I had so much fun reading Counting to Bananas at my local Barnes and Noble store last Saturday. Plus, my parents surprise-showed up, and my Dad took my picture!
Counting to Bananas an Amazon Best Book of 2022 So Far
I’m so delighted that Counting to Bananas was chosen as one of Amazon’s Best Books of 2022 So Far, for children’s books ages 3-5. What a great list of books, authors, and illustrators to be included with!
Counting to Bananas Book Birthday!
Be Brave, Be Bold!
Early this morning, at 6:25am to be precise, I presented at a conference as an author for the first time. Was I nervous? Yes. Was I scared? Yes. Did I feel a little bit like and imposter. Also, yes. But, you know what? Despite my reservations, I had FUN! When my friend and critique partner Hannah Holt asked me if I wanted to develop a presentation with her about funny informational picture books for this conference, at first I hesitated. Who would want to listen to me? I’m just a debut author. Could I overcome my fear of public speaking? I had before as a biostatistician, so why not know as an author?
Even though I was worried about how I might actually pull all this off, it went swimmingly. We had engaged participants, we pulled a lot of puns, and most of all we had fun. I learned that it is entirely easy for me to speak about a topic I’m passionate about, even when I might be scared to take that leap. I’m glad I did. What are you doing to be brave and bold today?
Counting to Bananas in Parents magazine
First Trade Review
The first trade review is in from Kirkus Reviews for Counting to Bananas, and it’s a good one! Read the full review from Kirkus. Get your signed preordered copy from Powell’s!
Blog Tour Begins!
I was so excited to kick off my debut year with three guest blog posts this January! On January 8, I enjoyed talking about recipes for success with my fellow KIDLIT CARAVAN-ers Paula Cohen and Harshita Jerath on Vivian Kirkfield’s blog Will Write for Cookies. That same day, Kaitlynn Leann Sanchez interviewed my editor, Cheryl Eissing, and me on her blog Math is Everywhere. And on January 19th, I shared the inspiration behind COUNTING TO BANANAS and writing in weird places on Tara Lazar’s Storystorm. Thanks to these great bloggers for all they do in the Kidlit industry!
New Book Deal!
I’m so excited to finally share that Banana from my debut picture book COUNTING TO BANANAS is getting a sibling book: B IS FOR BANANAS, coming in Spring 2023! I’m delighted to continue working with the great team at Flamingo Books, my editor Cheryl Eissing, illustrator Estrela Lourenço, and my agent Tracy Marchini!
Shout Out to Kidlit Caravan!
Earlier this year, I joined a group of fellow debut picture book creatives. We are Kidlit Caravan, a group of authors and illustrators who are supporting each other in navigating the waters of having our debut books come out in 2022. I’m so happy to be on this journey with them, and wanted to give a shout out to my new creative buds:
Margaret Aitken, Donna Cangelosi, Melissa Coffey, Paula Cohen, Angela H. Dale, Rebecca Gardyn Levington, Lisa Gerin, Harshita Jerath, Tim Kleyn, Robyn McGrath, Suma Subramaniam, Kimberly Wilson, and Debbie Zapata
Thanks to all these wonderful creators! I invite you to check out their websites and upcoming debut picture books!
COVER REVEAL!
Many thanks to Kidlit411 for hosting the cover reveal of COUNTING TO BANANAS: A MOSTLY RHYMING FRUIT BOOK and a picture book/dummy critique GIVEAWAY on their blog today!
Estrela Lourenço and I are excited to share the book with readers, available for pre-order now, out April 12, 2022!
Sound on for trailer! 🌟🍌🌟🍌🌟