Cover Reveal: THIS BOOK IS DEFINITELY NOT CURSED Plus Critique or Book Giveaway

Posted on October 16, 2023 by viviankirkfield

The world is definitely a scary place for many right now. Books can help provide comfort and a moment of respite. That’s why I’m always so excited when authors approach me to feature their books. And I especially LOVE Cover Reveals…the first peek at a new creation!

Written by Megan Woodward – Illustrated by Risa Rodil – Published by Aladdin/Simon & Schuster

Oh my gosh! This is a cover that DEFINITELY jumps out at you! Such a bold and vibrant used of the title words as art!

Here’s a little bit about the book from the Amazon pre-order page (the book launches June 25, 2024)
Engage even the most can’t-sit-still little ones with this laugh-out-loud, interactive picture book for fans of The Book with No Pictures and The Monster at the End of This Book!

If this book were cursed, then you would probably become cursed if you read it. You’d start to experience strange symptoms, like the wiggles, the giggles, trouble licking your elbow, and all your food tasting like cabbage. And then you would need to take silly steps to break the curse, like reading a goofy poem or smelling someone’s feet.

Luckily for you, there’s no need to worry because this book is definitely not cursed! So read away without fear.

And here’s a little bit about author Megan:
I have an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA and am a working and produced comedy screenwriter. About 8 years ago I decided to apply my writing skills to pursue a career in kid-lit and after many silly mistakes and long hours in the query trenches, my debut picture book, THIS BOOK IS DEFINITELY NOT CURSED– Simon and Schuster, will finally be arriving in June 2024! I also work as a freelance editor, copywriter, and ghostwriter, and work part-time in a children’s bookstore. I live in Portland, OR with my son, my boyfriend, my boyfriend’s daughter, and two adorably weird tuxedo cats. I live for delicious food and all things funny, which means I spend a lot of time laughing with my mouth full.

Funny incident on my publishing journey: When I first started querying, I hadn’t done ANY research on the picture book industry. I wrote something, thought it was great, and began sending it to agents. That manuscript was 1700 words long and rhyming (I had no experience with rhyme either.) So yeah…. knowing what I know now, that was pretty dumb. Research is important, people.

YES! That’s great advice, Megan!

To connect with Megan and find out more about her books:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeganwo/
Twitter (x): https://twitter.com/womeganwo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089717143734
Website: www.meganwoodward.com

And here’s how to find out more about the amazing illustrator:
Instagram, Twitter: @risarodil
Facebook: facebook.com/risarodil
Website: risarodil.com

And guess what, dear friends? Megan is offering the lucky winner of the giveaway a choice:
Signed Copy of the book (when it’s released)
Picture book critique 1000 words or less
Ask me anything zoom chat

WOW! That’s exciting! Please make sure you leave a comment and share this post on your social media to be entered for a chance to win. And please do one of the following also:
Pre-order the book
Add the book to your WANT TO READ Goodreads shelf (I didn’t see a listing yet, but check in a month or two and it should be there)
Ask your local library to purchase a copy of the book

Thank you everyone for spending your precious time with us. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Cover Reveal: UNICYCLE DAD Plus Incredible Giveaways

Posted on October 9, 2023 by viviankirkfield

Hurray! I’m so glad you are here…because Cover Reveals are very special…a first peek at a new creation! When Sarah Hovorka told me she had a book launching next year from Amicus Ink entitled UNICYCLE DAD, my curiosity was peeked – and when I found out more about the book, I knew I’d want to share it with my blog followers. Even more wonderful, Sarah, and illustrator Alicia Schwab, stopped by to share a bit about the path to publication for this book…PLUS, EACH OF THEM IS OFFERING A FABULOUS GIVEAWAY! Sarah is offering a picture book manuscript and query critique! And Alicia is offering an art portfolio critique! That is so very generous!
And now, the cover of UNICYCLE DAD!

Just look at this amazing cover! This is definitely a book that kids will want to pick up!
Here’s a bit from the Amazon sales page:
Sarah knows her unicycle-riding dad is special–even as Sarah cooks, takes care of her brother, and does homework on her own. When her dad finally graduates from high school, gets a second job, and eventually lands a promotion, Sarah realizes there’s so much more that’s special about him. Unicycle Dad shares the inherent struggles and quiet joys of a single-parent, impoverished household. Raised by a single, teenage father in poverty, author Sarah Hovorka grew up in a family structure lived by many but seldom represented in children’s books. Illustrator Alicia Schwab captures the story with warm, expressive art.

And here’s what author Sarah had to say about the inspiration for the story:
SARAH: Unicycle Dad is based on my childhood being raised by a single, teenage father in poverty. As a child, I admired his skill with the unicycle… he always seemed to soar before my eyes. As I aged into adulthood, I realized there was so much more to admire about him from earning his GED while raising two kids to working two jobs so we could have shoes for school. I hope Unicycle Dad helps children see the strength in their own parents and caregivers, and ultimately, in themselves.

And here’s a little bit about Sarah and how you can connect with her:
Sarah Hovorka writes lots of stuff from big-hearted picture books to horror-ridden novels. Unlike Goldilocks, every genre she tries feels just right, though children’s literature is her primary focus. She is the author of Hattie Hates Hugs and Same Love, Different Hug with two more picture books coming in 2024.

Beyond reading and writing, Sarah loves to play games, homeschool, eat chocolate, and enjoy trees with her husband and three sons in California. You can find out more about her, her books, and follow her blog at www.SarahHovorka.com.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HovorkaSara
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SarahHovorkaAuthor/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/authorsarahhovorka/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21315820.Sarah_Hovorka

Here is a bit about the path to publication for illustrator Alicia:
“I was so excited to illustrate Unicycle Dad, a story all about falling down and getting back up again, that I took the inspiration too literally and fell while hiking, breaking my leg. Despite my mishap, I persisted and finished all the art on time.”

And here’s a little bit about Alicia and how you can connect with her:

Illustrator Alicia Schwab was raised by two bookworms in the Madison, Wisconsin area, working several jobs to support Alicia and her siblings. Alicia started making books when she was little and has gone on to write, illustrate, and design books in Germany and the USA. Alicia specializes in characters that prevail over misfortune, including her debut middle-grade, LITE: The High Treason Incident, a 2023 IPPY Bronze Medalist. Alicia garners creativity by hiking/biking around Minnesota, where she lives with her family and their adventurous dog. www.aliciaschwab.com
Twitter /aschwabart
Facebook /aschwabart
Blue Sky social https://bsky.app/profile/aschwabart.bsky.social
Instagram /schwab.alicia
Threads /schwab.alicia

We all know how important it is to show support for books we love. Please do at least one of these things for this book:
Buy the book.
Here are several pre-order links:
Indie bound
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Review the book.
Put the book on your Goodreads WANT TO READ shelf.
Tell friends about the book (share on your social media & follow these creators)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.

And of course, don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win one of the two amazing giveaways. In your comment, please let us know if you’d rather win the Picture Book Manuscript and Query Critique from Sarah or the Art Portfolio Critique from Alicia.

I hope you all have a beautiful week!