Cynthia Leitich Smith's Blog, page 43
May 28, 2021
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, Bree Bender and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: How to Wear a Sari by Darshana Khiani, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Versify, 2021).
Author/Illustrator Insights
Interview: Randi Pink by Edith Campbell from CrazyQuiltEdi. Peek: “[F]or a year now, my mantra has been to glean the unwanted edges. Take in my hands the tiny victories and make desirable things…That’s been my pandemic—hands, brain, finger...
May 27, 2021
New Voices: Evan Griffith & Sajni Patel on Reflecting Strength in Stories
Above image: downtown Austin from Lady Bird Lake, photo by Ron Rabakukk
Today I’m chatting with two debut Austin authors with very different books, but both feature strong female protagonists who were envisioned by creators dedicated to letting readers see themselves in stories.
Evan Griffith‘s picture book biography Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist, illustrated by Joanie Stone (Clarion, 2021) celebrates the inventor of aquariums,...
In Memory: Eric Carle
Children’s book author Eric Carle photographed in his North Carolina studioPhoto credit: Jim Gipe, used with permission
Eric Carle, celebrated and beloved author and illustrator died peacefully of kidney failure, surrounded by family, on May 23 at his summer studio in Northampton, Massachusetts. He was 91.
Eric Carle, Author of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar,’ Dies at 91 from the New York Times by Julia Carmel. Peek: “Eric Carle, the artist and author who created that ...
May 26, 2021
In Memory: Lois Ehlert
By Bree Bender
Award-winning author and illustrator Lois Ehlert has died at the age of 86.
‘Chicka Chicka Boom Boom’ Illustrator Lois Ehlert Dead at 86 by Hannah Frishberg from the New York Post. Peek: “Before her career in children’s books, which she began in her 50s, she obtained a degree from Milwaukee’s Layton School of Art and worked in graphic design. In addition to ‘Color Zoo’ and ‘Chicka Chicka,’ she also illustrated 1987’s ‘Growing Vegetable Soup,’ 1998’s ‘Plan...
Awesome Authors: Erin Dealey on How Her Inner Teacher & Theater Director Inform Her Writing
I’m excited to welcome my dear friend Erin Dealey to Cynsations. I met her at SCBWI and gained valuable writing insight from her when we belonged to the same critique group for a while. Combining her teaching and drama experiences, Erin delights young readers with creatively fun picture books, including Snow Globe Wishes, illustrated by Claire Shorrock (Sleeping Bear Press, 2019), K is for Kindergarten, and her most recent books Peter Easter Frog, illustrated by G.Brian K...
May 25, 2021
Interview: Author Julie Berry Talks About Opening a Hometown Bookstore
I am excited to welcome author Julie Berry to Cynsations today. Some of Julie’s titles include the Printz Honor Award book, The Passion of Dolssa (Viking, 2016), Lovely War (Viking, 2019), and The Emperor’s Ostrich (Roaring Brook Press, 2017). Most recently her picture book Cranky Right Now, illustrated by Holly Hatam (Sounds True) hit shelves this month. Yet, Julie isn’t here to talk about her books, as wonderful as they are. She is here to talk about her newest ven...
May 24, 2021
In Memory: Arnold Adoff
Arnold Adoff—noted anthologist, poet, and author—died on May 7 at home in Yellow Springs, Ohio surrounded by family after a brief illness. He was 85.
Obituary: Arnold Adoff from Publishers Weekly by Shannon Maughan. Peek: “Children’s poet, author, and anthologist Arnold Adoff, widely noted for his inventive poetry style and for depicting African American experiences in his work, died on May 7 at his home in Yellow Springs, Ohio, following a brief illness.”
May 21, 2021
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, Bree Bender and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: by James Yang (Viking Books for Young Readers, 2021).
Author/Illustrator Insights
Be a Tree, Q&A With Maria Gianferrari by Jennifer Black Reinhardt from Picture Book Builders. Peek: “I discovered that different species of trees help each other—so much so that when one species of tree is removed, other neighboring ...
May 20, 2021
Native Voices: Author Dawn Quigley on Humor, Chapter Books & Decolonizing Grading
By Kim Rogers
Today, we are thrilled to have Dawn Quigley join us on Cynsations. Dawn is a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe, ND and the author of the hilarious chapter book series published with Heartdrum/HarperCollins (May 11, 2021). The first book in the series is Jo Jo Makoons: The Used to Be Best Friend. She is also on faculty for the upcoming We Need Diverse Books Online Children’s and YA Native Writing Intensive.
From the promotional copy:
“Jo Jo Makoons Azure is a spirited s...
May 19, 2021
Author Interview: Alyson Gerber on How Struggles & Strength Factor into Her Writing
By Alyson Gerber talks about struggles and strength and her upcoming novel, Taking Up Space (Scholastic, 2021). I’ve enjoyed all of Alyson Gerber’s work since I had the opportunity to review her debut, Braced (Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine 2017), and I continue to be a fan. Her second novel, Focused (Scholastic 2019), tackles ADHD with sensitivity and honesty. I was thrilled to get the opportunity to discuss Alyson Gerber’s upcoming novel, Taking Up Space, which focuses on anot...
