Happy Book Birthday: ELINOR MCGRATH PET DOCTOR: The Story of America’s First Female Veterinarian

Posted on March 19, 2024 by viviankirkfield

New books! Hurray! Don’t get me wrong – I love old books, too! But there’s something so special about welcoming a new one to the world – ESPECIALLY if I know the author and had a chance to see early drafts of the manuscript…more about that later from the author, the lovely Jacqueline Johnson.

Written by Jacqueline Johnson – Illustrated by Alette Straathof – Published by Beaming Books

There is so much to LOVE about this book:
THE COVER: Doesn’t it just beg to be picked up? The illustrator, Alette Straathof, is a true artist – she captures Elinor’s connection with animals – and captures our hearts!
THE TOPIC: We need as many books as we can get that showcase strong women who blazed new paths – young readers need to believe that no matter who we are, we can accomplish great things.
THE STORY AND THE BACK MATTER AND THE END PAPERS: Oh, that’s right…you can’t see those…but I’ll tell you a little bit – and I hope you’ll run out and buy a copy from your local indie or order a copy online or ask your local library to get copies for their shelves – and of course, you can add it to your Goodreads Want To Read Shelf..

Here’s a little bit about the story from the Amazon sales page:
I can do this! Elinor rolled up her sleeves. She was smart enough. She was strong enough.

When Elinor McGrath decided she wanted to be a veterinarian, the world told her no. It was 1907, and that job was not considered suitable for women. Even after she was accepted into veterinary school, the 137 male students in her class made it clear she was not welcome. Yet despite constant criticism, Elinor persevered. She could see that the future was changing and was determined to show the world of veterinary medicine that accepting women wasn’t the only change the profession needed.

Written by a small-animal veterinarian, Elinor McGrath, Pet Doctor tells the true story of the first woman veterinarian in the US. Backmatter highlights Elinor’s career as well as other pioneering women vets from around the world.

And here’s a little bit about the path to publication from author Jacqueline:

JACQUELINE:
Path to Publication for Elinor McGrath, Pet Doctor
I started toying wih the idea for Elinor back in 2022. As a vet, I found her story pretty fascinating, but I kept putting it aside because there was pretty limited information on her. I wasn’t agented at the time, so I was pretty into pitch contests. I may have pitched Elinor before it was *ahem* 100% written, but I got a like on it. So I buckled down and got to work.

That first like didn’t pan out, but I entered the manuscript into the PBParty contest (after working on it with you, Vivian!), and was thrilled to make it into the showcase. I got some interest from a few agents and editors, and eventually I got an offer from Beaming Books.

Challenges
Writing is super hard! I have ADHD, so I get really excited by a new project, and before I’ve finished I get another idea, so the first story gets left unfinished while I move on to the shiny new idea, and then the cycle continues. I’ve got a backlist of at least dozen manuscripts, from picture books to middle grade to an adult historical novel-in-verse, all in various stages of completion. So, if anyone has any tips on how to stick with just one until it’s finished, I’m all ears!

And here’s a little bit about Jacqueline and how you can connect with her:
Jacqueline Johnson writes books and fixes pets and sometimes even writes books about fixing pets.

Before having children, she was an avid reader of all things young adult, science fiction, and fantasy. Now with two children under 7, two dogs, two cats, four fish tanks and a tortoise, finding time for 1000+ page epic fantasy series has become difficult – so she discovered a new love for picture books, a genre where she can read multiple books every day!

Jacqueline finds inspiration everywhere, and has a particular passion for writing about little-known events in history.
She is an avid lover of ’80s glam rock, black licorice and dog with beards.

Social Media
Twitter: @thevetwrites
Instagram: @jjohnsonbooks

Dear friends, I hope you are intrigued and can’t wait to read this fabulous story!
And good news: I’m almost finished reading the 672 entries for #50PreciousWords…and then I’ll be correlating the feedback from the judges and meeting with them to discuss.
Plus more good news: the pile of books for the #50PreciousWords Literacy Initiative continues to grow…at The Bookery bookstore in Manchester – and in the corner in my room where I am collecting those books that folks have mailed directly to me.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Cover Reveal: LUPITA’S BROWN BALLET SLIPPERS

Posted on January 8, 2024 by viviankirkfield

When I was a little girl, most of the characters in children’s books looked enough like me so that I felt seen even though nobody wore glasses or was as height-challenged as I was…but they were white…and so was I. These days we know now how critical it is for young kids to see themselves…not only as the child characters in stories, but also as adults in positive leadership roles. And that’s why I’m so excited to share the COVER of a new picture book, written by Steena Hernandez and illustrated by Melissa Castillo that launches October 15th from Beaming Books.

Huge props to Melissa Castillo for this GORGEOUS cover!!!! And don’t you love how the little girl’s pose is directing us to open the book?

Here’s a little bitt about the book from the Amazon sales page:
Everyone deserves to shine.

Lupita’s big ballet recital is approaching. The music is perfect. Her ballet moves are strong. But her peachy pink ballet slippers don’t match her skin tone. Lupita searches for the right pair only to discover it will take hard work–and messy measures–in order for her shoes to dance with her.

Inspired by the author’s own experiences as a Latina dancer, Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers is a charming story filled with determination. The final few spreads teach readers about the history of ballet slippers as well as the crucial changes the industry has seen for dancers of all races and ethnicities.

This is definitely a book that needs to be in classroom and public libraries, as well as home bookshelves. And guess what? We can help!!!
Please share the post widely on your social media.
You can put it on your Goodreads WANT TO READ shelf.
You can review it.
You can ask your local library to order copies for their collection.
And of course, you can pre-order a copy.

Here’s a bit about author Steena:
Steena Hernandez holds a BFA in theatre, music, and dance from Texas Tech University, and has performed with the Rent Broadway tour, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra as a vocalist, and the United Service Organization (USO) tour, and more. She now resides in San Antonio, Texas, with her family. She’s a storyteller at heart, and when she’s not writing or cooking, you can find her curled up in a cozy spot reading with her two children.

And here’s a little about illustrator Melissa:
Melissa Castillo’s work is heavily inspired by her Peruvian culture and heritage. With the lack of diverse representation of Latinx culture in illustration, she hopes to properly represent people of color and create relatable art for all cultures

We love these beautiful new picture books that are popping up in the pipeline. And we are grateful to the writers, artists, and publishers who are creating them!

SHACHI KAUSHIK: Will Write for Cookies Plus Giveaway

Posted on October 14, 2023 by viviankirkfield

WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES

INSIGHT – INFORMATION – INSPIRATION

FOR WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS,
AND BOOK LOVERS EVERYWHERE

TODAY’S GUEST

Author Shachi Kaushik and Illustrator Aishwarya Tandon

I love how intertwined our kidlit community is – we meet people at conferences, or in classes, or we do critiques with them…and they become our friends. The latter is how I connected with today’s guest – and although the feedback has been sent on her manuscript, I hope to stay in touch with Shachi and will be cheering for every new book!

Shachi Kaushik is a writer and a storyteller. Part of the Children’s Media Industry, she creates content for children that is entertaining, enlightening, and educational. She has worked on the production team for the YouTube Original Animated Series ‘The Guava Show’ and ‘CoComelon.’
Her debut ‘Diwali In My New Home’ has received accolades and praise worldwide. The book has been named a 2022 Foreword Indies Book of the Year Awards finalist in the Picture Books, Early Reader category! and is the Winner of The Book Fest Awards in the Children’s Diversity – Multicultural category.
To connect with Shachi:
Facebook: storiesbyshachi
Twitter: @KaushikShachi
Instagram: storiesbyshachi

ME: Hello Shachi! I’m so excited to welcome you to Picture Books Help Kids Soar…your new book, DIWALI IN MY NEW HOME, illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon, and published by Beaming Books, launched last month. Thank you for stopping by. I know everyone is excited to find out more about you, so let’s get started.
Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?

SHACHI: Growing up in India, I loved reading the comic Tinkle. My favorite character was Suppandi, an illustrator by Ram Waeekar.

ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?

SHACHI: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to embrace rejection. When I first started writing, rejections felt like personal failures. I now understand that rejection is a natural part of writing. It’s a chance to improve and persist in your craft. Don’t let it discourage you.

ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?

SHACHI: Due to my frequent travels between Canada and the USA, I’ve learned to adapt to my new writing environment every few months.

I used to write in diaries but switched to the Remarkable tablet, which feels like writing on paper.

ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?

SHACHI: To keep myself accountable, I’ve joined Co-Writing online sessions. It has helped me structure my writing routine. And, of course, I allow my creativity to flow whenever the muse strikes, which can occur at any hour, day or night. Interestingly, some of my best ideas emerge at midnight.

ME: Why do you write for children?

SHACHI: I write to help children connect with their South Asian roots through stories that reflect their cultural experiences and values. Through these stories, I aim to foster a sense of identity, belonging, and pride while promoting cultural understanding and friendships with others from diverse backgrounds.

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, and librarians might want to hear.

SHACHI: Diwali, the festival of lights, is a cherished holiday for my family and me. For me, it’s like having a mix of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and July 4th rolled into one joyous holiday. Like Thanksgiving, it’s a time for families to express gratitude and feast together. Much like Christmas, Diwali dazzles with twinkling lights. And, similar to July 4th, it’s marked by vibrant fireworks, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

One of the highlights of every year is the Diwali celebrations at the Round Rock Public Library. What started as a small gathering has grown into a grand celebration over the years. We share the beauty of Diwali with our community, inviting everyone to join us in the festivities.

We offer a glimpse into the traditions of Diwali, and everyone participates in fun activities like making diya lamps, trying rangoli art, and dancing. It’s heartwarming to see people from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate Diwali. My idea for my book ‘Diwali In My New Home’ originated from this event.

Shachi – this is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing all of these insights…and for writing such a beautiful book! And also for offering a signed copy of DIWALI IN MY NEW HOME as a prize for one lucky winner.

Friends, if you leave a comment on this blog post, you’ll be entered in the giveaway. And I hope you will do at least one more thing to help this book become successful. You can:
Review the book
Buy the book
Put the book on your Goodreads WANT TO READ shelf
Share on social media
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection

And HURRAY!!!! We have a fabulous treat recipe from Shachi!

SHACHI: Here’s a simple recipe to make Chickpea laddu

No holiday is complete without a sweet treat, and for Diwali, it’s laddoo. You can say it La-doos.

My favorites are chickpea (besan) and coconut laddus. They are sweet, filled with the aromatic scent of cardamom and ghee, and to top it off, they are gluten-free.

Ingredients:
2 cups chickpea flour
1 cup clarified butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
A handful of chopped nuts (cashews or almonds)
Raisins for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a non-stick pan on low heat add clarified butter. Make sure the pan isn’t not too hot. The clarified butter should melt slowly.
Add the chickpea flour to the pan and stir it. Keep stirring it to prevent any burning mishaps. Brace yourself; this stirring will be an arm workout.
Roast the chickpea flour for about 10-15 minutes until it changes color to a golden-brown color and releases a nutty aroma. The flour will also start to thicken and form a crumbly texture.
Turn off the heat, and let the mixture cool down for a bit, so it’s not too hot to touch.
Add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder to the roasted chickpea flour and mix well. (You can adjust the sugar quantity to suit your taste.)
If you want to add nuts else skip the nuts.
Let it cool a little more, so you can shape the mixture into round balls.
Grease your hands with a little clarified butter to prevent sticking, and then shape the mixture into small, round laddoos. You can make them as big or as small as you like.
You can garnish each laddu with a raisin or a piece of a nut.
Allow the laddoos to cool completely. They will become firmer as they cool down.

(Note: adjust the sugar and nuts as per your preference)
Enjoy this sweet treat.
Happy Diwali!!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.