Perfect Picture Book Friday: A FOREST BEGINS ANEW Plus Giveaway

Posted on May 8, 2026 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I was thrilled when author Louise Aamodt reached out to tell me about the upcoming launch of her debut picture book (in just a few days on May 12). She reminded me that I had done a manuscript critique for her many years ago…and now she has several other books in the pipeline…not that I had anything to do with that…that is all Louise’s talented writing! But I love to hear stories of dedication that leads to success…and I know that all of you do, too. And happily, Louise stopped by to share the story behind the story…PLUS…there is a GIVEAWAY. Make sure you scroll to the end of the post and leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway…and PLEASE, share the post on your social media to help get the word out about this absolutely beautiful book!

A FOREST BEGINS ANEW

Written by Louise M. Aamodt

Illustrated by Elly McKay

Published by Astra Books for Young Readers (May 12, 2026)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Ecology, Forest Rebirth, Hope

Synopsis: Told through lyrical rhyme and stunning 3D cut-paper illustrations, this is the captivating story of a forest’s renewal as it goes from ashes to new growth in the aftermath of a sweeping forest fire.

Set against the backdrop of a devastating forest fire, A Forest Begins Anew unfolds the life cycle of a particularly resilient ecosystem. As smoke jumpers leap from planes and pinecones eventually unseal from the heat of the fire, the story poetically weaves the effects of a forest fire into a vibrant tapestry that reveals a delicate balance between destruction and renewal.

Back matter containing fascinating facts and further reading portrays forest fires not just as destructive forces but as catalysts for growth and rebirth. With its lyrical rhyming text and breathtaking illustrations, A Forest Begins Anew honors nature’s ability to survive against the odds.

WHY I LOVE THIS BOOK
1. I love books that help young readers develop a love of and an appreciation for the wonders of nature.
2. I love books that engage readers with lyrical text…this one is in rhyme…and it is SO GOOD!
3. I love books where the art is such a large part of the story…with illustrations that keep readers turning the pages…and with art that embraces unique media choices.

ME: And now we are so lucky, because Louise is here to chat with us! Welcome to Picture Books Help Kids Soar, Louise…and this book, filled with optimism and hope, is sure to help many kids soar. Please share a little bit about the book and why you wrote it.

LOUISE:
My curious brain never quiets down, so when I came across a few sentences stating that fires can lead to beetles, then woodpeckers, then bluebirds, I needed to know more about that cause-effect relationship. The deeper I dove, the more I felt compelled to share this information with young people, including ‘good’ versus ‘bad’ fires, the balance of nature, and an overall message of cooperation, renewal, and– ultimately– hope.

A humorous incident on the path to publication:

The week my editor was ready for the first round of edits, I was volunteering at Boy Scout summer camp. After making sure the kids didn’t have any bear-attracting snacks in their tents for the night, I’d hike through the dark up to the main camp headquarters to pick up wifi for a surface-level initial fact-check and to download any editor’s comments. Then I’d hike back and padlock my laptop inside the troop’s trailer. The next day, I’d get the boys situated practicing their first aid or fire starting skills, and then I’d draft new stanzas in my ratty notebook. As zany as the process was, it was also the perfect setting to work on a forest story.

The book has been so well-received…here’s a glowing review from Kirkus:

“A devastating wildfire transforms into a story of ecological resilience and hope in this lyrical meditation on nature’s capacity for renewal… A beautiful testament to nature’s—and our own—ability to flourish after devastation.”

Read the full review here.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Louise M. Aamodt (rhymes with ‘comet’) has taught English Learners in public schools for over 25 years. As both a writer and a teacher, she loves igniting curiosity and making complicated concepts accessible. She can be found in the kids’ section of the library, or out watching bugs somewhere. Learn more about her debut picture book, A FOREST BEGINS ANEW, at https://www.LouiseAamodt.com.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Elly MacKay is an acclaimed paper artist and award-winning children’s bookmaker. She is the author and illustrator of a number of picture books. Before pursuing a career in picture books, she taught in schools and was an educator in galleries. Elly lives in the winter kingdom of Owen Sound, Ontario, where she and her family often search for snow dragons in the gardens and fields nearby.

Social media links
Website
Author’s Facebook
Goodreads
Bluesky
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ME: Thank you so much, Louise. We love hearing how beautiful books get their start!
And now, dear friends, make sure you leave a comment and share on social media to help this beautiful book become a success…and as you help the book, you’ll be qualifying for a chance to win a copy of A FOREST BEGINS ANEW.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Please come back on Sunday for a SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY blog post that will share the many amazing #50PreciousWordsforKids submissions from all over the country and a few from other countries!

Cover Reveal: THE OCEAN’S HEART: The Tiny Creatures Essential to Life

Posted on September 15, 2025 by viviankirkfield

Hip hip hooray!!! Time to lift the curtain and REVEAL a beautiful new picture book COVER!

And this one is for a dear friend, author Jilanne Hoffman who has a new book launching March 3, 2026 from Millbrook Press, illustrated by the amazing Khoa Le.

TA-DA!!!

There is so much we don’t know about the oceans…and just look at this cover!!!! It hints at the mysteries that still are yet to be explored.
And we are so lucky because Jilanne stopped by to share a little bit about the book and why she wrote it.
ME: Welcome, Jilanne! Thank you so much for stopping by. Can you tell us a little bit about the book…and the story behind the story?

JILANNE: Thank you for having me, Vivian. It’s great to be here on Picture Books Help Kids Soar. I’d love to tell you a little bit about the bookAnd here’s

Plunge far below the ocean’s surface where billions of restless animals called zooplankton (including jellyfish) dwell in the Twilight Zone. Some are tiny, some enormous, and most are exquisitely beautiful. The setting sun cues their journey to surface waters for a midnight feast on trillions of tiny plants (and each other). It’s a daunting, perilous, nightly migration that transforms the dark ocean into a carnival of lights amidst a feeding frenzy in this eat before being eaten world—a journey that’s vital to all life on Earth.

And here’s what inspired me to write the story:

When I was writing A River of Dust, I discovered that NASA’s CALIPSO satellite not only measured the North African dust that flies across the Atlantic, it also recorded the massive nightly migration of zooplankton in the ocean. First, I was astounded that a satellite could do this, but then as I learned more about these delicate, beautiful animals, and that they’re in danger, I knew I had to share what I’d learned with kids. The marine biologist from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) who reviewed THE OCEAN’S HEART at every step, Dr. Steven Haddock, was extraordinarily helpful. He’s taken blackwater photos of many of the creatures shown in the book (some that are so new to scientists, they have not yet been named). In fact, Khoa used MBARI photos and videos extensively to inform her illustrations since the action of the story is based in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. And the luminous illustration used on both end papers is based on a satellite view of the bay. I also want to add that Haddock has a coffee table book (co-authored with Sönke Johnsen), called THE RADIANT SEA: Color and Light in the Underwater World, hot off the presses from Abrams. It features such stunning photography of these creatures, I knew I had to own it, and I plan to use it during school visits.

No path to publication is totally smooth.
The manuscript had been out on submission for some time, and most editors said they liked the story but “didn’t have a vision” for how to turn the manuscript into a picture book, so they had passed. One of my longtime critique partners, Katy Tanis— a terrific illustrator—was getting frustrated with these responses, because, to her, it was obvious. So she put together a “vision board” using a variety of images from other books. It was amazing. When Carol Hinz expressed interest in the book, but said something similar, I asked my agent to send her what Katy had pulled together. Carol liked what she saw, and decided it was doable. So that clinched the deal.

Jilanne’s bio: Jilanne Hoffmann is an industrial engineer turned author with an MFA in creative writing. Her children’s books focus on the environment, natural wonders, and how we’re all connected on this tiny blue planet. In addition to THE OCEAN’S HEART, Jilanne has a middle grade novel in prose and verse, HEARTLAND, forthcoming from Little Brown in July 2026. Her published books include A River of Dust: The Life-giving Link Between North Africa and the Amazon (2023), which received a PW starred review, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, a Crystal Kite, was named an ALA Notable and Bank Street Best for 2024, and received the Louis J. Battan Author Award (K-12) from the American Meteorological Society. She’s also the author of two nonfiction board books for young explorers, Happy Camper (Amazon editor’s pick) and The Honey Bear Hive. Jilanne lives on the California coast with her husband, son, and rescue dog. For more info check out her linktree.

Khoa’s bio: Khoa Le is the author and illustrator of numerous picture books. Alongside Khoa’s love for reading, art, and music, she draws inspiration from her travels, discovering the beauty of the world—particularly through her deep love for the ocean and all things connected to it. Khoa finds peace in her small studio in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, accompanied by her beloved cats, and she also cherishes the tranquility of nature. See more of Khoa’s work on her website.

PREORDER LINK for signed copies, bookmarks and stickers from my local indie,Noe Valley Bookstore. If you would like it personalized, please put instructions in the note during checkout. Those who order through my local indie will receive bookmarks, stickers, and CALIPSO satellite magnets.

Thank you so much, dear Jilanne, for sharing all of this with us. I’m so excited for this beautiful book! It’s coming out right during #50PreciousWords…that’s so exciting.

And, dear blog readers, we all know how we can help books like this one become a success and get into the hands of the young people who need them. We can:

Ask our local library to purchase copies
Tell friends about the book (Please share this on social media)
Review the book on Amazon, B&N or other review sites

BUY THE BOOK:

Preorder Link for Bookshop.org
Preorder Link for Barnes & Noble
Preorder Link for Amazon

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

Perfect Picture Book Friday: LIZARD INVASION

Posted on August 15, 2025 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I always love featuring books that entertain and educate…and when they are written by dear kid lit folks I have met in person, that makes it even more enjoyable! Author Marta Magellan and I met at NCTE in Boston last November…and it was wonderful! And so, when I discovered that one of her books has been updated, I knew I’d want to share it with you. PLUS, Marta stopped by to share the story behind the story.

Written by Marta Magellan

Illustrated by Mauro Magellan

Published by Eifrig (Update printing September 15, 2025

Ages: 5 and up

Themes: Lizards, Animal Habitat, STEM

Why I Love This Book:
1. I love books that entertain and educate – books that spark a child’s interest and get them to want to know more!
2. I love books that can be enjoyed at home as well as used in the classroom!
3. I love books that provide young readers with great illustrations and photos!

And now the promised treat…a visit from author Marta.
Welcome, my friend! Thank you for stopping by to chat with us. Can you tell us a little bit about the book…and how it came to be?

MARTA: Thank you so much, Vivian. I’m so happy to visit Picture Books Help Kids Soar.
Synopsis:
The little green lizard called the Carolina or green anole is the only native anole in the United States, and it is in trouble. An invasion of lizards from other countries is taking their territory, eating their eggs, even eating them. Green anoles are important to gardens and forests because they are unintentional pollinators. As they search for insects to eat, they spread pollen and help plants grow. Green anoles belong here, but the invading lizards moving into Florida from other areas are more aggressive. Will the little green anole survive?

How I came to write the book:

For some reason, I love watching lizards. I even had several lizards for pets until I decided wild animals belong in the wild. Back in 2009, I wrote a book titled Those Lively Lizards for Pineapple Press, a Florida regional publishing house. A librarian in the north of Florida found it on her stack and suggested it be used for a summer workshop called Nature Detectives, sponsored by the St. Augustine Garden Club. They invited me to present the book. The St. Augustine Garden Club gave each child a plant, and they were willing to buy the kids who attended a book, too. Those Lively Lizards was about all types of lizards from anoles to Komodo dragons, and my presentation had nothing to do with pollination (which is what they wanted). So my book just wasn’t quite right for them (I had heard that before–the story of my writing life–“it’s not the right fit for us” LOL).

Five years later, the director of the program wrote to me again. She wanted a book solely on anoles, the small kinds that unintentionally pollinate plants, and she asked me to recommend one. I could not find any still in print. A small independent publisher, Eifrig Publishing (a PAL publisher with SCBWI), had just published my picture book, The Nutty Little Vulture, which my brother, Mauro Magellan had illustrated. I proposed a book about anoles to Penny Eifrig, and she said she would publish it with a caveat “…if Mauro illustrates it.” Anole Invasion was published in 2019. Since then, every book but one that I wrote for Eifrig Publishing has been illustrated by Mauro (interspersed with photographs). Together we have created several books about pollinators, and the garden club always uses them for their Nature Detectives workshops. He also illustrated one we wrote for Pineapple Press, Python Catchers, Saving the Everglades, about the Burmese python invasion.

Why an update?

Five years after using Anole Invasion in the St. Johns County libraries, the director of the Nature Detectives workshops, Cathy Snyder, wrote that she wanted to use it again (they usually bought from 200-250 copies). In those short few years, Florida has been overrun with nonnative reptiles. You might have heard about the Burmese pythons that invaded the Everglades, but all kinds of reptiles now call Florida home. Because Eifrig is a small publisher, she had run out of copies of the original, so she agreed to update the book when Cathy Snyder suggested it. The person listed as Science Editor, Kirsten Hines, is a herpetologist, who is environmentally focused, and she once again vetted the manuscript. We changed the title to Lizard Invasion because now all kinds of lizards are invading the little native lizard’s territory, not just anoles. My brother also redesigned the cover to be bolder and cleaner, and the publisher listed it and got a new ISBN number. Those leaves are design elements; I don’t think Mauro illustrated them. He illustrated the lizards on page 4, 10, 15, 19, 20, 23, and the cover. I am attaching a photo of both of us if you need it.

Other information:

The only one of the Eifrig books Mauro did not illustrate was Amazing, Misunderstood Bats, which sold to schools and even to use as a mentor text in an education class at Columbia University. Although Eifrig Publishing is a very small publisher, it has been delightful writing for Penny Eifrig. I love presenting the pollinator books to children all over Florida, and especially to the Nature Detectives workshops. The kids enjoy getting a new book, signed by the author and a plant to boot. It’s a great program.

Bios:

Author Marta Magellan and Illustrator Mauro Magellan are a brother and sister team who have collaborated on picture books focused on conservation and wildlife. Almost all their books have won honors from Eureka! Nonfiction Award, Green Earth Book Award, Florida Book Award Bronze, Crystal Kite and more. Marta spent most of her career teaching English Composition, Creative Writing and as advisor to the literary magazine at Miami Dade College. Now she writes full time. Mauro is a songwriter as well as an author, illustrator, and drummer with the band Dan Baird and Homemade Sin.

Lizard Invasion will be in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble September 15. It is also available in print in advance on the Eifrig website from June 15.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lizard-Invasion-Floridas-Little-Survival/dp/1632334062/ (until Sept. 14, Kindle only)

Amazon link for the paperback updated version which should be available Septembeer 15.

Eifrig Publishing: https://www.eifrigpublishing.com/products/anole-invasion

Thank you all for spending your precious time with us. If you love the books that are featured here, I hope you will help them become successful. You can:
Buy the book
Review the book
Tell friends about the book (Please share this post on social media)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!