Tag: Ryan G. Van Cleave

Editor Interview: Sarah Rockett (Sleeping Bear Press)

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The September 2020 Insider Interview is with…Sarah Rockett!

She’s an Editor for Sleeping Bear Press as well as for Cherry Lake Publishing and 45th Parallel school and library imprints. OPB knows all about her work because we’ve recently covered books she edited: Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery, Nature’s Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story, and The Boy Who Grew a Forest. (Yep—we enjoy Sleeping Bear books here at OPB!)

She’s a Michigan person through and through, and these days, she lives outside Ann Arbor with a husband, a son, and a cocker spaniel. And a whole bunch of books, one imagines!

Let’s get to the interview to learn a bit more about all Sarah does!

RVC: You earned a degree in journalism from Boston University. What turned you from a life of newspaper/​magazine writing toward the editorial side of things?

SR: News and magazine writing ultimately felt too fast paced for me. I found that I enjoyed spending more time on the text I was working with—to really be careful with language and more creative. I didn’t love the pressure of a news cycle.

RVC: What was your favorite piece of journalism you ever wrote?

SR: I did the Semester at Sea study abroad program in college and ended up writing a handful of pieces for my hometown newspaper while I was traveling. They were writer-​at-​large type stories—and rightfully buried in the paper—but they were a lot of fun to research and write.

RVC: Sounds like a nautically cool time! I wish I’d investigated such interesting off-​campus experiences like that as an undergrad.

Now, working in NY publishing is the dream for many. What were some of the unexpected benefits/​joys of being part of it?

SR: The big budgets were great. Knowing you had some frontlist “season makers” like a new Llama Llama book by Anna Dewdney or the latest John Green YA, as well as a really strong backlist with a good number of classics, meant we could take some additional risk with other projects. The publishing community in NYC was also really wonderful. I was always running into people from other companies—and it was really nice to talk with them about issues facing the industry and trends.

RVC: What was the biggest issue facing the industry at that time?

SR: When I was with Penguin, ebooks were just really taking off and it was so interesting to see how the industry was feeling out the best way to work with the technology. For adult books, the link to ebook is easy/​obvious. But for children’s books, there are so many more issues around the benefits of books vs ebooks. Many ebook developers wanted to include a lot of interactive features and animations–which can be great, but when does it become a game or cartoon and no longer a book? I don’t think the industry (or consumers) have figured it out yet, but it was really interesting to be in the hub of publishing when the initial ebook frenzy started.

RVC: If you had to summarize the most important thing you’ve learned about editing books for children, what would it be?

SR: I think brevity and specificity are the two most important elements to creating wonderful picture books. There’s something magical about leaving space in the text for a child’s imagination. And if you’re keeping text really tight, you have to be sure each word is working really hard for you—it has to mean exactly what you want it to mean.

RVC: About seven years ago, you left NY publishing and worked as a freelance writer/​project manager for ProQuest  for a year. 

SR: When I moved back to Michigan, there weren’t a lot of children’s publishing companies to work with. In fact, there’s exactly one in about a 500-​mile radius—Sleeping Bear Press. Working freelance let me keep my skills fresh while I nudged the owner of Sleeping Bear about an informational interview and waited for a position to open.

RVC: In 2013, you landed that coveted job. What were some of the differences between working at Sleeping Bear versus a large outfit like Puffin/​Penguin Young Readers?

SR: I love working with a smaller company. The doors to the owner and publisher are always open for questions and advice. And I love that there aren’t a ton of steps to project approval. If I’m passionate about a title or project, I can generally make my case to the owner or acquisition group and then move forward. There aren’t a lot of corporate hoops to jump through—which I think allows the editors (and everyone) to be more creative.

RVC: Let’s talk submissions. I know you like timely hooks (which right now probably means diversity, social justice, environmentalism, etc.), but it strikes me that Sleeping Bear leans toward picture books well-​suited to solid educational backmatter. Would you rather see a great-​for-​the-​classroom book, or one that’s a total laugh-​out-​loud good time?

SR: I don’t think I can choose! I really love working on books that have something important to say—whether that’s a biography of someone previously overlooked in history or a story that encourages kids to reduce their plastic waste, etc.—but books that are just pure fun are a delight! Truly funny, laugh-​out-​loud books are so hard to write, so they can be few and far between.

RVC: How many submissions do you see in a month?

SR: Probably 50–100.

RVC: What percentage of those is agented?

SR: I would guess about 20 percent of those are agented or submitted directly from an author I have a relationship with—the rest come in via email submissions per the guidelines on our website.

RVC: Help us understand what Sleeping Bear is really all about. What three picture books really capture the representative spirit of your press’ aesthetic and creative philosophy?

SR: The Legend of Sleeping Bear for its regional hook and unparalleled art. Memoirs of a Goldfish, which is funny and heartfelt. Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery, which is a great classroom title with really strong trade crossover—and the illustrations are just so lovely.

And I have to add A Boy Like You—a story with a really important social emotional message.

RVC: It’s interesting that you mention Memoirs of a Goldfish, because that’s how I learned about your press. I was at Book Expo America in NYC back in 2010 or so, and that book was a giveaway from your press. My kids enjoyed it so much that we eventually picked up the sequels–witness the photographic evidence (minus the Elf and Parrot ones, which my kids have hidden somewhere special, and they won’t share where)!

SR: Oh gosh! I love coincidences like that!

RVC: In many ways the publishing world is a small one, and kids really latch onto their favorites.

Back to the regularly scheduled interview…I’ve heard that you appreciate when an author sells themselves in a pitch letter. But there’s the flip side, which is when a not-​yet-​debut author might say, “Hey, I’m going to be the next Jane Yolen, only faster!” What are some examples of how to manage the middle ground between self-​promotion (the good version) versus SELF-​PROMOTION (the icky version)?

SR: It’s important for editors to have the facts on our authors. So writing groups you’re involved with, social media platforms, relevant professional experience, existing school or conference presentations, etc. But authors should stay away from subjective and/​or grandiose claims. If you/​your story is as good as you think it is (i.e. “the next Where the Wild Things Are”), we’ll see it—don’t force it on editors.

RVC: Great advice. And speaking of advice, what do you say about art notes?

SR: In general, I strongly advise against them. A submitting author’s goal is to have the acquiring editor feel personally and passionately about their story. It’s hard to feel an attachment to a story if every other line the author is telling you what you’re seeing. The beauty of publishing a picture book is that everyone involved brings something to the project (author, editor, illustrator, and designer) that makes it stronger. Let editors have that moment to really be engaged in the story.

RVC: One final question for this part of the interview. Rumor has it that you’re a mega-​fan of Gwen Frostic. Actual news or fake news?

SR: Yes! Love her. I grew up with her art and going to her studio in Northern Michigan—I even met her a couple time before she passed and I have a tattoo of one of her pieces!

When I received the submission for Nature’s Friend, I was SO floored!

RVC: Alrighty, it’s time for the Lightning Round! And that means the questions are zippy, the answers are zappy, and the fun is totally electrified. Are you ready?

SR: Let’s do it!

RVC: Which picture book character would you love to be for a day?

SR: Hannah, from Hannah’s Tall Order. She’s got an appetite and knows what she wants.

RVC: Best place in Northern Michigan to get a cherry pie?

SR: King Orchards on US-​31.

RVC: Pick a theme song for where your life is at right now.

SR: “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor.

RVC: What’s your dream project?

SR: Something lyrical and important.

RVC: Favorite non-​Sleeping-​Bear picture book of 2020 (so far)?

SR: Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-​Bigelow.

RVC: Three words that sum up what picture books mean to you?

SR: Growing little minds.

RVC: Thanks so much, Sarah! Next time I’m up in Ann Arbor, the Vernors ginger ale is on me!

Educational Activities: Saving Eli’s Library by Ruth Horowitz

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Saving Eli’s Library
Author: Ruth Horowitz
Illustrator: Brittany Jackson
1 October 2020
Albert Whitman & Company
32 pages

As with most writers, I’m a book fan. In fact, some of the stacks of books in my office have now grown taller than me. I suspect Eli would appreciate that fact.

Book description from Goodreads: “Eli loves going to the library for Story Circle, but, one stormy day, the nearby river threatens to flood it. Eli and his dad must brave the storm to help save the books, and, when the storm is over, the whole town must come together to rebuild the library. Inspired by the residents of Lincoln, Vermont, who rebuilt their library on three separate occasions, Saving Eli’s Library showcases one community’s bigheartedness, and the power of water and nature.”

Need some reviews of Saving Eli’s Library?

Educational Activities inspired by Ruth Horowitz’s Saving Eli’s Library:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • What do you think of when you think of libraries?
    • Where and when does this story seem to take place?
    • What’s going on outside the window?
    • Where did Eli just come from?
    • If you could ask the author any one question before you read the book, what would it be?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What kind of person is Eli?
    • Why did the library need saving?
    • Can you think of another way the library might have been saved?
    • Could this situation really happen?
    • If you marched with Eli in the book parade, would you wear a special costume?
    • Is there something you don’t understand about the story?
    • What other story does Saving Eli’s Library remind you of?
  • Writing–Now that Eli has saved his library, what happens next for him?  Imagine whatever you want, and then write down what you think of in as much detail as you choose. 
    • What new challenge does Eli–or the library–face?
      • Perhaps the library needs a fundraiser to buy new books? Or there’s a book-​eating alien that arrives? Or…
    • How does Eli overcome the challenge?
    • What does Eli see/​smell/​taste/​touch? Details help make a story come to life!
    • Feel free to draw pictures to accompany your continuation of Eli’s story.
    • Perhaps share your results with a friend or adult?
  • Activities–Try some of the following book-​themed crafts. Get a library-​loving adult to help: 
    • The Cat in the Hat Printable Hat–Yep. It’s wearable. Feel free to draw on the stripes versus use strips of craft paper.
    • Class Pancake Book–This requires a few other youngsters to make it work, so invite friends, family, or classmates to help out!
    • Funny Face Flipbook–This will stop the “I’m bored!” complaints. So much fun!
    • Paper Plate Caterpillar–For fans of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This one’s really easy to make, folks!
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about libraries have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

 

Author Interview: Laurie Keller

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I’ve been posting weekly at OPB for more than two years now, and throughout that time, my kids have been kind of “whatEVER!” about the whole thing. But when they heard that “The Arnie the Doughnut Lady” was swinging by? Wow, they got interested. Over the year, we ruined two copies of Arnie the Doughnut with all our rereading, book-​snuggling, etc., so for them, this is the best OPB offering of the century.

I admit it—my dad stock has inched a bit higher as a result of this one. I’ll take it!

It helps that I’ve already shared the advance reading copy of Hello, Arnie! with my kids–it’s book five in the series, and it’s a fun fourth-​wall breaker. The Kirkus review for it says: “Donut expect this to pass young audiences without causing a sprinkle of giggles.”

If you’d like to know a bit more pre-​interview info about author-​illustrator Laurie Keller (a.k.a. “The Arnie the Doughnut Lady”), I offer these seven facts:

  • has a degree from Kendall College of Art and Design
  • lives along the shores of Lake Michigan
  • LOVES the movie Waiting for Guffman
  • prefers acrylic paint (“It dries fast and covers up mistakes!”)
  • perfect day includes roasting vegetarian hot dogs over a campfire on the beach
  • searches store bargain bins for ideas (“Well, just because!”)
  • trying hard to learn how to play the banjo

Now that we have a clearer sense of how much fun Laurie is, let’s get to the interview and see it all firsthand!

Want to e‑find Laurie? Here are some terrific options:

RVC: As much as my kids want me to ask Arnie-​only questions, let’s go back to the start of your career for a bit. You weren’t planning to be a writer or an artist, right? Weren’t you studying dance first?

LK: I was in a repertory dance tour company with the local community college and though I considered dance as a major for a while, it was mostly just for fun. I didn’t study ballet (the foundation of most styles of dance) as a kid so I didn’t think I really stood a chance at making it as a professional dancer so, as much as I loved it, I decided not to pursue it.

RVC: You also come from an educator background. Why didn’t you go that route?

LK: I almost did! After my first two years at Kendall College of Art and Design, I left and enrolled at a college that had a great education program, planning on becoming an elementary teacher. I think I would’ve loved that but I was really missing art school and a professor from Kendall talked me into coming back and giving an illustration career a shot.

Since making books involves doing lots of school visits, I feel like I get the best of both worlds.

RVC: That desire to have a career in illustration led you to a job at Hallmark. What did your seven years as a greeting card artist teach you about character and story that would later prove useful in the kidlit world?

LK: I know that a lot of people have the idea that Hallmark artists only paint cute bunnies and flowers—and don’t get me wrong, I love cute bunnies and flowers—but the talent and skills of the creative staff there was through the roof. I learned so much from them—it really was like going to graduate school. When I started making cards for kids a year after I started there, my characters were pretty crude looking but I learned a lot about refining them and making them more appealing.

Then, during my sixth year there, I was in a 4‑month creative workshop where I got to write and illustrate all my own cards. I LOVED being able to create cards from wacky ideas that popped into my head or things that crossed my path (they encouraged us to be as zany as we wanted). It really brought out my sense of humor and it definitely gave me more confidence as far as “putting myself out there” with my writing.

RVC: What was the turning point that got you “putting yourself out there” in terms of picture books? 

LK: When I got interested in making cards for kids, I started spending lunch hours at a nearby children’s bookstore (The Reading Reptile) looking for inspiration. I was only interested in the illustrations at first but became so enchanted with the stories I read that I started collecting kid’s books and knew that one day I’d love to try writing my own. I was especially inspired by Lane Smith and Jon Scieszka, Maira Kalman, William Steig and Petra Mathers. They all had very different styles of writing—some more dry and irreverent, others more sweet and charming—but they were all funny and engaging in their own right. It helped me to see that there was room for pretty much any style of writing and humor in the children’s book world.

It was years later, when I finished that creative workshop and had to go back to illustrating cards but not writing them, that I got very frustrated and bored, and I’m sure that’s what lead to me writing my first story, The Scrambled States of America.

RVC: Publisher’s Weekly loved that book–your first picture book!–as did many critics and reader (including me). How did the idea for that come about?

LK: It sounds so silly but one night, while falling asleep, some little states with arms and legs and faces popped into my head. The next morning I remembered that and thought “Hey, maybe I could make a book using states as characters to help kids learn about U.S. geography in a fun way.” I didn’t know if I’d seen that in a book somewhere so I asked some of my fellow book collector friends if they’d seen that and none had so I dove into writing it. I would work at Hallmark all day then come home and write into the wee hours every night until I finished it—I was obsessed!

RVC: How much input did you have when Gamewright made a game of your scrambled states book (which is an odd but very cool thing to happen to a picture book)?

LK: Gamewright contacted Henry Holt expressing interest in turning Scrambled States into a game and wondered if I had any ideas for how it could work. I didn’t AT ALL and was so surprised that they even saw potential for a game. They came up with the entire idea and it’s so much fun to play, very fast-​paced and educational. They ended up making a puzzle version of it, too.

RVC: The Scrambled States of America was purchased by Christy Ottaviano (here’s her 2020 interview with us), and I see that her imprint’s doing Hello, Arnie!, the new Arnie book which comes out in a few weeks (September 2020). What do you like most about working with Christy and her team?

LK: Besides Christy’s minty-​fresh breath, do you mean?

RVC: Yep. That’s a total given!

LK: Well, from day one, she was so warm and friendly and we became fast friends. I thank my lucky stars all the time for being able to work with Christy. And as smart and business-​savvy as she is, she’s also very creative and understands how everyone’s writing process is completely different. She doesn’t get annoyed as I constantly make changes to my stories until the last possible second. And to top it all off, she’s got a goofy sense of humor and is just a whole lot of fun!

RVC: From the interview I did with her here, I totally agree. So much fun!

And speaking of fun, your books feature a lot of wordplay. What’s your process for creating and honing that level of pun fun?

LK: Sometimes I have a few ideas for jokes and silly asides when I start writing. Some of it comes as the story develops and I get to know the characters’ personalities better. But when I get to the illustration part, that’s when most of the jokes pop into my head (especially when it’s late and I’m tired and punchy).

I used to think those ideas were completely random, though I now think my brain is working things out unconsciously and shoots them on over when they’re ready. I’m sure it’s a nightmare for Christy and her team because, like I said, I’m constantly rewriting and making changes until they finally take it away from me. As far as the puns, I’m a punster by nature, probably to the annoying point if you asked my remaining friends–the ones who haven’t left because they’re sick of my dumb puns, that is!

RVC: You illustrate books for others (such as the Marty Frye, Private Eye books and Pluto Gets the Call). How different is the process of working with another’s text versus handling all story aspects on your own?

LK: It takes me longer to loosen up when I’m illustrating someone else’s book; I get so nervous because I want the author to like what I do and I don’t want to blow it! The illustrating process (once I get over my nervousness) is more streamlined because I’m not going back and forth editing my story while I illustrate like I do with my own. Most times, the publisher and author have asked me to add little jokes and asides like I do in my books, and as strange as it feels at first to add words to someone’s story, I always have fun doing that.

RVC: You’re ranged far and wide with your topics. Manners. Doughnuts. Smiling. Geography. Teeth. Numbers. What’s next for you?

LK: I illustrated a book for Joan Holub called I Am the Shark. It’s about sharks. I’ll soon start illustrating a companion book called I Am the Bear. Oddly enough, it’s also about sharks. No wait, it’s about bears.

RVC: I’m sure the marketing folks at the press are super-​happy that’s the case!

LK: I’m also in the idea-​generating process for whatever it is I’ll be writing next. I have picture books in mind, of course, but I’m considering writing books for other age groups as well.

RVC: We loved having you with us, Laurie, but we’ve never had the chance to feature a doughnut here before. Are you open to letting us wrap up this interview with a Q&A from your pastry-bestie?

LK: Thanks for chatting, Ryan! And thank you for asking to interview Arnie–he’s been interrupting me the entire time wanting to get in on it!

RVC: Arnie, it’s time for THE LIGHTNING CHALLENGE! Sprinkle-​sweet questions and sugary-​good answers, please! Are you ready?

Arnie: I was MADE ready, Ryan!

RVC: Top three items on your bucket doughnut-​box list?

Arnie:

1) to set a Guinness World Record for ROLLING around the world
2) to audition for Cirque du Soleil’s show, “O” (I haven’t seen it yet but since it has a doughnut for the title, I figure I’m a shoo-​in. And I’m very bendy.)
3) to win “BEST IN DOUGH” at the Westminster Dog Show (I’m a doughnut-​dog now, you know)

RVC: A secret talent you have that no one would expect?

Arnie: Charming the ladies.

Arnie: I’m also great at hot do-​ga. Your probably know it as hot “yoga.”

RVC: If you weren’t a full-​time picture book star, you’d be…

Arnie: I’m a song and dance doughnut, Ryan. I’d love to be the star in a big show with lots of sprinkles! I’ll tell you what I WON’T be doing and that’s being a picture frame, pincushion, or air freshener like Mr. Bing suggested!

RVC: Favorite non-​doughnut picture book of 2019?

Arnie: Who Wet My Pants? by Bob Shea and Zachariah OHora. I laughed so hard my sprinkles were popping off! (I read Laurie Keller’s copy—don’t tell her, she gets all, “Stop getting frosting and sprinkles on the pages, Arnie!”)

RVC: True or false: you have the same number of sprinkles in every book.

Arnie: TRUE! 135 of them to be exact! Laurie Keller counts them to make sure she does it right. The only time she doesn’t count them is if I’m really small on a page or if only part of me is showing or on the RARE OCCASION that I flip my lid and my sprinkles start flying around. Poor Laurie gets tired of painting sprinkles though and I heard her say once that she wishes she’d made me a plain doughnut.

A PLAIN DOUGHNUT, RYAN! Can you imagine?

I get nauseous just thinking about it.

RVC: How did you first meet Laurie?

Arnie: I was visiting a friend in NYC who lived next door to her and we met on the elevator. She gave me her card and asked if she could make a book about me. I knew it was only a matter of time before someone approached me about it.

RVC: Why is Laurie the best person to help you tell your story?

Arnie: She really gets all of us “inanimate objects,” I guess. She knows that we have feelings, hopes, and dreams just like anyone else does. Plus she likes my corny jokes. I’m a pun-​bun at heart.

RVC: Your favorite line from any of your books?

Arnie: That’s a dough-​brainer, Ryan…it’s my signature song, ”DOUGHNUT MAKE MY BROWN EYES BLUE”.

RVC: Thanks so much, Arnie (and Laurie, too)! I had a great delicious time!

Arnie: Thanks for having us, Ryan!

Picture Book Review: Hans Christian Andersen: The Journey of His Life by Heinz Janisch

On By Only Picture BooksIn Picture Book Reviews
Author: Heinz Janisch
Illustrator: Maja Kastelic
NorthSouth Books
1 September 2020
56 pages

This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Frequent Fairytail Fan at Only Picture Books) and Ringling College of Art and Design Illustration Professor John Herzog.

–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–

I’m always a bit leery of picture books that run past the traditional 32 pages. And with this one at 56 pages? This might be the most telling comment of the entire review–it doesn’t feel long. Had I not known in advance that it was 2x as long as most, I wouldn’t have even thought about that fact.

Partially, it’s due to the captivating artwork. Witness how mesmerizingly bright things get when the story leaps into flights of the imagination. But I’ll let John handle that aspect of things, though I’ll simply add that this reader really appreciates the sense of wonder, innocence, and magic the illustrations create at times. Well done, Maja Kastelic!

Austrian author Heinz Janisch’s fresh take on the life of Hans Christian Andersen (translated by David Henry Wilson) is clever in that it allows Hans himself to tell his own story fairy-​tale-​style to a young girl named Elsa as they share a coach ride. That’s so appropriate in that it connects to the oral component of his tales–we likely first heard them read aloud to us, and here’s Hans doing that same thing for yet another young story lover. Like I said–so clever and apt.

Elsa also serves as a stand-​in for the reader, asking the questions we want asked, primarily “What happens next?” But she also asks if he’s the Hans in his many stories, to which he replies:  “I don’t think my stories are all about me. With fairy tales you can sometimes hold a mirror out in front of other people without them realizing it.”

Another way in which this book is clever is how Hans showcases qualities and experiences from his own life through the lens of his stories, such as how his own early years were like “The Ugly Duckling,” which is about a duckling who is teased for being different until one day when it turns into a beautiful swan. “Anyone can turn into something special–that’s what the story tells us. Like a poor cobbler’s son becoming a famous writer,” he says to Elsa and her mom.

Some might argue that the book presents too cheery a take on a life that most realize was fairly grim, lonely, and eccentric (I hesitate to call him weird, but yeah, that’s probably more accurate since he went bonkers over bad reviews, was terrified of being buried alive, and was likely celibate his entire life), but without a doubt, he’s one of the most influential writers of his century and this book captures a bit of that magic in a pleasant mix of biography and a well-​fabricated story frame.

This is a must-​read for any reader, with appropriate Back Matter that likely will offer one or two tidbits adult readers didn’t know about this beloved literary giant.

4.75 out of 5 pencils

 

–John’s Review of the Illustrations–

There’s something truly magical happening in Hans Christian Andersen: The Journey of His Life. It’s not just the context, although there’s plenty of magic to be found there. It’s in everything, really: the story, the illustrations, the colors, the compositions. If there’s a perfect picture book, in my opinion, I’d say this gets damn close to being it.

First, I must point out how much I love the length of this book. It’s much, much longer than your typical picture book today, but I appreciate that here. It’s long, but at no point was I bored and, personally, I don’t think kids will be bored reading this either. Heinz Janisch has made this popular, prominent figure of the establishment feel fresh again with an interesting take on their life story. I found it incredibly clever to couch Andersen’s history in a journey where he talks about his life with Elsa, a child–his main audience then and now. I was pleasantly reminded of how Andersen’s stories don’t talk down to children (and neither does this book), which I feel is something of a problem in the children’s publishing world today.

In terms of the illustrations, this is probably one of the most cinematic picture books I’ve ever read. The compositions, character designs, and expert use of color and mood harken to the work of Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino. As someone who has dabbled in filmmaking, it’s fantastic to see the crossover here. Color especially is used in incredibly effective ways that help tell the story. We’re taken through the highs and lows of Andersen’s life through color, and the way illustrator Maja Kastelic has approached it is pitch perfect. The contrast is such that, if you were to remove the words, I dare say that the images would still tell the story. They’re that good.

The character designs are also brimming with watercolorey appeal. I instantly like Andersen as he’s depicted here with his top hat and blue bow tie, his cheeks slightly flushed. The other characters involved are also charming and full of life. Even the environments are full of appeal and character thanks to the watercolor approach here.

The way the compositions are laid out almost resemble a comic book, and also reminded me of how Wes Anderson loves playing around with aspect ratio in his films (see The Grand Budapest Hotel and The French Dispatch). There’s one page in particular that I absolutely love: Andersen is discussing the dark times he endured as a child, and the illustrations are very desaturated and dour. And at the very bottom right-​side of the page, underneath this mountain of black & white images, we see a small Elsa looking sad at what Andersen had to endure. We know exactly how Elsa is feeling because of the way the page is laid out and the way color (or lack of it) is used. This page, in and of itself, is a masterclass of visual storytelling.

I completely and willingly admit that I’m coming at this book with my own personal biases. However, I’m planning to purchase The Journey of His Life when it’s released in September, so that right there should tell you how much I love it. I think you’ll love it, too.

5 out of 5 crayons

John Herzog is an award-​winning illustrator and educator. 

His clients include Hasbro, Dreamworks TV, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Scholastic, and Highlights for Children. He also teaches illustration classes at Ringling College of Art and Design.

John is a member of the National Cartoonists Society and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where he received the 2018 SCBWI Magazine Merit Award for his Highlights High Five cover illustration. He lives in Florida with his wife, two kids, a pair of geckos, a South American horned frog, a bearded dragon, and a fish.

He is represented by Shannon Associates.

Agent Interview: Kaitlyn Sanchez (Olswanger Literary LLC)

On By Only Picture BooksIn Agent Interviews15 Comments

This month’s Industry Insider Interview is an interesting one because our interview subject, Kaitlyn Sanchez, can come at picture books from so many angles.

Oh, and she’s an Associate Agent at Olswanger Literary. Clearly with a picture-​book resume like that, we’re in for a treat. Let’s get ready for the interview with five bonus Kaitlyn facts.

  1. Short stories are her jam.
  2. Was a jock and a band nerd.
  3. Adores math and English.
  4. Loves the smell of cement. (She admits: “I know, weird, right?”)
  5. Jamba! not Starbucks.

Now that we have a better sense about our new friend Kaitlyn, let’s have a hearty Q&A session on our shared fave topic—picture books!

RVC: So, you got into agenting the way many do—you started at Olswanger Literary as an intern in 2019. Why did you seek that position, and how did you land it?

KS: My critique partner Andrea Walker was working as an intern at Olswanger and one day it donned on me that she was in Japan and still able to be an intern, so I asked her about it! She told me about Bookjobs.com and how they list if an internship is at a location or online, and of course, Andrea suggested I apply for Olswanger, so I did! I sent Anna [Olswanger] my letter and resume, and she responded the same day!

RVC: Congrats on recently moving up to Associate Agent. Yay! But let me ask—what are some of the often-​undiscussed challenges and obligations of being a literary agent? 

KS: Thank you so much! I can’t explain how exciting that day was. For agenting challenges, funnily enough, it’s the same I’d say for teaching–there’s a ton of research to do as well as spurts of super busy times.

RVC: I hear you there! Now, in terms of what you want to see in submissions, you mention that you appreciate “rocking rhymes.” What does that mean to you?

KS: For rhyme, I want the story to be the focus and the rhyme to support it. The rhythm should be spot-​on (with variations to keep it from being sing-song).

Diana Murray and Josh Funk are great examples of writers who do that.

Ned the Knitting Pirate is one of our favorite books in my house and Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast is another fun example of a great rhyming book!

RVC: We’ve got an interview with Josh Funk coming up in September, so I’ll be sure to ask him about rhyme, too. But from your perspective, what kind of rhyme crimes do you most often see?

KS: Oh, I can’t wait for Josh’s interview, he’s so amazing!

As far as rhyme crimes, the two I often see are lack of rhythm and inversions. Ironically enough, Renée LaTulippe just put out an awesome Peek & Critique Video on rhyme crimes! Make sure to subscribe; she’s amazing.

RVC: You’re currently closed for submissions. When do you expect to throw wide the doors again and invite new work?

KS: I honestly have no idea. I still have hundreds of queries to get to!

RVC: Here’s a question I don’t typically ask agents (for obvious reasons). How does being an agent inform your work as a picture book author? And/​or the other way around?

KS: That’s a great question. The biggest thing is the recognition that, especially for debut PB authors, your idea really has to stand out. I think reading pitches during #PBPitch can give you that same sense, too. When you’re participating, go out and find those pitches that are getting tons of likes.

As for the other way around, being an author, I know what it’s like to be in their shoes, so when I give feedback or communicate with clients, I always first think about how I’d feel.

RVC: Your own picture books are repped by Joyce Sweeney, who is your second agent, I believe. Why is Joyce a great fit for you?

KS: She is my second agent, and I can’t explain how perfect Joyce is for me. We see eye to eye–she’s totally honest and open like I am, and she found my voice. I thought I found my picture book voice before, but once she found this “outrageous” side of me, the stories just started to flow. I can’t thank her enough for that!

RVC: That’s exactly what a great agent can do. 

KS: Yes! It can be a really amazing relationship when you find the right fit.

RVC: What are you working on now? 

KS: I just sent two new stories to Joyce and she loved them (whew!), so I’m trying to start another idea from my Outrageous Ideas document. What’s an Outrageous Ideas document? Well, based on the story I queried her with, she told me those stories were my jam and said to show her more of these. So, I sat down right after that and filled a few pages with outrageous ideas. I’m thinking she was definitely right! The one I’m working on is about magical creatures warring in the kitchen.

RVC: I’ve got some of those creatures in MY kitchen, too. Unicorns, I think. And they’re eating all the strawberry jam. I’ll have to read your book to figure out how to deal with them because bad puns (like “are small unicorns puny-​corns?”) aren’t doing the trick!

KS: LOL! And ironically, you hit on the topic of one of the stories that already has the Joyce seal of approval 😉

RVC: Let’s talk about manuscripts. How do you know when your own story-​in-​progress is ready to be seen by others? 

KS: Lol, I don’t know if I do. My first and longest running critique group, Awesome Ladies, is totally amazing and bears with me at all stages. I’ll often say, “Hey, Awesome Ladies, I have a first draft but I haven’t finished, and I’m not sure where to go, wanna see it?” And they’re ALWAYS on board and give me the confidence and ideas to keep going.

RVC: It sure sounds like you’ve made the most of critique groups over the years. What are some best-​practice tips for those thinking about creating or joining one?

KS: Thanks so much! I absolutely love critiquing and reading stories. For CGs, just remember, every group is different. The most important thing–in my opinion–is to click with the group, so if you’re just starting one, it’s good to have check-​ins and time frames for determining if it’s a good fit.

RVC: I often point people to Jane Friedman’s fine post on that subject, too, for guidance on critique groups. 

KS: Oh, yeah. She’s got a lot of good info there!

RVC: Care to share a bit about the kidlit contests you’re part of?

KS: Oh, man. I can talk about these fun contests for hours! The main things for all of them is to connect people in the writing community in a fun, positive way! (And having awesome prizes!) Check them all out here.

RVC: You just completed Kidlit Zombie Week. Tell us more!

KS: For those that don’t know about Kidlit Zombie Week, it’s a week filled with inspiration and discussion to help and encourage people bring back their zombie manuscripts (the ones that they set aside, thinking they’d never again see the light of day) and of course there’s tons of prizes from generous kidlit donors! We were hoping it would be a fun event but could not have predicted how amazing it would end up being; we’re over-​the-​moon with how it turned out.

This was Jolene Gutiérrez’s brainchild. She brought up Brian Gerhlein’s blog post, and we were like “So cool, right?” And she already had the wheels turning and asked if we could do something to help others revise their dead manuscripts. Brian was stoked to hear what he had inspired, and he and this agent (the ones who inspired the event) were our first-​prize donors. Find out more about Kidlit Zombie Week here.

RVC: From all you’ve just shared plus your wide-​ranging bio—which is only part of the story!—it’s clear you have a full plate. How do you juggle it all?

KS: I don’t always, but balance is always my goal. At one point, my husband had to sit me down and talk to me about balance. When I was offered my internship, we had a discussion, and I decided to give up a few critique groups (I may have had like…8?) to have time for agenting. Overall, though, I think you make time for things you’re passionate about, and I’m incredibly passionate about kidlit!

RVC: One last question for this part of the interview, and FYI—this one might tickle your high-​school math teacher heart. Which of the following jokes would work best as the jumping-​off point for a picture book?

  • Are monsters good at math?
      • Not unless you Count Dracula!
  • Why does nobody talk to circles?
      • Because there is no point.
  • How do you count cows?
      • With a cowculator!

KS: Ha! As a math teacher the second one made me go “Oh no!” because the definition of a circle is the set of all points equidistant from a single point so not that one, LOL. But, I have definitely been into the whole monsters in picture books concept since reading and falling in love with Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies, so I adore the Count Dracula one!

Did you come up with these, Ryan? If so, you should write some math pbs!

RVC: I just might do that. Who knows what’s next for me in the long term! But in the short term, I know what’s next. It’s the SPEED ROUND where we pair Zoomy Qs with Zippy As in fashion fast-tastic.

Audiences, beware. Participants, be ready. Passersby, stop where you are. We’re ready to GO GO GO!

Kaitlyn, are YOU prepared?

KS: Hold on, let me stop gawking at your awesome intro to this, limber up, annnd, wait for it.…

Okay–GO!

RVC: The answer’s algebra. What’s the question?

KS: What type of reasoning do you use every day and don’t realize it?

RVC: Craziest rhyme you ever tried to make work?

KS: Ha, I wish I knew. I’d have to go back through my manuscripts.

RVC: Best late-​night reading snack?

KS: Cheez-​Its. No, chocolate. NO!! CHEEZ-​ITS ANNND CHOCOLATE! 😋

RVC: Favorite math picture book?

KS: Tie between Zero by Kathryn Otoshi and One Family by George Shannon.

RVC: Dream picture book submission?

KS: One that I can’t stop reading and the world falls away until I’m done, and I’m totally satisfied, but also want to read more from this author because it just swept me off my feet. (Btw, I have had these, and luckily, I get to rep some of them.)

RVC: What’s your picture book motto—as a writer and/​or agent?

KS: Almost anything can be a picture book as long as you can approach it from the kid angle (and please don’t quote me on this because I’m definitely not the first to say it😃) And, if I can add a bit more, there are no steadfast rules. Many books break the mold, so trust yourself and have a reason for your approach.

RVC: Thanks so much, Kaitlyn! From one kidlit zombie fan to another, it’s a no-​brainer having someone like you stop in for an interview with us. Much appreciated!

KS: Thanks for having me, Ryan. This was SO fun, and I’m so glad you loved Zombie week! Sadly, I didn’t revise one myself, but thanks to a funny gif from Clare Helen Welsh, I wrote a new story that my agent loves!

Educational Activities: Feast of Peas by Kashmira Sheth

On By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

Feast of Peas
Author: Kashmira Sheth
Illustrator: Jeffrey Ebbeler
Peachtree Publishing Company
1 March 2020
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Hard-​working Jiva might not be the only one anticipating a delicious feast of peas from his garden. Every morning, Jiva works in his garden until the sun turns as red as a bride’s sari. He plants peas and beans, potatoes and tomatoes, eggplants and okra in his vegetable patch. When his friend Ruvji admires his plants, Jiva sings,

Plump peas, sweet peas,
Lined- up-​in-​the-​shell peas.
Peas to munch, peas to crunch
A feast of peas for lunch.

But each time Jiva is ready to pick the peas for his feast, they’re already gone. What has happened?”

Need some reviews of Feast of Peas?

Educational Activities inspired by Kashmira Sheth’s Feast of Peas:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where does this story seem to take place?
    • What do you think this book will be about?
    • Why are they having a feast?
    • What feast foods do you recognize?
    • What do you think of when you think of peas?
    • If you could ask the author any question before you read the book, what would it be?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the book: 
    • Who was the ghost? Who was the scarecrow? At what point in the story did you figure those things out?
    • Why do you think Ruvji took the peas?
    • How much did you enjoy the repeating song lyrics?
    • Which of the pictures did you appreciate the most? Why?
    • What other story does Feast of Peas remind you of?
  • Writing–The main story of Feast of Peas is the mystery of Jiva’s disappearing peas. Has anything of yours ever disappeared under mysterious circumstances? Write a story about it that offers an explanation–silly, serious, or something else entirely. (If you’ve never had something disappear in this way, make up that part of the story, as well.) Perhaps, too: 
    • Add your own artwork by using crayons, markers, or colored pencils? Or clipping images from a newspaper/​magazine, and gluing those to a printed-​out copy of your story?
    • Enlist friends or family members to act out the events in your story, with each person taking on a single role. Costumes and funny voices might be worth trying, too!
  • Recipes–With an adult’s help, try the following fun-​to-​make and fun-​to-​eat recipes: 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about food have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)