Hugs and Hurrahs

Hello again, everyone! Well, the end of the school year was different this year, but we’ve made it to summer. I hope you’re all enjoying the nice weather! I’m so glad to be able to celebrate all this good news today.

Neal Levin’s poem “Brother For Sale” is posted on GiggleVerse.com, a new website developed by Kenn Nesbitt, featuring “the funniest kids’ poems in the universe.” The website is meant to encourage children to read by providing them with new funny poems from writers all over the world, every weekday, on the website and by email. You can also find more of his poems here.

How cool, Neal!

Kristin Lenz's YA short story, “Spontaneous Combustion,” was a runner-up in the WOW! Women On Writing 2020 Winter Flash Fiction contest. You can read Kristin's story and find the other winners/finalists here.

That’s fantastic, Kristin!

Suzanne Jacobs Lipshawis celebrating signing two contracts. The first with Doodle and Peck Publishingfor the publication of her nonfiction picture book MIGHTY MAHI (working title) releasing fall 2022. The second with Professional Youth Theatre of Michiganwho are adapting her debut picture book I CAMPAIGNED FOR ICE CREAMinto a musical.

I can’t wait to see it, Suzanne!

Julie Wenzlick recently published her fourth rhyming picture book in a series about sisters Annabelle and Maisie, Julie's granddaughters. Her newest book, THE DREAM WAR: ANNABELLE VS. MAISIE (Illustrations by Jaime Buckley), is a tale of competitive sisters who seek parental attention by making up wild dreams in a battle of wit and imagination.  A companion coloring book is also available. A preview of the book can be seen here. 

How sweet, Julie!

Rachel Anderson’s debut MG historical fiction novel THE PUPPY PREDICAMENT (Late November Literary) was released in April. Eleven-year-old Emily Hanover is determined to secretly rescue a litter of mutts that her neighbor doesn’t want in this novel set in a small town in Michigan in the mid-1960s. 

Good for you, Rachel!

Lisa Rose won the PJ Library Author Incentive Award for her picture book A ZOMBIE VACATION illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz (Apples & Honey Press), which will be released on September 1.

That’s great news, Lisa!

Lisa Wheeler sold a picture book titled BABY SHOWER to Lauri Hornik at Dial. The book will come out in 2022 and be illustrated by Charlie Alder.

Congratulations, Lisa!

Kirbi Fagan and Deb Pilutti received a merit award from the 3x3. "The 3x3 is the first publication devoted entirely to the art of contemporary illustration. Published in the United States and distributed worldwide, our sole interest is in sharing what's shaping international illustration. Our mission is to preserve, protect and promote illustration in all its forms. Merit winners must have received a majority of our judge’s votes."

Hurrah for both of you!

David Stricklen’s book RIPLEY ROBINSON AND THE WORM CHARMERhas a new cover jacket. 

Looks great, David!

Stay well and happy writing, everyone! Please send all your good news to Sarah Prusoff LoCascio at Sarah.Prusoff.LoCascio@gmail.comfor the next Hugs and Hurrahs post.