The Weekly 411 (7/30/21)

July 30, 2021 vol. 31

The Weekly 411 gathers all the links added to Kidlit411 each week. To receive this post by email, sign up for our email updates. Are you on Facebook? Join our Kidlit411 group for conversations & camaraderie. This week's illustration is by Tharushi Nanayakkara.

Author Spotlights

We are excited to feature author Vivian McInerny and her debut picture book The Whole Hole Story illustrated by Ken Lamug (Versify Jan. 2021) Enter to win a copy!

We are excited to feature author Laura Rueckert and her YA novel, A Dragonbird in the Fern (Flux, August 3, 2021) Enter to win a copy!

cover design by Sarah Taplin

Picture Book Giveaway

We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, The Grasshopper and the Owl, by Namrata Agarwal, illustrated by Lisa Wee (ABV 2020). Enter to win in the Rafflecopter below.

About the story: This story takes us to the natural habitat of the Grasshopper whose courage and intelligence help him outsmart the Owl and escape to safety.

About the Author: Namrata Agarwal is a children’s book writer. She has written picture books - Misha series and The Grasshopper and the Owl. She has also written for children’s magazines. Her debut book was awarded the Purple DragonFly award. She lives in NJ with her two kids and husband. In her spare time she enjoys reading and cooking food. Twitter @namrataagarwal Instagram: Namrata Agarwal Singhal (@namrata.writer) • Instagram photos and videos

About the Illustrator: Lisa Wee is the debut author/illustrator of Li Na is My Name (Dixi Books, 2022). Her other published work is a comic story, Sokoro’s dream for Mighty Kind magazine, Fall issue 2021. Lisa has illustrated numerous picture books for fabulous publishers and self published authors. Her quint, quirky and vibrant illustrations depict diversity and inclusivity. She believes in celebrating all kinds of children from adoption, same sex to blended families Website: abvpublishing.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Middle-Grade Giveaway

We are excited to host a giveaway of a signed copy of Kidlit411 co-founder Sylvia Liu's middle-grade novel, Manatee's Best Friend (Scholastic), coming out August 3. Enter to win in the Rafflecopter below. CONGRATULATIONS, SYLVIA!

cover art by Scott Dorman, design by Stephanie Yang

About the book: Becca Wong Walker may be so shy that most people at school think she doesn't speak at all, but why should she care? She has more important things to worry about. Missy, the manatee who visits the dock in Becca's backyard, and Becca's only friend, hasn't been seen for a long time. When Missy finally does return, she has a new baby with her! Becca wants to be excited, but more than ever inconsiderate boaters are speeding through the river, putting the lives of Missy and her baby in terrible danger.

One day, Becca spots a dolphin in the river too! By bonding over the dolphin and manatees, Becca finally starts to make friends at school. But when Becca takes a video that goes viral, it seems like it will be harder than ever to save the manatees... and trying might just tear Becca's new friendships apart.

About the author: Sylvia Liu is a middle grade and picture book author inspired by oceans, cephalopods, and kraken. Her picture book, A Morning with Grandpa, illustrated by Christina Forshay, won the Lee & Low New Voices Award. Sylvia is the co-founder of the author resource website Kidlit411. She grew up in Caracas, Venezuela and spent a decade as an environmental attorney protecting oceans at the U.S. Department of Justice and the nonprofit Oceana. She lives in Virginia with her family and a floofy cat.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contests & Awards

Aug 15 Lee & Low New Voices Award

What: enter your picture book manuscript addressing the needs of children of color or Native nations
Who: writers of color and Indigenous/Native writers who are residents of the U.S. and over 18, no previously traditionally-published picture books; un-agented
Prize: publication contract + $2,000; Honor award $1,000

Aug 15 Lee & Low New Visions Award

What: enter your MG or YA manuscript addressing the needs of children of color or Native nations
Who: writers of color and Indigenous/Native writers who are residents of the U.S. and over 18, no previously traditionally-published picture books; un-agented
Prize: publication contract + $2,000; Honor award $1,000

Submissions: Agents & Editors

7 Agents Seeking Children’s Books: Picture Books, Middle Grade and Young Adult

Reasons Why You Don't Need to Get an Agent

Should I Submit to Editors First

How to Research a Literary Agent

Picture Books

Character Arcs for Your Children's Books

What Makes a Good Ending?

Middle Grade

How to Write A Good Ending to a Story

Writing a Middle-grade Masterpiece Ain't Easy!

Creating Middle Grade Characters