The Weekly 411 (2/6/26)
 |
| © Debbie Fong |
Feb.6, 2026 vol. 6
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 Debbie Fong.
Publishing News
Picture Book Giveaway
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, Hank's Change of Heart, by Cindy Williams Schrauben, illustrated by Sasha Richards (Little Press Publishing 2025). Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
About the Book: Hank is obsessed with hearts. He wears them, finds them, adores and hoards them. Hank finds hearts in animals, rocks, and many unlikely treasures. And when he can't find hearts to hoard, Hank makes them himself. But just when Hank’s passion begins to take a problematic turn, he discovers that his collection may hold a more valuable purpose.
About the Author: Cindy Williams Schrauben lives in west Michigan where she writes books for children that range from the truly serious to the seriously silly. When not writing or sharing her books, this award-winning author might be found dissecting her grandsons’ shenanigans for story ideas, reading in a bookstore, or eating ice cream… ideally all at once. Her books, This Could Be You (starred review from Kirkus) and Hank's Change of Heart inspire kids to live their best lives. Cindy is also the host of Author Pep Talk on YouTube where she encourages other authors to realize their publishing dreams. Connect with Cindy at www.cindyschrauben.com or www.direct.me/cindywilliamsschrauben
About the Illustrator: South Africa based Illustrator Sasha Richards, grew up in a country and culture that values storytelling. Everywhere around her was vibrance and colour and she endeavours to bring that brightness into her art. With scribbly lines and scratchy textures she creates illustrations that you want to reach out and feel. She has illustrated wonderful stories that inspire, entertain and has left readers in love with the characters and worlds she wove together with pixels. She is focused on igniting a love for reading and learning in everyone who encounters her work. https://www.schadefox.com/
Picture Book Giveaway
We are pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book, The Birthday She Gave Away, by Alyssa Haley, illustrated by Jennifer Butts. Enter to win a copy via the widget below.
 |
About the Author: Alyssa Haley is a passionate Jesus follower who loves working with children and inspiring others to make a difference in the lives of those around them through kindness and generosity. She has been in education for 18 years and school administration for the last 8 years in Central California. She and her family founded Refuge Armona in 2020: a nonprofit youth community center designed to mentor and support the lives of youth in their community.
About the Illustrator: Jennifer Butts was a teacher for 15 years. She is now a muralist and illustrator. She has been involved in the arts since she was young. She has travelled the world as a missionary teacher and spent much of her adult life in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. She now lives in Central California as well.
Feb. 13 The 11th Annual Valentiny Contest w/Susannah Hill
- What: write a Valentine story appropriate for children with a maximum of 214 words in which someone feels superstitious
- Prizes: manuscript critiques from editors, authors, signed books, and more
Marketing & Creating a Platform
How To Promote Your Book on Tiktok (I Made $40k at Launch)
Cindy's book is perfect for any time of year - but very special for Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteReaders will connect with both of these heartwarming books.
ReplyDeleteMy grandson is Henry, but we have been experimenting with Hal and HANK.
ReplyDelete