11 May Candace Spizzirri and FINLEY, A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE Plus a GIVEAWAY!

EL: Welcome to another edition of Writing Outside the Lines. As you may know, I love repeat customers because that means that someone we know has another book out in the world.  I want to welcome back Candace Spizzirri, who is back with her adorable moose, Finley. Finley wants nothing more than to attend Fashion Week in Paris. He dreams of the sights, the sounds, the smells, and the perfect suit! But when Finley arrives, the famous designers refuse to work with a moose. Can you imagine? But don’t worry, through persistence and pure “Finley-ness,” he finds a way. One of the things I love about this book is not just Finley’s persistence, but HOW he keeps trying will keep kids engaged. It’s fun and super colorful due to the wonderful illustrations of the talented pair, Chantelle and Burgen Thorne. This book is one that kids will want to hear over and over.

Welcome back, Candace! You write such fun books. What types of books did you enjoy when you were a child?

CS: This one is easy for me—I adored everything Winnie the Pooh. The Hundred Acre Wood felt like a magical place when I was a young girl, and the characters were so vivid they seemed like friends. I spent countless hours studying the illustrations and begging for the same stories at bedtime night after night. That love has never faded; in fact, one of my favorite Pooh quotes still lives on my website: “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” 

EL: Candace, I remember whispering that quote to my first grandchild when he was a baby! I love it too. OK–back to you!

CS: I loved poetry as a child too, especially anything funny and rhyming. I often made up my own silly songs and verses. One of those little ditties even found its way into my first book, FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE.

I was also obsessed with Noel Streatfeild’s Shoes books—Ballet Shoes, Circus Shoes, Skating Shoes, and all the rest. I danced ballet for many years, so Ballet Shoes naturally became my all‑time favorite. Those stories made the world of performing feel so alive and full of possibility.

EL: I think the illustrations are perfect for your book. Did you get to communicate with your illustrators?

CS: Thank you, I couldn’t agree more. Chantelle and Burgen Thorne are incredibly talented illustrators. I didn’t communicate with them directly, but after seeing their artwork for the first book, FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE, I knew our story was in exceptional hands. And once again, they delivered something truly spectacular! When I saw the illustrations for this book, I cried happy tears all over again. The artwork is everything I hoped for and so much, much more!

EL: I totally agree. I love the art. Do you have anything else in the pipeline you can talk about?

CS: Yes! I’ve got another book on the way, and I’m over the moon about it. It’s slated for a Fall 2027 release with Gnome Road Publishing, and I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful home for this story.

This book is especially close to my heart; it’s inspired by my sister, Amber, and it’s called Amber Mae and Her Strays. It was one of the very first manuscripts I ever wrote, so seeing it come to life now feels surreal.

The illustrations are being created by the incredibly gifted Carlos Vélez Aguilera, whose bold, lively style fits my spirited main character perfectly. I’m thrilled to see how he will bring Amber Mae’s world to life.

Here is a summary:

Prepare for a rollicking adventure as Amber Mae, a determined little girl with a soft spot for stray animals, brings home one zany pet after another. When her otherwise patient parents panic and are pushed over the edge, they have no choice but to send her pets packing. Readers will be rooting for clever Amber Mae as she finds the perfect place for each and every one of her beloved animal friends.

I’ve got another exciting project in motion, though I must keep it under wraps for now. But I’ll share more as soon as I can.

EL: Congrats, Candace! You are on fire! I know children will love everything you do! Will you tell us what inspires you?

CS: I draw inspiration from just about everywhere. Quiet moments spark ideas, a breathtaking sunset, a peaceful walk through the woods, those times when the world feels still enough for a story to drift in. Loud, lively moments energize me too: big family gatherings, spirited sports events, all that joyful noise that fills a room.

I’m equally inspired by the everyday—simple routines, snippets of overheard conversation—as well as the extraordinary occasions like weddings, birthdays, and new babies.

But my greatest source of inspiration is my five grandkids. They’re endlessly imaginative, and I love watching them play or asking what kinds of stories they’d like to read. Their creativity often sends me down new paths and helps me see the world with fresh eyes.

Ideas can strike anytime, anywhere, so I try to stay ready. One of my favorites happened on the drive home from the grocery store. I’d forgotten my phone, so when a story idea hit me, I pulled over and scribbled the title, plot points, and character notes on the back of my receipt. Inspiration doesn’t wait for convenience—it just shows up, and you grab it however you can.

EL: Wow! You had plot points already. That’s impressive. Do you have any words of advice for aspiring kidlit writers?

CS: Never give up on your writing dreams. Stick with it. Take classes, go to conferences, find critique partners, join writing groups, and connect with the kidlit community. They’re an incredible, generous bunch.

Publishing moves slowly, and the journey comes with plenty of highs and lows. Patience and persistence really do matter. I’ll admit, patience isn’t my strongest skill, but sticking with it—that part comes naturally to me.

Try to breathe, enjoy the ride, and have fun with the process. Keep showing up for your work and for yourself. You’ve absolutely got this.

EL: Great advice!

Learn more about Candace at www.candacespizzirri.com

Links to buy the book are here:

Amazon

Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse: Spizzirri, Candace, Thorne, Chantelle, Thorne, Burgen: 9781957655598: Amazon.com: Books

IndieBound

Finley a book by Chantelle Thorne, Burgen Thorne, and Candace Spizzirri – Bookshop.org US

Publisher link

Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse – Gnome Road Publishing

For personalized/signed copies:

Wellington Square Bookshop in Exton, PA at Wellingtonsquarebooks.com or (610) 458-1144.

Or Barnes & Noble in Exton, PA at stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2086 or (610) 524-0103.

And now, it’s time for a

Candace would love to give away a signed/personalized copy of the book with some swag. To get in the running, just comment on this post and let me know if you are a subscriber or if you shared it to get in the running. Good luck!

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On a personal note, I’m currently scheduling school author visits for the 2026-2027 school year. I’d love to visit YOU or a school near you! Please check out  https://EllenLeventhal.com

Also, I’m pleased to say that our book, DON’T EAT THE BLUEBONNETS, co-written by  Ellen Rothberg and me and expertly illustrated by Joel Cook, will be released again soon with some new updates. I am so excited to share this book with a new generation!

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