In my travels, on and offline, I’ve had the privilege of meeting new and seasoned children’s book author’s and wanted to introduce you to a few. Some I’ve just met recently, some I’ve admired from afar, and others I’ve know for literally years. Watching their courageous journey to step out and publish a children’s book is both a privilege and an inspiration.
Children’s Books: New Acquaintances from Afar
Dori Durbin – I bumped into Dori in a private FB group. When I found out she was into Kid Lit of course I said hi. From there I bumped into her again in another group and had looked at her adorable Little Cat book. It’s really wonderful how she teases us with a short video reading. It will make you want to find out what happens to Little Cat.
Dori has a teaching background, fitness trainer and now teaches Art to Youth. Read more about her here.
Marcy Pusey – I first found Marcy as a presenter at Karen Ferreria’s Children’s Book Mastery Marcy then did an amazing Ted Talk. Loved and agreed with her perspective on children’s literature. I also signed on to the launch team for her adult book related to a personal family experiment on not buying anything new for a year. She kindly sent me a copy of her book to say thanks, all the way from Germany. The Abundance of Less now sits on my signed author’s bookshelf. Marcy has written many children’s books and you can see them here.
Children’s Books at Home: Author Journeys over the years
Christina Van Starkenburg – I met Christina at a Word Guild meeting in Victoria, BC (Word Guild is an organization that supports Christian writers).
Journalist, writer, blogger, and mom Christina has the most adorable story coloring book, One Tiny Turtle. When she isn’t writing, she can often be found doodling or making crafts with her children, belly dancing, watching action and adventure movies, or playing D&D with friends. Sounds to me like Christina is the perfect person to write more children’s books.
Sue Macartney – Her new picture book Benjamin’s Blue Feet was published by Pajama Press. It’s awesome, and great for birthday gifts for ages 3-7. The story is about Benjamin, a Blue-footed booby bird. Benjamin is a collector of unusual items. One day he finds a mirror – his best treasure ever – until it leads to self-doubt and a series of comical attempts to change himself. But in time he realizes that the things he disliked are actually very useful and part of who he is.
Who is Sue? Author Illustrator Sue Macartney is one of our local children’s book authors here is Victoria BC. Read the jacket cover and you will find she “ has been shaped by life on four continents and work as a graphic designer and children’s art educator.”
Well illustrated and delightful. Something you will love to read again and again.
Rowena Rae – Rowena has been a wonderful inspiration. As one of the students in my writing class we kept in contact through the 12×12 challenge, which I did for a year, and various writing organizations. She is delightful, encouraging, fun and has worked hard and long to get her books into print.
Rowena’s science background makes her a natural for kids science books. Chemical World (above) is her newest book and her Ecology for kids book is below.
Rachel Carson and ecology for kids, Rowena’s other science book, is well written, interesting, and has lots of fun activities. As an adult I found Rachel’s life inspiring, and the fun activities Rowena Rae includes are things I’d like to do too. Yup, you got it, my signed copy is on my bookshelf.
Rowena also has the Meg and Greg series designed for shared reading between a child learning to read and an experienced reader. The stories have special features to help a child with dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty find reading success. For ages 6 to 9. She is one of our local emerging children’s authors here in Victoria, BC.
Marilyn Anne Holman – Met Marilyn Holman through our mutual writing instructor Carol Anne Sokoloff who runs the adult children’s writing program up at the University of Victoria. I’ve gotten to know Marilyn as a wonderfully encouraging writer and friend through our years with SCBWI. Her journey to publications was inspiring as she persevered thought edits required by traditional publishers.
Finally, her book On the Run emerged. We all gathered to celebrate the launch at Oak Bay’s Penny Farthing.
More officially Marilyn Anne Holman has worked as a clinical counsellor with parents, probation officers, social workers, teachers and youth, including foster kids, adopted kids, young offenders, teens and children in schools. On the Run is her first published novel for teens. Marilyn also lives in Victoria, BC. You’ll love her characters as she tells the very believable story of a young man in trouble who feels the only option is to run. See how it turns around when he meets a trucker. My signed copy also sits on my author’s I know bookshelf.
Children’s Books: Seasoned Writers
Julie Lawson – One of my first experiences of attending a live reading was at the Victoria Children’s Literary Round table. The speaker was Julie Lawson. The book she read from was Ghosts of the Titanic, of course I bought it, had it duly signed and loved it. Her latest work is, A Blinding Light. View more here.
Linda Bailey – I think one of the most inspiring talks put on by the Greater Victoria Public Library was the one by Linda Bailey. She shared how sometimes a book emerges from a long-submerged memory. Carson Crosses Canada was such a book. It was rooted in the memory of a trip she made across Canada to see a friend.
The book I was there to hear about, purchase, and having signed was Mary who wrote Frankenstein. This is a great read. Biographical in nature it is for all Mary Shelley fans at any age. Find out how author Mary Shelley came up with the idea for Frankenstein.
Eric Walters – I had the joy of attending our Local Literary Round table once again. This time on zoom. We listened to seasoned writer Eric Walter talked about his current book, Don’t Stand So Close. The book is a positive way to explain COVID-19 to a pre-teen audience.
Eric Walters has 114 books behind him, and it all began when he wrote a book for his Grade 5 class. The kids told him he should publish it and he did. Now he tours the country promoting Canadian children’s books. I ended up winning a copy of the book, and since I had purchased Don’t Stand So Close already my prize has gone to my teacher sons-in-laws Grade 4-5 class.
By now you will have gathered my great passion for children’s literature. What one thing you can do for all these folks? Support a children’s author or two by stuffing Christmas stockings with good books.
Note: A few of these links are affiliate links but a great effort has been made to direct you towards different sources. The best thing you can do, support your local bricks and mortar bookshop whenever possible.
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