Monday, October 24, 2022
NEW It's Halloween, Chloe Zoe Craft Video
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Naked Butt Busts Out! Now Available for Pre-Order
A Laugh-Out-Loud Children's Book About Being True to Yourself
Cheeky bunny Naked Butt just wants to be himself, but when being himself literally means baring it all, Naked Butt finds everyone wants him to cover up his tail again. Especially his momma! So Naked Butt tries his best to keep his true self tucked under shirts and shorts.
But when Naked Butt’s clothes start feeling itchier and scratchier and tighter and tighter, will he be able to keep himself under wraps? Or will Naked Butt BUST out?
Pre-Order your copy today:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Independent Booksellers
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Super Star Children's Book Reviews: Cece Loves Science
Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie L. Young—and I are thrilled to pieces to be celebrating an exciting variety of gorgeous children’s books across all genres that delight, challenge and intrigue! Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe the world is a better, happier, more empathetic place for you and me and everyone when we connect through the magic of storytelling. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.
CECE LOVES SCIENCE (BOOK 1)
Written by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes • Illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Picture Book (ages 2-8) • 40 pages
Published by Greenwillow Books • 2018
ISBN 978-0-062-49960-8
Science is all about asking questions, and boy, does CeCe have questions! From the time she could talk, CeCe’s first words were “Why?”, “How?” and “What if?”
Kids follow CeCe as she and her best friend, Isaac, choose Zoology, the study of animals, for their first classroom science experiment. After brainstorming many questions about animals, they decide their experiment will be to see if dogs like vegetables. CeCe’s own dog, Einstein, makes a perfect test subject.
Through the course of their tests, they investigate, observe, interpret, reassess, and finally get their intended results by proving their theory in an unexpected way. The reader gets to see the class worksheet they fill out and learn what CeCe and Isaac have discovered at every stage. A list of CeCe’s Science Facts is at the end of the book, citing all the terms and information used in the book.
The talented Vashti Harrison creates the wonderfully evocative digital illustrations. She brings all of CeCe’s emotions vividly to life from excitement to frustration, as this curious girl persists until the end.
This book has inspired a sequel, CeCe Loves Science and Adventure, two companion books, Libby Loves Science and Vivi Loves Science, and a chapter book series for each character. Curious readers can continue to discover new science and STEM facts along with CeCe and her friends!
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Independent Bookstores
CECE LOVES SCIENCE (BOOK 1)
Written by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes • Illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Picture Book (ages 2-8) • 40 pages
Published by Greenwillow Books • 2018
ISBN 978-0-062-49960-8
Science is all about asking questions, and boy, does CeCe have questions! From the time she could talk, CeCe’s first words were “Why?”, “How?” and “What if?”
Kids follow CeCe as she and her best friend, Isaac, choose Zoology, the study of animals, for their first classroom science experiment. After brainstorming many questions about animals, they decide their experiment will be to see if dogs like vegetables. CeCe’s own dog, Einstein, makes a perfect test subject.
Through the course of their tests, they investigate, observe, interpret, reassess, and finally get their intended results by proving their theory in an unexpected way. The reader gets to see the class worksheet they fill out and learn what CeCe and Isaac have discovered at every stage. A list of CeCe’s Science Facts is at the end of the book, citing all the terms and information used in the book.
The talented Vashti Harrison creates the wonderfully evocative digital illustrations. She brings all of CeCe’s emotions vividly to life from excitement to frustration, as this curious girl persists until the end.
This book has inspired a sequel, CeCe Loves Science and Adventure, two companion books, Libby Loves Science and Vivi Loves Science, and a chapter book series for each character. Curious readers can continue to discover new science and STEM facts along with CeCe and her friends!
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Independent Bookstores
Reviewed by: Laurie L. Young
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Super Star Interviews: Constance Lombardo
Welcome to my monthly interview feature! I’m so excited to be interviewing all the fabulous artists, illustrators and designers I’ve meet over the years (both personally and virtually!) and sharing their artwork and experiences here on Bird Meets Worm. Look for a new interview on the first Tuesday of every month.
This month I'm tickled pumpkin spice orange (Yes, I know the expression is pink, but orange is so much more October-y! Ha!) to be chatting it up with the smart & funny author-illustrator, Constance Lombardo! Constance is the author of Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork (illustrated by Dan & Jason) and the author-illustrator of the middle grade Mr. Puffball series. Her debut picture book, Everybody Says Meow, is an Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor book. She lives in Asheville, NC, where she enjoys walking and talking to her old beagle, Louie, who has pretty much seen it all. You can enjoy more of Constance's book work here!
Q: Your hilarious NEW picture book, Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork, releases this month on the debut list from imprint Hippo Park! (Hooray! Congratulations!!). Give us the full scoop/stab on all the details!
A: Thanks, Jane! This one’s been in the works a long time. Inspired by feeding my baby solids for the first time (he’s now 19!) and sensing a funny story in the ordeal.
Over many revisions, the characters Little Fork and Bubby Wabbit joined the cast. And a battle of the utensils was born. Everything came together beautifully (and hysterically) when we found the perfect illustrators: the amazing comic-book duo Dan and Jason!
With the dialogue-only format and their dynamic art, Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork now reads like a super-fun graphic novel for little kids.
Q: Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork is your first picture book as author-only, rather than author-illustrator. Tell us a bit about how developing and publishing this project was both different from and similar to your previous book work.
A: Great question!
Like with Everybody Says Meow, I did several dummies for this project. But I always felt I was not the right illustrator. I know my strengths (the stuff of legends!) and drawing things like spoons and forks and kitchen interiors is not one of them.
My excellent editor and I worked for a long time to get the story just right. And then we found Dan & Jason. Honestly, I had no idea it would be SO fun to work with other illustrators. It felt amazing to watch my story exceed anything I could have imagined in their hands!!
Dan & Jason really got to the heart of the story, while also bringing in their signature brand of humor and energy (Definitely check out their books!! I love the Barb series and Blue, Barry & Pancakes!!)
Q: With Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork your sense of humor is once again front and center! Dish with us a bit about being a funny lady creating funny books, and why you think they are important.
A: My sense of humor is the result of:
1. My funny family (four silly siblings!)
2. Repeated viewings of Bugs Bunny
3. Obsessing over humorous books as a young person. (i.e. Never Eat Anything Bigger than Your Head by B. Kliban.)
Picture books are my favorite, and funny picture books are my uberfavorite—so of course, that’s where I want to be.
I love everything about visiting classrooms, but the best part is hearing kids laugh at my books (in a good way!) Music to my ears! I’ve worked in schools and I know kids (and teachers) deal with so much—the thought of being a funny moment in their day thrills me.
And what better way to get kids excited about reading? Hey, books are fun! Maybe I’ll read another one!
Q: Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork is your fifth children’s book with editor Jill Davis—amazing! What advice would you give fellow kidlit creatives about sparking, nurturing and maintaining long-term relationships in publishing?
A: I am so thankful to my wonderful agent, Lori Nowicki, for connecting me with Jill Davis—she is an amazing editor! (and a sweetie!)
The first time I spoke to Jill, I was so nervous about talking to a big-time NYC editor! Within minutes, we were laughing, finding common ground, and just simpatico. We have the same sense of humor and of course the same passion for storytelling. She pushes me to do my best, but in a way that always makes me feel supported.
For my first Mr. Puffball book, Jill asked me to change the format from graphic novel to highly-illustrated MG novel. I believed in my graphic novel, but trusted Jill’s vision and valued this opportunity. So I made those changes. And got a three-book contract.
One thing Jill said that really stuck with me is: “I expect you to take my suggestions. But not all of them!” (paraphrasing)
So my advice to creatives is: of course, be true to your vision. But also be open to the surprising amount of revising required to get your story published, and the expertise and knowledge of a talented editor. Listen, be flexible, and make those changes. But not all of them.
Q: The key to long-term success in children’s book publishing is endurance + resilience. In what ways, do you practice resilience as a creative professional? How do you handle both success and rejection over time?
A: Agreed!
My various writer/illustrator groups and creative friends are a huge help! Sharing the struggles and the celebrations—knowing we’re there for each other...it’s everything.
Rejection is hard. But it’s something everyone deals with (exceptions out there, please PM me and divulge your secret!) Sometimes I just have to nap it out.
Re: success—I’m lucky to live in Asheville—a town with several indie bookstores (like Malaprops, where I’m having my launch for Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork!) When I or a friend publishes a new book, we celebrate like its 1999. (or some other fun, pre-pandemic year.)
Also, I used to put all my creativity into abstract painting. I lived in NYC, and in general, that world is so snooty. In comparison, the kidlit world is all rainbows and unicorns! I love being part of such a beautiful creative community.
Q: Describe your most perfect summer vacation.
A: Hot flashes have ruined summer! And I’m not a big traveler, but I always love going to NYC. Sitting in the café at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, looking at the statues and the people and the people as still as statues, drawing both with the sunlight streaming in, while sipping an incredibly overpriced tea. That’s perfect.
Seeing a Broadway Musical is also good! Kinky Boots was my favorite!
Thanks for hosting me on your wonderful blog, Jane!!
My pleasure! Thank YOU so much, Constance, for giving us the scoop on your hilarious new book! Congratulations!
This month I'm tickled pumpkin spice orange (Yes, I know the expression is pink, but orange is so much more October-y! Ha!) to be chatting it up with the smart & funny author-illustrator, Constance Lombardo! Constance is the author of Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork (illustrated by Dan & Jason) and the author-illustrator of the middle grade Mr. Puffball series. Her debut picture book, Everybody Says Meow, is an Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor book. She lives in Asheville, NC, where she enjoys walking and talking to her old beagle, Louie, who has pretty much seen it all. You can enjoy more of Constance's book work here!
 |
| Let the battle begin! Ha ha! |
Q: Your hilarious NEW picture book, Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork, releases this month on the debut list from imprint Hippo Park! (Hooray! Congratulations!!). Give us the full scoop/stab on all the details!
A: Thanks, Jane! This one’s been in the works a long time. Inspired by feeding my baby solids for the first time (he’s now 19!) and sensing a funny story in the ordeal.
Over many revisions, the characters Little Fork and Bubby Wabbit joined the cast. And a battle of the utensils was born. Everything came together beautifully (and hysterically) when we found the perfect illustrators: the amazing comic-book duo Dan and Jason!
With the dialogue-only format and their dynamic art, Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork now reads like a super-fun graphic novel for little kids.
(Psst! You can pre-order your very own copy here:)
 |
| The baby that started it all! |
A: Great question!
Like with Everybody Says Meow, I did several dummies for this project. But I always felt I was not the right illustrator. I know my strengths (the stuff of legends!) and drawing things like spoons and forks and kitchen interiors is not one of them.
My excellent editor and I worked for a long time to get the story just right. And then we found Dan & Jason. Honestly, I had no idea it would be SO fun to work with other illustrators. It felt amazing to watch my story exceed anything I could have imagined in their hands!!
Dan & Jason really got to the heart of the story, while also bringing in their signature brand of humor and energy (Definitely check out their books!! I love the Barb series and Blue, Barry & Pancakes!!)
Q: With Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork your sense of humor is once again front and center! Dish with us a bit about being a funny lady creating funny books, and why you think they are important.
A: My sense of humor is the result of:
1. My funny family (four silly siblings!)
2. Repeated viewings of Bugs Bunny
3. Obsessing over humorous books as a young person. (i.e. Never Eat Anything Bigger than Your Head by B. Kliban.)
Picture books are my favorite, and funny picture books are my uberfavorite—so of course, that’s where I want to be.
I love everything about visiting classrooms, but the best part is hearing kids laugh at my books (in a good way!) Music to my ears! I’ve worked in schools and I know kids (and teachers) deal with so much—the thought of being a funny moment in their day thrills me.
And what better way to get kids excited about reading? Hey, books are fun! Maybe I’ll read another one!
.jpg) |
| Wheeeeeeee! |
Q: Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork is your fifth children’s book with editor Jill Davis—amazing! What advice would you give fellow kidlit creatives about sparking, nurturing and maintaining long-term relationships in publishing?
A: I am so thankful to my wonderful agent, Lori Nowicki, for connecting me with Jill Davis—she is an amazing editor! (and a sweetie!)
The first time I spoke to Jill, I was so nervous about talking to a big-time NYC editor! Within minutes, we were laughing, finding common ground, and just simpatico. We have the same sense of humor and of course the same passion for storytelling. She pushes me to do my best, but in a way that always makes me feel supported.
For my first Mr. Puffball book, Jill asked me to change the format from graphic novel to highly-illustrated MG novel. I believed in my graphic novel, but trusted Jill’s vision and valued this opportunity. So I made those changes. And got a three-book contract.
One thing Jill said that really stuck with me is: “I expect you to take my suggestions. But not all of them!” (paraphrasing)
So my advice to creatives is: of course, be true to your vision. But also be open to the surprising amount of revising required to get your story published, and the expertise and knowledge of a talented editor. Listen, be flexible, and make those changes. But not all of them.
 |
| Too much fun! Check out these super fun book activities! |
Q: The key to long-term success in children’s book publishing is endurance + resilience. In what ways, do you practice resilience as a creative professional? How do you handle both success and rejection over time?
A: Agreed!
My various writer/illustrator groups and creative friends are a huge help! Sharing the struggles and the celebrations—knowing we’re there for each other...it’s everything.
Rejection is hard. But it’s something everyone deals with (exceptions out there, please PM me and divulge your secret!) Sometimes I just have to nap it out.
Re: success—I’m lucky to live in Asheville—a town with several indie bookstores (like Malaprops, where I’m having my launch for Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork!) When I or a friend publishes a new book, we celebrate like its 1999. (or some other fun, pre-pandemic year.)
Also, I used to put all my creativity into abstract painting. I lived in NYC, and in general, that world is so snooty. In comparison, the kidlit world is all rainbows and unicorns! I love being part of such a beautiful creative community.
 |
| The one, the only—Constance Lombardo! |
Q: Describe your most perfect summer vacation.
A: Hot flashes have ruined summer! And I’m not a big traveler, but I always love going to NYC. Sitting in the café at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, looking at the statues and the people and the people as still as statues, drawing both with the sunlight streaming in, while sipping an incredibly overpriced tea. That’s perfect.
Seeing a Broadway Musical is also good! Kinky Boots was my favorite!
Thanks for hosting me on your wonderful blog, Jane!!
My pleasure! Thank YOU so much, Constance, for giving us the scoop on your hilarious new book! Congratulations!
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