20 Mar Susan Johnston Taylor, ANIMALS IN SURPRISING SHADES and a GIVEAWAY!
Happy Monday! I am thrilled to introduce you to PBSpree sister, Susan Johnston Taylor. Her book, ANIMAL IN SURPRISING SHADES: POEMS ABOUT EARTH’S COLORFUL CREATURES is a must-read for every child (and adult, too!) curious about unusual and colorful animals. I’ll let Susan tell you more about that, but for now, I’ll tell you that interesting facts, gorgeous art, and beautiful language combine to create a book that I know I’ll be reading over and over. Don’t just believe me, SchoolLibrary Journal has called this book, “A STEAM-themed poetry collection that should have broad appeal for young readers.” –School Library Journal
EL: Welcome, Susan! Before we get into the book, please tell us a little about yourself.
I think my love of music has helped my ability to write in meter and rhyme. I have several music-related kidlit projects I’m working on, too.
EL: I have been lucky enough to hear Susan sing, but not in person….yet! She is wonderful. Susan, please tell us a little about your newest book. How did you get your inspiration?
SJT: Animals in Surprising Shades: Poems About Earth’s Colorful Creatures is a poetry collection celebrating biodiversity including animals that come in all colors, especially those you wouldn’t expect. Jane Yolen has written several wonderful poetry collections about animals, so when I started thinking about a concept book exploring animals in unusual colors, I decided to try it as a poetry collection.
EL: It absolutely works as a poetry collection! And take a look at these gorgeous illustrations by Annie Bakst!
Do you have anything else in the pipeline you can talk about?
SJT: I also write for the educational market, and I have several historical fiction readers coming out this fall. These are HiLo books, meaning they’re intended for teens but they’re written at a lower grade level for English language learners or students who read below grade level. (In other words, writing teen protagonists but using simpler sentences and vocabulary.)
If you’re a struggling reader, the last thing you want is to be seen with a book that’s clearly intended for much younger readers. What a privilege to write stories that will hopefully engage teens and give them something fun and age-appropriate to read!
I devoured the American Girl books when I first learned to read, so when the editor asked if had any interest in writing historical fiction, I replied with an emphatic “yes!” I wound up writing 11 readers across several centuries of American history, from the American Revolution to the AIDS epidemic. It was one of my favorite projects of all time.
EL: That’s wonderful. I love historical fiction too. What do you do when the words won’t come?
SJT: I read mentor texts, go for a walk with my dogs, or work on something else. Because I’m usually working on multiple kidlit projects (and projects for adults since I work as a freelance writer), I can usually find something else to do so I’m still making progress even while stuck on one project. For instance, I can work on critiques, social media graphics, bookstore outreach for my launch event, update my library requests, and so on. I prefer shifting gears to staring at a project and getting frustrated.
EL: Yes! There is always a lot to do. Susan, thank you so much for dropping by today! And congrats again on this beautiful book!
And now…A GIVEAWAY!! YAY!
Susan will critique one PB manuscript (fiction or nonfiction, rhyming or prose) of up 1,000 words for a lucky winner. Just comment on this post by March 27 and let me know if you are a subscriber and/or you’ve shared this post for an extra chance to win.
Find out more about Susan on her website at www.susan-johnston.com
Pronouns: she, her, hers
And please consider pre-ordering this wonderful book right here or wherever books are sold.
Pre-order Animals in Surprising Shades: Poems About Earth’s Colorful Creatures
Susan, thanks for dropping by today and for all you do for the kidlit community. Congrats again on this beautiful book!
Until next time,
Ellen
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On a personal note, please check out other parts of my website, https://EllenLeventhal.com to learn more about me, my books, and my school visits.
NEW BOOK ALERT! Available wherever books are sold.
If you’d like a signed copy, please pre-order at Brazos Bookstore
This tale bears the same timely message as its subject’s music: Let’s all unite in a spirit of community.
Kirkus
Linda Hofke
Posted at 13:30h, 20 MarchThis sounds like a great book. It combines two things I love –animals and poetry. I’d love to read this with my nieces and nephews
(I am a subscriber.)
Jennifer Kam
Posted at 13:34h, 20 MarchWhat a wonderful interview! I adore this book–congratulations!!
danielle hammelef
Posted at 15:24h, 20 MarchI enjoy reading poetry, and love it even more if it’s nonfiction. Thank you for the interview and chance to win a critique of my manuscript. I shared on tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/yesreaderwriterpoetmusician/712324672839188480/susan-johnston-taylor-animals-in-surprising?source=share
Jilanne Hoffmann
Posted at 17:25h, 20 MarchCongrats, Susan! I love your book!
Jennifer Cowan
Posted at 16:17h, 21 MarchThank you Ellen and Susan for sharing this interview. Susan your book sounds beautiful. I’d be honored to win a critique and can’t wait to read your book!
Joyce Uglow
Posted at 10:27h, 22 MarchSusan, I love the notion of a poetry collection about the unique colors. You’re an inspiration in whatever you take on. Congratulations on your publishing journey.
JYOTI RAJAN GOPAL
Posted at 14:27h, 22 MarchCongrats Susan! Your book is beautiful and I am sure will become a beloved go-to in classrooms!
Laura Polasek
Posted at 02:57h, 23 MarchThank you for sharing! Your book sounds just beautiful.
Trinity Lee
Posted at 00:13h, 25 MarchI absolutely adore this book’s concept. Seems like a peaceful and calming read, especially at bed time!
Jenna Johnson
Posted at 23:06h, 26 MarchSuch a cool book! I shared on twitter and subscribe!
Phyllis Hemann
Posted at 02:28h, 27 MarchLove how this combines animals and color! Always on the lookout for clever PB poetry, and looking forward to reading it. I’m a subscriber & shared this on Twitter.