I'm excited to be offering FREE e-book copies of my hilarious, funny bunny picture book, Naked Butt Busts Out, now thru 9/30/2023, while supplies last.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Friday, August 25, 2023
Back-to-School with Chloe Zoe
Get ready for back-to-school with Chloe Zoe and friends!
• It's the First Day of Preschool, Chloe Zoe! • Picture Book & Activity Kit
• It's the First Day of Kindergarten, Chloe Zoe! • Picture Book & Activity Kit
BONUS: Craft Video
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Super Story Time AUGUST
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Super Story Time LIVE* is back on WED 8/9 @ 10am EST over on Instagram. We'll be celebrating back-to-school! I'll be reading my picture book, IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN, CHLOE ZOE! And rock star illustrator, Denise Holmes, will be joining me to read her picture book, PHOEBE SOUNDS IT OUT! Let's read & have fun TOGETHER!
*Always LIVE, never recorded—because 1) protecting creative copyright is important, and 2) because the old-school-Saturday-monring-cartoons-live-and-in-person-energy is totally RAD!
Super Star Interviews: Katryn Bury
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. (SPECIAL NOTE: the blog will be on an interview hiatus for the rest of the year 2023 as plans develop for a new and improved Bird Meets Worm in the new year—very exciting! Stay tuned...)
This month I'm pleased as punch to be chatting it up with the fabulous middle grade author, Katryn Bury! She's the author of the Drew Leclair middle grade mystery series by night and a library technician by day. With a background in both sociology and criminology, she is a mystery-writing powerhouse, and today we're chatting all about her latest novel, Drew Leclair Crushes the Case. You can visit Katryn and her books here.
Q: Drew Leclair Crushes the Case, the newest book in your middle grade detective novel series, released earlier this year with HarperCollins! Dish with us about the series, how the latest title continues the fun and what you love most about the title character Drew Leclair.
A: Thanks so much for having me! The idea for the Drew Leclair mysteries started as a seed of an idea: what if a kid wrote criminal profiles on the bullies at their school as if they were serial killers? I’ve long been a fan of kid and teen detectives–in fact, I have a fairly prolific collection of Nancy Drew books at home. But I also love books about real kids with emotional stakes that are hard to come by in series books wherein the main characters never age. I was a true crime fan from a young age just like Drew, and I found myself wondering how I could blend those two types of books into a single concept. Enter Drew Leclair, a seventh grader who dreams about being a criminal profiler for the FBI–but has to make it through middle school first.
Drew Leclair Gets a Clue starts with our main character putting her true crime knowledge and investigative skills to use to unmask a notorious school cyberbully. Drew faces a lot of issues along the way–a best friend who wants to be her boyfriend, facing her elementary school bullies every day, and dealing with parental abandonment. But she ultimately solves the case in a way that I hope readers will find heartwarming and funny along with being a good mystery. In Drew Leclair Crushes the Case, I keep the fun going with a new school mystery–and a lot of growth in Drew’s character arc. She makes a lot of mistakes in book one that I hope feel very real and relatable to kids today. Book two sees her really growing from that first experience–both as an investigator and as a friend.
I think what I love best about Drew is her confidence. Even in the face of bullies (including her own mother at times) telling her that she’s not enough, Drew remains steadfastly true to herself along the way. A lot of people ask me if Drew is based on me. Like me, she loves true crime, is chronically ill, a bit neurodivergent and bisexual. That’s a lot of things like me! However, Drew’s mind, personality and the way she processes her feelings are very different from how I grew up–it’s one of the reasons I find writing her character so delightful!
Q: Your background includes degrees in both Sociology and Criminology as well as experience working as a youth library tech. How have each of these experiences contributed to your unique voice as a children’s book writer?
A: As a librarian (and, formerly, a school librarian) I’m incredibly privileged to spend time with my target audience. As I always tell students during school visits, the best way to write realistic dialogue is to listen to our friends and take note. In my role, I get a front row seat to wacky, wonderful middle grade conversations and I love every minute of it!
As for my other background, it’s probably obvious that my background in criminology inspired the character of Drew Leclair. But it also shapes my voice and my love of mysteries in general! The fascination with true crime often gets misunderstood as an obsession with the sensationalized. Really, it’s more about feeling safe. Similarly, I think mysteries offer a sense of comfort in the form of a solution. This fact really helps me get into the mind of a kid who is coming of age. It’s a time when we’re all torn between the desire to have more control over our lives and that sense of comfort we get from our families. That’s why I think mysteries are truly important for middle grade kids.
Q: Drew Leclair and several of her friends identify as LGBTQ, which is currently being used as justification for challenging Drew Leclair Crushes the Case in Alabama. How can Drew Leclair fans, readers and book lovers best support the book and series?
Q: I think reading the book (in any way–including checking it out at your local library) is the best way to fight this unprecedented rise in censorship. As a queer woman myself, I didn’t set out to do anything more than write books that would make kids feel seen and accepted. Well, and for kids to have fun reading a mystery! It’s something I lacked growing up, and something I very much want for the next generation. Reading banned books is also the best way to show our teachers and librarians that we are willing to stand up to this alongside them. In this era where laws are being passed that would threaten to jail us for providing safe and equitable access...it’s just horrible. Librarians are professionals who are truly on the front lines of this, and I plan to use my voice to help in any way I can. I hope that inspired others to do the same!
Q: You are a lover & collector of Nancy Drew mysteries! (Fun fact: me, too!) How has the iconic detective Nancy Drew influenced the Drew Leclair series? And which Nancy Drew mystery is your favorite? (And I know it’s almost too hard to choose a fav!! Personally, I love The Mystery at Lilac Inn and Password to Larkspur Lane!)
A: Oh, no! Picking a truly “favorite” Nancy Drew is impossible without separating it into her many eras. For example, in the older books, my favorite is The Mystery of the Tolling Bell, and I also have a favorite new book (The Haunting of Heliotrope Lane) But my all time favorite might be down to two from the 80s: The Secret of Shady Glen and The Double Horror of Fenley Place. I love Larkspur Lane too, though!
As for my inspiration, I’m sure you suspected that Drew is named for Nancy herself. Drew ages, like I said, and so she will always have more limitations on how many cases she can realistically solve. However, there’s one huge element that I really kept in the forefront when writing Drew Leclair–her friends! In Nancy Drew, she is helped by two friends who bring their own strengths to the team. Admittedly, in the older books, Nancy is a bit too perfect to need them as much as she should. In the more modern books, however, they really let Bess and George shine as equal sleuths. I’m a sucker for a book with a main character who simply cannot solve the problem without their friends, and Bess and George definitely inspired me there.
Take Drew. She’s obviously brilliant, and a great observer–perfectly suited for finding clues. But she’s not great with people, and is often a bit too hasty when it comes to accusing a suspect. That’s where Shrey and Trissa come in. Shrey is the Scully to Drew’s Mulder–the skeptic who always encourages her to get more evidence before she makes her move. Trissa is the people person–she knows how to talk to both victims and suspects to get the most out of an interview. Both are truly equal to Drew when it comes to getting to that solution!
Q: Tell us about your typical workday as a creative professional—routines, rituals, inspiration & practical practices. Set the scene for us, too—what does your creative workspace look & feel like?
A: I wish I could answer this question and provide a beautiful picture of the writing space of my cottage-core dreams–but the truth is my writing routine is chaotic. I’m also a librarian and a mom, and we live in a smaller home. So, my workspace is also my office, which is also my daughter’s desk. I have to always be ready to write when I have the time.
That being said, I’m a big fan of the practical practices! I try to bring my ideal set-up with me, whether I’m at a desk, the couch, or at a cafe. I have a pouch that holds such necessities as my wrist and elbow compression sleeves (for repetitive stress prevention), my reading glasses, screen readers, an inhaler, and a migraine pill. That way I can have as few distractions as possible while I work. My one ritual though it all is a hot beverage. I can make any place work as long as I have a hot coffee or tea in hand!
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: My perfect Sunday would be spent lounging in a swimming pool with a Nancy Drew book of my choice and a cold Diet Coke. That’s the life!
This month I'm pleased as punch to be chatting it up with the fabulous middle grade author, Katryn Bury! She's the author of the Drew Leclair middle grade mystery series by night and a library technician by day. With a background in both sociology and criminology, she is a mystery-writing powerhouse, and today we're chatting all about her latest novel, Drew Leclair Crushes the Case. You can visit Katryn and her books here.
 |
| True crime fan + mystery lover + middle grade author = awesome |
Q: Drew Leclair Crushes the Case, the newest book in your middle grade detective novel series, released earlier this year with HarperCollins! Dish with us about the series, how the latest title continues the fun and what you love most about the title character Drew Leclair.
A: Thanks so much for having me! The idea for the Drew Leclair mysteries started as a seed of an idea: what if a kid wrote criminal profiles on the bullies at their school as if they were serial killers? I’ve long been a fan of kid and teen detectives–in fact, I have a fairly prolific collection of Nancy Drew books at home. But I also love books about real kids with emotional stakes that are hard to come by in series books wherein the main characters never age. I was a true crime fan from a young age just like Drew, and I found myself wondering how I could blend those two types of books into a single concept. Enter Drew Leclair, a seventh grader who dreams about being a criminal profiler for the FBI–but has to make it through middle school first.
Drew Leclair Gets a Clue starts with our main character putting her true crime knowledge and investigative skills to use to unmask a notorious school cyberbully. Drew faces a lot of issues along the way–a best friend who wants to be her boyfriend, facing her elementary school bullies every day, and dealing with parental abandonment. But she ultimately solves the case in a way that I hope readers will find heartwarming and funny along with being a good mystery. In Drew Leclair Crushes the Case, I keep the fun going with a new school mystery–and a lot of growth in Drew’s character arc. She makes a lot of mistakes in book one that I hope feel very real and relatable to kids today. Book two sees her really growing from that first experience–both as an investigator and as a friend.
I think what I love best about Drew is her confidence. Even in the face of bullies (including her own mother at times) telling her that she’s not enough, Drew remains steadfastly true to herself along the way. A lot of people ask me if Drew is based on me. Like me, she loves true crime, is chronically ill, a bit neurodivergent and bisexual. That’s a lot of things like me! However, Drew’s mind, personality and the way she processes her feelings are very different from how I grew up–it’s one of the reasons I find writing her character so delightful!
(Psst! You can get your very own copy of Drew Leclair Crushes the Case here:)
 |
| Can you solve the latest mystery?! |
Q: Your background includes degrees in both Sociology and Criminology as well as experience working as a youth library tech. How have each of these experiences contributed to your unique voice as a children’s book writer?
A: As a librarian (and, formerly, a school librarian) I’m incredibly privileged to spend time with my target audience. As I always tell students during school visits, the best way to write realistic dialogue is to listen to our friends and take note. In my role, I get a front row seat to wacky, wonderful middle grade conversations and I love every minute of it!
As for my other background, it’s probably obvious that my background in criminology inspired the character of Drew Leclair. But it also shapes my voice and my love of mysteries in general! The fascination with true crime often gets misunderstood as an obsession with the sensationalized. Really, it’s more about feeling safe. Similarly, I think mysteries offer a sense of comfort in the form of a solution. This fact really helps me get into the mind of a kid who is coming of age. It’s a time when we’re all torn between the desire to have more control over our lives and that sense of comfort we get from our families. That’s why I think mysteries are truly important for middle grade kids.
Q: Drew Leclair and several of her friends identify as LGBTQ, which is currently being used as justification for challenging Drew Leclair Crushes the Case in Alabama. How can Drew Leclair fans, readers and book lovers best support the book and series?
Q: I think reading the book (in any way–including checking it out at your local library) is the best way to fight this unprecedented rise in censorship. As a queer woman myself, I didn’t set out to do anything more than write books that would make kids feel seen and accepted. Well, and for kids to have fun reading a mystery! It’s something I lacked growing up, and something I very much want for the next generation. Reading banned books is also the best way to show our teachers and librarians that we are willing to stand up to this alongside them. In this era where laws are being passed that would threaten to jail us for providing safe and equitable access...it’s just horrible. Librarians are professionals who are truly on the front lines of this, and I plan to use my voice to help in any way I can. I hope that inspired others to do the same!
 |
| Begin at the beginning: book #1 in the Drew Leclair series! |
Q: You are a lover & collector of Nancy Drew mysteries! (Fun fact: me, too!) How has the iconic detective Nancy Drew influenced the Drew Leclair series? And which Nancy Drew mystery is your favorite? (And I know it’s almost too hard to choose a fav!! Personally, I love The Mystery at Lilac Inn and Password to Larkspur Lane!)
A: Oh, no! Picking a truly “favorite” Nancy Drew is impossible without separating it into her many eras. For example, in the older books, my favorite is The Mystery of the Tolling Bell, and I also have a favorite new book (The Haunting of Heliotrope Lane) But my all time favorite might be down to two from the 80s: The Secret of Shady Glen and The Double Horror of Fenley Place. I love Larkspur Lane too, though!
As for my inspiration, I’m sure you suspected that Drew is named for Nancy herself. Drew ages, like I said, and so she will always have more limitations on how many cases she can realistically solve. However, there’s one huge element that I really kept in the forefront when writing Drew Leclair–her friends! In Nancy Drew, she is helped by two friends who bring their own strengths to the team. Admittedly, in the older books, Nancy is a bit too perfect to need them as much as she should. In the more modern books, however, they really let Bess and George shine as equal sleuths. I’m a sucker for a book with a main character who simply cannot solve the problem without their friends, and Bess and George definitely inspired me there.
Take Drew. She’s obviously brilliant, and a great observer–perfectly suited for finding clues. But she’s not great with people, and is often a bit too hasty when it comes to accusing a suspect. That’s where Shrey and Trissa come in. Shrey is the Scully to Drew’s Mulder–the skeptic who always encourages her to get more evidence before she makes her move. Trissa is the people person–she knows how to talk to both victims and suspects to get the most out of an interview. Both are truly equal to Drew when it comes to getting to that solution!
Q: Tell us about your typical workday as a creative professional—routines, rituals, inspiration & practical practices. Set the scene for us, too—what does your creative workspace look & feel like?
A: I wish I could answer this question and provide a beautiful picture of the writing space of my cottage-core dreams–but the truth is my writing routine is chaotic. I’m also a librarian and a mom, and we live in a smaller home. So, my workspace is also my office, which is also my daughter’s desk. I have to always be ready to write when I have the time.
That being said, I’m a big fan of the practical practices! I try to bring my ideal set-up with me, whether I’m at a desk, the couch, or at a cafe. I have a pouch that holds such necessities as my wrist and elbow compression sleeves (for repetitive stress prevention), my reading glasses, screen readers, an inhaler, and a migraine pill. That way I can have as few distractions as possible while I work. My one ritual though it all is a hot beverage. I can make any place work as long as I have a hot coffee or tea in hand!
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: My perfect Sunday would be spent lounging in a swimming pool with a Nancy Drew book of my choice and a cold Diet Coke. That’s the life!
Thank you SO much, Katryn, for catching up with us here at Bird Meets Worm! And congratulations on the latest Drew Leclair mystery!
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Super Readers Club: Summer Reading Bingo & More!
Have you done a Summer Reading Bingo Challenge yet? Try the free reading bingo below from the Super Readers Club! For more fun, free printable activities for kids + silly comics click here!
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Super Story Time JULY
*Always LIVE, never recorded—because 1) protecting creative copyright is important, and 2) because the old-school-Saturday-monring-cartoons-live-and-in-person-energy is totally RAD!
Super Star Interviews: Mónica Vidalón
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 pleased as punch to be catching up with the lovely author-illustrator Mónica Vidalón. Mónica's new picture book, Penelope’s Big Dream, is her debut as a children's book indie publisher and an inspiration for creators dreaming of publishing their own books, too. Born and raised in Perú, she moved to the United States at the age of 24 to continue her studies. She currently lives with her husband and three daughters in sunny Texas, where she spends her days writing and illustrating children’s books. You can follow Mónica on Instagram here.
Q: Your adorable picture book, Penelope’s Big Dream, released this past spring in both English and Spanish. Dish with us about this sweet title and what inspired you to create it!
A: Thank you! Penelope’s Big Dream is a story about a girl who dares to dream BIG, so BIG that she starts to feel embarrassed by it. Eventually she finds herself with an important decision to make.
My inspiration to write this book came from what I have felt many times, not only as a young girl but also as a grown woman, and the example I would like to set for my children. I want them to have the courage to dream big and the self-awareness and determination to pursue it. The goal for this book was to create a heartfelt story that readers (young and old) can relate to and I wanted to draw simple but expressive illustrations to help tell the story.
(Psst! You can get your own copy of Penelope's Big Dream here:)
This month I'm pleased as punch to be catching up with the lovely author-illustrator Mónica Vidalón. Mónica's new picture book, Penelope’s Big Dream, is her debut as a children's book indie publisher and an inspiration for creators dreaming of publishing their own books, too. Born and raised in Perú, she moved to the United States at the age of 24 to continue her studies. She currently lives with her husband and three daughters in sunny Texas, where she spends her days writing and illustrating children’s books. You can follow Mónica on Instagram here.
Q: Your adorable picture book, Penelope’s Big Dream, released this past spring in both English and Spanish. Dish with us about this sweet title and what inspired you to create it!
A: Thank you! Penelope’s Big Dream is a story about a girl who dares to dream BIG, so BIG that she starts to feel embarrassed by it. Eventually she finds herself with an important decision to make.
My inspiration to write this book came from what I have felt many times, not only as a young girl but also as a grown woman, and the example I would like to set for my children. I want them to have the courage to dream big and the self-awareness and determination to pursue it. The goal for this book was to create a heartfelt story that readers (young and old) can relate to and I wanted to draw simple but expressive illustrations to help tell the story.
(Psst! You can get your own copy of Penelope's Big Dream here:)
Amazon
Q: What was your most treasured picture book as a child? What is your most favorite picture book now? Why?
A: As a child, I enjoyed reading El Patito Feo (The Ugly Duckling) over and over again. I loved how at the end, he turned out to be a beautiful swan. He was all along who he was meant to be. He just needed to find his tribe.
Nowadays, there are so many great picture books that it is hard for me to choose just one. The first one that comes to mind is Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse because it touches my heart every time I read it. I think the unconditional love that a mother feels toward her child is spot on. The story is heartwarming, fun to read aloud, and has beautiful illustrations featuring the Inuit culture.
Q: What is next for you as an author-illustrator-publisher? What new books or products can fans look forward to in the future?
A: I’m excited to share that a new book is in the works. I have completed the Spanish version and I’m currently working on the English version as well as the illustrations. It is part of an overall series intended to share positive messages with young readers. Writing children’s books has been a dream of mine for a long time and it is truly amazing to be able to pursue it now.
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: My most perfect Sunday involves waking up early and going for a short run or playing tennis. Followed by a nice brunch with the family and a visit to the bookstore. In the afternoon, we relax and read for a bit, and to finish up the day, we watch a family movie (popcorn included, of course!).
Q: Tell us a bit about your most favorite reader response that you’ve received so far!
A: Of course, I love all the children’s responses. One of my favorites is a video of a little girl reading the book and her expressions and intonation truly warmed my heart. It was so precious! But my most favorite so far, because it was so unexpected, came from a grown man who confessed he was feeling a little down and reading my book made him feel better. It reminded him of the importance of living his life to the fullest. It really made my day to hear that my book helped somebody feel better.
A: Of course, I love all the children’s responses. One of my favorites is a video of a little girl reading the book and her expressions and intonation truly warmed my heart. It was so precious! But my most favorite so far, because it was so unexpected, came from a grown man who confessed he was feeling a little down and reading my book made him feel better. It reminded him of the importance of living his life to the fullest. It really made my day to hear that my book helped somebody feel better.
 |
| Nevermind the naysayers! YOUR dream is important, valid & wonderful! |
Q: Self-publishing children’s books is becoming increasingly popular! What advice would you give fellow author-illustrators about: 1) the self-publishing process, 2) inspiring positive book reviews, and 3) marketing your book?
A: Those are great questions and hard for me to answer because I’m still in the process of learning how to navigate all of this myself.
Self-publishing can be a daunting process but if you set your mind to it you can definitely do it. In my experience, persistence, lots of research and showing up to work every day have been keys to self-published my book.
As for reviews and marketing, I’m trying to spread the word about the book through different channels, including social media, emails, mouth to mouth, my author website and getting as many people as I can to read it. In all honesty, there is a vast amount of information on how to market a book that I have yet to explore.
A: Those are great questions and hard for me to answer because I’m still in the process of learning how to navigate all of this myself.
Self-publishing can be a daunting process but if you set your mind to it you can definitely do it. In my experience, persistence, lots of research and showing up to work every day have been keys to self-published my book.
As for reviews and marketing, I’m trying to spread the word about the book through different channels, including social media, emails, mouth to mouth, my author website and getting as many people as I can to read it. In all honesty, there is a vast amount of information on how to market a book that I have yet to explore.
 |
| Oops! This fella just needs a bigger doorway/car! ;D |
Q: What was your most treasured picture book as a child? What is your most favorite picture book now? Why?
A: As a child, I enjoyed reading El Patito Feo (The Ugly Duckling) over and over again. I loved how at the end, he turned out to be a beautiful swan. He was all along who he was meant to be. He just needed to find his tribe.
Nowadays, there are so many great picture books that it is hard for me to choose just one. The first one that comes to mind is Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse because it touches my heart every time I read it. I think the unconditional love that a mother feels toward her child is spot on. The story is heartwarming, fun to read aloud, and has beautiful illustrations featuring the Inuit culture.
 |
| Hug your dream close!!! |
Q: What is next for you as an author-illustrator-publisher? What new books or products can fans look forward to in the future?
A: I’m excited to share that a new book is in the works. I have completed the Spanish version and I’m currently working on the English version as well as the illustrations. It is part of an overall series intended to share positive messages with young readers. Writing children’s books has been a dream of mine for a long time and it is truly amazing to be able to pursue it now.
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: My most perfect Sunday involves waking up early and going for a short run or playing tennis. Followed by a nice brunch with the family and a visit to the bookstore. In the afternoon, we relax and read for a bit, and to finish up the day, we watch a family movie (popcorn included, of course!).
Thanks so much, Mónica, for chatting it up with us here at Bird Meets Worm! Congratulations on your sweet picture book!
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