26 Sep Kelsey E Gross and WINTER: A SOLSTICE STORY plus a GIVEAWAY

Wow! September has been a busy month around here. What better way to end it than introducing you to one of my PBSpree sisters, Kelsey Gross? Kelsey’s beautiful book, WINTER: A SOLSTICE STORY debuts on Oct. 10, but you can get a little sneak peek here. Check out these gorgeous opening lines. 

Owl watches as 

sunlight dims to a shimmer  

and starlight scatters across snow dust.  Tonight is the longest night of the year.  

Solstice is here. 

Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year, and in this lovely picture book, Owl, Mouse, and Deer watch the light fade as the dark surrounds them, and they share the gift of hope.

EL: Kelsey, this book is absolutely gorgeous. Your lovely, lyrical words paired with Renata Liwska’s illustrations create a magical story. Did you get to see Renata’s rough drafts? Did you communicate with her? 

KG: I’m so grateful to work with Renata Liwska. She really brought the story to life in a gorgeous way – it’s lovelier than I ever imagined! The animals are soft and fuzzy, and their expressions add so much depth to the story. The forest scenes have a warm, cozy feel, which sets the perfect tone.

I didn’t see any of the roughs, so it was all a delightful surprise. I’ve long been a fan of Renata’s work, so I absolutely trusted her (and my editor) to take the words and run with it. In the original manuscript, a human joined the animals in the final scene, but Renata and my editor suggested removing it to keep the book in the realm of the animals’ magical world. I think it works wonderfully. The partnership between author and illustrator in creating a picture book is truly special!

 EL: I agree! What do you do when the words won’t come, as sometimes happens? 

KG: Physical activity helps – it’s amazing how often I’ve come up with phrases, lines, or plot fixes while walking or skiing! It also helps to have several works in progress at one time. If one isn’t working, I can set it aside and tinker on something else.

I frequently visit the children’s section at the library. Reading others’ books sparks new ideas, as does observing kids as they page through books and play! If nothing else, I find new mentor texts and comp titles, which feels like a step forward (and anyway, I love hanging out at the library!).

My creative ideas seem to come in streaks. The off times can be tough, but I try to be patient. I’ve learned that eventually, an intriguing idea will cross my path again!

 EL What do you think is the best part about writing for children? 

It’s so common to hear adults talk about a special connection they have to a book they read as kids or a story someone in their family told them. Often there is an emotional tie– something they remember as heartfelt, magical, or hilarious – that wedged itself deep in them … for life. That’s powerful! Some people also have fond memories of reading with a caregiver or teacher. It would be such an honor to have a small part in those moments and memories.

EL: I truly believe you will have that honor with this book, Kelsey. Do you have anything else in the pipeline you can talk about?

KG: The follow-up book, Summer: A Solstice Story (also illustrated by Renata Liwska) releases in 2024. We’re finishing final edits, and I’ve been able to preview some of the illustrations. It’s absolutely stunning! Every spread is filled with warm, lush colors and fuzzy baby/parent animal pairs. I can’t wait to share it and look forward to some fun outdoor events to promote the book next summer.

 EL: I can’t wait to read that one too!  Do you have any words of advice for aspiring kidlit writers or illustrators?

KG: Find several critique partners with different skill sets. It can be scary to put your work out there, and first critique swaps are a little nerve-wracking –  kind of like first dates! But when you find people you connect with, it strengthens your writing and provides such wonderful company for this bumpy road of kidlit publishing.

I am so grateful for my talented and generous writing friends. Each of them brings a unique perspective and expertise when providing feedback on my work. I learn so much from their critiques, and from reviewing their manuscripts, too. It really feels like this book was a big group effort. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their help!

EL: I totally get it. My critique buddies are priceless too.  Thank you so much for stopping by, Kelsey.  To find out more about Kelsey, please check out her website and social media accounts.

• Website: kelseyegross.com
• Instagram and Twitter: @kelseyegross
• Books can be purchased from the Simon & Schuster website, or wherever books are sold.

Kelsey is generously offering a free picture book critique to one lucky winner.  Just comment on this post by October 2 and let me know if you are a subscriber or if you share the post to get an extra chance at winning. Good luck! 

Until next time,

Ellen 

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On a personal note, I’d love for you to check other parts of my website to find out more about me, my books, and my school visits. Thank you!