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BLOG PARTY! Meet Kelly's Raven Quill Crew

10/2/2021

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Callie C. Miller

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Kidlit Member
​of
Kelly's Crew 
Greetings, Callie! So glad you could join in on Day Two of my kidlit celebration!

I love a good party, Dionna!

Me too! Do tell. How did you find your way into becoming a kidlit author and why do you love it?

Even as a kid, I was always writing stories. In college every creative project I did ended up being written for children, and when I realized the Vermont College of Fine Arts offered an MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults, I was off to the races! I write picture books through middle grade, and love that kids in those age demographics are still so ready to believe in magic and to embrace the impossible.
 
"Embrace the impossible." Love that! What project of the heart are you working on?

I’m working on a couple of silly picture books, and a new middle grade fantasy (I have a never ending list of upcoming projects). I’m also developing some fun animation projects.
 
What do you love about working with Kelly Dyksterhouse of Raven Quill Literary?

I love everything about working with Kelly! She loves her authors and their work, and LOVES being an agent. She's also so incredibly smart when it comes to editing a manuscript. She's a very editorial agent, and her suggestions always elevate my vision for what I'm writing and make the story stronger. 

Kelly's editorial skills certainly do rock kidlit socks! Thanks so much for participating in my blog party!

Happy to be here!
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​Callie C. Miller is an animation and children's book writer. A lifelong purveyor of words, she delights in the quirky, and is a sucker for black sheep stories. Callie wrote a Star Wars fanfiction novel when she was thirteen, and loves high fives and toast. Callie received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and has twice placed in the Katherine Paterson Prize competition for her middle grade science fiction and fantasy works. Her animation credits include LEGO Monkie Kid, Polly Pocket, and several other shows that are still a secret. Callie, online at calliecmiller.com, is rep'd by Kelly Dyksterhouse of Raven Quill Literary.
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BLOG PARTY! Meet Kelly's Raven Quill Crew

10/1/2021

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Amy Harding

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Kidlit Member
of
Kelly's Crew
Salutations, Amy! Thanks for opening up my blog party--Day One of Kidlit Fun!

Happy to be here!

Do tell. How did you find your way into becoming a kidlit author and why do you love it?
 
I love the magical power of a well-told story…the power to bring understanding, compassion, growth, and empowerment to little people and big people. As a very visually-inspired person, I fell in love with the picture books story form as a child and still remembered it’s magical powers in college as I studied the intricates of such works as Shakespeare’s tragedies, the Bhagavad Gita, and T.S. Eliot’s, The Waste Land.

While working in the university library cataloging department, thumbing through new pictures books as they came in, I realized that the themes and emotions of humanity portrayed by those complex works I was studying, could be just as effectively portrayed in picture book form, with the added bonus of beautiful illustrations. I love that these literary story gems are accessible to every age of human. So, when I couldn’t find a grad school literature program that emphasized kidlit (since they didn’t’ exist back then), I have instead spent over twenty years reading and studying stories as I have taught middle school, high school, preschool and every other type of school, as well as at home with my seven children. After sharing many magical story moments with children of all ages (along with plenty of adults), I began to dream of writing my own magical stories.
 
Words certainly do have power! So, what project of the heart are you working on?
 
I started out writing the stories I wanted to read to my own children, but could not find. Since my children have grown up in the military with frequent moves and the burden of their dad’s repeated combat deployments to the Middle East, I searched for books that they could connect with their experiences and emotions in even the slightest ways. There were very few. That is what inspired me to start writing my own stories about military families. After years of honing my writing craft and writing many types of stories (some out on submission now), I am currently returning to working on yet another military family story. 
 
Write what you know, right? What do you love about working with Kelly Dyksterhouse of Raven Quill Literary?
 
Kelly is literally the perfect-fit agent for me. She is professional, kind, forthright, patient, responsive, transparent, and takes a long-term vested interest in her clients. It is so much fun to brainstorm with her as a partner! She has the editing capacity to let me know when a story needs work, the creativity to help me get it to the next level, and often puts as much thought into my submission revisions as I do. She is a great partner. She is thoughtful about strategy, proactive in developing relationships with editors, and most importantly, shares my passion for kidlit. I feel very blessed to work with her.

Thanks so much, Amy, for getting my blog party off to a wonderful start!

Delighted, Dionna!
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​Amy Harding grew up in the middle of a great big family with a book in her hand and a love for the power of sharing stories. With a B.A. in English and a professional certification in Writing for Children, she now creates stories celebrating the value and empowerment of the individual. As a military spouse and mother of a great big family of seven kids, Amy has made her home in every corner (and even island) of the U.S. and has fallen in love with all kinds of people, all kinds of places, and all kinds of stories. She currently calls the Olympic Peninsula of Washington home, where she loves hiking in deep dark woods, kayaking in search of orcas, taste-testing all the best chocolates and watching comedy with her teens. Find Amy on Twitter @a_hharding, on Instagram @amyhansenhardingwrites, and at amyhansenharding.com. Amy is rep'd by Kelly Dyksterhouse of Raven Quill Literary.
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RAVEN QUILL BLOG PARTY! Begins Tomorrow!

9/30/2021

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Blow up some balloons! Beginning tomorrow, Friday, October 1, 2021, I'll be  hosting a blog party to introduce Kelly Dyksterhouse's Raven Quill Literary Kidlit Crew, of which I am a proud little raven! ​
Every day over the next several days, a different member of Kelly's mini-flock of kidlit creators will join the party. They'll sing about how they found their way into the kidlit industry, what project of the heart their working on, and what they love about Kelly--literary agent extraordinaire with Raven Quill Literary, founded by the equally amazing Jacqui Lipton.
Stop on by, join in the fun, & say hello to each one by leaving a comment! ​
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Welcome, Kidlit Artist JOANIE STONE

6/26/2021

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(c) JOANIE STONE, joaniestoneart.com
Welcome, Joanie! So happy to have you here! I just love your work!

My pleasure, Dionna. And thanks!

Wondering, did you love to draw as a child?

I loved to draw from a very young age. I remember always adding illustrations to my book reports in elementary school and I would spend a lot of time writing and illustrating little stories at the dining room table. Any days that we had art class in school were my favorite days. I cherish the memories of those early creative years when I would make things just because it was fun, it felt like play and I never once had the thought of wondering if what I was making was good or not.

As I got a little older, those anxieties about wanting to be good at it and worrying that I wasn’t good enough crept in and dimmed my creativity a bit. I was afraid of being judged, so even though I still loved to draw, I kept it private and didn’t like to show my drawings to anyone. However, my parents were completely supportive and gave me a lot of encouragement to keep going. I think that’s something a lot of kids go through and I’m even seeing it now with my own daughter. If I’m honest, it’s still something that I struggle with today (imposter syndrome anyone?) but I don’t let it stop me, because I just love making pictures too much!

How did you find your way to becoming a kidlit illustrator? Do tell a little about your first published project, how you were hired for it?

Once I made the decision to try and pursue work in children’s books, my very first step was joining my local SCBWI and attending their conference. My goal was to learn as much about the industry as I could and to get feedback on my portfolio. The first year, the feedback on my work was that it wasn’t up to a professional level yet. It was hard to hear, but it gave me fuel to keep going, keep practicing and learning. The second year, the feedback was much improved and I felt like I was at least headed in the right direction. I started submitting my portfolio to two agents to test the waters. One said they really liked my work, but they just took on another illustrator who’s style they felt was too similar to mine, so they passed and I never got a response from the other.

​I was about to email a few more agents when out of the blue I got an email from the agency at the top of my dream list asking if I was seeking representation. She had found my work online and I couldn’t believe it! We had a six-month-long back-and-forth, sort of a trial period with me making new portfolio pieces and them giving me feedback. It was during this time that my agency landed me my first job illustrating a book with a small educational publisher. At the end of the trial period, I was offered to sign with them and they have kept me busy with amazing book projects over the last four years.
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Do tell a little about your latest picture book. 

My latest picture book, Secrets of the Sea, written by Evan Griffith (Clarion Books), was one of my favorite projects to date. It tells the true life story of Jeanne Power, a Victorian era French scientist who was the first to design and build an aquarium for scientific study of sea creatures. She faced a lot of misogyny in trying to get her research seen with some men even trying to take credit for her work. She worked very hard to not only conduct her research, but to ensure that she was given the proper credit for it.

As an illustrator, how do you get into the character's head, so to speak? 

For Jeanne Power, there was a black-and-white photo of her that I used as my starting point in designing her character. I also knew that she worked as a dressmaker, so I imagined her being very fashionable, which in Victorian times meant she wore a lot of beautiful dresses with big puffy sleeves. I gave her a different dress on every page and I especially loved the idea that Jeanne did not hide her femininity to try and fit in with her male, scientist counterparts. In my mind, she fully embraced the idea that she could be brilliant, strong, hard working, all while loving to wear beautiful dresses and being feminine at the same time. For authenticity, I did a lot of research on Victorian-era clothing, hairstyles and furniture, which was so fun.

Whenever I sit down to illustrate a book, I like to imagine who the character is outside of the book. How do they live their life outside of just this one story? That helps me to think of them not just as a character but as a real person.

When creating, what gives you the greatest pleasure?

My favorite part of the process is always the coloring-in stage. That is the most fun where the drawing is already there and I can enter the flow of bringing it to life. The initial sketches always give me anxiety. Starting on a blank page and having to create something from nothing can be scary. There are so many possibilities and a million ways to visually tell every story. Once the sketches are done and approved, that’s when I can relax more and the fun really starts for me.

What are you working on now and are you enjoying it?

I am working on two books at the moment. One is a chapter book series which I’m not allowed to talk much about yet, but I think I can say that it involves mermaids (so fun!) The other is a Little Golden book, which will actually be my third one. They are the absolute best clients! Getting to work on a Little Golden book was always a dream of mine and the fact that they are so amazing to work with is just the cherry on top.
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Joanie Stone was born and raised in Virginia, where she still lives today with her husband and young daughter. She spends her days painting in her light filled studio in the country, surrounded by nature. She has a love for all things vintage, especially children’s book illustration, advertising and fashion from long ago. She hopes her images will inspire kids to pick up a pencil and create their own worlds through stories and art. She is represented by Painted Words. Her latest picture book, Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist, written by  Evan Griffith is a 2021 JLG Selection. Find Joanie and her lovely work online at  joaniestone.com.
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Virtual Kidlit Events Spring 2021

2/27/2021

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(c) Joanie Stone, joaniestone.com
Got spring fever? Here are a few spring kidlit events hosted by folks from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond that might supply the cure, all happening virtually to keep everyone safe.
APRIL
Annapolis Book Festival
​Fay B. Kaigler's Book Festival
Frostburg University Spring Children’s Literature Festival
​Los Angeles Times Festival of the Books
Penguin Random House Book Fair, Carroll Community College
Salisbury University Children’s Literature Festival *
San Antonio Book Festival 
Sound of the Mountain Storytelling Festival 
Tidewater Community College Literary Festival
​YallWest YA & Middle Grade Book Festival
​MAY
African Literature Association Conference, DC
​Bay Area Book Fest
Gaithersburg Book Festival    
Literary Hill Book Fest, DC
SLJ Day of Dialogue
PW's U.S. Book Show
​
​JUNE
​ALA Annual Conference
Bologna Book Fair
LitFest
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​* Not yet scheduled for 2021
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Snot Copter: Wasted Writing It's Not!

2/8/2021

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©2021 Cricket Media, All Rights Reserved.
A friend of the pen once told me, "No writing is ever wasted writing." And the above article, which appeared in the February 2021 issue of Spider magazine, is proof of just that.

I had learned about Holly, a marine biologist who collects whale snot using a drone, while doing research for my work-for-hire book about orcas, published by Scholastic Press in 2019. While the Scholastic editor thought the information was fascinating, it just didn't fit into the scope of the book. So I had to kill my darlings by deleting my 160 words and all the research that went with it. To be honest, I was totally bummed.

But I couldn't forget Holly's story. I knew kids would find her work fascinating.

And so, not long after I completed my orcas book, I pulled my research about Holly's work out from my orcas folder, opened a new folder, and labeled it "Hexacopter at Work." Eventually, I turned my attention to the idea, caught up with Holly, and fleshed it out with more research, which included learning about humpback whales.

In the end, I upcycled my dissection from my orcas manuscript by spinning it into an article that eventually sold to Cricket Media. How delightful it was to see it in all six pages of snotty glory!​
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​Purchase your copy of this gorgeous magazine HERE. 
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A Moving Picture Book That's Sure to Please

12/17/2020

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EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY. Illustrations copyright © 2020 by Sonia Sanchez. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.
When I received my copy of EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY, a beautiful picture book book written by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez, and published by Candlewick, I couldn't wait to pour over its pages. It did not disappoint! Immediately, I was transported into Evelyn and Daniela's world, which mirrored my own when I was their age and moving away from the city to the suburbs.
Evelyn's building with its iron staircase railing, the empty rooms of an apartment where friends once spent hours at play, the boxes being moved, Evelyn's afro puffs--all of it reconnected my neurons, causing me to relive a moment I had long forgotten.

The tears that ran on the day I moved and left my best friend behind rolled anew as I read EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY.

But I know that tomorrow everything will be different. Evelyn will be in a new home that doesn't match mine.

This story with its lovely text and soft illustrations will move any reader. Why? Because losing something dear always hurts. And haven't we all lost something, especially this year? 

I will be surprised if EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY doesn't win some of the highest kidlit honors to be handed out in 2021--not just because Meg Medina writes like an award-winning author, and not just because Sonia Sánchez captures the girls' emotions with a vibrant and deft digital paintbrush, but because this book, this story, is worthy. In a word, EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY is moving. 

It's already garnered starred reviews from the likes of Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, Horn Book, BookPage, and landed on numerous lists naming the best books of 2020. But more important than the praise, the reason every elementary school guidance counselor and parent should have a copy of this book on hand when a child is experiencing grief is because EVELYN DEL REY infuses hope, and shows that change does not have to mean the end of something, not if we cherish it in our hearts.
Purchase your copy today.
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Publisher's blurb: Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. 
Watch the trailer!
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Wintertime Virtual Bookish Events for You!

12/6/2020

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(C) Zara González Hoang, zaralikestodraw.com

​Want to scratch your KidLit itch while staying safe? Here are some winter bookish events happening virtually this season that just may do the trick!

DECEMBER
Children's Book Academy Picture Book Palooza
Latinx Kidlit Book Festival​
Savannah Book Festival
​
JANUARY
ALA Midwinter Conference
Black Ink Book Festival
​DVCon 2021
​Sunshine State Book Festival

FEBRUARY
ABA Winter Institute
African-American Children's Book Fair
Amelia Island Book Festival
Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Winter Conference
WriteOnCon

MARCH
AWP Conference & Bookfair
​CityLit Festival, Baltimore
Deep Valley Cabin Fever Book Fair 
Library of Congress Diversity in Children's Literature Symposium
Southwest Florida Reading Festival
Virginia State Reading Association Conference
​Virginia State Literacy Association Conference
Virginia Festival of the Book, Charlottesville, VA
​We Need Diverse Books Symposium & Walter Awards Ceremony
Leave a comment about what you loved about attending or participating in one of the above events, please. We'd love to hear from you! For additions or corrections, drop me a line via Contact Me. ​
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2020 Virginia Fall Virtual Kidlit Events

9/18/2020

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(C) Courtney Pippin-Mathur. Illustration from MAYA WAS GRUMPY (Flashlight Press, 2013)

Want to scratch your KidLit itch while staying safe? Here are some fall virtual bookish events (normally hosted in-person throughout Virginia and D.C.) that just may do the trick!

SEPTEMBER
​Hampton Roads Writer’s Conference
​​Library of Congress National Book Festival

OCTOBER
Fall for the Book hosted by George Mason University
​James River Writer's Conference 
​Old Dominion University Literary Festival
​Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Fall Conference
​Virginia Children’s Book Festival of Longwood University
​Library of Virginia Literary Festival 

 NOVEMBER
The Virginia Association of School Librarians Conference
Please, leave a comment about what you loved about attending one of the above events! 
For additions or corrections, drop me a line via Contact Me. 
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Happy to Introduce Two Raven Quill Literary Agents!

9/15/2020

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(c)"Raven Feathers,"  fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog
I'm super excited to be interviewing Jacqui Lipton and Kelly Dyksterhouse of 
Raven Quill Literary Agency. And guess what! These amazing agents are BOTH mine! Not only are they smart and savvy about the children's publishing biz, they're also kind and patient and supportive to their clients, a diverse bunch. And, did I mention--they're mine?! I did? Okay then.... Without further ado., let me introduce them to you!
First up... 
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Welcome, Kidlit Agent Jacqui Lipton!

9/14/2020

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(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.
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(c) "Raven Joy," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog
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!
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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!
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(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. 
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​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 Seven!

8/21/2020

3 Comments

 
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(C) Sleeping Bear Press, 2020
Animal artwork by Lerato from Malawi

OH MY! Kid Interviewer:
Madeline
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Hi, Madeline! So nice of you to join us.

Thank you, Mrs. Mann, for having me! 

The pleasure is all mine! Do tell about the interview you had with Moira Donohue, coauthor of LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!

I did a Zoom interview with Ms. Moira Donohue. I liked being on Zoom with her because she is so friendly and paid attention to me when I talked. It makes me know she’s listening to my question and not taking it lightly. I learned a lot from her about animals, good sources, and about her work. I found out we put some of the same information in both our books!

That's cool! So I heard that Moira's publisher mailed you a review copy of LION, CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!, and that Moira sent you a signed bookplate. Did you enjoy reading the book?     

LION, CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!, her newest book, was AWESOME!!! The writing was well said and I wouldn't change anything. But what really caught my eye was the illustrations. Were those really made by kids!?! Those pictures look professionally done. The artwork is so realistic and the illustrations capture the actions and behaviors of the animals.

So would you recommend the book to your classmates?
  
I would recommend the book to my classmates because It tells interesting facts about the animals and the pictures are impressive because they are made by kids, just like us.
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Pages from Madeline's book, her third-grade school project

I heard you wrote a book for a school project that is similar in scope to John and Moira's book. Do tell a little about it, why you chose African animals as your research area, and what you enjoyed about the process.
 
This past year at school, I got to make a digital book on any topic as an individual project. I chose to write about African animals because I really like animals and almost all of my favorite animals live in Africa. The research I did about the 11 animals I chose was the hardest part of making my book. It took a long time, but it was neat to find out some facts I didn’t know. As part of my project, I was supposed to illustrate the book because I love art. Since we missed so much school in the spring [because of COVID-19], I ran out of time to do all the artwork for so many animals. I used digital photographs instead. It was still really fun to choose the photos, design the layout of the book and pick lots of different colors. So it was still a big art project and that was my favorite part.
 
Do you think you might like to be a writer or illustrator of books for younger readers when you grow up? If so, why?
 
I might like to become a writer and illustrator of books for young readers when I grow up because I enjoy listening to stories and making up new stories and I love to draw and paint. I also like to research and learn about things that happened in history. That would be fun to write about. 

You're on your way, Madeline! Thanks again for stopping by. It was great having you!

It was fun! 
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Madeline is 9 years old and will be in the fourth grade when school starts in the fall. She enjoys learning about many subjects in school. Madeline loves reading, drawing, painting, making crafts, playing soccer, dancing, making I-Movies, and playing with her friends!

​
Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!
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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 images used with permission from Madeline's mom and Sleeping Bear Press.
3 Comments

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

8/20/2020

0 Comments

 
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(C) Sleeping Bear Press, 2020
Animal artwork by Vincenti from Tanzania

OH MY! Kids:
Sub-Saharan Artists
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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  
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"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!"
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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  
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​"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."
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(C) Sleeping Bear Press, 2020
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​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 
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​"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."
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​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
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"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!"
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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

1 Comment

 
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(C) Sleeping Bear Press, 2020
Animal artwork by Yahani from Tanzania

OH MY! Kidlit Book Designer:
​Felicia Macheske
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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. 
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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. 
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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!
Picture

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

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

8/18/2020

1 Comment

 
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(C) Sleeping Bear Press, 2020
Animal artwork by Pamphy from Kenya

OH MY! Kidlit Editor:
​Barb McNally
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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.
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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!
PictureArtwork by Penuel from Kenya
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​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!
Picture

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
1 Comment

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

8/17/2020

0 Comments

 
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(C) Sleeping Bear Press
Animal artwork by Rahim from Tanzania

OH MY! Kidlit Agent:
Jennifer Unter
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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!
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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. 
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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!
Picture

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
0 Comments

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

8/16/2020

3 Comments

 
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(c) Sleeping Bear Press, 2020

Animal artwork by Yohani from Tanzania

OH MY! Kidlit Author:
​Moira Rose Donohue
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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!
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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. 
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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!
Picture

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.
3 Comments

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

8/15/2020

1 Comment

 
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(C) Sleeping Bear Press, 2020
Animal artwork by Samuel from Kenya

OH MY! Kidlit Author:
John Platt
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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. ​
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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!
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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!
Picture

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

Lion & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! The Book Launch Party Begins!

8/14/2020

0 Comments

 
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(C) Sleeping Bear Press

Animal artwork by Christopher from Malawi

I was beyond delight when my friend of the pen, Moira Donohue, announced that she'd be having a book about African animals published by Sleeping Bear Press, and even more excited when I found out that the book's artwork would be painted by young people who live in sub-Saharan Africa. The children artists have learned to draw, paint and depict lions, cheetahs, elephants and more from professional artists who volunteer with How To Draw A Lion, an art-based education program held in Tanzania, Kenya, and Malawi. How To Draw A Lion was founded by John Platt, an award-winning New York based artist and coauthor of Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY!
  
I wanted to join in celebrating the release of this book, and so, beginning tomorrow, August 15, I'll be hosting a week-long Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Book Launch Party!

During the celebration, I'll be interviewing those involved in the book's creation. On day one of the party, John Platt, the book's coauthor, will be up. On day two, I will interview Moira. On day three, John and Moira's literary agent, Jennifer Unter will be spotlighted. On day four, I will interview Barb McNally, the book's editor. On day five, I will interview Felicia Macheske, the book's designer. And on day six, I am honored to have ten of the children-- artists extraordinaire--as guests. Lastly, on day seven, Madeline, a nine-year-old author of her own book about African animals, will share her thoughts about interviewing Moira, her own writing process, and her thoughts about Moira and John's book. 

Will you join me in celebrating this book--a lovely work of art that celebrates both animals and humans living in sub-Saharan Africa? I hope so! Leave a comment for one of our guests and win a chance to receive a free, signed copy of Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY!!
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​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) Purchase your copy today!

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    Author

    Dionna is a spinner of children's yarns, a weaver of nonfiction, and a forever-learner enrolled in the Institute of Imaginative Thinking. As a work-for-hire author, she's written projects for Scholastic Press, Lerner, Capstone, Curriculum Associates, WETA, and Spooky Cheetah Press. Her photo-supported book for 3rd to 5th graders, ORCAS, can be found in Scholastic Press's award-winning Nature's Children series. You'll also find Dionna's kidlit work on the pages of  Cricket, Spider, and 
    Ladybug. Dionna has been an SCBWI Mid-Atlantic member since 2005, and for five years served as the content editor of her region's newsletter, the Highlighter. Dionna lives in Virginia with her husband. She's represented by ​Kelly Dyksterhouse and 
    Jacqui Lipton of Raven Quill Literary Agency.

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