing just as intriguing and invigorating as the writing side. I ended up interning for a terrific literary agent in the kidlit area for many years and then decided it was probably time to fish or cut bait. So I ended up merging my interests in business/law with my interests in writing (especially writing for children) and that's how I ended up where I am now.

I know quite a few former lawyers turned writers. Curiouser and curiouser! Please do share a little about your agency, Raven Quill Literary Agency. Why did you choose that name? What type of books/clients do you hope to represent?

Raven Quill was really a joint effort between me and some of my initial clients when we struck out on our own. The name actually is an homage to the daughter of my very first client who has been with me since the beginning. Her name is Raven. Then we played around with "raven" symbolism for a while, eventually ending up with Raven Quill because of both the flying and writing connotations of a raven feather.

We generally represent kidlit from early board books through to YA and some of us (including me) take on selected projects for older audiences. I have a particularly sweet spot for romance. I love the clients I have today and am always on the lookout for new and exciting voices. The agency is particularly committed to raising the voices of historically underrepresented groups in kidlit.

Even before you became my agent, I always enjoyed reading your informative legally speaking articles in the SCBWI Bulletin, and just purchased a copy of your recent release, Law and Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers. (Congrats, by the way!) So, what motivated you to write this book?

This one was kind of a labor of love for me. After spending some time observing the business side of the industry, it dawned on me that there were very few easily accessible and user-friendly legal resources for authors, while authors have a lot of questions about things like copyright, trademarks, defamation, privacy law, etc. There are some great resources on legal issues that are a little more sophisticated and complicated than many authors need to get, and some (often misleading) blog posts and generally available information online.

I wanted to create something in the niche between a short blog post and a complicated legal book: a resource that authors could dip in and dip out of without needing to prepare themselves for too much legalese. I made the tone of the book more like an informal chat to smart sensible authors who have an interest in their rights and obligations. The key takeaway from the book (I hope--and I stress this in the first and last chapters ) is not to let the law freak you out or get in the way of writing what you need to write. There are always ways to deal with legal problems and I've tried to touch on those in the book and to suggest ways for finding effective and affordable legal advice where help is actually needed.

Can't wait to read it! Well, Jacqui, thanks so much for stopping by. I really enjoyed it!

I enjoyed being here!

Jacqui Lipton is the founder of Raven Quill Literary Agency, having previously worked as an associate agent and intern at several leading kid lit agencies. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. A law professor and attorney with American and international experience in commercial and intellectual property law, she is the author of Law & Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers (University of California Press, 2020). She also writes columns on legal issues for writers for the SCBWI Bulletin, Luna Station Quarterly, Catapult Community Page, and Savvy Authors. She is a frequent presenter on these issues around the country. Jacqui focuses on representing authors of middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction. Find Jacqui on Twitter @jacqui_lipton.

All images used with permission

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Welcome, Kidlit Agent Kelly Dyksterhouse!

9/13/2020

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(c)"Raven Emperor," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

Kelly Dyksterhouse, Raven Quill Literary Kidlit Agent

Salutations! Kelly, thanks for coming by!

You're welcome!

I would especially love to know how you found your way to becoming a kidlit agent.

Really, the way I found myself as an agent at Raven Quill Literary Agency goes back to what we’ve always tried to teach our kids: whatever you do, do to the best of your ability with a constant willingness to learn, and doors will be opened to you. That is how I’ve tried to live, and while my road to Raven Quill Literary Agency was unexpected, each step led organically to the next, landing me where I am today.

So what were those steps?

I knew I loved kidlit, both reading and writing it, so in 2014, I got my MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. My goal was to both hone my writing craft and to earn a degree that would give me a skill so that I could work once my kids were out of the house. At the time, I was thinking I’d write and teach writing and children’s literature at the college level. While at VCFA, I interned at The Bent Agency, reading slush, full manuscripts and refining my editorial skills. I later followed Susan Hawk to Upstart Crow, where I worked as an assistant and editorial reader and really learned all things agent-y. I was very content working for Susan—I was doing everything I loved: editing, teaching, reading, working with people. I got to work with writers, help them develop their manuscripts from idea to polished draft, and eventually saw their books on the shelves. The job was (is) a perfect blend of left brain/right brain, which suits me great!

But I still hadn’t considered agenting myself until Jacqui approached me and asked me to join her at Raven Quill. At this point, I’d had several years working in literary agencies, and Susan was incredibly encouraging that it was time I made the leap to taking on my own clients. I took a couple of months to think and interview agents whose practices I really admired, and in February I joined Jacqui at Raven Quill. I think the move surprised no one other than myself.

Are you enjoying it?

I’m having the time of my life. So there you have it: proof that good things have happened in 2020!

(c)"Raven's Eye View," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

What type of books/clients do you hope to represent?

I think the books I am most drawn to walk the line between commercial and literary. In other words, they have a big hook and ask big questions. I love books that have that holy trinity of amazing character/engaging plot/compelling voice. All of that can happen in any genre for any age group. I have clients that achieve it in PB, CB, MG and YA, both fiction and non-fiction in all genres.

In terms of clients, my ideal client is someone who is never done learning and who is willing to take a risk and try new things--whether that be in yet another draft of the same book or in taking the leap into another kind of writing. I think that a true writer is someone who is always growing their craft.

As a children's book writer, what type of books do you enjoy penning? How do you juggle the role of writer and agent?

Oh, this is a great question! One I am still trying to find the answer to. I have several of my own projects in the works at various stages. I write mostly MG, I think because that’s the age I was when books really made a big impression on me. I will get into a great writing groove--I’m most productive first thing in the morning--and then a client project will come in, or be ready to go out on sub, and I will lose my own momentum. I have a very hard time focusing on myself if someone I’ve committed to needs my attention. But I am learning to give a bit of grace to myself and find productivity in that ebb and flow.

I think your clients would understand! Does one skill set (writer/agent) inform the other?

Yes, I do think that writing informs my skill as an editor. Absolutely. It’s the difference between understanding something at a purely academic level and the deeper understanding that comes from truly experiencing it. Also, I think it helps me relate to my clients better. I understand what it means to be stuck, how hard it is to cut a character you love, how messy that middle can be. And mostly, how excruciating the waiting game is and demoralizing rejection can be. I think this deeper understanding makes me a better advocate and cheerleader.

That you do amazingly well! Thanks for stopping by, Kelly. I really enjoyed your visit.

I enjoyed being here!

Oh, before you go. Do you know how a raven is like a writing desk?

Perhaps I do. You'll just nevar know.

Kelly Dyksterhouse, literary agent with Raven Quill Literary Agency, grew up with a book always in her hands and a story always in her head. The important role that books played in her early years developed into a passion for children’s literature in her adult life. Kelly holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults for Vermont College of Fine Arts and has interned as an editorial reader at leading literary agencies and worked as an independent developmental editor and writing mentor. She considers the opportunity to help bring books into existence to be a great honor, and it is a particular joy for her to work alongside authors as they develop their project from idea to polished manuscript. The best feeling of all is when those manuscripts end up as books in the hands of children. Find Kelly on Twitter @KellyDHouse.

All images used with permission

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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Six!

8/20/2020

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Animal artwork by Vincenti from Tanzania

OH MY! Kids:
Sub-Saharan Artists

Ally
from Tanzania

"My favorite animal is the lion (Simba in Swahili) because its the king of beasts and it has an awesome mane. In art class, I learned how to paint pictures more realistically by blending colors. I used to draw all the time when I was younger but its knowing how to paint that can make a picture look real. It feels amazing that our work will be in the book and I hope they feel amazed by our talents and that its interesting for them!"

Christopher
from Malawi

"My favorite African animal to paint is a lion because it’s so beautiful and easy for me to draw (I love tigers for the same reason!). In art class, I have learned carefulness and neatness and to take your time. I feel really good and proud to know that our talent will be known across the world and I hope kids who read the book will get more drawing skills and believe in themselves--they can also do it!"

Lerato
from Malawi

"My favorite animal to paint is the horse because of the way it moves. I love to paint the hair moving as it runs, but for African animals my favorite is the elephant. I have learned a lot in art class like how to mix different colors but also how to make sure that the animal is in the same position in the painting as it is in the photo you work from. Maybe its running, or walking or just standing, but you have to make sure you are showing those movements and positions. I feel good about my art being featured in a children’s book so that our art can be known to so many children and they can see and learn from us. I hope American kids will get some knowledge about different animals, what they look like, the way they run and eat and do so many things and also learn to believe in themselves that they can do it and do better!"

Paulo
from Tanzania

"My favorite animal is the black panther because they have good hunting skills and I love the movie Black Panther. In art class, I leaned that art is part of my talents, its something I hadn’t really tried before. It feels really great that my work is included in the book and I hope kids everywhere will enjoy it. I hope they will be good artists and learn that art is a good talent to have."

Rahim
from Tanzania

"My favorite animal to paint is the cheetah because it is so fast. In art class, I learned how to paint and blend the colors, but I love the idea of being in the book because I could be a famous artist! I hope that kids in America will be proud of our talent and want to paint just like us"

Samuel
from Kenya

"My favorite animal is the cheetah. This is because from my childhood I used to hear about its speed, where it is the fastest animal in the world. In art class, I have learned how to sketch and make the drawing proportional without using the grid method. I learned painting and also putting very important details. I also learned how to use different kind of brushes, mixing colors and coming up with different colors. It makes me feel very good to know that my art is being featured in a children's book. I am really proud of that! I really hope American kids will get inspired by the book, feeling enjoyment when reading about African wild animals. And for those who are talented in art, I hope they will get inspired."

Vicenti
from Tanzania

"My favorite animal to paint is the cheetah because I love the shape of the body and carefully painting the spots. In art class, I have learned to never give up if the picture looks bad--keep going and it will eventually be all right. I have also learned not to get too excited before you finish your picture because you can mess up the picture. I feel really great that I am in the book and I hope American kids will be excited about it. I hope they will notice that art is a great skill that you can learn."

Yohani
from Tanzania

"I love to paint elephants on sunsets, impalas and cheetahs. These animals are fun for me to draw and paint. In art class, we worked on doing reflections in the water of animals as they walk along and that was really hard. It feels wonderful to be included in the book and I hope all other kids will like it!"

The ten young people interviewed here contributed artwork published in LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!, written by Moira Donohue and John Platt, and published by Sleeping Bear Press. When painting the animal portraits found in the book, they were from 10 to 23 years old and lived in Tanzania, Kenya, and Malawi. They learned how to draw, paint and depict African wildlife from professional artists volunteering with How To Draw A Lion, an art-based education program founded by John Platt, an award-winning New York based artist. How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit with low overhead that raises funds by hosting art shows with the children's art. Some of the young artists in the program, like Samuel, have gone on to become professional art instructors themselves. Find out more at drawalion.com.

"A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

All images used with permission of Sleeping Bear Press

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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Five!

8/19/2020

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Animal artwork by Yahani from Tanzania

OH MY! Kidlit Book Designer:
Felicia Macheske

When you first read John and Moira’s manuscript for LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS OH MY!, why did you fall in love with it?

I have always loved animals, so it was very easy for me to enjoy this book. The text is fun and has both a sense of humor and a sense of adventure while sharing factual valuable information about the animals.

Why did you also fall in love with the idea that the book would be illustrated by children living in the sub-Saharan parts of Africa?

I thought this book was a wonderful opportunity to be able to give these children some way to be recognized for their accomplishments. The book is also a great way for children in the United States to relate to children in other parts of the world.

Were there any particular challenges during this book’s creation?

This book was a very different process from most books I work on, so that was an interesting change for me. John gathered all the art, the permissions, and handled getting the art scanned. My biggest challenge was taking paintings by many children and creating a cohesive looking book. A book needs to feel like a single thing. I took hints from where the children live and from the wildlife they depicted. That lead me to choose patterns that echo the animals depicted and the environment of the African countries the children reside in. I also took hints from the children’s paintings and from some of John’s paintings to determine the color palette I worked with.

How did you feel when the kids' artwork started coming in?

I was pleased. The paintings by these children are quite accomplished. I thought they were beautiful and deserved a very special presentation in the book. Once I started putting things together, I had a lot of fun with the design of the book.

What do you love about the final product and why do you hope kids here in the U.S. will read it?

I am pleased with the cheerfulness of the book. And I love the photographs of the children on the back of the book. I think children in the U.S. will be fascinated that these are paintings done by children like them and will want to try drawing a lion, or they can try drawing the wildlife they see near their homes, or even their own pet.

Felicia Macheske is a book designer, art director and fine artist. She has been designing and art directing books at Sleeping Bear Press for twenty years. She also works on series book design for several other imprints for Cherry Lake Publishing. Felicia received her Master of Fine Arts degree from Arizona State University specializing in drawing. She continues to paint, draw, and experiment with mosaics in her free time.

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. Written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist John Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-Saharan Africa (Sleeping Bear Press, August 15, 2020).

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

All art used by permission from Sleeping Bear Press.

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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Four!

8/18/2020

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Animal artwork by Pamphy from Kenya

OH MY! Kidlit Editor:
Barb McNally

When you first read John and Moira’s manuscript for LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS OH MY!, why did you fall in love with it?

What intrigued me about the project was how the book could be “assembled.” Normally you have a manuscript and then you select an artist and go on from there. In this case, we would be working backward. We knew what the art would be like--paintings done by African children working with John Platt's nonprofit, Draw a Lion--but needed to design the book around it. I also was taken with the organization’s mission of educating and supporting young artists in Africa.

How did you pitch the project during your acquisition meeting, and why were you excite to do so?

It wasn’t the easiest of pitches, as everyone immediately saw the challenges of the project. But I kept my focus on the importance of John’s mission and how wonderful it would be to bring it to young readers in the U.S. I was confident we could handle the design challenges because we have fantastic designers.

What were your thoughts about the manuscript being illustrated by children living in the sub-Saharan parts of Africa?

I loved the idea of having children illustrate the book. They are, after all, the intended audience for a picture book and to show their visual interpretation of the subject was a real flip-flop of the process. At this point, we had seen only a small selection of the images proposed, so it was exciting to think about how each young artist would tackle their animal topic.

Were there any particular challenges when revising the text? If so, how did you and the authors work together to work out the wrinkles?

Initially, text changes were minimal and more along the lines of verifying the science content. It was later when we needed to change the title of the book that it became apparent that we needed to make sure the text supported the message of the new title. We had some good back-and-forth discussions of how to get the text there and I think we were pleased with the end result.

How do you feel about the final product and why do you hope kids here in the U.S. will read it?

I absolutely love how the book has turned out! The artwork from the children is just gorgeous and their skill level is extraordinary—a real testament to John and his program. I would love for all young readers to enjoy the book, absorb the science facts/think about the animal conservation message, and then look at the artwork and say, “This is something I can do.” How wonderful to inspire young artists!

Artwork by Penuel from Kenya

Barb McNally has been in the book industry for more than 30 years. She is a senior children’s editor at Sleeping Bear Press and has been with the company for 18 years.

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. Written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist John Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-Saharan Africa (Sleeping Bear Press, August 15, 2020).

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

All art used buy permission of Sleeping Bear Press

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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Three!

8/17/2020

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Animal artwork by Rahim from Tanzania

OH MY! Kidlit Agent:
Jennifer Unter

When Moira and John first spoke to you about their idea of writing LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS OH MY!, why were you excited about it?

I loved the idea of a picture book with art by children, and when I saw the art, I was blown away. The art is so beautiful and life-like and I just fell in love with it. I also love the fact that we would be helping those very kids who drew the animals!

I was blown away, too! When deciding who to submit the project to, why did you send it to Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear Press?

I sent it to Barb since she does very interesting books that are usually a little serious and a little out-of-the-box.

That makes sense! What was Barb's initial response after reading the manuscript and was the acquisition process an exciting one?

Barb loved it immediately. It’s always an exciting process when an editor loves and buys the book!

How do you feel about the manuscript being illustrated by children, even though this is not the industry norm?

I love the idea. You would never know that children illustrated this book since the art is so sophisticated. It’s almost like the animals are glowing, there’s so much life in them.

I agree! How do you feel about the final product, and why do you hope kids here in the U.S. will read it?

It’s a gorgeous book. I think kids in the US will see this art and realize that these children get to see these magnificent animals all the time, which is such a different experience than what we live here in the States. Whenever you can see how someone else lives, you are hopefully expanding your horizons and learning more than what you knew before you read the book.

Jennifer Unter of The Unter Agency has worked in many aspects of the publishing industry from editorial at Henry Holt, to a copyright lawyer at an entertainment firm. In addition to placing projects at domestic and foreign publishers, she also sells to audio, film and television. She is a member of Women’s Media Group. You will find her tweeting @JenniferUnter.

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. Written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist John Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-Saharan Africa (Sleeping Bear Press, August 15, 2020).

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

Art used by permission of Sleeping Bear Press

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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Two!

8/16/2020

3 Comments

Animal artwork by Yohani from Tanzania

OH MY! Kidlit Author:
Moira Rose Donohue

When you first met John Platt while visiting Tanzania, Africa, at the Rift Valley Children’s Village where he teaches children art and where you daughter was working, why did you decide to join him in writing LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!

When I first met John, I wanted to sit in on one of his art classes to see how he taught children to draw and paint. I was so impressed. As we began to talk about our work (I think I was working on a book about the rainforest for National Geographic at the time), we found we shared a creative vision and appreciated each other’s processes. And we shared some unusual overlapping interests as well. I discovered that John had a playlist with big band music that I could use to teach the children how to tap dance!

We didn’t know what we might create together, but before we said goodbye, we promised to give some thought to a joint project. As I reflected upon my time with John, I came to appreciate more fully this young, talented man who was donating his talent as an art teacher, as well as his time every summer, to teach painting and drawing to children in east Africa. I knew we had to do something to highlight their art.

When deciding on the format to tell this informational nonfiction picture book, why did you both decide on focusing on using the phrase “if you want to draw a lion…”?

My recollection is that, like most creative things, the idea to use that phrase just came to both of us from some creative force in the universe. When we started seriously bouncing ideas back and forth, it stuck. Even though I don’t usually write in second person, it seemed like the right approach for this book—I hope readers agree!

When you saw the artwork for the book created by children living in sub-Saharan Africa, how did it make you feel?

Not being an artist, I am in awe of anyone who can paint or draw something recognizable! But when I first saw this artwork, I was stunned by its beauty. It fills your eyes with vibrant color and depicts such gorgeous creatures. And it reminds us all that art has no boundaries, geographic, or otherwise--it is for everyone.

I agree! Why did you decide to donate your portion of the proceeds of this book to John’s nonprofit, How to Draw a Lion?

Actually, we are donating all of our proceeds to the nonprofit. We are both committed to continuing John’s teaching every summer in several African countries because it helps children who would not otherwise be exposed to his art lessons. Naturally, airfare and lodging for three months is expensive and John has been spending his own money to provide this creative outlet. But he can return year after year if some of his expenses are covered through the donations to drawalion.com. Further, the children can continue receiving their art education.

Why do you hope children here in the United States will read LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!?

I hope they will see the incredible artwork that children who live far away from them have created--especially children from different cultures with different lifestyles. And I hope they will be inspired to make art of their own. In addition, as an animal lover who has written a number of books about animals and who has been lucky enough to go on several safaris, I want children here to get learn something about the amazing animals that live on the African continent.

Moira Rose Donohue is the award-winning author of over 30 books for children, mostly nonfiction. She began writing for children after her defection from the practice of banking law. She has published several books with National Geographic, including LITTLE KIDS FIRST BIG BOOK ABOUT THE RAIN FOREST. Her book GREAT WHITE SHARKS is a Junior Library Guild Selection, and her fictional books about punctuation marks, ALFIE AND THE PUNCTUATION BEE and PENNY AND THE PUNCTUATION BEE, are favorites in the classroom. Moira is a co-regional advisor of the Florida SCBWI. She lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her dog, Petunia. moirarosedonohue.net

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. Written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist John Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-Saharan Africa (Sleeping Bear Press, August 15, 2020).

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

All art used by permission of Sleeping Bear Press.

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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day One!

8/15/2020

1 Comment

Animal artwork by Samuel from Kenya

OH MY! Kidlit Author:
John Platt

How did the idea come to you of using the beautiful, expressive art of African animals painted by children living in sub-Sharan Africa whose talents are revealed while enrolled in your art-education program, How To Draw A Lion?

I first had the idea of doing a children’s book back in 2016 and started putting art aside for it then, choosing whichever pieces I thought were really strong that the kids had already done. I didn’t want to make the project about the kids doing something specific for the book, but rather shaping the book around the kids’ creativity.

Why were you excited about the idea of working together with Moira Donohue on the children's book that includes the children's art, LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!, out today from Sleeping Bear Press?

Moira and I met in 2017 in Tanzania, which was total serendipity because she was already a well-known author and I really love her work, especially Penny and the Punctuation Bee, which is such a fun read but also so educational for kids. She attended one of the art classes and saw all the wonderful wildlife paintings the kids were doing. As it turned out, her forthcoming book was Little Kids First Big Book of the Rainforest with National Geographic and we bonded over our shared love of the hyacinth macaw. I mentioned to her my idea for a children’s book on African animals with the kids’ art and we ran with it.

What was your process as you and Moira worked together--going from idea to manuscript from manuscript to book?

I put together a rough outline and Moira and I carefully edited it together. Navigating children’s book writing is really something to do with a professional and Moira’s understanding of prose, structure and editing really shaped the book into what it is today. Moreover she gave the manuscript to her agent who found us a publisher so it really wouldn’t have happened without her, and I am so grateful!

Why did you decide to donate your share of the book's profits to How to Draw a Lion?

It was easy for us to make the decision that all proceeds should go back to the kids through How to Draw a Lion. The focus of the program is really about creative opportunities for youth and we weren’t interested in taking any of the potential revenue stream for ourselves.

That's wonderful, John! How did you feel when you saw the final book?

I was blown away by the book when I first saw it. Felicia, the book's designer, did such an amazing job and I cant wait for others to see it as well! I hope that kids feel inspired to create their own works of art, not just of animals, but to understand there is a whole world in visual art waiting to be discovered!

John Platt is a New York-based artist and founder of How to Draw A Lion, a program providing art classes for children, raising money for their education and creating awareness about child welfare and conservation. The program has taken shape around art classes in several sub-Saharan African nations and the U.S. With an extremely low overhead, no offices and no administrative costs, How to Draw A Lion is a sustainable model of art education and fundraising. Additionally, the How to Draw A Lion student-teacher program allows former students to become educators in their own communities year round. To learn more about this nonprofit, visit drawalion.com. To learn more about John, the artist, visit JohnPlattStudio.com.

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. Written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist John Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-Saharan Africa (Sleeping Bear Press, August 15, 2020).

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

All art used by permission from Sleeping Bear Press.

1 Comment

Meet Extraordinaire Kidlit Artist Sam Hundley

7/24/2020

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Welcome to my blog, Sam! I'm delighted to have you (and your gorgeous art) here!

Happy to oblige!

First question: How did you find your way to becoming a kidlit scrap artist?

I was a newspaper artist for 39 years, got laid off, became bored, wrote a little fable that was bouncing around in my head, realized it was possible to create the characters with found objects so they could be posed in different positions and tell a story. So, I decided to design a 32-page picture book. Finding a publisher for it was the hard part!

Glad you got those ideas out of your head and into the 3-D world! What do you like about creating humorous characters out of scrap metal?

It’s a relaxing way to make art. I daydream, allowing intuition to guide me. The results often surprise me, so I continue doing it.

Describe your process, please.

I take buckets of junk that I’ve collected from all over and also things that are donated to me by generous friends (dug relics, plastic bits, beach combing flotsam, metal, wood, etc.) and pour it onto the studio floor. For the children’s book characters, I imagine a goat, for instance, then I find things that work together in the proper scale--a paint brush becomes his head and beard, nails are his horns, a key winder nose, rubber tire fragment body, etc. Then I photograph it with my iPhone and design the book on my desktop Mac.

Tell me a little about your upcoming book, Gifts of the Magpie?

My mother called me a “magpie” when I was little because I liked to collect stuff. That memory and my experience as a scrap artist inspired me to start thinking about writing a story. Six months after being laid off, I woke up to a soft, April rain and as I lay there, inspiration struck and I wrote Gifts of the Magpie in under an hour. It’s about a generous magpie who is good at finding things, so she asks her friends what they want. She gets everything wrong and disappoints everyone--until they realize, by using a little creativity, she gave them exactly what they needed. It contains a hopeful message of positive thinking, plus some fun wordplay and of course, lots of scrap art! Capstone is publishing it in early 2021.

Congrats on your book! I can't wait to read it! Is it fun, creating stories out of your work?

Is it fun? This late bloomer is having a blast!

Your delight is evident in the objects! What are you working on now?

I’m always creating personal work, like the Keep On Truckin’ tribute to R. Crumb, selling a few pieces, working on three commissions. In July, Capstone agreed to publish my second picture book, Tag and the Magic Squeaker, about a mouse who teams up with a dog to put one over on a cat. And my third book, The Hangry Pizzly Bear, which incorporates over 30 portmanteaus, is under consideration.

Haha! Sounds artliciously fun! Well, thanks for stopping by and for sharing a little bit about your kidlit journey with me. It's been a blast!

Enjoyed it, Dionna!

Sam Hundley was born in Phoenix in 1958, and had a successful career as a newspaper artist/designer until he retired in 2017. He's married with two grown daughters and lives and works in Ocean View, Norfolk, VA.
Sam began collecting found objects (metal debris, road gloves, flattened cans, etc.) in 1990 while working in San Jose, CA and in 2009, back in Virginia, he began devoting himself to creating art using these things. It was like a faucet being turned on full blast. His solo exhibition was in 2012 and he's shown his work at local galleries several times since. He also began leading workshops to share his philosophy of seeing and utilizing the beauty that surrounds us.
Today, Sam spends most of my time in his home studio, where he recently illustrated and designed the 2019 Meat Puppets album, DUSTY NOTES (2018), designed an e-book for kids, SCRAP ART ALPHABET (2018) and created his first children’s book, GIFTS OF THE MAGPIE, to be released in early 2021.

All images used with the permission of the artist, Sam Hundley

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Welcoming Jen Malia, TOO STICKY Author

5/3/2020

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Inside illustration from TOO STICKY (Albert Whitman & Co., 2020) (C) Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Find Jen at jenmalia.com and on Twitter @jenmaliabooks.

So happy to have you, here on my blog, Jen!

Thanks for inviting me, Dionna!

First question for you. How did you find your way to becoming a picture-book writer?

As a selectively mute child, I preferred reading and writing to speaking, so it was natural for me to become a writer. My interest in books led me to get a doctorate in English and to become a tenured English professor at Norfolk State University. When I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in my late thirties, my writing became a mission to advocate for the autistic community. I began to write essays for publications like the New York Times and the Washington Post.

In 2017, one of my online writer friends, Rina Mae Acosta, introduced me to an illustrator, Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, who told editors at Albert Whitman about my work. They asked me if I would be interested in writing a picture book about sensory issues with autism. After a few revisions, they made an offer on the book, and Joanne ended up illustrating it!

That's awesome! What's your debut picture book about?

TOO STICKY! SENSORY ISSUES WITH AUTISM is the story of an autistic girl named Holly who has a fear of sticky hands. She’s anxious about slime-day at school. But with the help of her family, teacher, and classmates, Holly gives slime a try. TOO STICKY! is based on my own and my daughter’s experiences living with autism and sensory issues. The fear of sticky hands is actually more of a sensory issue for me than my daughter. My daughter is much more willing to play with slime or playdough than I ever was.

What inspired you to write it?

I wrote TOO STICKY! because I wanted my kids to see themselves in a picture book. Most picture books that address autism aren’t written from the point of view of an autistic character. I named three characters in TOO STICKY! after my kids, so they could really picture themselves in the story. Watching them giggle when we read the F&G together for the first time is a moment I will never forget.

Jen's kids playing with slime.

As you did your research for your book, did you learn something new?

For accuracy, I researched the science of slime. The back matter in TOO STICKY! includes a slime recipe. I had also interviewed autism researchers from around the world, and developed a special interest in the gender differences with autism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for every four boys diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, only one girl is diagnosed.

An editor at Albert Whitman read my first essay for the New York Times, “What a Muppet with Autism Means to My Family,” which focuses on Sesame Street’s autistic Muppet, Julia. She then asked me to write TOO STICKY! with an autistic girl as the main character.

In my most recent essay for the New York Times, “My Daughter and I Were Diagnosed with Autism on the Same Day,” I wrote about autistic females who are often overlooked for an autism diagnosis, including me and my daughter. When we were diagnosed, she was two and I was thirty-nine. All of the other children’s books I’ve drafted so far have autistic girls as the main characters to raise awareness and acceptance, especially for autistic females.

Why do you hope children will read your book?

I hope autistic kids will read TOO STICKY! so they see a character that reflects their own life experiences. My book is not a book about autism; it’s a book about a girl who happens to be autistic. She goes about her everyday life. She has pancakes with her family for breakfast. She interacts with her classmates at school. She loves science. But she experiences the world through an autistic lens. Her autism is part of her identity.

I also hope that other kids who read TOO STICKY! will have a better understanding of autism and will be more accepting of differences. Just as preschool kids watching Sesame Street find Julia to be a likable character, I want kids reading TOO STICKY! to root for Holly.

Your book, I know, will be a winner not only with parents and educators of autistic children the world over, but with those kids like Holly who might have a challenge when stickiness gets on their hands. Thanks so much for sharing your journey, Jen! It is truly inspiring.

You are more than welcome.

Too Sticky! Sensory Issues with Autism
written by Jen Malia and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff is about Holly, who loves doing experiments and learning new things in science class! But when she finds out the next experiment is making slime, she’s worried. Slime is made with glue, and glue is sticky. Holly has sensory issues because of her autism and doesn’t like anything sticky! With help from family and her teacher, Holly receives the accommodations and encouragement she needs to give slime a try.
Released by Albert Whitman & Company, April 2020

“Charming, inclusive, and grounded in real-life experiences.” –Kirkus
Purchase your copy, HERE.

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Welcome, Kidlit Agent Jacqui Lipton!

Jacqui Lipton: Raven Quill Literary Agency Founder & Kidlit Agent

Welcome, Kidlit Agent Kelly Dyksterhouse!

Kelly Dyksterhouse, Raven Quill Literary Kidlit Agent

Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Six!

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Ally
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Christopher
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Lerato
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Paulo
from Tanzania

Rahim
from Tanzania

Samuel
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Vicenti
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Yohani
from Tanzania

"A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Five!

OH MY! Kidlit Book Designer:
Felicia Macheske

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Four!

OH MY! Kidlit Editor:
Barb McNally

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Three!

OH MY! Kidlit Agent:
Jennifer Unter

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Two!

Animal artwork by Yohani from Tanzania

OH MY! Kidlit Author:
Moira Rose Donohue

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day One!

OH MY! Kidlit Author:
John Platt

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
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Meet Extraordinaire Kidlit Artist Sam Hundley

Welcoming Jen Malia, TOO STICKY Author

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​​Jacqui Lipton: Raven Quill Literary Agency Founder & Kidlit Agent

Kelly Dyksterhouse, Raven Quill Literary Kidlit Agent

OH MY! Kids:Sub-Saharan Artists

Allyfrom Tanzania

​​Christopher from Malawi

Lerato from Malawi

Paulo​ from Tanzania

​Rahim from Tanzania

Samuel from Kenya

​Vicentifrom Tanzania

Yohanifrom Tanzania

"A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork." School Library Journal Purchase your copy today

OH MY! Kidlit Book Designer:​Felicia Macheske

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork." School Library Journal Purchase your copy today

OH MY! Kidlit Editor:​Barb McNally

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork." School Library Journal Purchase your copy today

OH MY! Kidlit Agent:Jennifer Unter

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork." School Library Journal Purchase your copy today

Animal artwork by Yohani from Tanzania

OH MY! Kidlit Author:​Moira Rose Donohue

​A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork." School Library Journal Purchase your copy today

OH MY! Kidlit Author:John Platt

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork." School Library Journal Purchase your copy today

Author

Archives

Categories

Jacqui Lipton: Raven Quill Literary Agency Founder & Kidlit Agent

OH MY! Kids:
Sub-Saharan Artists

Ally
from Tanzania

Christopher
from Malawi

Lerato
from Malawi

Paulo
from Tanzania

Rahim
from Tanzania

Samuel
from Kenya

Vicenti
from Tanzania

Yohani
from Tanzania

"A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

OH MY! Kidlit Book Designer:
Felicia Macheske

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

OH MY! Kidlit Editor:
Barb McNally

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

OH MY! Kidlit Agent:
Jennifer Unter

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

OH MY! Kidlit Author:
Moira Rose Donohue

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

OH MY! Kidlit Author:
John Platt

A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today