On July 6, launch day, our picture book was welcomed to the world, virtually. with a book-birthday-blast on the blog of prolific and generous author, Vivian Kirkfield. She graciously featured IS IT OVER? with a brief note from me, then added simple introductions to illustrator Rebecca S. Hirsch and me, and is hosting a randomized giveaway of a signed copy of our book AND a stuffed Ivan the elephant!
Vivian not only writes remarkable and award-winning picture books (fiction and nonfiction), she mentors other writers, sponsors contests, and delights audiences, young and old. Check out all of her books here, including FROM HERE TO THERE, MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD, SWEET DREAMS SARAH, and others. More are on the way, too, making Vivian Kirkfield a force of writing wonder who is worth knowing about and following if you love picture books.
Then Dianne White asked terrific questions in an interview on her blog, Readerkidz, HERE. Dianne is the author of award-winning picture books that are among my favorites, including: Green on Green, Blue on Blue, Who Eats Orange, Goodbye Brings Hell0, and Winter Lullaby.
You can check out her books page by clicking on the titles above, and read my interview with her by clicking HERE. While you’re there, subscribe to her blog to stay up to date on her picture book recommendations.
Next, writer, coach, and inspiration, Rochelle Melander, invited me to share ideas about ways teachers, librarians, and family might use IS IT OVER? to extend learning and engagement with the text. If that sounds interesting to you, I nope you’ll check out my interview, HERE, This post was lots of fun and includes a link to the teacher resources page on this website. Rochelle has a new book coming out in two weeks. I had the privilege of an advanced read, hosting the cover reveal, and interviewing Rochelle HERE. Encourage teachers you know to check out Rochelle’s suggestion blog as a quick and quality way to find out about recent releases and get quick tips from the authors for ways to encourage kids to interact and expand thinking.
Then, in the midst of a Midwest thunderstorm, blogger Patricia Tilton offered a lovely review on her blog, CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL.
I was particularly pleased because I’ve followed her blog for years, always finding wonderful titles with emotional resonance. To have my own picture book among her posts means that it may find its way into the hands of kids and families for whom it will play a heartwarming and healing role. I was especially pleased that she commented on the expansive and emotional power of the illustrations by Rebecca S. Hirsch, and added this in her comments:
“The entire book is gorgeous and will be a winner with families.”
For the first two weeks in the wide world, these are such heartwarming and encouraging welcomes. Thank you to the blog hosts, to you who are reading this, and to whatever is happening in my life that invites such support. It is a grace and goodness I deeply appreciate.
