Interview with Author, Blogger, and Co-Founder of Multicultural Children’s Book Day Mia Wenjen

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers, Today we have a super special guest: Mia Wenjen. She is one of my FAVORITE bloggers, an amazing author, and the co-founder of Multicultural Children’s Book Day! To become a reviewer for January 2021's Multicultural Children’s Book Day, go here. Kaitlyn: Thanks so much for joining us today on the … Continue reading Interview with Author, Blogger, and Co-Founder of Multicultural Children’s Book Day Mia Wenjen →

Update on the Fall Writing Frenzy – A New Photo Added

Hi Fall Writing Frenzy friends, Those of you who already know me know that I love learning, growing, and including everyone (my family has always been "the more the merrier" kind of people!) My wonderful friend Koloud looked through the Fall Writing Frenzy pictures and realized some representation for this season was missing. Thank you … Continue reading Update on the Fall Writing Frenzy – A New Photo Added →

Joint #PB Interview with Rajani LaRocca and Carrie Finison about their newest books

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers, We have a doubly special math treat today! We get to chat with two amazing authors about their fun books that incorporate some wonderful math: Rajani LaRocca and Carrie Finison. Kaitlyn: Welcome Rajani and Carrie, thanks for joining us today! Rajani: Thanks so much for having us, Kaitlyn! Carrie: Thank … Continue reading Joint #PB Interview with Rajani LaRocca and Carrie Finison about their newest books →

Guide to the #FallWritingFrenzy Twitter Chat 2020

Hi Fall Writing Frenzy Friends, First of all, thank you all so much for being a part of our 2nd year of the Fall Writing Frenzy! If you were with us last year, I sure hope you had as much of a blast as I did than that you have just as much fun this … Continue reading Guide to the #FallWritingFrenzy Twitter Chat 2020 →

Comeback Interview with Jess Stiles (formerly Jess Carroll) Writer, Illustrator, and Freelance Editor

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers, We have a super inspiring guest today to share about her epic comeback to the kidlit world, Jess Stiles (Formerly known as Jess Carroll)! Another great comeback is the Fall Writing Frenzy which is back for its second year! We have some awesome information to reveal today, so stay tuned … Continue reading Comeback Interview with Jess Stiles (formerly Jess Carroll) Writer, Illustrator, and Freelance Editor →

Debut Author Interview and Giveaway with AJ Irving about her picture book Dance Like a Leaf

Hi Math Is Everywhere Readers, We have an extra special interview today with author AJ Irving about her beautiful debut picture book beautifully honoring grandparent relationships, Dance Like a Leaf. Kaitlyn: Hi AJ, to start off, can you share what inspired this story? AJ: This story traveled straight from my heart to my pen. My … Continue reading Debut Author Interview and Giveaway with AJ Irving about her picture book Dance Like a Leaf →

Sunflowers Grow, a Fall Writing Frenzy Example for 2020 by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

Sunflowers Grow by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez Even sunflowers endure shadows. That doesn't stop the bee from visiting. Even the happiest people endure pain. That doesn't stop us from growing. Our perfect vision of the future may be spotted and marred and yet… We keep going. We keep striving. And reaching. For the sun. Through the … Continue reading Sunflowers Grow, a Fall Writing Frenzy Example for 2020 by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez →

COVER REVEAL and GIVEAWAY with Debut Author Katie Frawley for Tabitha and Fritz Trade Places

"I can’t believe I’m finally sharing the cover of my debut picture book with the world! GAHH!!!!" --Katie Frawley

Free Access to “How to Stand Out in the Query Trenches Webinar”

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers and Kidlit Zombie Week Friends, By now you may have heard that the very generous and creative Kailei Pew has invited me to do a webinar to help send African American writers and illustrators to the SCBWI conference this summer. I made one request of her: Can I give a … Continue reading Free Access to “How to Stand Out in the Query Trenches Webinar” →

BulletProof Pitching Guest Post by Jocelyn Rish for #KidlitZombieWeek

If you want more information about writing pitches, I have a series of videos with more examples in my Facebook group Transmedia Mutts - Helping Writers Unleash Their Creative Bark (https://www.facebook.com/groups/transmediamutts/). Come join us! --Jocelyn Rish

The Anatomy of a Manuscript Resurrection: An Analogy #KidlitZombieWeek

"Remember: this story is special. You wrote it for a reason. And it will be so happy to see you when you dust it off and pull it out to be revived." --Kaitlyn Leann

Interview and QUADRUPLE Giveaway with Illustrator Nusha Ashjaee about the LyricPop Picture Book she illustrated

No matter how bad things are or how low and sad you are at the moment, just know that the feeling is temporary and that good days and joy will come again. While you may not completely get “over” your hardships, you’ll be able to know how to live with it and even appreciate the way it has shaped you.--Nusha about "Don't Stop"

Closing to Submissions Wednesday!

Wow, wow, WOW! You have all blown me away with your outpouring of love, support, and queries. On this first day, I received over 100 queries! Therefore, I will close to unsolicited submissions on Wednesday at 11:59 PM PST. Unsolicited queries submitted after this time will unfortunately be deleted. I'm absolutely elated to see so … Continue reading Closing to Submissions Wednesday! →

Open to Submissions!

Hi all, I have some FANTASTIC news! I am now officially an Associate Agent at Olswanger Literary! So to celebrate, as of today, June 14, 2020, I am open to submissions from kidlit writers! To submit, please check out my Literary Submissions page. I'm so excited to see some wonderful stories hit my inbox soon! … Continue reading Open to Submissions! →

Special Compare and Contrast Interview with Teresa Robeson!

But for both books, the end hope is really the same: I want them to reach a wide audience so that people who normally don’t care for science might see the human side of it, and people who know nothing about Chinese-Americans or Chinese culture can learn more about it. --Teresa Robeson

Author Amanda Jackson on Starting a Freelance Picture Book Editing Business and Critique GIVEAWAY

I just adore picture books. As writers, we wrap our hearts up in these stories - it's such a privilege for me to be able to help other writers along their way.

Author Interview with Melissa Stewart about her upcoming middle-grade book Ick! Delightfully Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings, and Defenses

Every time I read an article or hear an idea that fits one of my categories, I add it to the designated folder. Over time, the information adds up, and eventually I may have enough information to start writing.

Book Birthday Celebration and GIVEAWAY for SUPERHEROES DON’T BABYSIT by Amber Hendricks

superhero sister in mask looking at brother

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers, Today is SUPER special because we’re celebrating Amber Henricks' newest picture book that was released yesterday! And it’s about superheroes!! Note: this celebration was supposed to happen yesterday, but out of respect for #BlackoutTuesday, we postponed it. Now put on your super hero masks and get ready for some fun … Continue reading Book Birthday Celebration and GIVEAWAY for SUPERHEROES DON’T BABYSIT by Amber Hendricks →

Author Interview with Heather Macht about her newest picture book Rex the…We-Don’t-Know

Don’t give up. I know that’s so cliche, but seriously...just don’t. If you have the drive and the passion, keep to it! Don’t let bad news along the way keep you from moving forward. This journey is filled with rejections and heartache. BUT it’s also filled with so many rewarding moments, too, that overshadow the bad.

Interview and GIVEAWAY with Debut Author Karla Valenti

Karla Valenti has created an exciting and innovative way of reading about important people in STEM. Kids and teachers are going to eat this up for its inventive analogy and entertaining storytelling. And BONUS, they'll be enjoying learning! --Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

Spring Fling Kidlit SURPRISE!

Hi Spring Fling Kidlit Participants, In true kidlit fashion, Ciara and I have a last-minute surprise for you! Our deliberations have been intense, and we just couldn’t stop at 19 prizes. Lucky for us, the amazingly generous Ellen Leventhal stepped up and is offering a picture book critique. Please make sure to show her all … Continue reading Spring Fling Kidlit SURPRISE! →

Spring Fling Kidlit Update Twitter Chats

Hi Spring Fling Kidlit Participants, Ciara and I are really enjoying all your phenomenal stories, thank you so much for sharing them with us and connecting with each other! If you want some extra fun while we read through the entries, we're having Craft Chats, Writing Exercises, and Prize Donor Trivia on Twitter under the … Continue reading Spring Fling Kidlit Update Twitter Chats →

Debut Author Interview and GIVEAWAY for Autism Awareness with Jen Malia

Hey Math is Everywhere readers, It’s Autism Awareness Month, and we’re lucky to have debut author Jen Malia here today to share her new book, Too Sticky! that was inspired by her and her daughter’s experience with autism. Kaitlyn: Welcome, Jen, thanks so much for joining us today! Jen: Thanks for inviting me, Kaitlyn! Kaitlyn: … Continue reading Debut Author Interview and GIVEAWAY for Autism Awareness with Jen Malia →

Prize Donor Feature, Karly Caserza, Spring Fling Kidlit 2020

Hi Math is Everwhere Readers and Spring Fling Kidlit Contest Hopefuls, To check out where you’re submitting your gif-inspired kidlit story of 150 words or less, go here: https://ciaraoneal.weebly.com/spring-fling-kidlit-contest Just when you thought we were done, we have a surprise for you! We have one extra prize donor!!! To find out about the other prize … Continue reading Prize Donor Feature, Karly Caserza, Spring Fling Kidlit 2020 →

Blog Interview and GIVEAWAY with debut MG Author Laurie Kutscera

Well… (tapping chin to finger) there are some hilarious scenes involving Joker- he’s quite the character, complicating things for Alex (the main character) and being just…annoying. Then there’s this high-energy chase scene that always has me wringing my hands. But I think the heartfelt moments where Alex’s father shares a few of his mind-blowing magic tricks with his son are probably my favorite. 😉

Prize Donor Feature, Tara Lazar, Spring Fling Kidlit 2020

Tara is offering a picture book critique.

Prize Donor Feature, Charlene Chua, Spring Fling Kidlit2020

Charlene is donating a picture book or first chapter of a graphic novel dummy critique.

Prize Donor Feature, Renee LaTulippe, Spring Fling Kidlit 2020

Renee is donating a Lyrical Language Lab Intensive Rhyme & Meter Self-Study Course
This self-paced course helps you build a strong foundation in the mechanics of rhyming picture books and poetry.

Spring Fling Kidlit is ONE WEEK away!

Hey Friends, Can you believe Spring Fling Kidlit is almost here?!? Hop on over to Ciara's Blog to see where you'll be submitting your story! (the rules are there too): https://ciaraoneal.weebly.com/spring-fling-kidlit-contest/spring-fling-entries Check out all the Prize Donor Features (still more to come): https://mathiseverywhere439319476.wordpress.com/category/prize-donor-feature-series-spring-fling-kidlit-2020/ Join us tomorrow (April 1st at 6pm PST/ 8 pm CST/ 9 … Continue reading Spring Fling Kidlit is ONE WEEK away! →

Prize Donor Feature, Amanda Jackson, Spring Fling Kidlit 2020

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers and Spring Fling Kidlit Contest Hopefuls, If you haven't heard of Spring Fling Kidlit, or need a refresher on the contest is, check out all the info here: https://sites.google.com/view/springflingwritingcontest/main Today we have our fourteenth prize donor in our Prize Donor Feature Series. She is one of the most passionate, generous, … Continue reading Prize Donor Feature, Amanda Jackson, Spring Fling Kidlit 2020 →