20 Questions: Books we are looking forward to in 2024

Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,

where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.

(Note that we enjoy the series so much we’ve decided to just keep the questions coming!)

This month’s question:

What book are you looking forward to in 2024? (Not your own)

Candy Wellins

“Round and Round the Year We Go by Carter Higgins (Neal Porter Books). I love Carter’s unique perspective on patterns and I can’t wait to see how she handles the cyclical routines of a calendar year.”

—Candy Wellins, author of A GEODUCK IS NOT A DUCK, illustrated by Ellie Peterson (Little Bigfoot, 2024)

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Elisa Boxer

“The Quiet Forest by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Abi Cushman (Paula Wiseman Books). I’m a big fan of anything illustrated by Abi Cushman and written by Charlotte Offsay, so I am doubly looking forward to this one! I’ve already laughed out loud at a couple of the spreads I’ve seen so far, and the theme of togetherness is warmly welcome these days.”

—Elisa Boxer, author of THE TREE OF LIFE: HOW A HOLOCAUST SAPLING INSPIRED THE WORLD, illustrated by Alianna Rozentsveig (Penguin/Rocky Pond Books, 2024)

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Kelly Carey

“Alpaca’s Make Terrible Librarians by Kristi Mahoney, illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne (Gnome Road), will mark the debut of author Kristi Mahoney. Kristi has a knack for animal fact humor and this one will have you messy laughing like a spitting alpaca. Couple Kristi’s writing with adorable art from Chantelle and Burgen Thorne and this is a book I can’t wait to get my hands on.”

—Kelly Carey, author of HOW LONG IS FOREVER, illustrated by Qing Zhuang (Charlesbridge) 

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Kirsten W. Larson

“Sea Without A Shore: LIfe in the Sargasso by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Norton Books for Young Readers). I have always admired Barb Rosenstock’s nonfiction writing, and after working with Katherine Roy, I eagerly await each and every book she works on. Her research and dedication to detail is meticulous. I know she and Barb even had a research trip to Bermuda!”

—Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Chronicle Books)

20 Questions: Name a Perfect Gift for Writers, Illustrators, or Readers

Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,

where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.

(Note that we enjoy the series so much we’ve reset for a second round of 20.)

This month’s question:

Name one perfect holiday gift for a writer, illustrator, or reader in your life.

“I think a perfect gift for readers is an author- signed copy of a book. For writers, give a membership to an organization like SCBWI or 12 x 12, or a group of family members or friends might chip in for a class or retreat at Highlights. A gift that authors, including me, enjoy throughout the year – and it doesn’t cost any money – is to review our books and make sure they’re part of your local library’s collection and at your local indie.”

– The Soaring ‘20s collective unconscious

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Margaret Chiu Greanias

“For a child (or grown up) who loves books, I think a book-centered date would be amazing. Perhaps a trip to the bookstore (or library if budget is a concern) with the promise of getting one or more books, a treat of a snack or dessert, and a cozy time sharing the newly acquired book(s).”

—Margaret Chiu Greanias, author of HOW THIS BOOK GOT RED, illus. by Melissa Iwai (Sourcebooks, 2023)

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Angela Burke Kunkel

“Practically speaking, one of the very best writing gifts I’ve ever received is a programmable coffee maker. Because I write in the very early mornings, it’s been a wonderful treat to come downstairs and have my morning coffee already brewed, ready and waiting!”

— Angela Burke Kunkel, author of MAKE WAY: THE STORY OF ROBERT McCLOSKEY, NANCY SCHÖN, AND SOME VERY FAMOUS DUCKLINGS, illus. by  Claire Keane (Random House Studio, 2023)

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Patricia Newman

“Authors and illustrators just starting out need the gift of investment. Many pre-published writers hold down jobs or raise children and squeeze in writing whenever possible. One fabulous gift for the creator in your life is the gift of a local writing/illustrating craft conference or webinar that focuses the mind, the energy, and invigorates them to persevere.” –Patricia Newman, EAVESDROPPING ON ELEPHANTS (Millbrook Press, paperback edition 2023)

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20 Questions: Things We Are Grateful for

Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,

where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.

(Note that we enjoy the series so much we’ve reset for a second round of 20.)

This month’s question:

What’s one thing you’re grateful for in your creative or personal life?

Isabella Kung

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity and privilege to explore and express myself in a creative way. Not only does the act of writing and illustrating fulfill me to no end, it allows me to connect with others in a way very few can–especially kids! Just seeing the little ones light up and fill with joy when they read my books warms my heart.” 

– Isabella Kung, author-illustrator of NO SNOWBALL! (Orchard Books, 2022)

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Angela Burke Kunkel

“There’s a lot of overlap between what I’m grateful for in my personal life and my creative life. I’m grateful to live in a place full of natural beauty that inspires me daily. I’m grateful that my family, especially my husband, is supportive of my writing and celebrates all sorts of book-related milestones with me, large and small. I’m grateful that the words I’ve worked so hard on are then turned into beautiful art by illustrations whose talents I can’t even begin to comprehend. And I’m grateful to work in partnership with my editor, who so very carefully guides these books into existence!”

– Angela Burke Kunkel, author of MAKE WAY: THE STORY OF ROBERT McCLOSKEY, NANCY SCHÖN, AND SOME VERY FAMOUS DUCKLINGS (Random House Studio, 2023) and WORLD MORE BEAUTIFUL: THE LIFE AND ART OF BARBARA COONEY (Random House Studio, 2024)

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Kim Rogers

“When I was growing up, I never saw a kid like me in a book. I am so grateful that I get to publish books that allow Native kids, specifically Wichita kids, to see themselves centered as heroes in stories.”

– Kim Rogers, author of JUST LIKE GRANDMA and A LETTER FOR BOB (Heartdrum, 2023)

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“As newbie authors, we’re all tempted to seek relationships with editors and agents in pursuit of a contract. While those relationships are important, my friendships with local writers or writers I”ve met at conferences have sustained me through the tough times, motivated me, opened my eyes to new ideas and experiences, and made me a better writer. With love to all my writer-pals out there. You know who you are!”

– The Soaring 20s “collective unconscious”

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Valerie Bolling

“Seeing my words matched with gorgeous art to produce a book, meeting and inspiring young readers and writers, connecting with other creators who are also passionate about writing/illustrating stories for children are all things I’m grateful for. I’m also thrilled that I get to determine and manage my own schedule, which means I can make time for what’s important to me besides writing – like walking/exercising, reading, and spending time with my husband and our friends.”

– Valerie Bolling, author of BING, BOP, BAM: TIME TO JAM!, illus. Sabrena Khadija (Abrams Appleseed, 2023)