Jean Reidy's Blog, page 3
January 31, 2023
Interview on the New Books Network!
Technical glitches aside, I had so much fun chatting with Mel Rosenberg on the New Books Network. 
We talked about my childhood, my family, my unconventional path to publishing and – of course – books! Have a look!
Or if you’d rather just listen, here’s a link to the podcast!
Happy Reading!
Jean
The post Interview on the New Books Network! appeared first on Jean Reidy, Children's Author.
January 17, 2023
SYLVIE is one of the best books of 2022!
Friends,
Right before the end of 2022, we received some excellent end-of-the-year news! I’m so honored and excited that SYLVIE (from Lucy Ruth Cummin, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster and me!) has been named one of the Best Books of 2022 by The Canadian Children’s Book Centre! And we couldn’t be more excited.
To find out more about SYLVIE or to purchase your copy, please see her book page on my website.
Happy Reading!
[image error][image error][image error]
The post SYLVIE is one of the best books of 2022! appeared first on Jean Reidy, Children's Author.
November 14, 2022
A GRAND DAY in The New York Times!
What a wonderful Sunday surprise! A GRAND DAY is in The New York Times!!! And the review calls it “a rollicking celebration of familial love, in all its intergenerational, interracial and differently abled forms.” So grateful for illustrator extraordinaire, Samantha Cotterill (Friends, her art will make you want to jump right into the pages!), agent Erin Murphy, editors Sylvie Frank & Paula Wiseman and the entire dream team at SimonKIDS. Wahoo! 
https://www.nytimes.com/…/sabine-timm-jamie-michalak…
Here’s the glorious review:
“[W]ipe the sleep from your eyes already, because Jean Reidy and Samantha Cotterill’s A GRAND DAY (Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster, 40 pp., $18.99, ages 4 to 8) is a rollicking celebration of familial love, in all its intergenerational, interracial and differently abled forms.
‘A million kisses! Hugs! Hooray! Our grand day begins this way.’
Bursting with earnest rhyme and mixed media dioramas, Reidy and Cotterill’s book whisks us from one smiling family to another over the course of one day. There’s jelly toast and tea at one grandparent’s house, gardening at another, and baking, picnics, yoga and pumpkins everywhere!
‘Pack a basket. Fill a plate. Grand day goodies! We can’t wait!’
How could anyone feel surly or bored when every moment is so bright and crisp, and full of poetry, pie, cartwheels, campfires, marshmallows and music? Each scene is so deftly constructed, lit and photographed, your fingers will want to reach out and grab that rake or strum Grandpa’s beautiful blue guitar. Reidy’s rhymes are as waltz-y as they are warm, but it is Cotterill’s handiwork that really made me want to nibble on a page or two. “
To find out more about A GRAND DAY or to purchase your copy, please see the book page right here!
Happy Reading!
Jean
The post A GRAND DAY in The New York Times! appeared first on Jean Reidy, Children's Author.
November 1, 2022
ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO Review!
Friends, I’m loving this review from YA and Kids Books Central calling ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO a fun read-aloud “that will spark young imaginations” in “a charming, rhyming story about friendship and crafting your own story.”
But if you’d like to read more, here’s the review in its entirety!
“ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO is a sweet picture book about friendship and imagination. The book first asks what two friends will do together and proposes they consider what they would do in a book that is made about them. Using rhymes and a question format, it proposes many activities to spark the imagination about all the cool things friends could do in a book.
What I loved: This is a story that will spark young imaginations with plenty of ideas about activities and all the things they could dream of doing with a good friend or two or three. The whimsical illustrations are quite colorful and detailed, bringing the story to life. The text flows smoothly with some great rhymes throughout that make it fun to listen to and to read aloud. It is ultimately a story that celebrates friendship and using your imagination in a sweet way.
Final verdict: ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO is a charming, rhyming story about friendship and crafting your own story.”
To find out more about ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO or to order your copy, check out my book page.
Happy Reading!
Jean
The post ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO Review! appeared first on Jean Reidy, Children's Author.
October 3, 2022
It’s that Book Festival Time of Year!
Friends, after two years of virtual visiting, I’m excited to be back on the road with in-person events!
I can’t wait until 10/8 and the Warwick Children’s Book Festival where I’ll be signing copies of SYLVIE and all my latest books. Check out this amazing line-up of authors, illustrators, music, and fun. All the details are right here! https://www.warwickchildrensbookfestival.org/
And then, the very next weekend, on 10/15, I’m heading to the amazing Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, described as a “magical day of literacy” with signings, storytimes and more with all of your favorite children’s authors. It’s huge and not to be missed. Here are those details! https://ccbfestival.org/
I’m so excited to meet new readers and book lovers at both. And I hope to see you there!
Happy Reading!
Jean
The post It’s that Book Festival Time of Year! appeared first on Jean Reidy, Children's Author.
August 23, 2022
ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO is out today!
This warmhearted picture book celebrates the joy of sharing your story with a friend or someone special.
Me and You in a Book Made for Two puts kids at the forefront and asks them to be the authors of their own stories. With its empowering and aspirational themes that celebrate the power of friendship, collaboration, and teamwork, this book fits the canon of timeless, classic books about how we’re stronger together than we are apart.
Twice the adventure! Double the fun!
From HarperCollins
Part of the What Would You Do in a Book About You? series
Named one of the TODAY Show’s best gifts for babies!
“Featuring upbeat rhymes and busy, cheerful, animated art, this peppy, motivational read invites kids to imagine what they could do or be, during playtime and beyond.”
– Booklist –
BUYING THE BOOK AND AUTOGRAPHED BOOKPLATES
ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO is on sale now. You can order your copy from your favorite bookseller (IndieBound, Barnes & Noble, Amazon) or request it at your library. Would you like an autographed bookplate to go with it? Request it here!
TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS & PARENTS
Check out my FREE Downloadable Curriculum/Storytime Guide linked to learning standards available on my book page.
For other FREE resources and information about booking school visits, check out the Schools and Libraries page of my website.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
If you’re excited about ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO, please help me spread the word. Here are some sample social media posts and the cover photo to get you started:From @jeanreidy, @choochoojoey & @HarperChildrens comes ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO, a new #picturebook about the joy of sharing your story with a friend or someone special. Twice the adventure! Double the fun! Order it here: https://jeanreidy.com/books/me-and-you-in-a-book-made-for-two/Twice the adventure! Double the fun! ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO – a new #picturebook from @jeanreidy, @choochoojoey and @HarperChildrens – about the joy of sharing your story with a friend or someone special. Buy it here: https://jeanreidy.com/books/me-and-you-in-a-book-made-for-two/Here’s the perfect birthday, Valentine’s Day, any day gift for a friend or someone special. ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO – a new #picturebook from @jeanreidy, @choochoojoey and @HarperChildrens – about the joy of sharing your story. Buy it here: https://jeanreidy.com/books/me-and-you-in-a-book-made-for-two/For best friends everywhere! ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO – a new #picturebook from @jeanreidy, @choochoojoey and @HarperChildrens – about the joy of sharing your story with a friend or someone special. Buy it here: https://jeanreidy.com/books/me-and-you-in-a-book-made-for-two/A new school year means new friendships. Celebrate with ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO – a new #picturebook from @jeanreidy, @choochoojoey and @HarperChildrens – about the joy of sharing your story with a friend or someone special. Buy it here: https://jeanreidy.com/books/me-and-you-in-a-book-made-for-two/With excitement and gratitude,JeanThe post ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO is out today! appeared first on Jean Reidy, Children's Author.
July 7, 2022
A GRAND Dedication
I dedicated A GRAND DAY to my grandmother who lived with us while I was growing up – Nonna Fortuna. Her name was perfect because I felt so very fortunate to have her in my life. She was a gardener and a gatekeeper. She read to me even though she barely spoke English. She knit my mittens, twirled my jump rope & loved me all day long. And I loved her.
I’d love to hear about a special grandparent or grandchild in your life. Please add your stories to the comments below.
And to find out more about A GRAND DAY or to purchase your copy, please see the book page on my website https://jeanreidy.com/books/a-grand-day/
Happy Reading!
The post A GRAND Dedication appeared first on Jean Reidy, Children's Author.
July 6, 2022
A GRAND DAY Case Cover Reveal!
Picture book creation is always full of surprises. And with A GRAND DAY, illustrator extraordinaire Samantha Cotterill and the rockstar team at Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books surprised me with this amazing case cover showcasing the scale and perspective of those beautiful 3-D scenes. I’m blown away!
To find out more about A GRAND DAY or to purchase your copy, please see the book page on my website https://jeanreidy.com/books/a-grand-day/
Happy Reading!
The post A GRAND DAY Case Cover Reveal! appeared first on Jean Reidy, Children's Author.
July 5, 2022
A GRAND DAY is on sale today!
A million kisses! Hugs! Hooray!
Our grand day begins this way!
Any day spent together is sure to be grand! This rhyming, warmhearted picture book captures the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren in every kind of family!
From Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
ADVANCE PRAISE
BUYING THE BOOK AND AUTOGRAPHED BOOKPLATES
“Family ties so strong and true. / Part of me / is part of you.”
Young readers and their grown-ups will appreciate this homage to familial love and will return to it again and again.
A heartfelt, exuberant ode to intergenerational bonding.
– Kirkus Review –
A GRAND DAY is on sale today. You can order or buy your copy from your favorite bookseller (IndieBound, Barnes & Noble, Amazon) or request it at your library. Would you like an autographed bookplate to go with it? Request it here!
TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS & PARENTSCheck out my FREE Downloadable Curriculum/Storytime Guide linked to learning standards available on my book page.
For other FREE resources and information about booking school visits, check out the Schools and Libraries page of my website.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
If you’re excited about A GRAND DAY, please help me spread the word. Here are some sample social media posts and the cover photo to get you started:
The post A GRAND DAY is on sale today! appeared first on Jean Reidy, Children's Author.
June 29, 2022
A Gorgeous Award for TRUMAN!
Two years ago I was so very honored when TRUMAN was recognized as a Charlotte Zolotow Honor book – one of the only awards granted for picture book text. So you can imagine how deliriously happy and proud I felt again when, just this week, I received this gorgeous award. Thank you Cooperative Children’s Book Center! I’m bubbling over with gratitude.
The post A Gorgeous Award for TRUMAN! appeared first on Jean Reidy, Children's Author.
