Cover REVEAL and GIVEAWAY for Goodnight Ganesha by Nadia Salomon, Illustrated by Poonam Mistry

Cover Reveal, Debut writer, Giveaway, Interviews, Kidlit, Picture Books, rhyme, Writers 6 Minutes

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers,

Today’s post is extra exciting because it’s going to be doing a wait for it…

COVER REVEAL!! 🙌🙌 🙌

(with a fun giveaway, so stay tuned to the end!)

Nadia Salomon is here to share her debut picture book’s beautiful cover, illustrated by Poonam Mistry. 

Book Description

Goodnight Ganesha is a rhyming bedtime story featuring two children sleeping over at their grandparents’ home in India and the various ways their culture plays a role in their nighttime routine. 

Kaitlyn: Nadia, let’s jump right in, I have to know, what was your reaction when you finally got a glimpse of your book’s cover?

Nadia: I have a cowbell that says Ring for a Kiss —in all my excitement I ran to the pantry, grabbed it and started ringing it until everyone came down the stairs. I started crying. After a group hug. I shared the news and showed them the two choices I had for a cover. 

Kaitlyn:  Oh my goodness, that sounds like the amazing experience! Now, without giving the whole cover away, can you tell us your favorite part(s) of the cover?

Nadia: The Constellation and seeing Poonam’s name on the cover! I’m so in awe of her creativity.

Kaitlyn: That is just the sweetest answer. I bet Poonam feels the same about your writing! Okay, for the anticipation fun. Give us three hints so we can guess what the cover looks like.

Nadia: Hee hee, I just gave a little bit of it away in the previous response. Anything more and they’ll know exactly what’s on the cover. 

Oh my! Well then I think it’s time, dear readers! Are you ready?

Get Set…

Wait for it…

Almost there…

Ta-da!

Here’s the cover of Nadia Salomon’s debut picture book Goodnight Ganesha

Kaitlyn: Wow! What a gorgeous cover. I can see why you were so excited to share, what are some details about Poonam Mistry’s beautiful cover that stand out to you that others may not notice? Or Can you share why you adore this cover so much?

Nadia: What stands out to me is how detailed, ornate, and rich in texture, visually, Poonam’s art is. It’s stunning and very distinct. She works with various geometric shapes and patterns and chooses colors that are very strong and bold. This vivid, strong, yet delicate style of art is called Kalamkari. It is found in the region of Southern India my family is from. It showcases Telugu culture and enriches the text of the story.

Kaitlyn: That’s so beautiful! And I totally agree those gorgeous shapes around the border and in the curtains really pop and frame the sweet children in the window. I know you adore this cover and Poonam’s art beyond words, can you share why you adore it so much?

Nadia: I adore this cover, because GOODNIGHT GANESHA started as a whim. And I wondered so many times when it went out on submission, who could illustrate it, because it was such a unique story. And I remember walking into my library and I came across, Chitra Soundar’s book, YOU’RE SAFE WITH ME, illustrated by Poonam Mistry. The minute I picked up the book, I had this overpowering feeling; a vision. I immediately texted my agent. I checked the book out of the library and when I got home, I showed Poonam’s art to everyone and said, “I want Poonam to illustrate.” It was so surreal to have this feeling. And this happened in January, long before the book sold in July. Imagine my surprise, when she agreed to illustrate? This moves me beyond words…

Kaitlyn: You can’t get any better than that! Now we have to know, how did this wonderful story come to be?

Nadia: My munchkin challenged me to write a bedtime story like GOODNIGHT MOON featuring our culture. I tried to wiggle my way out of it, but I was challenged with, “You’re a writer Manmie, why can’t you write it?” When your child asks you point blank to write something…all kidding aside, you oblige. And that’s how GOODNIGHT GANESHA found its way onto paper.

Kaitlyn: Wow, I knew your munchkin was amazing, but this takes the cake! Can you share how the illustrator was chosen for Good Night Ganesha?

Nadia: In January of 2019, my librarian had put a new copy of YOU’RE SAFE WITH ME by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Poonam Mistry out on the shelf. Green is my favorite color, so the cover alone was mind blowing to me. She had me at green. Then I started flipping through the book and got this sudden rush. I took a picture of the cover and sent it to my agent. In the text, I told her I just had a vision. I know I’m a newbie author and don’t really have a say in the selection of the illustrator, but I would love for Poonam to illustrate GOODNIGHT GANESHA. I can feel it in my bones. And as the universe would have it…In July 2019, our wonderful editor was thrilled to hear I wanted to work with Poonam. And guess what?  SO. DID. SHE! When she asked, Poonam accepted. I think the universe and infinity heard me glee…  

Kaitlyn: That’s just amazing! It was meant to be! What advice do you have for writers?

Nadia: Put in the work. Success doesn’t come overnight. It takes time. Be persistent, never accept NO for an answer. Rejections still arrive even with an agent. And be your own best advocate. 

Kaitlyn: So well said, and can I just add what I tell my clients: you’ll more likely get more no’s when you have an agent because they’re getting your stuff out there! Finally, if you could spend the day with your favorite author, would you rather go outside and fly a kite or sit by a fire with tea? 

Nadia: I love memorable moments. So, I’d say fly a kite at the beach and hit up Cameron’s Pub at Half Moon Bay for its New England Lobster Bake and Garlic Fries afterward. 

Kaitlyn: Count me in! Thank you so much for joining me today on the Math is Everywhere blog and for sharing your gorgeous cover with us! I can’t wait to get a copy for my daughter!

Author Info

Nadia lives in northern California with her family. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Public Policy from Emerson College and has worked in television and print news. She writes picture book, middle-grade, and graphic novel manuscripts with themes of South Asian and Caribbean culture, STEM, non-fiction, and humor. Nadia is the winner of the 2020 SCBWI Service Award and the 2019 SCBWI WOOP Honor Award for work of outstanding progress on her non-fiction, picture book manuscript, MYRLIE: A VOICE OF HOPE.

To connect with Nadia: 

www.nadiasalomon.com

IG – @nadiasalomon.author

Twitter – @nadia_salomon

Illustrator Info

Poonam Mistry

https://www.poonam-mistry.com/

IG – @poonammistryart

Twitter – @pmistryartist

GIVEAWAY

Okay readers, ready to get in on the giveaway??? One lucky winner will get a EXCLUSIVE Virtual Read-Aloud of GOODNIGHT GANESHA with an exciting swag bag, too!

Five ways to enter the random drawing (each one counts as an extra entry)

  1. Comment on this post
  2. Share in the comments below that you added Goodnight Ganesha to your Goodreads “Want to Read” list and/or your Amazon Wishlist 
  3. Share in the comments that you pre-ordered a copy of Goodnight Ganesha
  4. Quote retweet my tweet about this blog post on Twitter and tag a friend, a librarian, a teacher, and/or your favorite indie bookstore.
  5. Sign-up for Nadia’s newsletter – eepurl.com/gnmszz

Link to pre-order:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635829/goodnight-ganesha-by-nadia-salomon-illustrated-by-poonam-mistry/

Thank you all for joining us today and supporting Nadia and Poonam and their beautiful book coming out with Philomel in August 2021!

Sincerely,

Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

PS. Remember there will be some news shared here soon so if you haven’t subscribed, hop on it 😉

PPS If you’re interested, Nadia has a fun challenge going on, see below:

My agency sister,
Kari Anne Holt,
wrote a “Typewriter Rodeo ” Poem, so lovely, to help me celebrate my debut
picture book,

GOODNIGHT GANESHA

and the launch of my newsletter!

In appreciation of Kari Anne’s “Typewriter Rodeo” Poem, I told her we would come up with some “Typewriter” poems of our own and share them in the:

GOODNIGHT GANESHA Scrapbook
I’ll be keeping for Launch Day
AUG 31st, 2021.

RULES and Submissions:
No typewriter required. Please feel free to doodle your poem. But it has to be done on the fly in one sitting for about 10 – 15 minutes. Just let your mind flow freely and write whatever thought comes to mind with the word BELIEVE.

Depending on how many submission I receive, I plan to read one or two, or who knows, maybe more on launch day. Or I might feature them in the days leading up to the launch!
Put your thinking caps on, focus on that one word –

BELIEVE

Let’s see what poems we come up with? Goooo!

Please submit your poems here:

GOODNIGHT GANESHA “TYPEWRITER RODEO POEM” Submissions

Published

41 thoughts on “Cover REVEAL and GIVEAWAY for Goodnight Ganesha by Nadia Salomon, Illustrated by Poonam Mistry”

    2. Thank you Elyse! It took me three years of learning craft, taking classes, going to conferences, and lots of revisions, and letting rejections roll off. And READING also helps you get to the next level and staying in the know. Honestly, if I could achieve this milestone, anyone can. Don’t hesitate to reach out online and ask for support. I try to cheer everybody on. Because you’ll also realize, we all need each other to succeed. Thank you for reading and commenting!

      Liked by 1 person

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    2. Thank you Kara! I so intent to get a print of the cover and have it framed. Poonam’s art just makes me teary every time I look at it. Thank you for commenting!

      Liked by 2 people

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    2. Thank you Rose! That is so sweet of you. I sincerely appreciate it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you for your congratulatory wish and for taking the time to read our interview! Poonam and I are ecstatic.

      Liked by 1 person

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    2. It’s surreal. It’s so detailed and so unique. Poonam really took my vision and knocked it out of the stratosphere! Hope you enjoy reading it when it arrives in August! Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you Danielle! Can’t wait for you to read it. Thank you for being a part of my journey and wanting to experience South Asian culture. The story holds a lot of universal themes that I think will resonate with a lot of readers. We all have our bedtime routines and rituals, our book gives you a glimpse of what a day in the life is like. I appreciate your time, reading the interview, and adding GOODNIGHT GANESHA to your Goodreads!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Can’t wait for you to see the interior Claire! I promise you, Poonam made every single spread a treat. So much so, I am seriously considering framing each spread to create a mural. Thank you for stopping by and reading our interview!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    2. Can’t wait for you to read it either Songju! I think you’ll love it. As part of my VIRTUAL READ-ALOUD, I’m planning to read the book to the winner and their school, library, family group or homeschool group. And thank you for stopping by and supporting me. It means the world. I so appreciate you!

      Liked by 1 person

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      2. Thank you Jenfier! My reveal was really surreal. I have a lot of catching up to do. But am truly appreciative of you taking the time to read about Goodnight Ganesha and showing support. Means a lot. Poonam and I are in awe of everyone’s support. On March 1st I’ll pick a winner and announce day of or the next day! I’ll make an announcement on the website.

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    2. Hi Neha! Thank you for stopping by! I so appreciate the support. Yes, everyone’s trying to guess what’s in the swag bag. I’m staying mum… Hopefully, whoever wins, will like what’s inside.

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    2. You’re welcome Susan on the inspiration! And thank you for the compliment Kaitlyn. We share that trait in common. Thank you for reading our interview. Glad you’re inspired. I think it’s important to let others know that it’s ok to fail, but still stay driven. Thank you for adding GOODNIGHT GANESHA to your wishlist! We hope you’ll enjoy it.

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    2. Thank you Jilanne! I think it’s amazing. Holy smokes alright. I had another reader reach out and call the cover, ‘Flaming’. Now to find a song for the COVER REVEAL Playlist. And I have to say, I’m feeling Prodigy’s FIRESTARTER right now!

      Liked by 1 person

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  12. The cover is spectacular! And I love the idea of following along with bedtime rituals from another culture. I can see this being one of those stories that is read again and again. So glad your munchkin asked you to write this and that the universe answered your illustrator hope with a huge yes!

    Liked by 2 people

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    2. Thank you so much for this wonderful comment Heather, so succinctly put. And I too am happy the munchkin asked, because look at where we are right now! I’m still pinching myself this is all happening. The COVER REVEAL makes this journey more real.

      Like

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