The Weekly 411 (8/15/25)

 

© Mary Pat Kanaley

Aug. 8, 2025 vol. 33

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 and camaraderie. We can also be found on Bluesky. This week's illustration is by Mary Pat Kanaley.

Middle Grade Giveaway

We are pleased to host a giveaway of Into the Wild, the first book in the "Wolf Girl" series, by Anh Do (HarperCollins). Enter to win a copy via the Rafflecopter below.

About the Book: This is a thrilling new paperback original, middle grade trilogy about a young girl, separated from her family, who has to learn how to survive with only her new canine found family by her side --- from the Australian bestselling author of The Happiest Refugee, actor, Dancing with the Stars runner-up, and stand-up comedian Anh Do.

 

When disaster separates Gwen from her family, she must fend for herself, all alone in the wilderness. Luckily, she’s not alone for long…after a wolf puppy, a Labrador, a Chihuahua, and a greyhound save her life, Gwen discovers talents she didn’t know she possessed. But it will take Gwen and her new friends all of their skills and strength just to survive. Will she follow her instincts and become the one and only…Wolf Girl?

 

About the Author: Anh Do is a comedian, artist, and one of the highest-selling Australian authors of all time. He is a prolific author with an incredible thirty-seven books to his name—and counting! Along with the "WeirDo" books, some of the most popular Anh Do books include The Happiest Refugee, for which Do won the Australian Independent Booksellers Book of the Year in 2011, and the "Wolf Girl" kids’ adventure series.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Picture Book Giveaway

 

We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Gilbert the Ghost by Heather Stigall, illustrated by Jess Mason (Beaming Books), out on August 19. Enter to win a copy via the Rafflecopter below.

About the Book: The ghost at 632 Savannah Street is real . . . right?

 

Gilbert often feels invisible, just like the ghost living at 632 Savannah Street. Despite his family's disbelief, Gilbert leaves gifts for the ghost: a friendship bracelet, a plate of cookies, even a drawing with a note. When each disappears one by one, Gilbert finds that believing and friendship are worth the effort.

 

​For kids who might often feel unseen, Gilbert and the Ghost is a ghostly tale of overcoming obstacles and finding friendship in mysterious places. Gothic, whimsical illustrations make this picture book perfect for spooky season, while its earnest themes make it worth a read all year round.

 

About the Author: Heather Stigall uses her experience with children and her degrees in Child Development, Psychology-based Human Relations, and Social Work to create stories that speak to kids. She is an active volunteer for the Eastern PA Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, a member of the 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, and wife and parent to five children and one pup. When she’s not writing, you can find Heather hanging out with her kids (hopefully at the beach), reading, eating chocolate, baking, or creating all sorts of treasures. Her debut picture book, Paisley's Big Birthday (Clavis Publishing), was released in August 2023, is available in five additional languages, and is a 2023 Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Awards nominee. Her second picture book, Gilbert & the Ghost (Beaming Books) is due out August 2025. You can connect with Heather through her website, HeatherPierceStigall.com, and her social media links at https://linktr.ee/HeatherStigall.

 

About the Illustrator: Jess Mason is an illustrator, cat lover, and avid reader. She graduated with first-class honors in illustration from the University of Worcester in 2018. Since then, she has worked on twelve middle-grade and picture books. Jess happily resides in a tiny cottage in Worcestershire, England, with her beloved cat, Steve.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Marketing & Creating a Platform

Ask and Editor: Advice for Selling at Tables

Mentor Programs

Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program

• What: a six-month mentorship for advanced MG & YA writers with two in-person conferences
• Who is eligible: SCBWI members 
• When to apply: Sept. 29, 2025 (Nevada SCBWI member), Oct 13 (SCBWI members) 

Michelle Begley Mentorship

• What: work one-on-one with authors or illustrators
• Who: SCBWI members of the Rocky Mountain Chapter
• When to apply: check in Sept/Oct 2025

AWP Writer to Writer Mentor Programs 

• What: Matches writers to experienced professional in three-month modules
• When to apply: Feb 15-March 15, 2026

Submissions: Agents & Editors

Publish Your Children's Book Without a Literary Agent: 45 Publishers Accepting Unsolicited Children's Manuscripts

Writing Courses

August 21, 8 p.m. EDT Picture Book Mini Summit: Behind the Buzzwords (Free) In this power-packed Mini-Summit, the Picture Book Summit founders unite to demystify two of the most misunderstood terms in picture book publishing: High Concept and Lyrical/Literary. What do agents and editors really mean when they use these labels? And which one best describes your manuscript? In this free webinar, you’ll discover: (1) The key traits that define each type of book, (2) Why understanding the difference can supercharge your writing, and (3) The strengths and weaknesses of each style. Whether your manuscript packs a punch with a bold hook or swoops in on a poetic breeze, this session will help you speak the language of the industry like a true publishing hero.

Contests & Awards

Call for Art for KidlitGN's 2025 Pitch Event

• What: submit art that can be used to advertise Kidlit41GN's 2025 graphic novel pitch event
• Prize: your art featured on the website and social media, visible to audience of graphic novel editors, agents, publishers, and other GN creators

Inspirational Things

The Business Advice All Writers Need to Hear