05 Jul Lisa Katzenberger and NATIONAL REGULAR AVERAGE ORDINARY DAY

In these decidedly  UNordinary days, I found extra delight in reading Lisa Katzenberger’s wonderful new book. 

Although I’ve seen Lisa around online for a while, I really got to know her in our 2021 Promo group, Picture Book Scribblers. But wait! I’m getting ahead of myself. Yes, Lisa has a book coming out in 2021 (more about that later), but first, let’s talk about her adorable book that’s out NOW!!

Thanks for stopping by, Lisa I’m excited about this book! Please tell those who haven’t read it a little about it. 

In NATIONAL REGULAR AVERAGE ORDINARY DAY, Peter does not like being bored, so he comes up with a way to have some festive fun–he’ll celebrate a different holiday each day! He even rates them on a scale of 1 to 10. But when he wakes up one morning to discover there isn’t any holiday, he realizes he’ll have to take matters into his own hands and make up his own! That’s easier said than done, though, and nothing seems to go right–until Peter realizes that even a regular, average, ordinary day can be something worth celebrating.

I love this book! And oh, I need to thank another Picture Book Scribbler for the adorable background on this. Thanks, Sita Singh! 

 Lisa, what difficulties have you run into as far as launching this year? (As opposed to normal years!)

My book launched on June 23! I was scheduled to have a launch event at my local independent bookstore, but have switched to a virtual event through The Writing Barn. I also had hoped to go to ALA which was coming to Chicago this year. But I’m doing some virtual storytimes instead, so that is fun!

 Where can people buy it? 

I always recommend people start by checking out their local independent bookstore. IndieBound is a great site that will tell you the closest bookstore that carries NATIONAL REGULAR AVERAGE ORDINARY DAY, or you can order online. It’s also available at Barnes & Noble, Target, and Amazon.

You are so prolific, Lisa! Do you have a specific writing routine? If so, what it is?

I usually get up early and spend time writing before my kids wake up. I used to have a good chunk of time to write while they were at school! But with quarantine and e-learning at home, I’ve been writing in starts and stops whenever I can sneak it in!

What would you tell others who are working hard to get published?

Write and read a lot. A whole lot. More than you think you need. You will get better over time as you improve your craft and learn about the publishing industry. Check out resources like SCBWI, The Highlights Foundation, The Writing Barn, 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, Storystorm, and KidLit411. The kidlit community is very welcoming and supportive—be sure to build a support system so you aren’t going on this wild ride alone!

Great ideas. Thanks. Now, we MUST talk about something exciting we all woke up to a few weeks ago. I was reading an article that listed the Today Show’s recommendations for great summer reads. NATIONAL REGULAR AVERAGE ORDINARY DAY was on it! I was so excited for you and for everyone who gets to read this book. How did you react? 

https://www.today.com/shop/best-summer-reads-kids-t184114

I was completely surprised. When the list came out people were tagging me on social media. I am so honored to be on a list full of other authors whose work I admire so much!

I agree. There are some wonderful authors on that list, including you.

Tell us a little about yourself. What do you do besides write wonderful kids’ books?  What may our readers be surprised to find out about you?

I also work part-time as a freelance technical writer, taking on projects here and there. I am a mom to nine-year-old twins who keep me on my toes and are quite honest critiques of my works in progress! I have a super supportive husband and we all live in La Grange IL, a suburb of Chicago. I also volunteer as the Social Media Coordinator for SCBWI Illinois.

That’s a lot!

Since I mentioned that we are in a 2021 promo group together, I think we need to give everyone a little teaser of what they can expect from you next year. 

It Will Be OK, a story about empathy, kindness, and friendship, is about an anxious, overwhelmed giraffe and his loyal zebra friend, whose patience and presence help him face his greatest fear head-on. This picture book publishes February 2021 from Sourcebooks.

Here is the link to pre-order on BookShop and Amazon.

Thank you so much, Lisa! I’m excited for you and can’t wait until your next book comes out! 

Lisa is generously offering a giveaway or a picture book critique to one lucky winner. Just comment on this post, and you are entered into this contest! 

Stay safe and happy, everyone!