Welcome to the first Hugs and Hurrahs of 2025!

Patti Richards is excited to announce she signed a contract with The Little Press/Bless This Press for her second picture book, Then God Whispered: A Big Story About Little Things (Spring 2027). Patti also had her poem, “Snow Quiet,” in the November/December 2024 issue of Highlights High Five.

Congratulations, Patti!

Last fall, Melanie Hooyenga signed with Michelle Grajkowski at 3 Seas Literary Agency!

We're delighted for you, Melanie!

Laura Stewart has a book, Clucky's Week, releasing November 2025 with Lawley Kids as well as another titled Orchestra for Oliver being published by Pauline Media Press in spring of 2026.

Congratulations times two, Laura!

Jay Whistler is happy to share her YA short story, "The Three-Eyed Tree," appeared in the October 2024 issue of the online zine, The Quiet Ones. The story deals with mental health, family dynamics, and the struggle to trust your own instincts when everyone dismisses you. Find it on page 33 at https://wearethequietones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/The-Quiet-Ones-Annual-2024-Edition.pdf

Way to go, Jay!

Jacquie Sewell’s manuscript, Explore the Deep Sea: From A to Z, won SCBWI’s 2024 Work-in-Progress Award in the Nonfiction category! "My journey to the deep ocean has been filled with wonderful discoveries and fascinating creatures I'm excited to share with young readers (hopefully soon!). The WIP Grant is a huge step in realizing that dream. Thank you SCBWI for all you do to support writers and illustrators!"

How wonderful, Jacquie!

Congratulations again to these tenacious and talented Michigan writers!

Please send your own good news to Alison Hodgson (aewhodgson@gmail.com) for the next Hugs and Hurrahs post!