Hi Math is Everywhere Readers and Spring Fling Kidlit Hopefuls,
Today we have our twelfth prize donor in our Prize Donor Feature Series. She flawlessly connects education with fun and has such a beautiful outlook on our world…

🎉Kourtney LaFavre🎉

Kourtney is donating a picture book critique.

• What is your favorite thing about spring?

Where I live in Central New Hampshire we can have FEET of snow on the ground on the first day of spring. I love the change of the seasons and the anticipation of the ground awakening, new beginnings, and warmth. Charles Dickens captures one of my favorite things about spring, “It was on those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold; when it’s summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”

• Spring is full of surprises bursting forth, what’s something you’ve found surprising about the publishing industry?

Something I found surprising about publishing was how much I enjoyed working with the editor and illustrator for IF SUN COULD SPEAK. Being my debut picture book, I was open-minded going into this experience. But I had read that typically the author and illustrator don’t interact with each other. So I was pleasantly surprised that Saki Tanaka and I had opportunities to collaborate about the book. She offered feedback on changes with text that would work with her illustrations and I was able to chime in on the layout and illustrations. With the help of the art director and editor, Mira Reisberg, we made changes and added new elements. Because we all wanted what was best for the book and our readers, by working together we made something really incredible. We are all really proud of what we accomplished.
Saki’s website: https://sakitales.com
Mira Reisberg: https://www.childrensbookacademy.com

• Can you tell us a bit about working on?

“If Sun Could Speak” is a first-person account that sheds light on the facts, history, and myths about its existence. Sun is out to impress and inspire readers to wonder and search for discovery. It’s a witty STEM-infused exploration of the center of our solar system.
It is now available. Get your copy from my website here: https://kourtneylafavre.com/book/

Kourtney’s Bio

Kourtney is a writer and educator living in NH on the side of a visible remnant of a Cretaceous stratovolcano. With pockets full of rocks and treasures, she finds inspiration among the trees. Kourtney is a life-long learner and seeker of beauty and truth. She has 20 years experience teaching and working with families in elementary classrooms, preschools, head start, and other community programs.
Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

If you would like to be added to her email list to receive seasonal updates and inspiration Click Here!

Kourtney is one of the 18 wonderful prize donors for the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest 2020, make sure to follow her on social media, read her book, and review it to show your support! And get gif-searching or creating!
In the comments, tell us why you’re looking forward to reading If Sun Could Speak!
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn and Ciara

If you need more info on the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, check here and make sure to share with all your writing and author-illustrator friends!