#50PreciousWords has been a blessing for me! It’s helped to connect me with so many amazing kid lit folks, including the author of today’s featured book, FREE TO BE FABULOUS! Actually, David McMullin was an early follower of my blog and was a top winner of the contest in 2017. So, having him on Picture Books Help Kids Soar is like welcoming an old friend – and it’s an honor for me to share the cover of his upcoming book, illustrated by Robbie Cathro, that launches from Clarion Books on April 30, 2024.
What a glorious cover!!! Definitely a quicker-picker-upper – kids will naturally gravitate to the joyful action and beautiful color palette.
Here’s a little bit about the book:
Free to be Fabulous is the story of Daniel who dances like his favorite pop star, Fabulina, at his school’s talent show. That’s when the bullying begins, but he soon finds that the very thing they tease him for is what helps him find his strength.
And here’s a note from David:
This book has been a long rewarding journey. It will be six years from idea to publication with three R&Rs (revise and resubmit) with the editor before an offer. Much like my main character, I knew that following the path I loved would get me to my destination despite the obstacles. Most of the stories I write lean towards the silly side of life, so to have my debut be such a personal book is quite special. Then to be matched with Robbie’s magical art—I couldn’t be happier.
And here’s a little bit about David McMullin:
David is a picture book writer, illustrator, and children’s poet. His debut book, Free to be Fabulous comes out April 30, 2024 with Clarion. His poems are featured in several magazines and anthologies. Honors include an SCBWI Ann Whitford Paul Award, an Astra International Picture Book Writing Contest award, and a Madness Poetry championship. David and his husband are currently full time world travelers, bird nerds, and YouTubers. In past careers he was a Broadway actor, an educator, and a children’s librarian.
Website: https://www.davidmcmullinbooks.com/welcome/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcmullinpb/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/davidmcmullinpb
And here’s a little bit about illustrator Robbie Cathro from his website:
I am an Illustrator & Storyteller living in Bristol, UK, working from my studio in The Island. I love to make fun, colourful and charismatic work whether that’s for a lively children’s magazine, an editorial piece or even for stories of my own invention. With my work I hope to create a playful composition that translates the mood and atmosphere of the work I’m illustrating! I graduated in 2016 from The University of the West of England with a 1st-Class Honours in (BA Hons) Illustration.
Website: http://www.robbiecathro.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbiecathro/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RobbieCathro
And here are several links for preorders because we all know that one of the best ways we can help a book become successful is to buy copies:
HarperCollins Book Sales
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
And last but not least, here are a couple of other ways we can help:
Review the book on Amazon and other sites
Put the book on your Goodreads WANT TO READ shelf
Tell friends about the book (you can do that by sharing this post on your social media)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection
As always, I’m grateful for all of you who spend your precious time with us here.
May this be a season of light and love for you and the world.
courtesy: http://cleverlearner.com/shapes/diamond-shape-activity.html
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 