The Weekly 411 (10/30/20)

Oct. 30, 2020 vol. 44

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 Charlene Chua.

COVER REVEAL

& ILLUSTRATOR CRITIQUE GIVEAWAY

We are excited to have a special cover reveal for the picture book JULIUS AND MACY: A VERY BRAVE KNIGHT, by Annelouise Mahoney (Two Lions), out on April 1, 2021.

To celebrate, enter to win a critique of a picture book dummy or portfolio from Annelouise Mahoney!

Isn't it adorable?

About the book: Most nights, Julius and Macy like to play heroes. Julius pretends he's the defender of the forest while Macy has a quieter strength. When the snack disappears, they decide to track down the only one who could have taken it: the Night Goblin. Both of them have to be brave in their own way, and they ultimately discover that the real thief isn't anything like they imagined. With endearing characters, this gently told tale reminds us that we each have courage within us and that kindness can make all the difference.

About the author-illustrator:

Annelouise has worked in animation and comics before diving into the world of children's books. JULIUS AND MACY: A VERY BRAVE KNIGHT is inspired by the depths of her daughters’ friendships and the many ways they are brave, especially with someone on their side. She loves to explore the forest, can’t resist a cave, and has a lot of love for all those named Julius in her life.

Pre-order a copy of JULIUS AND MACY here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

We are excited to feature author Norene Paulson and her debut picture book, BENNY'S TRUE COLORS, illustrated by Anne Passchier (Imprint), coming out Nov. 17, 2020. Enter to win a copy (US and Canada only)!

PICTURE BOOK GIVEAWAY

We're excited to have a special picture book giveaway of WOODLAND DREAMS, by Karen Jameson, illustrated by Marc Boutavant (Chronicle Books, Oct. 27, 2020). Enter to win a copy by using the Rafflecopter below!

About the book: In WOODLAND DREAMS, young readers say goodnight to beloved woodland animals as they prepare to sleep. This sweet bedtime book is at once a picture book and a lullaby, pairing familiar bedtime routines with nonfiction elements. From the fox curling up in her den to the turtle dozing off in his shell, WOODLAND DREAMS will send your little one off to sleep with a gentle and loving goodnight.

About the author: Karen Jameson is the author of MOON BABIES (Putnam, 2019) and WOODLAND DREAMS (Chronicle, 2020). Upcoming titles include FARM LULLABY and WHERE WEE ONES GO (Chronicle, 2021 & 2022). More stories are in the works! Lover of books, wildflowers, farmers’ markets and everything chocolate, Karen writes from sunny Southern California.

About the illustrator: Marc Boutavant has illustrated a wide range of books and games, including AROUND THE WORLD WITH MOUK; BARKUS, the AROUND THE WORLD PUZZLE; and the SKY-HIGH BUILDING PUZZLE. His work has also appeared in the New York Times and the New Yorker. He lives in Paris, France.

Buy a copy of WOODLAND DREAMS here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For Writers

Filter Words

10 Fixes to the Most Common Plot Problems in Novels

The Midpoint as the Swivel Point of Your Plot's Linked Structure

Contests & Awards

Oct 31 10th Annual Halloweensie Contest

What: post a 100-word or shorter Halloween-themed story, using the words skeleton, creep, and mask
Prizes: picture books and critiques from PB authors

Nov. 15 Tin House YA Workshop

What: apply to conference with agents and YA authors
Who: anyone with a complete unpublished YA manuscript
Award: a place in the conference, which costs $600. Scholarships available.

April 30, 2021 Astra International Picture Book Contest

What: enter a picture book manuscript under 1000 words, not previously published or under consideration anywhere else
Who: anyone over 21
Prize: cash prizes $10,000, $5,000, $1,000 contingent on agreeing to giving publisher a one-year priority option to publish the book

Freelance Editors & Critiques

Lou Piccolo

Critique Groups

Five Tips for Using Feedback Productively

Legal Resources for Creatives

Fair Practices for Collecting Information From Children and COPPA Compliance

Conferences, Workshops & Retreats

July 11-17, 2021 Master Skills Workshop with Editor Patti Gauch and Author Gary D Schmidt - Former editorial director of Philomel Books Patti Gauch and ward-winning MG & YA author Gary Schmidt will do a deep dive into writing novels for children. Online and in person component is available. (Lexington, MI)

Marketing & Creating a Platform

Creating an Author Success Map: Why Reasonable Expectations Can Help Build Your Author Brand

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