Hugs and Hurrahs

I think for most of us the world seems a little strange under the “Stay home, stay safe” policy. Although almost all in-person meetings and events have been canceled, I feel so fortunate to still be able to virtually celebrate so much good news from our wonderful Michigan authors and illustrators today. I hope that you all stay well and are able to cuddle up at home to do some reading (and writing and illustrating).

Kat Harrison's debut picture book SURGERY ON SUNDAY illustrated by Shane Crampton (Warren Publishing) launches today, March 27. Sunday is nervous about her upcoming ear surgery. When surgery day rolls around, Sunday’s stomach is in knots like a triple-tied shoelace. But thankfully, she has her BFF, Octavia the Octopus by her side. With the additional help of a few “rules,” her parents, kind doctors and nurses, she soon learns surgery isn’t so scary after all. SURGERY ON SUNDAY teaches kids they can be brave, even when it’s hard.

Happy book birthday, Kat!

Patti Richards has recently signed a two-book deal with Little Lamb Books for her picture books, MRS. NOAH and MILLIE'S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE. The release dates are fall 2021 and 2022. You can read more about each book here:

https://littlelambbooks.com/2020/03/welcome-our-newest-childrens-author-patricia-richards/ 

Big congratulations to Patti (who was my predecessor as the Hugs and Hurrahs editor)!

Lori Taylor is planning to release her new picture book THE WHOPPER OF WHOOPEE LAKE this May with Bear Track Press. It will be available on https://loritaylorart.com/books-2/. She has a new YouTube channel, BOOK ARTS with Lori Taylor, that covers literacy through handmade book arts, writing, and illustrating, as well as the business of Indie publishing. She is holding a Summertime Book Art Contest with a Memorial Day deadline. If she gets 100 subscribers, someone will win a unique camping book art piece made by Lori. The videos are for homeschoolers, educators, and parents so that they can share the info with kids.

That’s so cool, Lori!

Neal Levin’s short story “The Bigwigs’ Bad Hair Day” is in the January 2020 issue of Highlights. His poem “Pets Rock!” was posted on Reading Unlocked, a British educational website that helps young readers and people with dyslexia learn to read. His poem “Middle March” was published in the March 2020 issue of Highlights For Children.

Good for you, Neal!

Kristiana Y. Sfirlea signed her first book contract! Her spooky MG fantasy LEGEND OF THE STORM SNEEZER will be releasing in Spring 2020 from Monster Ivy Publishing.

So excited for you, Kristiana!

Shutta Crum's first book of poetry (for adult readers) is just out from Kelsay Books, titled WHEN YOU GET HERE. It brings together a number of previously published poems as well as several new ones.

Well done, Shutta!

Joe Kimble’spicture book MR. MOUTHFUL LEARNS HIS LESSON (illustrated by Kerry Bell; Iguana Books) received the seal of approval from the National Parenting Center. They described it as "superb" and  "a book that you will fall in love with." Michigan Public Radio has listed it among books by Michigan authors to help kids get through these days of "social distancing." 

Congratulations, Joe!

Lori McElrath Eslick’s work is in the Mazza Museum’s traveling exhibit titled MILES OF BRAVERY: The Underground Railroad through Picture Book Art at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH, March 6 – May 16, 2020.

That sounds like an interesting exhibit! I hope the museum re-opens soon!

The Muskegon Museum of Art’s exhibit 20 for 20: Celebrating Michigan Illustrators exhibit features many of 20 our local illustrators. Even though the galleries are closed right now, there is a video tour available on their website. The artists include:

Jeffery Brown
Dave Coverly
Lori Eslick
Brianne Farley
Leslie Helakoski
Rebecca Howe
Laurie Keller
Sara Kendall
Amy Nielander
Deb Pilutti
Patricia Polacco
Corinne Roberts
Robert Sabuda
Heidi Woodward Sheffield
David Small
Jane Stoepker
Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
Heather Workman
Amy Young
Aaron Zenz

A big (socially distant) hug and hurrah again to each of you! Please send all your good news to Sarah Prusoff LoCascio at Sarah.Prusoff.LoCascio@gmail.com for the next Hugs and Hurrahs post!