Andrew Hacket's Blog, page 7

The Backstory: GREAT CARRIER REEF

I am so excited to welcome my kidlit pal and nonfiction writer extraordinaire, Jessica Stremer to the blog today! Jessica is with us to discuss her debut, GREAT CARRIER REEF (Holiday House, 2023) with illustrations by Gordy Wright. Keep reading to learn all about this amazing book and for your chance to win a query and NF manuscript critique or 30-minute AMA with Jessica.

AH: Welcome to The Backstory and thank you for joining us and sharing the inspiration behind THE GREAT CARRIER REEF.

First of...

Cover Reveal: RISING ABOVE: THE WATARU “WAT” MISAKA STORY

I first had the pleasure of chatting with the magnificent Hayley Diep back in May 2021 when her debut, ,IF YOU GIVE A GIRL A BIKE was featured on The Backstory. Well, Hayley is back today with the COVER REVEAL of her latest book, a PB bio titled RISING ABOVE: THE WATARU “WAT” MISAKA STORY.

For this book, Hayley paired up with illustrator extraordinaire, Naomi Giddings and publisher Triumph Books to create an inspiring and eye-opening book about this lesser-known subject, Waturu Misaka. But thi...

The Backstory: MOONLIGHT MEMORIES

I am thrilled to welcome Amanda Davis back to the blog. Today she joins us with her latest picture book, MOONLIGHT MEMORIES (WorthyKids, 2023) with illustrations by Michelle Jing Chan. This gorgeous book offers a path forward for families dealing with loss. Keep reading to learn more and for your chance to win a signed copy.

Welcome to The Backstory and thank you for joining us and sharing the inspiration behind MOONLIGHT MEMORIES.

Thank you for having me, Andrew! I’m excited to be back and shar...

The Backstory: BING BANG PLING

Deb Adamson joins The Backstory today with her latest book, BING BANG PLING (McSea Books, 2023) with illustrations by ,Candice Hartsough . This story of backyard DIYing will entertain the whole family with its' styles, bright colors, and fun rhymes. Keep reading to learn more and to find out how you could win a copy of your own.

Welcome to The Backstory and thank you for joining us and sharing the inspiration behind BING BANG PLING.

First off, please tell us a little bit about your story.

Thank...

The Backstory: THE WISHING FLOWER

I can think of no better way of kicking off Pride Month than with a feature on an LGBTQ+ picture book from an incredible, lyrical author who is putting in the work to increase representation and the availability of queer books for kids. AJ Irving, the author of DANCE LIKE A LEAF, is here today with her latest picture book, THE WISHING FLOWER (Knopf BFYR, 2023) with illustrations by Kip Alizadeh. This gorgeous book is sure to help so many children feel seen and develop a sense of belonging in a w...

Cover Reveal: THE THING TO REMEMBER ABOUT STARGAZING

Happy Memorial Day weekend readers! I can think of no better way to kick off this long weekend than with some book love in the form of a cover reveal! I first connected with author and poet Matt Forrest Esenwine back in 2021 when he visited the blog with his book with Charles Ghigna, ,ONCE UPON ANOTHER TIME.

Now Matt is back with the cover reveal of his forthcoming book, THE THING TO REMEMBER ABOUT STARGAZING (Tilbury House), which is gorgeously illustrated by Sonia Possentini and is set to ...

The Backstory: WHEN YOU CAN SWIM

I am happy to welcome author and illustrator, Jack Wong to The Backstory today. Jack is here to share the inspiration behind his book, WHEN YOU CAN SWIM (Scholastic, 2023). Jack's poetic voice paired with his beautiful illustrations flow together to create a book about swimming and so much more. Keep reading to learn more and for your chance to win a signed copy.

Welcome to The Backstory and thank you for joining us and sharing the inspiration behind WHEN YOU CAN SWIM.

First off, please tell us ...

The Backstory: HOW TO GET YOUR OCTOPUS TO SCHOOL

One of my favorite things is when authors return to The Backstory with new books! Back in June of 2021, Becky Scharnhorst joined the blog with her debut picture book, THIS SCHOOL STINKS! And now she is back again with her third pb, HOW TO GET YOUR OCTOPUS TO SCHOOL (Flamingo Books, 2023) with illustrations by Jaclyn Sinquett. Once again, Becky has paired her sense of humor with relatable childhood experiences to bring us a book that kids, parents, teachers, and librarians will love! Keep reading...