07 Nov Dianna Sirkovsky talks about JUST ONE PEBBLE: ONE BOY’S QUEST TO END HUNGER and a GIVEAWAY!

EL: I am happy to welcome Dianna Sirkovsky, author of JUST ONE PEBBLE: ONE BOY’S QUEST TO END HUNGER, to Writing Outside the Lines. I love true stories about people making a difference, and this book epitomizes that as it follows young Braeden Mannering’s quest to end hunger. Dianna’s words and Sara Casilda’s illustrations combine to create an unforgettable book.

Dianna, before we go too deep into your wonderful book, will you please tell us a little about yourself?

DS: I’m a mom of two and a nanny of one darling little girl. I have a deep love for animals and was involved in cat rescue for many years. My kids were raised with nine rescue cats and, I’m proud to say, have gone on to rescue cats of their own. I grew up on the Canadian prairies but have lived in Montreal for many years. I’m an avid reader of many genres. I love walking, baking, decorating cookies, and painting with acrylics and a knife. My first book was published when I was 63, and I’m very grateful to Clavis for both my books!

EL: You are busy!  Let’s talk about the book now. How did you get your idea for JUST ONE PEBBLE: ONE BOY’S QUEST TO END HUNGER

DS: I first read about Braeden and his work on The Hunger Site on Great Good where I make daily clicks to help raise funds for various causes. It was such an inspiring and kid-friendly story, that I knew immediately that I wanted to write about it. Once the story was written, I reached out to Braeden and his mom, Christy.

Sara’s thoughtful illustrations really brought the story to life. I’m so grateful we were able to work together again on this project. She is such a talent and her depictions of Braeden and Christy are so true-to-life!

EL: The illustrations are certainly wonderful! People have different reasons for writing picture books. Why do you write for children?

DS: I have always loved picture books. I kept all my own kid’s books because I couldn’t bear to part with them. There’s nothing like a good story with beautiful illustrations! The way they work together is so satisfying, and sometimes it’s pure magic. I hope some children out there will keep my books because they can’t bear to part with them!

EL: I hope so too. In your opinion, what is the most difficult part of this job? The best part?

DS: The most difficult part? Submissions of course! The anxiety of sending your cherished story out in the cold, cold world – which you know needs your story to make it a better place – and then… nothing. It disappears into the void (black hole?). Even a refusal is, at least, an acknowledgment of your work.

And the best, of course, is that wonderful, incredible, amazing email of acceptance! The one you have to read three times before you compute it isn’t actually a refusal. The very best is the realization that your story will get into the hands of children and their parents who will hopefully love it as much as you do!

EL: Do you have anything else you’d like our readers to know?

DS: I’m very happy to say that our first book, James’ Reading Rescue, has printed in 8 languages, including English. Sara and I just received the Chinese version, and we are thrilled that our book is available to children in so many countries! Just One Pebble comes to bookshelves on my 65th birthday. I couldn’t ask for a lovelier present and it’s a timely reminder to all of us that it’s never too late to write the book that’s in your heart!

EL: How wonderful!

And now a…

Dianna is happy to give away a book to one lucky reader in the U.S.  All you need to do to get in the running to win is comment on this post. Let me know if you are a subscriber or if you shared the post to get an extra chance. 

Find out more about Dianna here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannawilson99

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianna.wilson.98

Some places the book is available:

Amazon.com

Barnes & Noble

Powell’s Books

BAM! Books-A-Million

And hopefully lots of U.S. indy bookstores!

Until next time, be well,

Ellen