Wednesday, April 30, 2014

AFTER THE BOOK DEAL, Guest Post by Jonathan Auxier


I am so thrilled to be apart of  the AFTER THE BOOK DEAL tour. I'm excited to have author Jonathan Auxier on Mundie Kids! 
Jonathan is the author of Peter Nimble & His Fantastic Eyes, and his newest release, The Night Gardener (which I'll featuring on MKs shortly). 



AFTER THE BOOK DEAL – Guest Post by Jonathan Auxier

The Internet is full of great advice about how to sell a book, but what about after the sale? When my first book came out, I found it was surprisingly hard to find answers to some basic questions. Like most authors, I learned most of the answers through trial and error. And so in anticipation of the launch of my new novel, The Night Gardener, I’ve decided to write down everything I learned so I don’t make the same mistakes twice!

AFTER THE BOOK DEAL is a month-long blog series detailing the twenty things I wish someone had told me before entering the exciting world of children’s publishing. Each weekday from now until MAY 20, I will be posting an article on a different blog. Follow along and please spread the word!

***

Day Eight: Being Heard in the Crowd
Yesterday we talked about how to plan a successful book launch, today we’ll be looking at some other book events—namely conferences festivals.

Conferences
These are effectively trade shows for people in the book industry—they are less about selling books than building buzz and awareness. Some major examples are BEA, ALA, and AWP. These events put you in direct contact with the gatekeepers of publishing: reviewers, librarians, and teachers. The best thing about conferences is that there’s a lot less “selling” and a lot more fun conversation with like-minded people. Really, it’s a chance to meet members of your tribe face to face.

Debut authors very rarely present at conferences. In most cases, presenters are invited by the event organizers (and they can’t very well invite you if they don’t know who you are!). The more likely thing is that your publisher will send you out to sign some ARCs in their booth and then have dinner with key industry people. Again, your job is less to sell your book than sell yourself as an exciting new voice in the world of publishing. Even though people are having fun, there is some very real pressure: your publisher will be paying close attention to see how you interact with people in the industry. Your goal is to be charming, engaged, and above all professional. This is where it’s important to have already developed your author platform—you should by now be completely comfortable talking about your books and yourself as an author.

Book conferences are amazing and incredibly fun. Not every author gets sent to these sorts of events, but you should definitely lobby for your publisher to bring you out. Those interested in conferences may also want to check out my post Five Things I Learned At ALA.

Book Festivals
While conferences are about connecting with industry people, book festivals are about connecting with actual readers. This is probably the most important thing to remember: festivals are mainly concerned with making sure the readers have fun ... no one really cares if the author enjoys herself. With few exceptions, book festivals are incredibly noisy, crowded, and a little chaotic. It can be hard to do a Q&A when a band is playing loud music across the way. Authors do connect with readers and sell books—but rarely enough to cover travel and hotel.

So what’s the value in attending book festivals? Festivals provide a chance for authors to connect with local bookstores (who organize the various panels and handle sales for signings). Really, your biggest goal should be to make sure that the bookseller likes you and wants to invite you back to do an event in-store at some future date. Having a relationship with independent booksellers is invaluable, and festivals are an essential part of that equation.

The other perk of book festivals is that (aside from your actual panel and signing) there is a lot less pressure to be “on” ... which means you can goof off with other writers! Some of my closest writing friendships have started at book festivals. My advice is to first and foremost approach book fairs as a chance to meet and connect with peers.

That’s it for AFTER THE BOOK DEAL! Tomorrow I’ll be talking at The Misbehavin’ Librarian talking about how to handle the dreaded no-show signing event. Swing by, and please-oh-please spread the word!



JONATHAN AUXIER writes strange stories for strange children. His new novel, The Night Gardener, hits bookstores this May—why not come to his book launch party? You can visit him online at www.TheScop.com where he blogs about children's books old and new.

The Dyerville Tales by M.P. Kozlowsky; Blog Tour: Illustration Reveal & Giveaway



Hello & welcome to today's tour stop for Walden Pond Press's The Dyerville Tales. I'm so thrilled to be able to share with you an exclusive illustration from the book & give you a chance to enter to win a signed copy of M.P.'s newest release. First, here's a little bit about the book:


Released on 4/22, M.P. Kozlowsky's newest book is one middle grader readers are sure to love. Browse inside the book here and find out where you can purchase it here

Neil Gaiman's Coraline meets Anne Ursu's Breadcrumbs in M. P. Kozlowsky's The Dyerville Tales, a powerfully imaginative middle-grade novel that blurs the line between fantasy and reality, from the author of Juniper Berry.

Vince Elgin is an orphan, having lost his mother and father in a fire when he was young. With only a senile grandfather he barely knows to call family, Vince was interned in a group home, dreaming that his father, whose body was never found, might one day return for him. When a letter arrives telling Vince his grandfather has passed away, he is convinced that if his father is still alive, he'll find him at the funeral. He strikes out for the small town of Dyerville carrying only one thing with him: his grandfather's journal. The journal tells a fantastical story of witches and giants and magic, one that can't be true. But as Vince reads on, he finds that his very real adventure may have more in common with his grandfather's than he ever could have known.

Its unique voice and ability to combine creepiness with great story and character development make The Dyerville Tales a real standout middle-grade novel.

I'm excited to share with you an exclusive look inside M.P.'s The Dyerville Tales. *click the image to enlarge*

Artwork @2014 Todd Harris
About The Author


M.P. Kozlowsky was a high school English teacher before becoming a writer. He is the author of The Dyerville Tales and Juniper Berry, and lives in New York with his wife and two daughters.

The Giveaway
Enter to win a signed copy of The Dyerville Tales!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Hero's Guide to Being a Blog Tour 

5/1 - The Book Rat
5/5 – Icey Books
5/8 - The Book Rat
5/16 - KidLit Frenzy
5/19 - Mundie Kids
5/23 - Novel Novice
5/26 - Mundie Kids
5/28 - Small Review

Monday, April 28, 2014

The Dyerville Tales by M.P. Kozlowsky; Marvelouls Middle Grade Monday Spotlight

Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!
Today I'm spotlighting a book I'm looking forward to be featuring later this week, here on Mundie Kids.


Released on 4/22, M.P. Kozlowsky's newest book is about:

Neil Gaiman's Coraline meets Anne Ursu's Breadcrumbs in M. P. Kozlowsky's The Dyerville Tales, a powerfully imaginative middle-grade novel that blurs the line between fantasy and reality, from the author of Juniper Berry.

Vince Elgin is an orphan, having lost his mother and father in a fire when he was young. With only a senile grandfather he barely knows to call family, Vince was interned in a group home, dreaming that his father, whose body was never found, might one day return for him. When a letter arrives telling Vince his grandfather has passed away, he is convinced that if his father is still alive, he'll find him at the funeral. He strikes out for the small town of Dyerville carrying only one thing with him: his grandfather's journal. The journal tells a fantastical story of witches and giants and magic, one that can't be true. But as Vince reads on, he finds that his very real adventure may have more in common with his grandfather's than he ever could have known.

Its unique voice and ability to combine creepiness with great story and character development make The Dyerville Tales a real standout middle-grade novel.

 Browse inside the book here and find out where you can purchase it here


Don't miss all the interviews, giveaways and much more! This tour will be stopping by Mundie Kids on April 30th & May 5th. 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Celebrate EARTH DAY with These Titles From Harper Collins

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!

(Pic from NASA)

To help celebrate today's EARTH DAY, check out some of these titles from Harper Collins!



Be sure to stop by Harper Children's Pinterest board to find more fabulous Earth Day titles to read with your kiddos. 



Sunday, April 20, 2014

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

EVERBLAZE by Shannon Messenger, Cover Reveal

Happy Wednesday! Check out this AWESOME cover reveal Shannon Messenger recently posted for her upcoming EVERBLAZE, the 3rd book in her Keeper of the Lost Cities series!


I think I might have just died and went to cover love heaven! I have loved each of Shannon's covers in this series, but this one might be the best one yet. As Shannon points out in her cover reveal post here, this is FITZ!!! Fitz!!!!

November 4th, 2014 seems so far away. I'm not sure I can wait that long for the book's release. If you haven't yet done so, I'd highly recommend picking up this series. I love it!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

The Phoebe Dunn Collection: The Little Rabbit / The Little Duck by Judy Dunn, Book Review



By: Judy Dunn
Pictures by: Phoebe Dunn
Published by: Random House
Released on: January 28th, 2014 (originally released on 2/12/80)
Ages: 2 & up
Rating: 4 Owlets - My Daughter Enjoyed It!
Source: book from publisher to review
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add it to: Goodreads

Phoebe Dunn's beloved photographic picture book, The Little Rabbit, will hop it's way into the hearts of toddlers with this new board book edition. Photographs include the adventures of Buttercup the rabbit as she explores her meadow and makes new and special friends.



By: Judy Dunn
Pictures by: Phoebe Dunn
Published by: Random House
Released on: January 28th, 2014 (originally released on 3/12/76)
Ages: 2 & up
Rating: 4 Owlets - My Daughter Enjoyed It!
Source: book from publisher to review
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add it to: Goodreads

Phoebe Dunn's beloved photographic picture book, The Little Duck, will waddle it's way into the hearts of toddlers in this new board book edition. Photographs feature everything from the excitement of a hatching egg to a duck's adventures exploring his new world and making new friends.


My Thoughts on the Collection:
Just in time for Spring, The Little Rabbit and The Little Duck have been released from Random House. Perfect for little hands, these board books are a must have.These books also make the perfect gift for Easter.

As a child, I loved Judy Dunn's books, The Little Kitten, The Little Rabbit and The Little Duck. I'm thrilled that Random House has re-released this fabulous collection of books. I've enjoyed having the chance to read them with my little girl. Sure the pictures are throw back to the late 70's, early 80's, but they're pictures that kids today are sure to love, and enjoy looking at.

The Phoebe Dunn Collection is now available in board books, which are just perfect for little hands.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: New Additions To My Shelves

Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!
Today I thought I'd share a few of the middle grade / children's books that have recently been added to my bookshelves. There are a ton of fabulous books that have recently been released and ones that will be released shortly. These are titles I'm looking forward to spotlighting here on the blog in the coming weeks. 


For Review





BOUGHT
We have a weakness in our house for buying books. I will never tell my children no when it comes to a book. I've recently purchased more books than what are featured here. These were the few that I rounded up. The others are already tucked away on shelves in my children's rooms. 

THANK YOU to
Disney Press, Disney Hyperion, Scholastic, Aladdin/Simon Kids, Random House, Bloomsbury, Dial, Walden Pond Press, Delacorte, Knopf Books, Katherine Tegen Books / Harper Collins, and Amulet books for the fabulous reads. 

What are some new children's books you've recently added to your shelves? 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

International Children's Book Day: 10 Profound Children's Book Quotes That Probably Changed Your Life


"In honor of International Children’s Book Day (April 2), here are 10 of our favorite life-changing quotes from classic young adult books. 

giving-tree-book-cover
1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
“‘I wish that I could give you something… but I have nothing left. I am an old stump. I am sorry…’
‘I don’t need very much now,’ said the boy, ‘just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.’
‘Well,” said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could. ‘Well, an old stump is a good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.’
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy.”

2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
 “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why onearth should that mean that it is not real?”

3. Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
 “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

4. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
 “Oh, it’s delightful to have ambitions. I’m so glad I have such a lot. And there never seems to be any end to them–that’s the best of it. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. It does make life so interesting.”
5. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
 “Sometimes it seemed to him that his life was delicate as a dandelion. One little puff from any direction, and it was blown to bits.”

the-giver-book-cover
6. The Giver by Lois Lowry
 “For the first time, he heard something that he knew to be music. He heard people singing. Behind him, across vast distances of space and time, from the place he had left, he thought he heard music too. But perhaps, it was only an echo.”

oh-the-places-you'll-go-book-cover
7. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
 “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”

8. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
“Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders ever quite took her place in his heart. She was in a class by herself. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.”

9. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”

light-in-the-attic-book-cover
10. A Light In the Attic by Shel Silverstein
“When the light turns green, you go. When the light turns red, you stop. But what do you do when the light turns blue with orange and lavender spots?”"

Find out more about International Children's Book Day here. Head over to the article linked here, and leave them a comment with your favorite children's book quote. 
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~