Please join me in singing a rousing happy birthday to:
Here’s a little bit about the book from the Amazon sales page:
Sometimes things are really tough. It’s just too hard, you’ve had enough. Grumble, rumble, bump, and roar, The Struggle Bus is at your door. This is a must-have picture book for any reader struggling with new experiences and figuring out how to manage emotions. Debut author-illustrator Julie Koon delivers a lighthearted and relatable picture book about facing challenges as you grow up. Incorporating her experience as an elementary school counselor, Koon uses the accessible theme of vehicles to make this social-emotional concept perfect for the preschool and early elementary crowd. It’s also a great tool for caregivers to start conversations with children about acknowledging difficult feelings. The Struggle Bus’s lyrical, rhyming text adds a comforting touch to the book, while not downplaying the reality that sometimes life is really hard. From a growth mindset perspective, the story gives the main character space to feel those hard feelings, but also to be open-minded to lots of different solutions. With a concluding reminder that we can do hard things, The Struggle Bus offers a lot: self-discovery, tips for problem-solving, and, mostly importantly, an acknowledgement that we all struggle sometimes, but we shouldn’t get stuck on that bus.
What a perfect time for a book like this! Sometimes things ARE really tough – as a matter a fact, things are really tough for so many people right now. The words in this story can provide comfort – and empowerment for little children dealing with big problems. And honestly, I think adults will find encouragement and support as well.
And guess what? Author/illustrator Julie was kind enough to stop by to chat. I asked her if there were any potholes or problems on the path to publication:
JULIE:
I took many rides on the struggle bus in the making of this book. Shortly after I finished making the full dummy, the iPad that I use for drawing died for good, and I lost the whole thing! I had to start over from scratch. I certainly needed the words I had written as I started again. Luckily, I think it turned out even better than the first version!
WOW! That might have ended it for many…but thank goodness, you didn’t give up, Julie. Perseverance is one of those 5Ps that lead to success – and in this case, it definitely did. I know this book is going to be used by many parents and teachers.
Dear friends, I’m not sure how we got so lucky, but Julie is offering a spectacular giveaway – a Picture Book Manuscript Critique to one lucky winner! Please make sure you leave a comment below (maybe you can tell us about one of your rides on the Struggle Bus), and then tag at least one person when you share on your favorite social media channel. It’s so important to spread the word about these fabulous new books!
Here’s where to find out more about Julie: https://www.juliepkoon.com/https://www.juliepkoon.com/
And remember that the best way to thank an author or illustrator is to buy their book, review their book, tell friends about their book, and ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.
We are all catching our breath from the excitement of #50PreciousWords. The level of participation (749 entries) was phenomenal. The quality of the stories was astonishing. There are definitely more than a few that will become books in the next few years. And again, the comment thread of the contest post is 100% positive with supportive and encouraging words for the contestants.
Plus, the pile of books for the literacy initiative is growing. There is still time to place an order with The Bookery for a book you’d like to donate. It can be a board book, a picture book, a chapter book, a middle grade, or a YA because we have an elementary, a middle, and a high school waiting to receive them: www.shopbookerymht.com or call them: 603-836-6600. And wouldn’t it be lovely if someone chose THE STRUGGLE BUS!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Oh my gosh I love this book already! I feel like I’ve been riding the struggle bus for years as my health declines and I’ve been stuck on medical leave from work. But I’m so excited to read this book! Congrats!
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It’s not just a book for kids, right? I think many can relate to this.
And I’m sending healing thoughts, my friend.
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I love how the words and the color palette go together so well. Beautiful!
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Julie! So happy to see this as a BOOK! I remember the pitch party that you got all the love from editors and agents. I messaged you during that with a Good Luck message, but I don’t think you needed any luck. You had hard work and determination on your side. I can’t wait to buy your book. My 7 year old is having some struggles of his own and I know this book will be helpful. Sending you thoughts of amazing book sales and all the success!
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This book looks charming! I’m definitely going to pick it up for my classroom ( plus our monthly theme just happens to be Transportation!) Congratulations on your book birthday 🎁
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So many SEL books are being created and made into books. Very needed at this time. It so happens that yesterday someone I knew did the ultimate… Thank you for this book!!
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Congratulations! I agree this is a book everyone can relate to!
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What a delightful book! I’m getting it for my students and grandchildren! I LOVE the rhyme….
Can’t wait to read more! Thanks Vivian and Julie!
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My struggle bus is fully gassed at the moment. Looking forward to a perfect ending. Congrats on publication Julie!
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I’ve been waiting for this book to come out! As a retired child therapist, I know how important this book will be for so many! And I love the illustrations!
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Oh my gosh, I love this. What a universal story. We all have a struggle bus (mine is a Ford Pinto that smells like dirty docks and pickles. It has a backfiring engine that shouts insults at me.)
Good luck – I’m off to order my copy!
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Congratulations, Julie! I’m glad you persevered after your iPad broke – how devastating! Your book sounds and looks wonderful. Can’t wait to read it!
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I love the illustrations and the concept is fantastic. I worked as a social worker in crisis intervention for over 30 years, so I have a special appreciation for books like these.
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Congratulations, Julie! Everyone–young and old–can relate to being on the struggle bus. Your illustrations are fantastic and I love the blessing in disguise of your iPad breaking:)
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Congratulations and thank you for putting part of everyone’s life story on the page with wonderful and uplifting words and illustrations. My “struggle bus” seems to have distractions in every seat: the grandkids, the dog, the kitchen sink. But we can prevail! Thank you so much!!!!
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We all need this book! Thank you! (FYI: I can’t believe my fabulous GA library doesn’t own this. I just sent a request to our librarian. Hopefully, it will grace our shelves soon!)
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This book sounds so needed! I know it’ll find a place on my daughter’s book shelf. Honestly, I’m on the struggle bus helping her handle her range of emotions! She’s got ALL the feeis EVERY day. Thank you for the critique opportunity!
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This book looks like a winner! Love the concept, illustrations, and your beautiful rhymes. Congratulations!
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What a fantastic book! I think we’ve all ridden the Struggle Bus as adults, but I love the message to young children. Thank you, Julie, for creating this book for our hurting world.
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I’ve been on the struggle bus a time or two!:). I’m looking forward to reading this book, and I know my kids will love it! Congratulations, Julie! And Thank you, Vivian for sharing!
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Julie, I’m looking forward to reading this. I can’t imagine losing all your art when your iPad quit working. That seems like a nightmare! I’m glad you bounced back, and the art turned out better on the second go-around! I wish you the best with your book
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Happy Book Birthday Julie! I love this books fun colors and great message! Thanks for sharing Vivian!
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Happy book birthday! This book will help so many readers and I can’t wait to take its message to heart. Thank you for the post!
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I’ve been excited about this book–for kids and adults! So fun to see it here. Great work, Julie! Congrats!
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This book looks fantastic! I love the title and the art and no doubt the story will be a winner. Congratulations, Julie!
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I’m still on and off that struggle bus. This book is for everyone. Congratulations, Julie. I’m looking forward to reading THE STRUGGLE BUS!
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Writers spend a lot of time on the Struggle Bus, I think. It’s good to remember that we’re all in this journey together.
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This book looks absolutely fabulous and heartfelt!!! I can’t wait to own a copy 🙂 I really could’ve used this book growing up, having struggled with anxiety since I was in kindergarten. So relatable! Beautiful illustrations, too!
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Fantastic! Love great picture books for helping kids with big feelings. Thank you, Julie Koon!
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This looks adorable. Love the illustrations!
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This is awesome! Some days you just have to climb on board!
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Looking forward to adding this book to our collection! I think we all have taken a ride on the struggle bus! 🙂
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Congrats on your new book, Julie! Wonderful word play and rhyme, and beautiful, emotive illustrations. Looking forward to seeing this book on my bookshelf. Your story about losing your book dummy reminds me of this past January when I lost all my query list research one weekend and didn’t think I had the strength to start over…but I did. Thanks for sharing your time and story with us.
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Wow, you had to ride on your own Struggle Bus when your ipad died! EEK! So glad you persevered and now we can look forward to reading your new book! Congrats!
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What a great book! I will be getting a copy for my grandkids. I think this book would really help them when they are frustrated.
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This book looks amazing! I love SEL books and am struggling through writing one myself! Thanks for sharing! I’m gonna find this book!
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I am on the struggle bus myself and just ordered this book for our little free library we manage for our neighborhood! Thank you for writing this book. The three manuscripts I am polishing now are SEL books. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Blessings.
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