Hugs and Hurrahs

Another school year has begun for many of us. Although this year looks different from other years, I am happy and grateful that we still get to celebrate some good news from Michigan authors. 

Lisa Rose's picture book, A ZOMBIE VACATION, was published on September 1, 2020 (illustrated by Angeles Ruiz; Apples & Honey Press). 

So happy for you, Lisa!

Lisa Wheeler’s newest picture book, DINO-THANKSGIVING, came out on September 1st, 2020. Illustrated by Barry Gott, it is the third book in the Dino-Holiday series from the CarolRhodaimprint of Lerner Books. 

Congratulations, Lisa!

 

S. F. Hardy’s picture book, DANCING MONKEYS IN MY SOUP! (illustrated by Stephanie Hider; Shenomenal Ink), was released in English and Spanish on September 1, 2020. A family/educator activity guide is included. 

How exciting!

 

Melanie Hooyenga’s YA contemporary romance, CHASING THE SUN (Left-Handed Mitten Publications), came out August 11. Book one in the Campfire Series, CHASING THE SUN is a lighthearted romance with space puns, Portland shenanigans, and enough feels to totally eclipse your heart.

Good for you, Melanie!

 

Sue Agauas’s MG novel, GRANDMA’S SOCK DRAWER (Why Not Now Children’s Books, LLC),  is now available. A note and a key to Grandma’s “most precise treasure” sends Sukey on wild adventures as she races against time to unravel the mysteries of a puzzling inheritance – a sock drawer – from a grandmother she was forbidden to know.

 

That’s great news, Sue!

 

Lauren Ranalli’s new book, LET'S MEET ON THE MOON, is a story of staying connected when we can't be together, something many of us are experiencing right now. It's her third collaboration with MI-SCBWI illustrator Emily Siwek. Her favorite review so far comes from Julie T. on Instagram, who wrote "I'm pretty sure it's one of the cutest books I've ever seen!" Through September 30th, all pre-ordered signed copies come with limited edition postcards to send to friends near and far (you can use the discount code SCBWI to get 15% off). 

 

How appropriate for the times we’re living in, Lauren!

 

K. J. Long, aka Kelly and Jay, a spousal writing duo, self-published, debut middle grade novel, BRIAR COATS AND THE TUNNEL OF STYX, featuring a main character of color on an underwater adventure, releases as an e-book on October 31, 2020 and will be as a paperback the next day.

 

Very excited for you, Kelly and Jay!

 

Patti Richard's is happy to announce she signed a contract with Blue Whale Press for her picture book, O POSSUM'S PREDICAMENT, about a theatrical possum who is tired of playing dead and wants to play Hamlet instead. Publication is set for fall 2021. Patti also sold a poem to Cricket Media called “In Autumn.” 

 

Happy dancing for you, Patti!

 

Neal Levin’s poem, “Smells Like Chicken Noodle,” which was originally published in Spider, was posted on the Giggle Verse website in June. His poem “A Vampire’s Dilemma” was published in the July 2020 issue of the Australian children’s literary magazine Touchdown (part of The School Magazine).

 

Awesome, Neal!

 

CADY AND THE BEAR NECKLACE, by Ann Dallman (Three Towers Press/Henschel Haus Books) is the winner of a 2020 Midwest Book Award (Young Adult category). The book was also a Silver Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and has recently won a Michigan State History Award. Dallman was also recently awarded a Member for Members Scholarship from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators/MI Chapter. Readers’ Favorite has given the book a Five-Star Review and it is included in the Top Ten of the U.P. Notable Books List. Her book tells the story of a 13-year-old Native American girl who finds an antique Indian beaded necklace in her new home in Michigan, leading her to solve a mystery that improves her personal and family life.

 

That’s fantastic, Ann!

 

Paulette Sharkey’s debut picture book, A DOLL FOR GRANDMA: A STORY ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (illustrated by Samantha Woo; Beaming Books, 2020), was included in Red Tricycle's list of The Best New Kids' Books of 2020, So Far.

 

Well done, Paulette!

 

Kirbi Fagan signed with an agent, Kayla Cichello at Upstart Crow. 

 

That’s fabulous news, Kirbi!

 

Arcadia Children's Publishing has just released Diane Telgen’sfirst two middle-grade books, THE GHOSTLY TALES OF MICHIGAN’S WEST COASTand THE GHOSTLY TALES OF PITTSBURGH (signed copies available from her website). These collections combine legends of the supernatural with local history, and are lots of spooky fun! 

 

 Thanks for sharing your good news!

 

A big hug and hurrah for all of you! Stay well, everyone! Please send all your good news to Sarah Prusoff LoCascio at Sarah.Prusoff.LoCascio@gmail.com for the next Hugs and Hurrahs post.