Cynthia Leitich Smith's Blog, page 15
November 8, 2023
Guest Interview: Book Dash Increases Book Ownership for Children in Africa … & Beyond
Spotlight image: Book Dash teams creating books at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy: Job Mubunya (Kenya), Fiske Nyirongo (Zambia) and Jess Jardim-Wedepohl (South Africa)
At the 2023 Bologna book fair, I had the pleasure of meeting two creators who were attending on behalf of an organization called Book Dash. Their mission? Create two brand-new books in 12 hours with teams of creative volunteers from across Africa.
Their creative energy and drive was impressive, and ...
November 3, 2023
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Game of Freedom: Mestre Bimba and the Art of Capoeira by Duncan Tonatiuh (Harry N. Abrams, 2023).
Author/Illustrator Insights
Quill Tree BooksAn Interview With Jewell Parker Rhodes by Chelsea Stringfield from Parnassus Musing. Peek: [Advice for aspiring young writers:] “Read, read, read, and read some more. Consciously and unconsciously, you’re learning w...
November 2, 2023
Throwback Thursday: Susanna Reich & Gary Golio on Social Justice, Music & Picture Book Biographies
Congratulations to Susanna Reich on her newest picture book, Pass the Baby, illustrated by Raúl Colón (Neal Porter Books, 2023). From the promotional copy:
What does it take to make a perfect family meal? Is it the forks, spoons, plates, and napkins? Maybe it’s sister’s lemonade, Papi’s guacamole, or delicious meatballs and ravioli eyed by a hungry pup. When it’s time to sit down and dig in, there’s one thing everybody agrees they need to do, “Baby, baby, pass the baby!”
This rollicking, rhymin...
November 1, 2023
Author Interview: Lesléa Newman Discusses Poetry, Point of View & Always Matt
Spotlight image: Mitu Malhotra and Lesléa Newman with Lesléa’s books.
Today we welcome Lesléa Newman to share her writing process. I have long admired Lesléa’s lyrical works for children. Her YA novel October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard (Candlewick, 2012) was a mentor text for me during my MFA journey. Luckily, this summer I got an opportunity to meet Lesléa in person and chat about her new book,
Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard, illustrated by Brian Britigan ...
October 27, 2023
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Okra Stew: A Gullah Geechee Family Celebration by Natalie Daise (Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2023).
Author/Illustrator InsightsContinuing a Living Legacy: A Dual Interview With Dr. Ebony Joy Wilkins and Dare Coulter About Zora the Story Keeper by Betsy Bird from School Library Journal. Peek: [Ebony Joy Wilkins:] “I remember having parents ask me the best wa...
October 26, 2023
Throwback Thursday: Laurie Goodluck Reflects on Influences & Forever Cousins
Congratulations to Laurie Goodluck on the publication of Rock Your Mocs, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) (Heartdrum/HarperCollins, Oct. 10, 2023). From the promotional copy:
We’re stepping out and kicking it up.
Wearing beauty on their feet—as art, as tradition, with style, with pride—kids from different Native Nations know every day is a day to rock your mocs. In this happy, vibrant nod to Rock Your Mocs Day, author Laurel Goodluck and artist Madelyn Goodnight celebrate the joy an...
October 25, 2023
Author Interview: Kim Rogers on Career After Debut
By AJ Eversole
I had the pleasure of interviewing former Cynsations reporter Kim Rogers for her debut picture book, Just Like Grandma (Heartdrum, 2023) back in January and am so pleased to interview her for her second picture book, A Letter For Bob, illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Heartdrum, 2023).
What is the heart of A Letter for Bob?
The heart of A Letter for Bob is family—that includes the white sedan that Katie’s family owns in this story.
Many of us sensitive kids have memories from earl...
October 20, 2023
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: My Grandfather’s Song by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huynh Kim Liên (Make Me a World, 2023).
Author/Illustrator InsightsAuthor/Illustrator Interview: Kaz Windness by Ryan G. Van Cleave from Only Picture Books. Peek: “Books should be told with sincerity and by people who either care about children or are willing to be vulnerable about their own childhoods….I wo...
October 19, 2023
Throwback Thursday: Dawn Quigley on Her Drive to Write for Young Readers
Congratulations to Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe) on the publication of Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day, illustrated by Tara Audibert (of Wolastoqey and French heritage)(Heartdrum/HarperCollins, Sept. 19, 2023), third in the Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series. From the promotional copy:
Oh, snow day, snow day, what a very fun no-school day! Jo Jo Makoons is back in the third book in this favorite chapter book series, and she’s planning the very best version of the winter Olympics that her...
October 18, 2023
Author Interview: Nasugraq Rainey Hopson is Drawn to Stories Celebrating Unity
By AJ Eversole
I’m thrilled to have Nasugraq Rainey Hopson (Inupiaq) today on Cynsations! Hopson has contributed to three short story anthologies, Rural Voices (Candlewick, 2022), Tasting Light (Miteen Press, 2022) and the forthcoming Boundless (Inkyard Press, 2023). Also an accomplished illustrator, Nasugraq also designed the logo for HarperCollins Heartdrum imprint. Her debut novel, Eagle Drums (Roaring Brook Press, 2023) released in September.
What is the heart of Eagle Drums?
The heart of...
