I’m definitely dancing today! It was just a year ago that I featured author/illustrator Benson Shum on Will Write and Illustrate for Cookies. We were celebrating the release of his picture book, ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU. And guess what? Today is the launch of the sequel: ANZU, THE GREAT LISTENER! Hold onto your hats, dear friends…Benson shares a bit about his path to publication for this book…and at the end of the post, you can leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of the new book, plus some book swag!!!
I’m probably one of the luckiest people in the world – when friends have new books coming out, they often ask if I can help them celebrate with a book birthday post. But before the book launches, there is another special day…the day of the COVER REVEAL! And we are so fortunate to get that first peek of WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW right here! Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa, and published by Barefoot Books, this wonderful SEL story launches on March 7, 2023.
Grab a box of tissues, dear friends…we are singing Happy Book Birthday to a new book that will touch your heart!
Written by Gretchen McLellan – Illustrated by EG Keller – Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
I absolutely love the cover – and the story is so heartfelt…kid-friendly and relatable! Here’s a few words about the book from the Amazon sales page:
A lyrical, moving story about a family’s experience at home during their dad’s time away at war.
For one young boy and his family at home, the days pass slowly. That’s because when your daddy’s a soldier and he’s away at war, you can’t wait for him to come home so you can be together again.  This poignant and impactful story, inspired by the author’s lived experiences, captures the essence of the daily heartache, fear, joy, and uncertainty that a child whose parent has gone off to war must live with.Â
When new books launch, there are a few things we can do to help: 1. Buy a copy – for yourself or a friend or to donate to a children’s hospital, women’s shelter, or other worthy organization. 2. Review the book – on Amazon or Goodreads…reviews really do help books and their authors and illustrators. 3. Tell friends about the book. 4. Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.
Please make sure you leave a comment – awesome author Gretchen is offering a giveaway of a copy of this beautiful SEL book. And I hope you all have a wonderful week.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 