Not every story goes the full distance, but hopefully you still gain something from the process when a particular story ends up not working out. Look for comics by C.J. Bolognese-Warrington on the third Friday of each month here on the EasternPennPoints blog.
Christopher-James Bolognese-Warrington is an illustrator/graphic designer who, along with his wife, owns Kelsey and C.J. Creative Studio. Prior to starting their own studio, C.J. graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and spent 10 years as an in-house graphic designer and illustrator. C.J. creates whimsical illustrations with bright colors and quirky characters, which offer a glimpse of his view of the world. When not at his drawing desk, C.J. can be found on long walks with his wife and dog, debating whether pasta or pizza is best.
Twice a year we change the banner on our website, blog, and social media to feature illustrators in our region. Thank you to all who submitted banner entries this year!
Spring/Summer banner, illustrated by Laurie Sawyer
Laurie Sawyer, a University of the Arts graduate, is transitioning from her role as a graphic designer to pursue her genuine passion: illustration. Proficient in both traditional watercolor and digital mediums, she delights in infusing her characters with vitality and weaving enchanting narratives. Eager to embark on her inaugural book project, Laurie eagerly anticipates collaborating with a talented team. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Laurie enjoys hiking with loved ones and her two Siberian huskies, as well as cheering for the Philadelphia Flyers. She envisions illustrating a Christmas tale featuring an adorable baby Gritty! Laurie is @huskysketches on Instagram.
Fall/Winter banner, illustrated by Reagan Lehman
Reagan Lehman (she/her) is an amateur big tree hunter, cemetery enthusiast, and artist based in Lancaster, PA. She weaves a sense of wonder in her work by creating illustrations with vibrant colors, sweeping scenes, and curious characters.
When not sketching new ideas, you can find Reagan browsing her local library or catching up on her favorite games.
Member News is a monthly feature on the EasternPennPoints blog. We want to celebrate our Eastern PA SCBWI members’ good news and help spread the word far and wide. Send us your children’s book–related news—book deals, releases, awards, author or illustrator events (signings, launch parties, appearances), etc. If you’d like your news to be included in next month’s column, please email Laura Parnum at epa-ra2@scbwi.org or fill out our “Good News Survey” before the 20th of the month.
Here’s some exciting news from our members this month!
Book Release
Sophie’s Monster Goes to Shul by Sandy Asher
Author Sandy Asher’s latest picture book, Sophie’s Monster Goes to Shul, illustrated by Alexandra Colombo, released on March 5 with Kar-Ben Publishing. “Why are you crying?” Sophie asks the imaginary monster in her closet. “You’re not afraid of me anymore,” the monster says. “No one else can see or hear me. I need a new job.” He follows Sophie to breakfast, out to Bubbe and Zayde’s car, and to the shul. At synagogue, Bubbe helps lead the service. “She’s kvelling,” Sophie says to the monster. “I want to kvell,” he says, and they join in the singing. Then Sophie uses her imagination to write a story about her monster. Suddenly, he isn’t scary anymore, and he’s no longer sitting beside her. He’s in the pages of her story and everyone can see him. Find out more about Sandy and her other books at https://sandyasher.com.
Book Release
Quirky Critter Devotions by Annette Whipple
Author Annette Whipple released her latest picture book, Quirky Critter Devotions: 52 Wild Wonders for Kids (Tyndale) on March 5. Quirky Critter Devotions sets you on an animal-themed expedition to uncover wildly weird facts, journal your thoughts, and gain hands-on experience with zoo-tastic activities! Discover a wide range of crazy-cool critters spanning seven animal categories—mammals, insects, amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles, and spiders. From familiar faces like turtles and honey bees to incredible creatures like the Goliath bird-eating spider, this devotional is sure to cultivate a passion for God’s Word and his creation. Find out more about Annette and her other books at https://www.annettewhipple.com.
Book Release
Breathing Underwater by Abbey Lee Nash
Author Abbey Lee Nash’s newest YA novel, Breathing Underwater, released on March 5 from Holiday House. Tess lives for swimming. In the water, she’s truly alive. It’s the rest of her life—one of demanding grades, anxious parents, and a newly distant best friend—where she’s holding her breath. Until tragedy strikes. Suddenly, Tess’s health and her future are full of uncertainty. Her summer before senior year is now one of doctor visits, missed swim practices, and a job stuck behind a counter—not sitting high in the lifeguard chair like every summer before. Instead, her spot goes to new guy Charlie. Although his messy hair and laid-back demeanor catch Tess’s attention, this isn’t really the time. She’s in danger of losing the very college swim scholarship she’s worked so hard to secure. She’s got to focus on getting back in the pool—and on getting back to herself. Lyrically and sensitively written, Breathing Underwater is a slice-of-life story with depth, exploring topics like epilepsy, inclusivity in student athletics, changing friendships, and the power of love and community. You can find out more about Abbey and her books at https://www.abbeynash.com.
Book Release
Heather and the Wildfires by Linda Oatman High
Author Linda Oatman High released the second book in her Heather Whirl Weather Girl chapter book series entitled Heather and the Wildfires (Kane Press; March 19, 2024). Heather Whirl is fascinated by the weather! With eyes that change color in response to rain or wind or heat, Heather would like nothing more than to be a meteorologist or a climate scientist when she grows up. When Heather turns eight, her eccentric great-grandmother gives her a family heirloom—an umbrella with the power to teleport her to areas experiencing wild weather conditions. Heather’s umbrella has a built-in magical doppler that alerts her to wild weather happening somewhere. Heather Whirl and her friends are transported to a wildfire that’s raging in California. They assist firefighters, assist an elderly man and his animals, and learn a lot about firefighting in the process. Find out more about Linda and all of her books at https://www.lindahigh.com.
Upcoming Release
I Love Harriet Kippley by Jenny Lynn Pease
Author Jenny Lynn Pease will release her debut picture book, I Love Harriet Kippley (Free Spirit Publishing) illustrated by Alessia Girasole, on April 2. Harriet and her classmates each have to draw a picture of something they love. Harriet loves unicorns, barbecue chip sundaes, and tubas . . . but those are already taken. With a little support and encouragement from her family, Harriet finally decides on the perfect thing to draw. Herself! I Love Harriet Kippley is a sweet, humorous, lively, and charming read-aloud with a simple message of self-affirmation. Harriet’s search to find something special and unique to draw can help start conversations with kids about developing self-confidence and recognizing personal strengths. A section at the back of the book offers discussion questions to help kids develop self-awareness and kindness to themselves and others, learn to manage frustration, ask for help, and celebrate their own unique qualities. Find out more about Jenny on her website at https://jennylynnpease.wordpress.com.
Upcoming Release
Way Past Mean by Hallee Adelman
On April 4, author Hallee Adelman is releasing Way Past Mean, illustrated by Karen Wall and published by Albert Whitman & Company. Way Past Mean is the 9th book in Hallee’s Great Big Feelings series, joining 2020 titles Way Past Mad and Way Past Worried (illustrated by Sandra de la Prada), 2021 titles Way Past Jealous and Way Past Sad (Wall), 2022 titles Way Past Lonely and Way Past Afraid (Wall), and 2023 titles Way Past Sorry and Way Past Embarrassed (illustrated by Josep Maria Juli). Synopsis:Once Ruby starts acting mean to the new girl, Nelly, she can’t stop. Yaz and Keya think it’s funny, so Ruby acts way past mean, the kind of mean that’s like a roller coaster she can’t get off. Nelly’s feelings are very hurt. Will Ruby make things right with Nelly? It’s up to her to stop the ride. These social emotional learning picture books help kids explore and manage their feelings, with accompanying lesson plans, activities, and videos available for free at WayPastBooks.com and @WayPastBooks on Instagram. All of Hallee’s books are available at major retailers and independent bookstores. If you purchase via Children’s Book World, you also have the option to donate copies to local schools and libraries! Find out more about Hallee and all her books at https://halleeadelman.com.
Scholarship Award, Award Finalist, and Upcoming Releases
Author Stephanie Henson was selected as an SCBWI Winter Virtual Conference Scholarship recipient in February and granted full tuition to the conference.
Stephanie’s debut poetry book for children, In the Right Lane, which was published last year has been named a Book Excellence Award Finalist in the Children’s Inspirational/Motivational Category from a pool of thousands of applicants. It is available on Amazon.
Finally, Stephanie has two books releasing this summer. Share Faire Famous, a middle grade contemporary novel in prose about a former internet famous baby who deals with the fame he never asked for as he starts middle school, which will release June 14 from Oh MG Press (it already hit Number One New Release on Amazon in Children’s Books on Peer Pressure for preorders) and No School, My Rules!, a lyrical picture book about school refusal, which will release August 15 from Tielmour Press. Find out more about Stephanie and her books at https://stephanie-henson.weebly.com.
Translation
L’Anniversaire de Colette (Paisley’s Big Birthday) by Heather Pierce Stigall
Author Heather Pierce Stigall recently announced that her picture book, Paisley’s Big Birthday (Clavis Publishing, August 22, 2023), has been translated into French as L’Anniversaire de Colette. Paisley’s birthday is today, right? Then why doesn’t she feel any older? She still has trouble reading, still has trouble jumping in the Hopstacle Course, and is still in Bunnygarten. When will she finally be big? A sweet story about having patience as we grow. For everyone ages 4 years and up. Find out more about Heather and her books at https://www.heatherpiercestigall.com.
If you have good news to share, please send it to epa-ra2@scbwi.org to be included in next month’s Member News column or fill out our “Good News Survey.”
Senior Agent Jennifer Laughran, of Andrea Brown Literary Agency, will be joining our SCBWI chapter at the Pocono à la Mode 2024 retreat this April at the Highlights Foundation. Jennifer will run a workshop, provide critiques for those who have signed up, participate in breakout discussions, and more. In preparation, Kristen Rashid had a virtual chat with Jenn for EasternPennPoints. Here’s what they had to say.
A Café Chat with Agent Jennifer Laughran, by Kristen Rashid
Kristen: Hi, and welcome to our virtual café! Before we begin, would you like to put in an order? I think I’ll have a chai latte and a chocolate croissant.
Jennifer: Oh, I’ll do an iced coffee, and a kouign-amman.
Kristen: The Eastern PA chapter of SCBWI holds an annual retreat at the Highlights Foundation each spring, and we are so delighted to have you joining us on faculty this year offering a workshop, breakout discussions, and more. Are you able to give a sneak peek at the topics you’ll be covering?
Jennifer: I know that one of my sessions is “Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Agents (But Were Afraid to Ask)” – it’s sort of a “live” version of my long-running Ask the Agent column, in which participants can ask me all the questions that have been bugging them about getting an agent, working with an agent, etc. It’s not a time to pitch their individual work, but rather, a rare opportunity to have an agent ‘in the wild’ get candid with questions – even if somebody has been in this session at some point in the past, at an SCBWI conference someplace, the good news is, it’s ALWAYS different, because the questions are always different! So participants should come armed with interesting questions that will, hopefully, help lots of folks.
Kristen: You’ve been so generous with giving back to the kid lit community through your Ask the Agent tumblr, through your podcast, and many other interviews. I’m going to try to ask questions you haven’t already spoken to elsewhere, and give you some opportunities to share specific examples if you’re up for that – and we’re excited to have the chance to ask you more questions live at the retreat too! I saw on your agency webpage that you said, “I’m looking for books that take big risks and show me things I could never imagine.” Can you tell about a time when something from your slush pile or a project from one of your clients fit this description?
Jennifer: One of my first ever projects comes to mind first – my client Kate Messner sent me a picture book manuscript she’d written on the back of a lunch bag or something during a school trip, if I recall correctly, and wanted to know if I liked it. She said “it’s about the SUBNIVIAN ZONE, where animals live during the winter.” And I was like – the what now??? I’m from California, I don’t know about all that! I didn’t know that animals did ANYTHING in the winter, let alone LIVE UNDER SNOW. Plus, at the time, I had never done a picture book, and didn’t even know if I ever WANTED to do picture books. Turns out, the subnivian zone is interesting as heck, I love picture books, and the first editor I sent it to loved it as well. That book turned into OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW, which is now a modern classic and has spawned an entire series. (The newest, OVER AND UNDER THE WETLAND, comes out in August!)
Kristen: That’s a perfect example – thanks for sharing! What’s the last book you hand-sold at a bookstore (whether in an official or unofficial capacity)?
Jennifer: The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day. I’m an absolute evangelist about this book and will talk your ear off about it if given half the chance! 😉
Kristen: I’m halfway through reading The Mona Lisa Vanishes right now and have to agree about how wonderful it is! I read in another interview you did that From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is one of your favorite books. (For any readers who aren’t familiar, the basic plot is that instead of simply running away from home, sister and brother Claudia and Jamie, run to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they hide out and get pulled into investigating the mystery surrounding a newly acquired statue.) I took my kids on a scavenger hunt at the Met inspired by that book last year complete with quotes from the story and it was so much fun! Have you been on any real-life book-inspired adventures, and will you share about one of them?
Jennifer: I have actually been on the same tour of the Met, and loved it. And I haven’t actually done this YET, but a bucket list item is to visit PEI and make like Anne of Green Gables!
Kristen: Great idea! Because I’m a longtime fan of the Literaticast, I can’t resist asking you your own question: What are you currently obsessed with? (It does not have to be bookish, but it can be…)
Jennifer: I just got back from a trip to visit my mom in Hawaii, and my current obsession is Tropical Fruit. I’m wild about it. Mangos, Papaya, Guava, Pineapple, Passionfruit — GIVE ME ALL THE TROPICAL FRUITS!
Kristen: Let’s do a lightning round! Please share a book you love in each kid lit genre.
Jennifer: OK but I’m only doing books I did NOT represent, because I don’t want to play favorites! And this is a mix of old books and new books, because you didn’t specify, and so it’s just the first book I love that I thought of!
Board book: YOU ARE NEW by Lucy Knisley
Picture book: MR. S by Monica Arnaldo
Early Reader: The CHARLIE AND MOUSE series by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Emily Hughes
Chapter Book: the JASMINE TOGUCHI series by Debbi Michiko Florence, with pictures by Elizabet Vuković
Graphic Novel: NIMONA by ND Stevenson
Middle Grade: WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead
Young Adult: THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson
Kristen: Lastly, is there anything I haven’t asked about that you’d like to leave our blog readers with? And, please list your social media/website links where you can be found.
Jennifer: I think we should save some questions for my presentation! 🙂 Here are some links in the meantime:
And I’m sporadically on Instagram/Threads/Bluesky/X, too, under the username literaticat, but I’ll warn you that I don’t update too often. And facebook is only my family and real-life friends, so don’t be offended if I don’t friend you on there, I LOVE YOU, I just can’t keep up!
Kristen: Thank you for meeting with me in the virtual café today! We look forward to seeing you in April at the Highlights Foundation!
Jennifer: Thank YOU, I’m excited to meet everyone!
Jennifer Laughran is a Senior Agent at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, where she’s been happily repping all kinds of children’s and YA books since 2007. Jenn loves quirky, warm illustration, and projects for all ages that have illustrated elements. Always on the lookout for sparkling YA and middle grade fiction with unusual and unforgettable characters and vivid settings, she is drawn to nearly all kinds of books, whether realistic comedies, richly imagined magical adventures, or books that teach her something new about the world. However, the common thread in her favorite stories is an offbeat world-view. Jennifer loves funny books, thrilling books, romantic books, books that make her cry, and all-around un-put-downable books…and her true favorites are all of the above.
Pocono à la Mode 2024: Moving Through the Middle
I scream. You scream. We all scream for our annual retreat at the Highlights Foundation–complete with an ice cream sundae social and all the publishing professional interaction we could pack into one weekend. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re Published and Listed (PAL), we’ll explore the proverbial middles of the journey and search out our sweet spots so we can move through it all in style.
Can you relate to trying to jumpstart the creative process however possible? Where are you finding inspiration lately? Look for comics by C.J. Bolognese-Warrington on the third Friday of each month here on the EasternPennPoints blog.
Looking for Inspiration
Christopher-James Bolognese-Warrington is an illustrator/graphic designer who, along with his wife, owns Kelsey and C.J. Creative Studio. Prior to starting their own studio, C.J. graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and spent 10 years as an in-house graphic designer and illustrator. C.J. creates whimsical illustrations with bright colors and quirky characters, which offer a glimpse of his view of the world. When not at his drawing desk, C.J. can be found on long walks with his wife and dog, debating whether pasta or pizza is best.
Café Chat with Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez of Bradford Literary, by Heather Stigall
Heather: Welcome back to Eastern PA’s virtual café, Kaitlyn! Here we can order anything your tastebuds desire. What will you be having today?
Kaitlyn:Ohh, thanks so much! Can I get some macarons and herbal tea?!
Heather: Coming right up! Herbal tea sounds delicious. I’ll have mine with a cinnamon chip scone.
Thank you so much for agreeing to do another webinar for our chapter! This time you’ll be giving our participants a taste of what it’s like to view manuscripts from the eyes of an agent—and just in time for spring conference season! Do you have any advice to put authors and illustrators, who might be a little anxious about receiving a critique, at ease?
Kaitlyn: It’s totally normal to be nervous when you’re doing something new and especially when you’re putting your work out there, but whenever you get a critique, the point is to provide feedback to help make your work stronger. I think the important things to remember are to read the feedback and wait before trying to implement it as well as to try everything you can but only keep the things that work for your story.
Heather: Very good advice! You’ve done your share of critiques for aspiring creators (and we thank you for sharing your expertise!). Do you see any common pitfalls?
Kaitlyn: Ohh, that’s a tough one. Let me take a sip of this delicious tea and think. Yum! I’d say one of the things I see is picture book creators writing in rhyme when they haven’t studied meter and rhythm. Another thing I see is novelists who haven’t found their voice yet.
Heather: Okay, all you rhymers out there—study your craft! Can you share some advice on how writers and illustrators can prepare for a critique with an agent?
Kaitlyn: Hm…I guess the best way to prepare is to remember that the goal is to help make your work as strong as possible, so to remind yourself to try suggestions to see if they can help.
Heather: As an agent you have also seen your share of submissions. What are some important things writers and illustrators need to consider before they query an agent with a manuscript?
Kaitlyn: There’s always a lot to consider before querying an agent, like checking out their website to see if they would be a good fit, and of course, making sure your work is a polished as possible because agents receive so many queries, sending the strongest work will definitely stand out.
Heather: Thank you for sharing these great tips. Now for some fun! What is your superpower? Your kryptonite?
Kaitlyn: Haha, I guess I would consider my hyper-focus my superpower because when I’m in this mode, nothing can stop me, and I’m thinking picture books and chocolate are for sure my kryptonite – they’re so magical and delicious!
Heather: Chocolate and picture books are my kryptonite too! Who can resist?! Thank you so much for your time, Kaitlyn. I think I speak for all our readers when I say we look forward to your April 3rd webinar!
Kaitlyn Sanchez is a mom, wife, agent with Bradford Literary Agency, and middle school math teacher. She’s also the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week as well as creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest. In her free time, she loves to play soccer, binge-watch TV shows, and, of course, read. Especially when she’s all cozied up with her husband and daughter reading together.
Come join Kaitlyn Sanchez, who has sold over 30 books in her first three years as a literary agent, to discuss how to analyze feedback from critiques, agent/editor responses, and published books to help make your book the best it can be. Specific examples will help provide new insight and perspective into forging your own path through the publishing industry.
EasternPennPoints Journeys: This piece was submitted by Eastern PA SCBWI member Patricia Kreiser to share a part of her publishing journey with other members of our region. If you’d like to share part of your creative journey, click here for submission details.
Thank You, SCBWI! A Debut Author-Illustrator’s Path to Publication, by Patricia Kreiser
Like many of my peers, my path to publication was paved in persistence and lined with the most lovely rejection letters! I am still in a slight state of disbelief that I have an actual published picture book! It’s been a long time coming. In January, when I arrived at Children’s Book World for my official book launch, I was tearfully overwhelmed. That was MY name on the banner and the shelves were filled with MY books and MY little otters all staring out at me as if to say, “Way to go!”
I am an author-illustrator whose debut book, Always Together (Capstone Publishing), was released January 1, 2024. I’ve been actively pursuing children’s publishing since 2012, when I joined SCBWI to learn about the industry and hone my craft. I especially capitalized on opportunities to receive professional feedback at various SCBWI events, the Rutgers Conference for Children’s Literature, and various other places. As hard as it is to be vulnerable this way, I crave constructive criticism, which I received through these ventures as well as a local critique group. A truly pivotal point in the development of my artwork was participating in a watercolor mentorship with E.B. Lewis, whom I met at my first NY SCBWI conference. I began self-promotion with a targeted audience via postcards, submissions, and picture book dummies.
Although very disappointing, most rejections came with some form of compliments and encouragement, which inspired me to continue on. It was flattering that someone even took the time to respond! Quite fortunately, my wonderful agent, Ronnie Ann Herman, discovered my work on the 2020 SCBWI virtual conference portfolio showcase. We began our professional relationship, which led to my debut book! She has helped me polish additional dummies currently on submission. The journey to publishing can be serendipitous, as it is often about timing and the right person intersecting with your work at the right time. Luck may have something to do with it, but I believe it was the hard work and self-discipline that opened the door when opportunity knocked.
I am thrilled that I was asked to participate in a local event, “From Shelves to Studios,” with Children’s Book World and Main Line Art Center, both in Haverford, PA. This is a full-circle moment, as one of my first introductions to local illustrators occurred at this very same event about twelve years ago. I was encouraged and inspired by the artists I met with my daughter that day. Here is a photo of her keepsake passport she created and had signed (which is much coveted by me!). I want to say thank you again to the kind illustrators who pointed me in the direction of SCBWI to begin my children’s publishing journey. SCBWI membership has been an invaluable resource to learn about the industry, make connections, and hone my craft.
This has been a seemingly long road, but if I am honest with myself, had a breakthrough come at the beginning, I was not ready. I had much to learn, and my work and awareness of the industry simply wasn’t there yet. My debut book is so much stronger because it happened when it was supposed to and not when I wanted it to. I am so grateful for all the people I have met through SCBWI along the way. Most are so authentic, generous, encouraging, and kind. I have always believed that creative people are some of the bravest people on the planet. We pour our hearts out into our words, and music, and art, and it is there, in the light, for all the world to see, hear, consume, and judge. No matter whether an author or illustrator is prepublished or has dozens of books on the shelf, it takes courage to pour your efforts onto the page, and I admire and respect the endeavor. Keep on being vulnerable, learning, listening, and growing. Best wishes!
Patricia Kreiser is a talented author-illustrator and proud mom who absolutely loves creating picture stories! She draws inspiration from her family’s experiences, imagination, and real-life adventures. A graduate of Pratt Institute and a member of SCBWI, she is extremely appreciative of the support and guidance of her mentors and fellow creatives in her life. Some of her earliest and best childhood memories included endless hours with Breyer horses, drawing (not on the walls), and reading pretty much anything! A few inspirational favorites included The Tales of Peter Rabbit, The Monster at the End of this Book, and Bread and Jam for Frances. She hopes her stories will one day be someone’s favorite childhood memory. Originally from central Pennsylvania, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, she resides with her supportive family in her studio-home just minutes from Philadelphia.
Always Together, her debut picture book, was released January 1, 2024. It is a special story about two otters who are always together, until one day they are not. One is left behind and nothing is the same. It is a story of few words that addresses the big topic of missing someone special. This heart-tugging tale emerged from witnessing her own children and their friends navigate the experience of loss and separation due to a variety of circumstances. She hopes Always Together might find its way into the hands of someone who needs it most. Perhaps it will spark a conversation acknowledging a loss, encourage one to remember the best times, provide hope, and highlight empathy from those nearby.
Are you in a middle? Of a manuscript? Of a revision that you hope will get you query-ready? Of a publishing career? The middle can often be a muddled place riddled with uncertainties, difficulties and even doldrums. But whether you’re just getting started with your craft or you’re a seasoned PAL (Published and Listed) member, this year’s Pocono Retreat is all about moving through the middle in style.
With special cohort breakouts for those at each step of the journey, inspirational keynotes from newly awarded Caldecott winner Vashti Harrison, and workshops with leading industry professionals–we’ll dig deep into our work and explore pathways to keep moving toward our desired endings. Pitch your work in the silent pitch display or at the Roundtables. Get critiques from faculty and peers. Submit your work to our Mock Pile. And more!
This year’s retreat will be here soon. And while we still have a few spots left on the beautiful Highlights campus, there are a lot of great ways to join the fun.
So how will you Pocono?
An all weekend solo stay?
At Highlights: $862
At Central House: $798
Maybe an all weekend retreat with a roommate?
At Highlights: $746
At Central House: $719
Or maybe just enjoying a spectacular Saturday?
One-day ticket with meals: $300
However you choose to Pocono, we can’t wait to see you there!
Note: All weekend prices include tuition as well as stay at the respective lodging options. Central House prices include the full-weekend meal ticket in addition to tuition and lodging.
Member News is a monthly feature on the EasternPennPoints blog. We want to celebrate our Eastern PA SCBWI members’ good news and help spread the word far and wide. Send us your children’s book–related news—book deals, releases, awards, author or illustrator events (signings, launch parties, appearances), etc. If you’d like your news to be included in next month’s column, please email Laura Parnum at epa-ra2@scbwi.org or fill out our “Good News Survey” before the 20th of the month.
Here’s some exciting news from our members this month!
Eastern PA SCBWI members Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Matt Phelan were both nominated in the 2024 Golden Kite Awards. Salat in Secret written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Hatem Aly, published by Random House Studio was nominated in the Picture Book text category, and A Snow Day for Plum! written by Matt Phelan, published by Greenwillow was nominated in the Middle Grade category and for the Sid Fleischman Humor Award.
Salat in Secret received a Golden Kite Honor, and Jamilah has chosen the Share Food Program to receive a donation for this honor from SCBWI. The Share Food Program is the leading hunger relief organization in the Philadelphia region. The program distributes millions of pounds of food to hundreds of thousands of neighbors in need. For more information, go to https://www.sharefoodprogram.org.
Book Release
If You Are an Artist by Meg Auchenbach
Author-illustrator Meg Auchenbach released her debut picture book, If You Are an Artist (Peter Pauper Press) on February 1. If you are an artist, you wonder . . . How? Why? and What if? You daydream adventure, you stare at the stars, you let your imagination grow, and grow, and GROW! And most importantly, you know that the world is waiting for what YOU and only YOU can create. Because YOU are an artist. Follow a band of young artists—each with their own individual contribution—through this inspirational homage to trusting your own voice, believing in yourself, and cultivating your creativity and sense of wonder to make the world a more beautiful place. Find out more about Meg at her website, https://www.megauchenbach.com.
Preorder, Free Webinar, and Critique Giveaway
Ladybug Launch by Melissa Trempe and Natalia Ojeda
Melissa Trempe and Natalia Ojeda’s debut picture book, Ladybug Launch: Inspired by a True Story of Chinitas in Space, is available for preorder anywhere books are sold and will be in stores April 16. Illustrated by Manuela Montoya and published by McElderry of Simon & Schuster, this inspiring story is based on true events, when an all-girl science class in Chile created an out-of-this-world ladybug experiment worthy of NASA itself!
Free Webinar Opportunity
If you preorder you can attend Melisssa’s Picture Book Revision Workshop for FREE in May. Screenshot your receipt and email it to MelissaTrempeBooks@gmail.com and details will be sent out. Buy from your local indie, B&N, Target, Amazon, Walmart, etc.
Critique Giveaway
Donate to a good cause and you could win a critique with Melissa! (Venmo any amount to @BookDonationForWePAC and add your twitter handle or email to your donation note on Venmo and Melissa will choose a critique winner for every ten donations that come in!) Melissa is coordinating with WePAC, West Philadelphia Alliance for Children, a charitable organization whose mission is to reopen, staff, and stock the libraries of underserved Philadelphia schools. Melissa is giving a free author visit to the school of WePAC’s choice and raising money to provide every child from kindergarten to third grade with a copy of Ladybug Launch when she visits. It only takes $12 to give a book to a child! All money will be given to WePAC to purchase the books from S&S at 40% off! Or you can purchase a book for donation on Children’s Book World’s website (full price) and the book will be donated for you. Melissa is halfway to meeting her goal of 125 books for WePAC’s first school event in April! Please consider donating to this great cause!
Book Contract Signed
Author-illustrator Berrie Torgan-Randall signed a contract for her second early reader graphic novel, Bella & Blue: Times Two, published by The Little Press. This new version will have three new chapters of Bella & Blue’s struggles, silliness, and surprises. The book is set to release in October 2026. You can find out more about Berrie at https://www.berrietr.com and follow her on social media @berrietr.
If you have good news to share, please send it to epa-ra2@scbwi.org to be included in next month’s Member News column or fill out our “Good News Survey.”
Author and Illustrator Vashti Harrison will be joining our SCBWI chapter at the Pocono à la Mode 2024 retreat this April at the Highlights Foundation. Vashti will give a keynote speech, run a workshop, provide critiques for those who have signed up, participate in breakout discussions, and more. In preparation for this event, Berrie Torgan Randall had a virtual chat with Vashti for EasternPennPoints. Here’s what they had to say.
A Café Chat with Author and Illustrator Vashti Harrison, by Berrie Torgan Randall
Berrie: Hello Vashti, welcome to the virtual cafe. Would you like an espresso or something to munch on? I heard the almond croissants are divine.
Vashti: Thanks so much! I’m a cappuccino girlie. Extra foam please.
Berrie: How do you think your background in history and film influences your artwork?
Vashti: I think I tend to visualize stories like a film, so when I’m working, I try to think up ways to achieve something visually dynamic and cinematic. Hopefully, if I’m lucky, some bits of that end up in the final product!
Berrie: Congratulations on your New York Times Bestseller and multiple award-winning book, Big. I was a big kid and often felt out of place in the world of “normal sized” kids. What propelled you to write this book?
Vashti: Thank you so much. Truly it comes from many of the unresolved feelings I had about my body when I was a kid. I’m still struggling with my own journey toward self-love, but I wanted to create a story for young people that carved a new path for them, away from the toxic diet culture and fatphobia that I grew up with.
Berrie: You are very active on social media and you were “discovered” from one of your posts on Instagram. What one or two pieces of advice could you give our illustrators to make their posts more appealing to agents and/or publishers?
Vashti: I have a separate Instagram account for my work and personal life. My public profile is curated to be the kind of thing that tells a clear narrative of who I am and what work I do, and I make work specifically for social media. Not everything I work on is for public consumption. I think being able to protect my ideas and keep them close allows me to give them time to grow before sharing it with everyone.
Berrie: Your illustrations are stunning! I love the way you use light to focus the viewers eyes on your subject. How did you learn about this technique?
Vashti: I think it was just a mix of trying to achieve an illustrative version of some of the most striking and dynamic shots I love in cinema. At one point when I was younger, I wanted to pursue cinematography. I loved Matthew Libatique and Roger Deakins and tried to emulate their styles in my film work. I remember finding out Deakins consulted on animated films like How to Train Your Dragon, and I thought about ways I could bring that cinematic approach to my illustration. Again, I’m not always sure I’m successful in my final product, but I am always thinking about these things.
Berrie: What is the most rewarding thing about being an illustrator? What about something that you struggle with every day in relation to being an illustrator and author?
Vashti: I love that I get to lean into beauty and wonder and whimsy for my job—things that might be considered frivolous from folks who don’t understand. It does take work, though, to maintain the joy and hopefulness despite terrible things going on in the world.
And it can be exhausting when there are days where I spend more time taking care of the business of being an artist than actually making art. But I think most people who run their own business experience the same thing.
Berrie: I have followed you on Instagram ever since you created the Little Leader series. Your multiple starred review series is so important for celebrating women who may have been overlooked in history. Do you have a favorite illustration from that series, and did you get to meet anyone who you highlighted?
Vashti: I loved adding the little details and rendering to the hair and clothes in these books. There were a few folks in Little Dreamers (book two) that I had a lot of fun with: the beads on Esther Malangu’s traditional Ndebele outfit, Marie Curie’s hair, and I had a lot of fun making my own versions of famous works of art by Pollack and Brancusi for the background of Peggy Guggenheim’s page. I’ve met Julie Dash, who I wrote about in book one. She was so kind and just as inspiring as I imagined.
Berrie: Can you give our illustrators a sneak peek into your workshop sessions during the upcoming Pocono Retreat?
Vashti: I’m going to walk folks through my process of writing and illustrating with a visual storytelling approach, pulling from things I’ve learned in film and television and developed over the years while illustrating so many different types of books.
Berrie: One last question that has to do with our conference theme, Pocono à la Mode. If you could make up a name for an ice cream flavor, what would you name it and what are the ingredients of your creation?
Vashti: I love floral scents and flavors so maybe something like honeysuckle or jasmine. Obviously I’d call it Flower Power.
Vashti Harrison is an acclaimed writer, illustrator, and filmmaker. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling creator of Little Leaders, Little Dreamers, and Little Legends, an award-winning children’s collection of biographies about trailblazing women and exceptional men in black history. Her picture book, BIG, became an instant New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist with its emotional and universal messages about the power of words and one child’s journey to self-love. Harrison’s artistic talent shines through in the numerous and notable collaborations she has illustrated, including Andrea Beaty’s I Love You Like Yellow, Matthew Cherry’s Hair Love, and Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic’s Hello, Star. Harrison’s dedication and talent have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for Lupita Nyong’o’s Sulwe, as well as two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Literary Work for Children. She is frequently profiled by national media outlets and is a popular speaker at schools, libraries, conferences, museums, and book festivals as well as educator and parent organizations.
Pocono à la Mode 2024: Moving Through the Middle
I scream. You scream. We all scream for our annual retreat at the Highlights Foundation–complete with an ice cream sundae social and all the publishing professional interaction we could pack into one weekend. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re Published and Listed (PAL), we’ll explore the proverbial middles of the journey and search out our sweet spots so we can move through it all in style.
EasternPennPoints 