The Weekly 411 (2/28/25)
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| © Jed Alexander |
Feb. 28, 2025 vol. 9
The Weekly 411 gathers all the links added to Kidlit411 each week. To receive this post by email, sign up for our email updates. Are you on Facebook? Join our Kidlit411 group for conversations and camaraderie. We can also be found on Bluesky. This week's illustration is by Jed Alexander.
Picture Book Giveaway
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Moving Day, by Teri Roche Drobnick, illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt (Holiday House), out March 11. Enter to win a copy via the Rafflecopter below.
About the Book: This Victorian house isn’t eager to relocate to a new neighborhood in San Francisco. She feels a lug and a tug as she’s lifted onto a flatbed behind a truck. A police car leads the way, a crowd begins to form on the sidewalks, and children follow behind, ringing the bells on their bicycles. It’s just like a parade! The house teeters and totters when she turns the first corner, and the crowd cheers when she makes it. Workers remove street signs and trim branches that are in the way. When the house comes to a steep hill, everyone holds their breath until she makes it safely to the bottom. But it isn’t until the house sees her family standing in its new spot that she realizes she's right where she belongs—with them—and moving isn’t so bad after all.
The story was inspired by the 139-year-old San Francisco Victorian house that was relocated in 2021. Built in 1882, “The Englander House” was originally lit by gas and survived the famous 1906 earthquake. Instead of tearing down the home to build a planned condominium complex, the developer decided to move the 133-ton, eighty-foot-long building. It took almost eight years to plan the move, as fifteen city agencies had to be involved to move parking meters, traffic signs, and overhead utility lines; trim trees; and redirect traffic.
About the Author: Teri Roche Drobnick enjoys writing for children and adults. Her experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker influences many of her storylines such as LGBTQ, chronic illness, dementia, and grieving. Teri's memoir entitled A Daughter's Long Goodbye, And Friendships Stronger Than Alzheimer’s, is currently out on submission. Moving Day is her debut picture book. Teri lives in Petaluma, CA with her husband and writing partner, Hobie, a Goldendoodle. When she's not writing, Teri can be found hiking or rowing on the Petaluma River with her teammates. Visit her online at www.teridrobnick.com.
About the Illustrator: Jennifer Black Reinhardt grew up in a cozy town in the mountains of Pennsylvania, surrounded by creative artists and quirky collections. Drawing from that inspiration, she graduated from Carnegie Mellon University where she received a degree in Illustration. Jennifer is the the author and illustrator of several acclaimed books for children, including Always by My Side; A Stuffie Story, Playing Possum, and Blue Ethel. She illustrated Gondra’s Treasure and Yaks Yak, both written by Newbery award winner Linda Sue Park, as well as illustrating Sometimes You Fly, by Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate, to name a few. Her books have received many starred reviews and been selected for recommended lists. Still surrounded by eclectic collections, Jennifer joyfully creates picture books from her comfortably cluttered studio in her Iowa City home. Visit her online at JBReinhardt.com.
Middle Grade Giveaway
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the middle grade novel, Haunted Pond, by Suzanne Elson (Oh MG Press), out on March 5. Enter to win a copy via the Rafllecopter below.
About the Book: When budding writer and introvert, Aria, goes on a camping trip with her family, she hopes to make new friends, just like her annoying older sister always does. And Aria does, in fact make friends, One is her very first crush - Flynn, and the other is a girl -Sara. But Aria’s fears are pushed to the limits on this end-of-summer vacation when she learns that Sara is a ghost. Aria’s bravery and belief in herself are fully tested when Sara asks for her help in solving her 25-year-old murder that just happened to take place at that campground… in the Haunted Pond.
About the Author: Suzanne emigrated from Scotland to Canada at the age of 10 and started writing in high school. Having had several poems and short stories published while completing her BA in English Literature from Guelph University, she paused her writing to raise her three sons. After furthering her education, Suzanne started her long career as an ESL teacher in London, Canada. The quiet of the pandemic allowed Suzanne to resume her writing, which she is now doing full-time, with the occasional teaching day sprinkled in. With the launch of her debut middle grade novel, Haunted Pond, on March 5th 2025, plus recent publications of short stories and poems, Suzanne has almost finished writing book two of her MG trilogy, Haunted Voyage. She is also extremely excited that her debut PB, Calm Down Counting is now available for pre-order. When Suzanne isn’t writing, she’s creating new memories with her husband, her boys, and her beautiful grandbabies, and can often be spotted at a campground—if she’s lucky, her whole family is there too! More information can be found on her website: suzanneelson.com.
Mar 2, 2-5 p.m. Intensive: From “Quiet” to Acquired: How to Prepare and Position Your Picture Book for Submission Success. Writers are often told their work is “too quiet.” But what does “too quiet” really mean? Every project is different, yet when it comes to a “quiet” designation, there are often key qualities informing that assessment. The good news is that it IS possible to submit a “quiet book” and secure a spot on a publisher’s list. In fact, “quiet books” often result in starred reviews, “best book” designations and awards. In this 3-hour session with editor and creative consultant Naomi Kirsten, you'll learn how to use "quiet" intentionally, whether it's embracing your story's hidden strength, or revising for greater impact. The class includes teaching, an in-class exercise (bring a manuscript with you!) and a handout to take home. Recording available until May 2.
Query Letter and Synopsis Worksheet (free download)
- Craft a Grand Opening: Hook readers from the very first page
- Maintain Forward Momentum: Keep the middle of your story eaging and tension-filled.
- Build to a Powerful Climax: Ensure a compelling and emotionally satisfying peak.
- Deliver a Memorable Ending: Keep your promise to the reader and leave a lasting impression.
- Strengthen Your Story’s Core: Explore how Premise, Promise, Theme, Voice, and Tone shape your narrative.
Feb. 21- March 7 Kids Comic Unite Pitchfest
- What: a paid opportunity to submit your unpublished graphic novel project to a panel of top agents and editors
- Who: 16+ years old, project in English, kids-YA graphic novels, must include art (no writers-only projects, can be collaboration)
- Awards: top 5 will be showcased, top 50 presented in a gallery
Self Care for Writers: Balancing Productivity with Mental Well Being
Thank you so much for the opportunity! Both books look fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteMoving Day looks like an adorable read...and Haunted Pond sounds like a fun, spooky read. I enjoy the originality in both! Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteMoving Day sounds fun to read with the POV character being a house.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read both!!
ReplyDeleteLove any book with Jennifer Black Reinhardt's art!
ReplyDeleteI love how a picture book and a MG read are always featured in your newsletter! Unique premise in the picture book with a beautiful cover, making me want to see the inside and the mix of ghost and romance is sure to make Haunted Pond a winner with middle grade readers.
ReplyDelete