Hugs and Hurrahs

Kids (and teachers) in Michigan are back at school and we’re back with another Hugs and Hurrahs post to celebrate the good news of some of our members.

 

Jay Whistler’s debut MG, THE GHOSTLY TALES OF SAN ANTONIO (Arcadia), released on August 2, 2021. For autographed copies, people can contact Jay by e-mail.

Congratulations, Jay!

 

Kinyel Friday’s SWIM LIKE THE FISHES ACTIVITY BOOK was published in August 2021. This book accompanies SWIM LIKE THE FISHES, which was published in June 2021.

How fun, Kinyel!

 

Ian Tadashi Moore finished up almost a year of production recording, editing, composing, and mastering an immersive audiobook experience as a companion to his latest book, WHERE ALL THE LITTLE THINGS LIVE.

Awesome, Ian!

Paulette Sharkey’s debut picture book, A DOLL FOR GRANDMA (Beaming Books, 2020) won an Honorable Mention Award in the Family Matters category of the 2021 Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Book Contest. It was also named a 2021 Best Children’s Book for ages 5-9 by Bank Street College of Education.

That’s great news Paulette!

Sonya Bernard-Hollins’ work as the founder of the Merze Tate Explorers has been featured in THE MITTEN in the past. She wanted to share how the networking opportunities she has found via SCBWI have helped her and the youth that she serves: She attended an online session with illustrators of SCBWI (Michigan) during our state conference and was so impressed with Brittany "Bea" Jackson that she immediately reached out to her. Brittany’s work as the illustrator of PARKER LOOKS UP by Parker and Jessica Curry (Aladdin) and the story of her journey was something Sonya wanted to share with the Explorers. Brittany accepted the call and met with the girls during their summer day camp on August 18th.  Not only did the Explorers meet a bestselling illustrator, but they met an amazing new role model who shared her career.

What a great connection to make and a wonderful opportunity for the Explorers!

 

A big hug and hurrah for all of you! Please send your good news for the next Hugs and Hurrahs post to sarah.prusoff.locascio@gmail.com.