Are you ready to blow out the candles and enjoy a yummy piece of cake? I hope so, because we are celebrating a book birthday today of HOW TO EAT A MANGO, written by Paola Santos and illustrated by Juliana Perdomo and published by Neal Porter Books! And guess what? Author Paola stopped by to chat with us…and she’s offering a giveaway of a copy of this gorgeous new book (USA addresses only) – so please make sure you leave a comment and SHARE the post on your social media for extra tickets in the giveaway hat.
What a gorgeous cover!!! Engaging and inviting…kids will definitely want to grab this one from the library shelves!
Here’s a little bit about the book from the Amazon sales page: Abuelita teaches Carmencita that you can’t rush mango-eating: it takes five steps to appreciate the gift and feel the love.
Carmencita doesn’t want to help Abuelita pick mangoes; she doesn’t even like them! They’re messy, they get stuck in her teeth, and it’s a chore to throw out the rotten ones.
But Abuelita adores mangoes, and patiently, she teaches Carmencita the right way to eat them. Together, they listen to the tree’s leaves, feel its branches and roots above and below, and smell and feel the sweet, smooth fruits. Each step is a meditation on everything Mamá Earth has given, and in the Earth’s love, Carmencita feels the love of her Mami, her Papi, her little brother Carlitos, and of course, Abuelita.
When they finally bite in, the juice running down their arms, Carmencita understands. The mangoes are more than just mangoes… and she’s ready for another!
Inspired by her own childhood in Venezuela, Paola Santos’s mango-sweet story is a grounding, life-affirming take on gratitude for nature’s gifts and connection with family and culture. Juliana Perdomo’s cheery artwork brings Carmencita, Abuelita, and their mango tree to life with all the warmth of golden fruit under the sun.
Simultaneously released in Spanish as Cómo se come un mango.
And now we get to welcome Paola to Picture Books Help Kids Soar!
ME: Hello, Paola. Thanks so much for stopping by! We always want to know what inspired an author to write a particular story. Can you tell us about why you wrote HOW TO EAT A MANGO?
PAOLA: Thank you for helping me celebrate the book launch, Vivian. The inspiration for “How to Eat a Mango” came from my abuelita and my deep connection to my Venezuelan roots. I remember her in the backyard, fully immersed in eating a mango, her delight like a poem in motion. Despite initially disliking mangoes, I loved watching her savor every bite. In Venezuela, the matriarchal presence is crucial, and my abuelita, though not as sweet as the grandmother in my book, was a strong, bustling figure in our home. The ripe mangoes often meant work for me, but they also brought moments of community as neighbors took bags of them. Today, mangoes evoke nostalgia for my family and homeland, knowing I may never relive those cherished moments or see my country as it once was.
Thank you so much, Paola! This is a book that will help many children feel seen.
Here’s a little bit about Paola: Paola Santos is a children’s book author born and raised in Venezuela. After moving to Canada, she found the courage to share the words and stories that had long been enclosed in her imagination. Her stories are now woven with her culture, experience in a new country, hope, happiness, and diversity. Paola holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Literature and Children’s Literature and Reading Promotion. She is the author of How to Eat a Mango / Cómo see come un mango (Neal Porter Books / Holiday House), 2024, and the forthcoming picture book A House in My Barrio (Henry Holt / Macmillan), 2026. She lives in Edmonton.
And here’s a super cool graphic with info about upcoming book launch events:
Please make sure you leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of HOW TO EAT A MANGO. And please share the post widely to help folks find out about this wonderful new book!
FOR WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS, AND BOOK LOVERS EVERYWHERE
TODAY’S GUESTS
I always love welcoming author promotion groups because I love sharing new picture books with you, my dear blog followers…and today we are featuring several folks from Kid Lit Clubhouse. Their responses to the questions are sure to inspire you – and their giveaways will certainly delight! And so, without any further ado, let’s welcome Andrew, Audrey, Barbara, Nazneen, and Seina.
ME: Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?
AH: Laura Numeroff
AP: James Herriott and Roald Dahl
SW: Enid Blyton
BK: Eloise Wilkin
NA: Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl
ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?
AH: I wish I knew about the amazing community I would gain. Had I known, I might have jumped into the kidlit waters sooner.
AP: I wish I knew that my first drafts don’t have to be perfect, and in fact, aren’t going to be so JUST WRITE.
SW: I wish I had found a kidlit mentor to help navigate this journey and I wish I had plugged into a cohort of other picture book writers early on in my writing journey.
BK: I had no idea what a long road it is to publication. Patience, perseverance, and supportive peers are essential on this unpredictable journey.
NA: Read, read and read. Read in your genre. Read the same book again.
ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?
AH: A cozy chair and my laptop are essentials when drafting, while a notebook and pen thrown in my backpack while hiking or kayaking is ideal for brainstorming and letting new ideas simmer.
AP: It depends. I prefer my laptop when fast drafting, but I do love to brainstorm with grid paper and colorful markers. If the weather is nice, my screen porch is my go-to spot where I can hear the birds (and hopefully not the leaf blowers).
SW: I enjoy writing on my laptop and I usually have a cup of green tea with honey, and a few cookies within reach. If I’m on the beach, I like to pen down ideas on a notepad. I also like to either write in silence or listen to the sound of crashing waves or music. It really just depends on my mood.
BK: I’m old school—pen and paper on my front porch swing! Something about being outdoors helps me focus.
NA: Outdoors, with a cup of coffee.
ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?
AH: I am a nooks and crannies writer. Wherever and whenever I can squeeze a few minutes of writing into the rest of my life is when I do it.
AP: It’s all over the place. Just recently it was late at night while folding laundry when a line came to me, which led to another and another. I’ve written to a schedule during NaNoWriMo, but generally, I try to squeeze in time when the kids are at school. My anxiety tries to convince me I’m doing it wrong, but that’s also a WIP.
SW: I write when I can, which is usually around my family’s schedule. I usually prefer longer chunks of time carved out than shorter bursts. I find that it usually takes me a while to settle into a cadence and when I find the right thread in my work, I want to continue following it as long as I can.
BK: I’m writing or sifting through ideas all day—and night! My best ideas show up the second my head hits the pillow, so I always have a pen and paper on my nightstand.
NA: I am a morning person. I need to write first thing in the morning before my mind is flooded with other thoughts.
ME: Why do you write for children?
AH: I write to provide children with the opportunity to see themselves in stories and characters, to accept and overcome their insecurities, or to escape for just a little while through the power of their imaginations.
AP: I write for kids because I believe all kids should feel seen, heard, and validated in the stories they read, and hopefully have some laughs and fun too! I escaped to books when I was a kid and have always loved to make up stories, play with words, and make others laugh.
SW: I write so children can see themselves in my stories and I also write so children can be entertained. I enjoy writing across the board and look for ways to infuse my stories with my culture, traditions, and sometimes elements of fantasy.
BK: I wasn’t a big reader as a kid, so I want to create fun, interactive books to help foster a love of books from an early age. I noticed a need for books for toddlers that celebrate Jewish joy, which inspired me to create my first two books—rhyming, interactive stories about Jewish holidays.
NA: I love the writing process, especially because children’s books offer limitless possibilities. I began writing when I noticed the scarcity of Middle Eastern stories and wanted to bring tales of joy and laughter featuring Middle Eastern characters to life.
ME: Also, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.
AH: For aspiring writers, find your community. Publishing is a long, bumpy road and the ride is better with friends.
AP: Celebrate every milestone. If you only wait to celebrate the “big” ones, you are missing out on a whole lotta joy. Also, celebrate OTHERS. Community over competition — always. It’s a beautiful, uplifting place to be if you let it.
SW: Write the book of your heart and don’t write because of a trend. Publishing is often a slow process and it can take a while for a book to hit the shelves even after it’s sold. You’ll be tethered to your story for quite some time, so make sure you’re working on something you love.
BK: I always recommend that new writers enter contests. Your fabulous “50 Precious Words” contest is how I started writing board books! Contests push you to revise, encourage you to be brave and share your work, and are a wonderful way to connect with the amazing KidLit community.
NA: 1. Write from the heart and embrace your unique perspective. 2. Encourage diverse voices and stories to create a richer literary world. 3. Remember, every children’s story has the power to inspire and bring joy to readers of all ages.
WOW!!! Thank you all for sharing your experiences and your insights. And I know there is something amazing coming up…a delicious Middle Eastern cookie recipe!!!
Here’s a recipe for Ma’amoul, a yummy traditional Middle Eastern cookie filled with dates, nuts, or both. These cookies are often enjoyed during festive occasions and holidays.
Ma’amoul Recipe Ingredients: Dough:
2 cups semolina
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk (or water)
1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Date Filling:
1 cup pitted dates, finely chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the semolina, flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the milk, rose water, and orange blossom water (if using), mixing until a soft dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 1-2 hours.
Prepare the Date Filling:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add the chopped dates, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring constantly, until the dates soften and form a paste. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Shape the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take a small piece of dough and roll it into a ball (about the size of a walnut).
Flatten the ball in your palm to form a disc.
Place a teaspoon of the date or nut filling in the center of the disc.
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal it. Shape it into a smooth ball or use a Ma’amoul mold to create patterns.
Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden (the tops should remain pale).
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Ma’amoul cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
ME: I’ll definitely have mine with tea…and I’m excited to try them!! And we’re not done yet, dear friends…because this amazing group of authors are also offering a plethora of GIVEAWAYS!!!
AH: I am happy to do a pb critique giveaway or a 30-minute Zoom AMA.
AP: I’d love to offer a signed copy of MOO HOO! (Mailed within the US)
SW: I’m happy to give away a signed copy of NAMING CEREMONY (mailed within the US).
BK: I’m happy to give away a signed copy of HANUKKAH HIPPITY-HOP (mailed within the continental US).
NA: I am happy to do a pb critique giveaway or a 30-minute Zoom
ME: WOW again!!! Please make sure you leave a comment (and let us know which giveaway you’d prefer if you are one of the lucky winners) and do at least ONE of these things: Buy a copy of one of these awesome books Review at least one of these books Place the books on your Goodreads Want to Read Shelf Tell friends about the books (you can share this post on your social media Ask your library to purchase copies for their collection
And here’s a little bit about these fabulous authors and ways you can connect with themand find out more about their books!
Andrew Hacket is a writer, second-grade teacher, and father of three. He is also the author of the upcoming Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea, Curlilocks and the Three Hares, and Hope and the Sea. Andrew recognizes that being a kid is hard and he writes to create ways for kids to see themselves in stories and characters, to accept and overcome their insecurities, or to escape for just a little while through the power of their imaginations. Website: https://www.andrewhacket.com/ Order links: https://www.andrewhacket.com/books @AndrewCHacket on all socials
Audrey Perrott is an award-winning children’s book author and copywriter who believes funny books are just as important as serious books and writes both in her North Carolina home. Her debut picture book MOO HOO, illustrated by Ross Burach, released April 2024 with Scholastic Press and her upcoming picture book A HAT FOR HOUSE, illustrated by Druscilla Santiago, releases November 2024 from Putnam. She writes everything from children’s non-fiction to graphic novels to adult fiction and has more books on the way! Find out more about her and her books on audreyperrott.com. She’s social too but most active on Instagram at @audreysbooksandbakes.
Seina Wedlick is the author of NAMING CEREMONY illustrated by Jenin Mohammed (Abrams Kids, Spring 2023), THE NIGHT MARKET illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu (Random House, Fall 2024), and SPACE FOR EVERYONE illustrated by Camilla Sucre (Random House, Winter 2025).
Seina is an African-American author who enjoys writing diverse stories infused with culture and tradition. She enjoys reading to the sound of falling rain and considers herself an expert at pairing books with delicious snacks. When she’s not writing or working on special projects, Seina can be found exploring or spending time on the beach with her family. She also enjoys visiting bookstores and collecting postcards. Pre-order THE NIGHT MARKET here. Pre-order SPACE FOR EVERYONE here. Purchase copies of NAMING CEREMONY here. Website: www.seinawedlick.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seinawedlick/ Twitter: https://www.x.com/seinawrites
Nazneen Akbari is a debut author with a rich cultural background, blending Middle Eastern, Indian, and American influences. Her picture book, Home Away From Home, set in Oman, follows the journey of an American-Omani girl visiting her grandmother. Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh, the book is slated for release in Fall 2025. By day, Nazneen serves as a foreign service officer, and currently resides in India. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, dancing, and reading. Nazneen’s work aims to bring joy and laughter to children’s literature, celebrating diverse stories and characters. Website:https://nazneenakbari.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nazneenakbari Twitter:https://x.com/NazneenAkbari
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Some of you might have been following my Facebook posts over the past two weeks…Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague were amazing places to visit – I had a magical time traveling with my son and look forward to our next trip…possibly early January.
FOR WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS, AND BOOK LOVERS EVERYWHERE
TODAY’S GUEST
BETH ANDERSON
It’s always great fun when Will Write for Cookies has repeat customers…that is…authors who come back for a second interview. And today’s guest is so prolific, she could probably come back every year. Beth Anderson is a dear friend and esteemed CP – her feedback on my manuscripts has been invaluable over the years.
Beth Anderson has always been fascinated with words and language—from sound and meaning, to figurative language and point of view, to cultural and scientific aspects of language. After earning a B.A. in linguistics and a M.Ed. in reading, she taught English language learners for more than 20 years. That classroom community taught her valuable lessons as she advocated for students and encouraged them to share their voices. Surrounded by young people from all over the world, with literature as her favorite tool, Beth used the power of story to teach, connect, and inspire. When she’s not writing, she might be weaving, gardening, exploring nature, or playing with her grandkids. Born and raised in Illinois, she now lives near the mountains in Colorado. Beth believes in laughter, learning, and investing in young minds. And…that truth really can be stranger than fiction. Contact Beth via email or visit on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
ME: WELCOME! It’s so good to have you here, my friend. I’m so excited about your newest book, THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE. I remember loving it when I saw early drafts. And how kind of you to offer a giveaway of a copy to one of my blog followers…who I know are excited to learn more about you…so let’s get started. Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?
BETH When I was a young, we didn’t have a fantastic array of picture books like we have today. My mom took us to the library often. I remember fairy tales, folk tales, Golden Books, Dr. Seuss books, a riddle book, and some informational series on the shelves. I don’t remember having A favorite author. I loved the Little Bear books by Minarik. My mom read from the big thick classics Pinocchio, Winnie the Pooh, and Heidi at bedtime. As I got older I read a lot of biographies and Nancy Drew books. I can see the impact of all this still—word play, people from the past, mysteries, the world around us, timeless stories. But my love for digging into history is more recent as I’ve discovered the power of finding humanity in history and how we all play a role each day as we face the challenges of our time and place. I never thought about that as a child, so I love to bring that to kids with my books.
Here’s a picture of a bio of Abraham Lincoln from 1952 that I picked up at our library used books sale. 😄 We’ve come a long way!
ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?
BETH: That’s such a loaded question. 😄 Sometimes I think if I knew what I know now, I would’ve been afraid to jump in. Sometimes naivete is a good thing, right? I was fortunate to learn about SCBWI right from the start (once I’d found enough courage to utter the words, “I want to write children’s books.” Haha!) and hooked up with some super people that took me in, encouraged me, and provided lots of resources. I think by starting later in life, after retirement, I was used to life’s ups and downs, and didn’t take feedback and rejection as hard, or as personally, as if I was younger. Life experience was a huge plus. The most difficult part is not knowing what you don’t know. Though I was fortunate to learn early about the incredible kid lit community and all it offers, I think that’s the one thing that might have pushed me forward even sooner if I had been aware of it.
ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?
BETH: I’m pretty routine in that regard. Over the years, I’ve created an office space surrounded by what I need. Laptop on an adjustable computer desk with access to the credenza, files, and desk just a chair turn away… and a few steps away from the bookshelves. Lots of room to spread out books, spirals, papers, and more! The reason I stick to this spot is because everything I need is right there. But…some of the best ideas, rewordings, and offramps from being stuck come when I’m on the move. Even just getting a cup of coffee or transferring laundry from washer to dryer can jar something loose. For some, those are distractions, but for me they’re needed brain shift opportunities. Also – Walks. Showers. And of course the 4am wake ups.
I do most writing on the computer, but there are certain things I write by hand. I take a lot of notes and organize the information I’m working with in a spiral and also do brainstorming by hand. My brain just works differently. Ideas pop, and I’m able to easily sort and jot them down so I can find them later. I would say the creative side comes “by hand.”
ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?
BETH: I spend most of the day doing writerly things…but my best time for working on a manuscript is the morning. And, I need a good chunk of time so I can get my head into the time, place, and character. The anxiety of the pandemic taught me to turn off notifications and news alerts. I’ve found that I shouldn’t work on a manuscript a few hours before going to bed as it’s like verbal caffeine – it keeps me up with ideas circulating and ruminating.
ME: Why do you write for children?
BETH: I enjoy the challenge of creating with words on the page, but… I write for children because that’s just fun, the interactive experience with them is the best, and it’s a way I can give something of value (hopefully) that has the potential to impact kids’ lives in a positive way. I write what I write because of my experience in the classroom. It’s the power of true stories to surprise, fascinate, and inspire. The ability of story to connect us no matter where we’re from or what our experiences. The curiosity awakened, the questions posed, the push to know more. The deeper understanding of our world, and the realization that we are all participants on this path called history.
ME: Also, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.
BETH: For writers: Be brave. Be patient. Be receptive. Be intentional. Be part of the writing community.
For all the parents, educators, writers, and librarians who instill the love of reading in children: THANK YOU!!
Thanks so much, Vivian, for inviting me to be part of your amazing blog! And thanks for all you do to support the kid lit community!
It’s been a joy, dear Beth! And the sweetness isn’t over yet because I know you’ve got an amazing treat for us!
BETH:Here’s my grandmother’s recipe for date balls—a family favorite. And it just happens to be gluten-free.
Warning: Keep heat medium to low and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
Boil together for 1 min.: 1 cup sugar, ¼ lb margarine or butter, 1 beaten egg Add ½ lb dates diced (Tip: precut date pieces don’t work as well.) Boil for 10 min. (stir constantly) Off burner: Stir in 3 cups Rice Krispies. Let cool for a bit until you can roll into balls. Roll in powdered sugar.
And Beth is also sharing additional materials that can be used by parents and teachers to extend the learning experience:
What a fabulous collaboration between author and illustrator!!! The book is so important – because these days, students need to learn how to vet information they receive online, in books…basically everywhere. And reading a book like THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE can show them that misinformation is not a new concept. And how can we help this fabulous book become a success? We can Buy the book Review the book Place the book on our Goodreads Want to Read Shelf Tell friends about the book (please share on your social media) Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.
Thank you all for spending your precious time with us! I hope you all have a safe and wonderful weekend.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 