My Messy Muse

In this Episode we discuss poetry for young readers, from picture books to middle-grade, with traditionally published authors, Chris Baron, Michelle Schaub, and Angela Shanté. Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse  If you are interested in a picture a school visit or other speaking opportunity with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme  Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

Kidlit BITs- Bite Sized Informational Takeaways!  On this Episode learn about how to get your FREE book resources into the hands of teachers. If you are not already a member, be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook to continue the conversation and meet like minded individuals who also love #kidlit. www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse Follow the creator and host, Michele McAvoy, and her journey as an author, educator, and children's book publisher. Michele's titles include BUCKINGHAM GETS A NEW SHELL (2021); COOKIE & MILK (2019); THE GORILLA PICKED ME! (2018), and MY SUPERHERO GRANDPA (2016).  You can find out more about Michele and her books at www.michelemcavoy.com Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy If you are interested in a FREE school visit with Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Explore Michele McAvoy's publishing company The Little Press- www.littlepresspublishing.com  

Celebrate Picture Books! 2020 was a difficult year for everyone yet beautiful books published.  In this Episode, we celebrate new picture books that released in 2020. We celebrate their authors, illustrators, stories, and journeys. If you are not already a member, be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook to continue the conversation and meet like minded individuals who also love #kidlit. www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse Follow the creator and host, Michele McAvoy, and her journey as an author, educator, and children's book publisher. Michele's titles include BUCKINGHAM GETS A NEW SHELL (2021); COOKIE & MILK (2019); THE GORILLA PICKED ME! (2018), and MY SUPERHERO GRANDPA (2016).  You can find out more about Michele and her books at www.michelemcavoy.com Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy If you are interested in a FREE school visit with Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Explore Michele McAvoy's publishing company The Little Press- www.littlepresspublishing.com  

You desperately want to be published. You have your story, you think it's perfect, do you try the traditional route or do you self-publish? In this My Messy Muse kidlit podcast Episode 50, Michele McAvoy interviews April Cox, a successful self-published kidlit author who works with other kidlit writers to help them see their dream of publication, with her company Self Publishing Made Simple.  Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse to connect with others who love children's literature. Host and creator, Michele McAvoy, is the author of BUCKINGHAM GETS A NEW SHELL (2021); COOKIE & MILK (2019); THE GORILLA PICKED ME! (2018), and MY SUPERHERO GRANDPA (2016).  Find out more about Michele and her books at www.michelemcavoy.com If you are interested a FREE school visit with Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy www.facebook.com/michelemcavoyauthor

Have a winter holiday idea but think that market is too crowded?  Have a holiday story manuscript but don't know when the best time to shop it is? Have a new holiday books, but don't know how to get started marketing during such a crazy time.  In this Episode 49 of the My Messy Muse #kidlit podcast Michele McAvoy will help answer many of your holiday book questions.  She sits down for a Coffee & Craft Roundtable Chat with kidlit authors Patricia Toht, Karen Rostoker-Gruber, and Nancy Churnin to discuss all things holiday books.   Advice from the experts! You don't want to miss this Episode. Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse Find out more about Author + Host Michele McAvoy at www.michelemcavoy.com Michele's books include BUCKINGHAM GETS A NEW SHELL (2021 Pigman Books); COOKIE & MILK (2019 Cardinal Rule Press); THE GORILLA PICKED ME! (2018 The Little Press); and MY SUPERHERO GRANDPA (2016 The Little Press). If you are interested in booking a FREE school visit with Michele visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme or add your information to THIS LIST.  Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy    

In this #TeacherFeature Part II of Flipgrid for authors with Educator Collaborator & Flipgrid ambassador, Nicole Mancini (aka "Miss Nikki") we dive a little bit deeper into how to use the platform to connect with students. Flipgrid is a great way to market your book and get in front of the kids that love them!  If you enjoy this Episode be sure to listen to Episode 47 (part 1) of FlipGrid. Also, please leave a comment below.  We continue these kidlit conversations online in the My Messy Muse Facebook groups. More resources there as well. Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a virtual school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

Flipgrid 101 for Authors & Educators. Have you heard of Flipgrid? Authors, ever wonder how you could use Flipgrid to connect with your young audience? Educators, ever wonder how to use Flipgrid to connect your students with authors and other creatives? This is your Episode!  FlipGrid 101 will give you the basics of Flipgrid. You will learn how to sign up, create grids and create topics. You will learn why Flipgrid is so powerful for connecting students with authors and why it's amazing for virtual learning.  Sign up for Flipgrid: info.flipgrid.com Follow & Connect with Michele McAvoy and Miss Nikki and continue the conversation in the private My Messy Muse Facebook Group.  Follow Miss Nikki, our Educator Collaborator, on Twitter here: www.twitter.com/missnikkiin5th Follow Michele McAvoy: Twitter: www.twitter.com/michele_mcavoy Instagram: www.instagram.com/michelemcavoy Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/michelemcavoyauthor Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelemcavoyauthor Website: www.michelemcavoy.com  

Ever heard of Nerdcamp?  What is a Nerdcamp? What's all the rave? How can you present at a Nerdcamp? In this My Messy Muse Episode, I tell you what NerdCamps are, how to register, how to get yourself on a panel, and what to expect the day of.   This Episode will take the mystery out of NerdCamps and allow you to explore without anxiety.  Don't miss out on other kidlit nuggets to help you on your journey! Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy If you are interested a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme

A roundtable discussion about "crisis" learning during Covid-19 with special guests Cornelius Minor (literacy equity expert, educator, & author), Kelly Gallagher (science teacher), and Elaine Mendez (vice-principal) with Nicole Mancini (5th grade ELA teacher and My Messy Muse educator collaborator) at the helm.     This is a "do not miss" episode for everyone to understand the perspective of educators and administrators during this trying time.   Cornelius Minor - @MisterMinor Author of "We Got This"- with Heinemann Publisher Kelly Gallagher - @GallagherLHS Elaine Mendez - @ElemCoach   Follow Educator Collaborator Nicole Mancini on Twitter @MissNikkiIn5th Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a school visit with creator and host of My Messy Muse, Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy Pinterest: @michelemcavoyauthor

Pinterest 101 for Creatives. Did you know that Pinterest is a fantastic tool to grow your author platform and sell books!  Learn how to use Pinterest to your advantage as an author. It's not just for finding cool recipes! Part of a series on Building your Author Platform. In this Episode Pinterest expert and children's book author Debbie Gonzales walks us through how to develop our Pinterest accounts for business use and author promotion.   Debbie Gonzales is a career educator, curriculum consultant, former school administrator and adjunct professor, a podcaster (The Debcast), and past SCBWI RA for the Austin Chapter. Deb currently devotes her time to writing middle grade novels, crafting teacher guides, helping folks with their on-line marketing platforms, and various other freelance projects. She's the author of six transitional readers for New Zealand publisher, Giltedge, and the non-fiction picture book Girls with Guts: The Road to Breaking Barriers and Bashing Records (Charlesbridge, 2019). Deb serves as a member of the Michigan Reading Association board and earned her MFA in writing for children and young adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Learn more about Deb and her many projects by accessing her websites at www.debbiegonzales.com and www.guidesbydeb.com.  Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

Friends, what a messy time we are living in right now. The Corona outbreak may have disrupted your author/illustrator momentum, but we can take some of that momentum back.  What should you be doing right now during quarantine for your author/illustrator business?   This Episode will give you some quick things to consider to keep things moving for your career.   Also, please join us in the My Messy Muse FB group to have contact and connection during this difficult time. www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse Follow host Michele McAvoy on Twitter @michele_mcavoy; Instagram @michelemcavoy Find out more about Michele and her books at www.michelemcavoy.com

What a crazy and scary time it is!  Right now schools are closed across the country and we try to flatten the curve of the spread of Covid-19.  Educators are thrown a curveball and forced to teach their students virtually.  Listen here for insights and support on how to navigate distance learning through this difficult time with My Messy Muse Educator Collaborator Nicole Mancini and special guests Ken Kunz and Shalonda Archibald.  Ken Kunz Twitter @DrKennethKunz https://www.fortheloveofliteracy.net/ https://www.njliteracy.org/   Shalonda Archibald  @born_to_educate https://www.njliteracy.org/   You can follow Nicole Mancini on Twitter @missnikkiIn5th Nicole is also the Literary Consultant for new Middle-Grade imprint BLUE BRONCO BOOKS. For submission information go to www.littlepresspublishing.com/submissions   Please join us in the free My Messy Muse Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse   You can follow My Messy Muse creator and host Michele McAvoy on Twitter @michele_mcavoy and Instagram @michelemcavoy www.michelemcavoy.com      

My Messy Muse Educator Collaborator, Nicole Mancini, 5th-grade ELA teacher with 17+ years experience, provides her honest opinion about Read Across America Week and how we can change it for the better!   Dr. Seuss Books Can Be Racist, But Students Keep Reading Them   Is 'The Cat in the Hat' Racist?   The Cat is Out of the Bag: Orientalism, Anti-Blackness, and White Supremacy in Dr. Seuss's Children's Books   Read Across America   You can follow Nicole on Twitter: @MissNikkiIn5th   Please join Nicole and other kidlit fans in the free My Messy Muse facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse  

Kidlit BITS- bite sized informational takeaways.  Little things Michele learns long away. Paying it forward to her Kidlit community. Learn more about host Michele McAvoy at www.michelemcavoy.com Follow Michele on Twitter @michele_mcavoy and Instagram @michelemcavoy   

Eileen Meyer writes picture books and poetry. Her works include The Superlative A. Lincoln: Poems About Our 16th President (Charlesbridge) – a 2020 ILLINOIS READS selection for grades 3-5; Sweet Dreams, Wild Animals, and other titles. Eileen loves visiting schools and working with K-8 students. She enjoys sharing programs with educators, recently presenting at the 2019 IRC, AISLE, and NCTE conferences. Eileen is a long-time member of SCBWI. For information about school programs, please visit www.EileenMeyerBooks.com and contact Eileen. Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in connecting with host Michele McAvoy and to find out more about Michele's books, please visit www.michelemcavoy.com Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

Our most popular segment #Classroom Speeddating is back with Author Alastair Heim. Listen in as we put Alastair in the hot seat to answer lots and lots of questions from elementary school students. You will learn everything there is to know about good ol' Alastair. lol!  Alastair Heim is the author of the picture books LOVE YOU TOO, NO TOOTING AT TEA, THE GREAT PUPPY INVASION which won the 2019 Oklahoma Redbud Read-Aloud Award, HELLO, DOOR which was chosen as one of The New York Public Library’s Best Books of 2018 and listed on The 2019 Best Books for Family Literacy by The Pennsylvania Center for the Book, and the upcoming QUIET DOWN, LOUD TOWN!   Laughter is his favorite sound, purple is his favorite color and “other people cooking for him” is his favorite food.  Alastair lives in Kansas City with his awesome wife and three incredible children, and is represented by Kelly Sonnack of The Andrea Brown Literary Agency. http://www.alastairheim.com https://twitter.com/alastairheim   Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse To learn more about host Michele McAvoy or interested in a school visit please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

We wrap up our very first My Messy Muse #Bookclub read of- SKYLARK & WALLCREEPER! Listen to this interview with MG author Anne O'Brien Carelli as she answers all of our burning questions. Anne O'Brien Carelli is the author of adult nonfiction, the Middle- Grade book Skylark and Wallcreeper, and the picture book Amina's New Friends. She has always been fascinated by the French Resistance, and studied history at Case Western Reserve University. For her PhD, Anne researched psychology of the gifted. Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Anne lives in the Hudson River Valley in upstate New York and spends any free time quilting and reading, reading, reading. Follow her on Social media! Twitter @aobc Instagram anne.o.carelli www.anneobriencarelli.com www.aminasnewfriends.com THANK YOU FOR LISTENING to My Messy Muse!Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse and continue the kidlit conversation! And don't forget to follow the host, Michele McAvoy! Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy You can find out more about Michele and her kidlit titles and her school visit menu at www.michelemcavoy.com  Now go get your kidlit on!

Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan is a former elementary reading specialist who now devotes herself to writing for children and visiting schools. She is the author of Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3, Grace Zong ill. (Peachtree), I’m Done! Catherine Lazar Odell ill. (Holiday House) and Button and Bundle, Gillian Flint ill. (Knopf). When Your Daddy’s a Soldier, E.B. Lewis ill. (Beach Lane) and No Party Poopers!, Lucy Semple ill. (Little Bee) will appear in 2020.  She writes chapter books and middle-grade fiction as well.  Gretchen grew up as a global nomad, daughter of a career Army officer, and lived on three continents.  She has settled in Camas, WA where she lives with her husband, cat and dog, stunt squirrels, nomadic neighborhood chickens, and celebrates when her children and grandchildren come home. Children will find a home in her heartfelt books about community, courage and compassion. When she isn’t writing or teaching, Gretchen can be found reading, playing word games, attending plays, hiking in the woods with her dog, x-country skiing and sewing. Please visit Gretchen at www.gretchenmclellan.com for more information about her books, events and author visits. Contact her at gretchenmclellan@comcast.com on Twitter and Instagram @gmclellan5 Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

My Messy Muse Kidlit BITS, Bite-sized Information Takeaways, tells you the small things we learn along the way. Why not share with friends? Small things can have a big impact.  Learn more about host, Michele McAvoy, at www.michelemcavoy.com If you are interested in a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy "Bringing Color to a Messy World"

Listen in to our first Teacher Feature with My Messy Muse Educator Collaborator, Nicole Mancini - aka Miss Nikki as she leads a discussion with middle-grade author Sarah Cannon and 2018 NJ Teacher of the Year Julie Guthrie. What happens at NCTE.  How can educators and authors collaborate? Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy Follow Educator Collaborator host, Miss Nikki, @missnikkiIn5th

Interview with Middle-Grade author Jess Redman. Her debut, The Miraculous, published with FSG/Macmillan on July 30, 2019 and received a starred review from Kirkus. Her second middle-grade novel, QUINTESSENCE, will be out in May, 2020. Jess is from Florida. Aside from being an author, she is also therapist, adjunct professor of psychology and mom of young children, and an old cat named Soul Pie. Find out more about Jess at www.jessredman.com and follow her on Twitter @Jess_Red or Instagram @Jess_Red Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse To find out more about the host, Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

Patricia Toht is a children's book author from Chicago, Illinois. She is the author of four picture books – ALL ABOARD THE LONDON BUS (illustrated by Sam Usher), DRESS LIKE A GIRL (illustrated by Lorian Tu), and PICK A PINE TREE and PICK A PUMPKIN (illustrated by Jarvis) which both received starred reviews. She has two additional forthcoming titles.  You can find out more about Patricia, her titles and her school visits at www.patriciatoht.com You can follow her on Twitter @PatriciaToht  To join the My Messy Muse community and chat and learn with other #kidlit fans and creative, please visit the group at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse You can find out more about the host, Michele McAvoy, at www.michelemcavoy.com or follow her on: Twitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy  

This #TeacherFeature with Nicole Mancini (a.k.a.- Miss Nikki), My Messy Muse's official Educator Collaborator, discusses book clubs in the classroom! What is a book club? How to organize a book club? How to get the kids excited to do book clubs? Lots of great tips in this #TeacherFeature!  Book clubs are another great way to build relationships between authors and educators. Miss Nikki teaches fifth grade English Language Arts at Bedminster Township School District. She graduated from Washington College in 2002 as a triple major in English, education, and gender studies. She earned a Masters of Science in Education from Monmouth University and has a Reading Specialist certification. Nicole has served as a member of Bedminster Township School's Gifted & Talented Advisory Council, Technology Committee, Teacher of the Year Committee, and English & Language Arts Literacy Curriculum Committee; she also led the faculty's professional book club.  Nicole has presented various workshops both in and out of New Jersey on technology, building students' passion for reading, motivating reluctant readers, battling mental health stigmas through books, and engagement. She has been an advocate for using diverse and neurodiverse books in the classroom for several years and has worked with authors from around the country to help educators learn more about this topic. In addition, Nicole is a freelance writer, a member of the International Literacy Association, National Council of Teachers of English, and New Jersey Council of Teachers of English, and an ambassador for Flipgrid. Nicole was most recently named the Ambassador of Special Projects and Professional Development for the New Jersey Literacy Association. She has been published on the Nerdy Book Club blog and Teaching Channel, appeared on the Books Between Podcast and My Disney Class Podcast, and was featured on the Educator Spotlight column for MG Book Village. Nicole also organizes and appears on author panels for both children and adults in local bookstores. Resource referenced- Breathing New Life Into Book Clubs, by Sonja Cherry-Paul and Dana Johansen. Check out our prior #TeacherFeature- Episode 11! You can connect with Nikki on Twitter at @MissNikkiIn5th. Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme  Follow host Michele McAvoy Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy

  Annie Lynn is a songwriter from Pennsylvania. She is the President and Chief Composer at  AnnieBirdd Music, LLC. She began writing songs when she was 14 while acting in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” At 14 she wrote a nature song entitled “Listen,” that was shown on CBS.   Today, Annie writes songs for children including her multi-award-winning song- "No Time for Hate,"  “That’s All There Is,” "Listen - a nature song;" "STOP THAT! - A Bullying Prevention Song;" and "New School."   She also writes songs for children's books including a fabulous song for author Patrick Adams called "Amazing Lisa Rocks;" a song for Author Dawn Babb Prochovnic for her book "Where does a Pirate Go Potty" with West Margin Press and musical beds for Kidlit TV! Find out more about AnnieBirdd and her music at www.annielynn.net Follow her on Twitter @AnnieLynn215 Below are more links referenced in the interview. www.facebook.com/schoolsongsfromanniebirddmusic www.souncloud.com/annie-lynn-6 www.youtube.com/user/Anniebirdd Book Trailer for "Where Does a Pirate Go Potty" GoodShellas, A Tortoise Mafia Story by Alexander Wilczewski Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoy Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy

On the Anniversary of 9/11 we recognize that tragedy can and does strike, and that bad things happen to good people- good people in our kidlit community.   This episode reflects on my own personal tragedy which propelled me to write, to eventually write through the sadness and to eventually write colorful, joyful books for children. On My Messy Muse we talk about writing through the messiness of life.  Some folks have daily messy, like juggling kids, work and activities. And, some folks have heavier messy.  Whatever your messiness may be, know that you are not alone.  Know that writing and creating can help you through whatever you are battling.  Know that you can find support here, in the My Messy Muse community.  Wishing all those listening solace, peace and white light to get you through your gray days towards days that are filled with color. Best,  Michele www.michelemcavoy.com Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy Be a member of our FREE Messy Muse community: www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse  

Jodi McKay lives in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan with her husband, son, and a couple of furry friends. She has two books published by Albert Whitman & Co., WHERE ARE THE WORDS? (2016) and, PENCIL’S PERFECT PICTURE (2019). Jodi is the PAL coordinator and soon to be co-regional advisor for SCBWI-MI. She is represented by Linda Epstein of Emerald City Literary Agency.  Find out more about Jodi at www.jodimckaybooks.com Follow her on Twitter @jlmckay1 or Instagram @jodimckay1 Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in an author visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

Julie Gonzalez is a children's book author living in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania.  In a past life, she was a 3rd-grade teacher in New Jersey.  Her debut How Could a Bear Sleep Here? with Holiday House released 2018. You can find out more about Julie at www.juliegonzalez.com You can follow Julie on Twitter at @JulieGz123 Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, pleasevisit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

JAROD ROSELLÓ is a Cuban American cartoonist, writer, and teacher originally from Miami, Florida. He holds an MFA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Penn State University. He is the author and artist of The Well-Dressed Bear Will (Never) be Found, the middle-grade graphic novel Red Panda & Moon Bear, with Top Shelf Comix and the forthcoming, Those Bears also with Top Shelf Comix. He teaches in the creative writing program at the University of South Florida in Tampa. You can follow Jarod on Twitter @jarodrosello  Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy    

Holly Niner is children's picture book author with four published titles. Her books include No More Noisy Nights and The Day I Ran Away both with Flashlight Press and both received a Gold Mom’s Choice award and were nominated for Mississippi Magnolia Children’s Choice award 2019. No More Noisy Nights was a Scholastic Book Club selection and featured on Storyline Online. Mr. Worry: A Story about OCD (Albert Whitman) received the 2005 IBBY Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities Award, and I Can’t Stop: A Story about Tourette Syndrome (Albert Whitman) received a 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award and was a 2005 Bank Street College of Education Best Book. She lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana with her husband, in a home with books on bookshelves, on tables, in boxes, even in the bathroom! Find more about Holly and her books at www.hollyniner.com. Follow her Twitter: @hollylniner Facebook: www.facebook.com/hollylniner Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

Wendy Swore is a middle-grade author with her debut novel released March 2019, A MONSTER LIKE ME, published with Shadow Mountain. A  MONSTER LIKE ME is a story about self-acceptance and bullying and we celebrate this story and Wendy's personal story on My Messy Muse in honor of Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. Wendy S Swore lives on a farm with a corn maze and pumpkin patch that is home to her five kids, two dogs, two geese, seven peacocks, eleven ducks, nineteen cats, and two hundred thirty-seven chickens. She farms in the summers, writes in the winters, and would rather chew her leg off than eat something spicy. Find out more about Wendy here:  www.wendyswore.com  Twitter: @wendyswore Instagram: @wendyswore Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy  

What are the biggest mistakes we make in kidlit marketing? Oanh Jordan, a brand strategist and the founder of Tiny Triumph Co., a literary marketing consulting firm in Portland, Oregon, provides her insight into kidlit marketing & personal branding. Oanh spent over 10 years as a Marketing & Sales Director for a prestigious engineering firm before deciding to spend time at home with her littles. Itching to get back to her profession, Oanh turned her sights to the kidlit world. Oanh now focuses her marketing & branding expertise on kidlit, teaching children's lit authors and illustrators how to stand out, attract their ideal readers, and sell more books by building a personal brand. Her motto is, "Your tiny triumphs are my tiny triumphs" and Oanh always is the first to cheer us on in our book journey. Three actionable branding tips:  Use your actual name for your social media accounts. Don't make it hard for your ideal readers to find you. Think about how you will have your name printed on your published books. Do more video content. It's the fastest way to build your know, like and trust factor which is key for creating loyal, raving fans. Let your readers see what you look like, so show your face at least once a week. Connect with Oanh on Instagram and twitter @tinytriumphco Find out more about Kidlit Personal Branding at www.tiny-triumph.co FREE Branding Masterclass with workbook and FREE 15 minute 1x1 with Oanh Jordan for ALL My Messy Muse Members from May 13, 2019-June 13, 2019.  Simply join the FREE My Messy Muse Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse We want to help you on your kidlit journey!!  TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LIMITED OFFER!    Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme  

In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, an interview with Picture Book Author Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum. Andria has 6 published picture books, her most recent book HAND IN HAND, is an early introduction for children to the Holocaust. Andria has been a member of SCBWI for more years than she can remember. When Andria's not writing, she's walking her dog, baking ideas, photographing flowers, or having a dance party with her grandchildren. She hunts for picture book ideas from her home in New Jersey. You can follow her on Twitter @andriawrose  You can learn more about Andria and her books at: www.andriawarmflashrosenbaum.com Andria's Books: HAND IN HAND, Apples & Honey Press 2019 BIG SISTER, LITTLE MONSTER, Scholastic Press 2017 TRAINS DON'T SLEEP, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2017 MEG GOLDBERG ON PARADE, Lerner/ Kar-Ben 2015 A GRANDMA LIKE YOURS/ A GRANDPA LIKE YOURS, Lerner/ Kar-Ben 2016 TWO SWEET PEAS, Bebop Books, Lee & Low 2006 COMING IN 2020: BOATS WILL FLOAT illustrated by Brett Curzon, Sleeping Bear Books Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse  As a Messy Member you will be eligible for ALL group giveaways (and there are many!) as well as have access to exclusive content. If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with the host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoyTwitter: @michele_mcavoyInstagram: @michelemcavoy

Interview with Dan Saks creator and host of the top-rated interactive music podcast for kids, Noodle Loaf! Dan is a father, a musician and a music educator trained in the Orff-Shulwerk approach to music education. He records his podcast from his home in Switzerland. Noodle Loaf invites the family to join together for some creative fun. The show is geared for kids 3-9 years old but kids of all ages get into it (including grown-up kids! lol!) Listen to hear how Dan finds inspiration to create his weekly podcast. How he went from in-classroom educator in New York City to a child entertainer in Switzerland. Listen with your kids in the car or your students in the classroom!   http://noodleloafshow.com Follow Noodle Loaf on Twitter @noodleloafshow Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse for EXCLUSIVE giveaways and content! (for Messy Members Only!) If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoy Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy

In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, Ilana Bachrach the media specialist with Spectrum360, a school for children and adolescents across the full spectrum of autism and with behavioral and related disabilities, opens our minds to offering author school visits for children with special needs. In this Episode, you will hear pointers on structuring your visits including questions to ask your school contact about your presentation. You can find out more about Spectrum360 at www.spectrum360.org If you are a media specialist you may also enjoy other #LibrarianLessons Episodes, including Episode 7 with Media Specialist Bibiana Prada and Episode 16 with Kathie MacIsaac. Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoy Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy  

Sally J. Pla is the award-winning author of the acclaimed middle-grade novels THE SOMEDAY BIRDS and STANLEY WILL PROBABLY BE FINE, and the picture book, BENJI, THE BAD DAY, & ME.  Her books are Junior Library Guild Selections with starred reviews, and they have appeared on many awards lists and “best books” roundups. The Someday Birds received the 2018 Dolly Gray Award, which recognizes the portrayal of disability in children's literature. Sally has appeared on television and radio as an author and autism advocate. She believes in kindness, respect, and the beauty of different brains—We are all stars shining with different lights!  She lives in San Diego, where she’s hard at work on the next story.  The Someday Birds(HarperCollins 2017), is about Charlie, a bird-loving boy on a life-changing journey across the country to see his injured dad. Charlie’s stuck in an old camper with his annoying siblings and a mysterious stranger at the wheel.  – New York Public Library Best Children’s Book of 2017 – Winner of the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award for 2018 – Junior Library Guild Selection 2017 – Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee – Bank Street Best Children’s Book of 2017 – Publishers Weekly Starred Review – Shelf Awareness Starred Review – CommonSense Media Five Star Rating – Nerdies Award Winner 2017 – Dorothy Canfield Fisher (VT) Book Award Nominee – Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Nominee – Wisconsin Library Ass’n Children’s Book Award Finalist – Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee Stanley Will Probably Be Fine Stanley’s a comics trivia fanatic who grapples with anxiety. But he’s bravely entered Trivia Quest — a giant comics-trivia treasure hunt — to prove he can tackle his worries, score VIP passes to a big comic fest, and win back his ex–best friend. Along the way, he invents an imaginary superhero to help him cope. Stanley Will Probably Be Fine:  – Junior Library Guild Selection for 2018 – New York Public Library Best Children’s Book of 2018 – Kirkus Best Children’s Book of 2018 – “Add to the growing list of intelligent books about kids whose brains operate outside the norm.” (Kirkus, *Starred* Review) – “An excellent addition to promote social-emotional learning.” (School Library Journal) Benji, The Bad Day, & Me (Lee and Low), a picture book about sibling rivalry, brotherly love, and neurodiversity, all wrapped in a big blue blanket. Illustrated by the great Ken Min. Learn more about Sally from her website at www.sallyjpla.com Follow Sally on Twitter @sallyjpla Be sure to join the private My Messy Muse Facebook community to be eligible for author giveaways and exclusive content! Join here: www.michelemcavoy.com/podcast  If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoy Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy

Diana Murray is a children's book author of 10+ titles including, One Snowy Day (SourceBooks); City Shapes (Little Brown); Grimelda the Witch series (Harper Collins); Summer Color (Little Brown); Pizza Pig (Random House); Ned the Knitting Pirate (Roaring Brook/Macmillan); Groggle's Monster Valentine (Sky Pony) and her upcoming Unicorn Day with Sourcebooks.  She also has 5 more books coming in 2020- Double the Dinosaurs (Step-into-Reading/Random House,  2020); Goodnight, Veggies Illustrated by Zach OHora (HMH, Spring 2020); Five Fuzzy Chicks (Imprint/Macmillan, 2020); Wild About Dads (Imprint/Macmillan, 2020); Sleep, Little Dozer (Random House, 2020) Diana tells us about how she when from a little girl who emigrated to America and did not speak English to being a prolifically published author.     You can find out more about Diana and her books at www.dianamurray.com You can also follow her on Twitter @dianamwrites  Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.michelemcavoy.com/podcast If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with the host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoy Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy    

Jarrett Lerner is the middle-grade author of EngiNerds and its sequel, Revenge of the EngiNerds, as well as the forthcoming Geeger the Robot series (all published by Simon & Schuster/Aladdin). He cofounded and helps run the MG Book Village, an online hub for all things Middle Grade, and is the co-organizer of the #KidsNeedBooks and #KidsNeedMentors programs. Jarrett can be found at jarrettlerner.com, on Twitter at @Jarrett_Lerner, and on Instragram at @jarrettlerner. He lives in Medford, Massachusetts, with his wife, his daughter, and a cat. Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoy Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy

Bibiana Prada, teacher, and media specialist for 20+ years and co-founder of EdCamp Urban and Ed Camp After Hours, gives advice on how to find grant money to stack your stacks!  No longer be intimidated about asking for money. Ask away and fill your library with beautiful books!  Follow Bibiana Prada on Twitter @bookgirl614 Bibiana Prada, teacher, and media specialist for 20+ years and co-founder of EdCamp Urban and Ed Camp After Hours, gives advice on how to find grant money to stack your stacks!     No longer be intimidated about asking for money. Ask away and fill your library with beautiful books! Follow Bibiana Prada on Twitter @bookgirl614 Resources Mentioned in this episode: Get Ed funding My Dollar General American Association of school libraries New Jersey Association of school librarians - #edcampafterhours #freebooks Ed Camp   Follow us! Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoy Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy

Laurie Wallmark is children's picture book author with three published non-fiction titles: Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine (Creston Books, 2015)- Starred Reviews from Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, School Library Journal; Grace Hopper Queen of Computer Code (Sterling, 2017)- Kirkus Starred Review Parents' Choice Gold Medal Bank Street Best Ch. Books; and Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life (Sterling, 2019) (released February 5th!) Laurie has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts as well as degrees in biochemistry and information systems. When she is not writing she teaches courses on writing for children. To find out more about Laurie's books please visit her website at https://www.lauriewallmark.com Follow Laurie on Twitter @lauriewallmark Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoy Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy  

My Messy Muse peppers picture book author Josh Funk with questions submitted by Second Grade students in a "speeddating environment," timer and all! How will Josh answer under such extreme pressure? lol!  Listen in! www.joshfunkbooks.com  

To Conference or Not to Conference? That is the Question. In this Episode, Michele McAvoy will discuss the conferences she plans to attend. She will provide suggestions and advice on #kidlit conferences, both traditional, online and free!  Material discussed in this Episode. Traditional Conferences: www.scbwi.org https://www.scbwi.org/regional-chapters-new/ https://kidlitconprovidence2019.com http://www.kidlit411.com/2013/12/kidlit411-conferences-workshops.html https://www.highlightsfoundation.org https://www.bookpassage.com/childrens-book-writers-illustrators-conference https://www.stonybrook.edu/southampton/mfa/clc/index.html https://www.ruccl.org https://www.childlitassn.org https://wwuclc.com https://www.andreabrownlit.com/big-sur-writing-workshops.html https://www.bookpassage.com/childrens-book-writers-illustrators-conference https://swonlibraries.org/mpage/oki https://www.thewritersloft.org   Online Conferences: http://picturebooksummit.com https://writeoncon.org https://writingworkshopsdallas.com/online-mg-ya-novel-workshop   Nerdcamps: https://nerdcampnj.weebly.com http://nerdcampli.weebly.com http://nerdcampnorthernnewengland.blogspot.com http://nerdcampmi.weebly.com   A Comprehensive list of general writer's conferences can be found here: https://www.kotobee.com/blog/writers-conferences-2019/ Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with the host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoy! Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy

Lakita Wilson is the recipient of a 2017 SCBWI "On the Verge Emerging Voices Award" for her middle-grade contemporary fiction manuscript, BOOKS LIKE ME. Lakita is an MFA student at Vermont College of Fine Arts- Writing for Children and Young Adults. She writes picture books, middle grade and hopes to dabble in Young adult fiction someday. She is a full-time faculty member, teaching in the Teacher Education Department at Prince George's Community College in Maryland. Lakita currently runs a social media account entitled The SweetPea Girls where she promotes diverse children's books and marginalized writers and illustrators. In May 2018, The SweetPeas Girls were featured in a NewsOne article for its role in literary activism in the African American community. Lakita was appointed the Published and Listed Member Coordinator for her regions SCBWI chapter. Learn more about Lakita from her website at www.lakitawilson.com Follow Lakita on Twitter @lakitawrites Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Follow host Michele McAvoy! Twitter: @michele_mcavoy Instagram: @michelemcavoy

My Messy Muse- Episode 11- #TeacherFeature with 5th Grade Educator Erin Varley 5th Grade Educator (for 12 years!) Erin Varley shares her and her students favorite book activities. Erin is active in the kidlit community and expands upon her book knowledge and authors resources to provide her students with a fun range of activities. A Printable Take-Away Pamphlet highlighting the activities from this Episode and pictures for guidance can be found in our private My Messy Muse Facebook Community www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse TEACHERS & LIBRARIANS DON’T MISS OUT! TOP 5 ACTIVITIES 1. Top 10 Lists! 2. Get Outside and Chalk Your Favorite Book Characters! 3. Recreate your favorite book cover! 4. March Book Madness! Picture Book Brackets- http://marchbookmadness.weebly.com 5. Novels in Verse that 5th Graders love! Erin has made many author contacts on Twitter! Twitter is the place where #kidlit folks go to virtually socialize. If you have not already listened to Episode 8- Twitter for Kidlit Talent, you should! In that Episode you will learn tips and tricks for socializing with kidlit on Twitter. There is something for everyone in Episode 8. Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a picture book critique, a strategy session or a school visit with host Michele McAvoy, please visit her website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme

Leslie C. Youngblood is an award-winning middle-grade author with Disney Hyperion. Her debut novel Love Like Sky released November 6, 2018. In this My Messy Muse interview Leslie tells us about her favorite character to write and the character with whom she most identifies. She talks about her journey to publication and how her Love Like Sky characters tugged at her to be taken out of her adult fiction work and onto the pages of their own book. Thank goodness Leslie listened! Her debut middle-grade novel Love Like Sky has received numerous accolades and for good reason! Love Like Sky G-baby and her younger sister, Peaches, are still getting used to their "blended-up" family. They live with Mama and Frank out in the suburbs, and they haven't seen their real daddy much since he married Millicent. G-baby misses her best friend back in Atlanta, and is crushed that her glamorous new stepsister, Tangie, wants nothing to do with her. G-baby is so preoccupied with earning Tangie's approval that she isn't there for her own little sister when she needs her most. Peaches gets sick-really sick. Suddenly, Mama and Daddy are arguing like they did before the divorce, and even the doctors at the hospital don't know how to help Peaches get better. It's up to G-baby to put things right. She knows Peaches can be strong again if she can only see that their family's love for her really is like sky. You can find out more about Leslie C. Youngblood on her website www.lesliecyoungblood.com Follow her on Twitter: @lescyoungblood Interested in a picture book critique, strategy session or school visit with My Messy Muse host Michele McAvoy? Find out how to work her at michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Be sure to subscribe to Michele’s newsletter! Follow Michele on Twitter @michele_mcavoy Join the My Messy Muse private Facebook community to socialize with kidlit authors and illustrators and take part in exclusive giveaways! Facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse

Please join us in the My Messy Muse private community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse Are you a picture book writer interested in a critique? Michele is currently open for picture book critiques. Please visit her at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme. Are you a teacher, librarian or principal interested in a school visit? For information on school visits, please visit Michele at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Hannah Carmona Dias is a children's book author. Her debut children's book "Beautiful Wonderful Strong Little Me" released in September 2018 with Eifrig Publishing. Her second picture book entitled "Dazzling Travis" with Cardinal Rule Press is slated for release on April 1, 2019. Hannah discusses her inspiration for her debut children's book and how the question "what are you?" can affect a child. She also talks about juggling work as an owner of a children's theater, writing and being a mom of two little one's. Hannah is excited for her upcoming picture book “Dazzling Travis” with Cardinal Rule Press that celebrates individuality and celebrating one's self. We celebrate Hannah books particularly on Multicultural Children’s Book Day! #readyourworld To find out more about Hannah and her children’s book titles please visit her at www.hannahcarmonadias.com The host Michele McAvoy would love to hear from you! You can follow her on: Twitter @michele_mcavoy Instagram @michelemcavoy Facebook facebook.com/michelemcavoyauthor www.michelemcavoy.com

In this Episode Michele discusses how to use Twitter to grow your kidlit network and socialize with other kidlit talent and fans. Whether you're just starting out or a veteran in the kidlit industry, you will learn something from this Episode. Twitter is a proverbial playground for kidlit talent, take a listen to learn how to get in the game and play. Remember to also join the My Messy Muse private Facebook community to interact and mingle with other kidlit fans like you as well as be eligible for exclusive giveaways like autographed books every month! www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse Interested in a picture book critique or school visit? Visit Michele at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Show Notes: How to Get Followers When You're First Starting Out: There are many people in kidlit on Twitter who have lists. These lists are already curated, for example "Children's Book Authors," "Children's Book Publishers," "Agent." Click on these lists, click on the option to the left that says "members" and follow people on those lists. People with good kidlit lists: @michele_mcavoy @inkyelbows- Debbie Ridpath Ohi You can also find genre specific conferences and follow their followers. Examples: Search for a Nerdcamp Twitter handle near you. NerdcampNJ has 1600 followers- most are kidlit authors and teachers. NerdcampLI- with 1700 followers SCBWI National twitter handle has over 30,000 followers, so that will be too overwhelming to pick through their followers however, the regional chapters are more manageable. @NJSCBWI- 450 followers @SCBWICarolinas- 1300 followers Kidlit Twitter Hashtags:#mgbookchat #ontheporch #mswl #pblitchat #kidlitchat #kidlitart #yalitchat #kidlitwomen #picturebooks #kidlit #mglit Giveaways!: Another way to be involved is to support #kidlit giveaways on Twitter. Look for the hashtag #giveaway and pair with: #kidlit #mg #pb or #ya. Reviews: Be a part of the community by leaving positive reviews for kidlit books on Amazon or Goodreads and post your review on Twitter. Be sure to tag the author, illustrator (for picture book) and use kidlit hashtags when posting your review Twitter Pitches:#pitmad www.pitchwars.org #dvpit www.dvpit.com #pbpitch www.pbpitch.com #kidpit Compress long URLs to include in Tweets. www.bitly.com Interested in a picture book critique or school visit? Visit Michele at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme

Kathie Maclsaac Children's Librarian and co-founder of MG Book Village provides ideas for engaging children for Multicultural Children's Book Day, January 25th. Kathie shares with listeners one of her most successful activities she uses to engage her young patrons at the library. The activity is great for teacher and librarians looking for something fun on Multicultural Children's Book Day, a day to bring attention to all of the amazing children’s books available that celebrate diversity.  https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com https://mgbookvillage.org Activity- Book Passport: Create a small notebook for each student. Students earn badges for completion of tasks. Tasks can include answering questions about particular books or interacting with the librarian/teacher staff. Books can cover different cultures and each badge will reflect that culture. Badges can easily be made by copying illustrations from a book (pb) and using double sided tape/laminating. Kathie’s Diverse Book Recommendations for Passport Activity: Picture Books and Illustrated Chapter Books 1. When We Were Alone – David Alexander Robertson (illustrated by Julie Flett) 2. Drawn Together – Minh Lê (illustrated by Dan Santat) 3. The Day You Begin – Jacqueline Woodson (illustrated by Rafael López) 4. Dreamers – Yuyi Morales 5. Alma And How She Got Her Name – Juana Martinez-Neal 6. Bee Bim Bop – Linda Sue Park (illustrated by Ho Baek Lee) 7. Meet Yasmin – Saadia Faruqi (illustrated by Hatem Aly) 8. Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen – Debbi Michiko Florence (illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic) 9. Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire – Susan Tan (illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte) Middle Grade Books 1. Ahimsa – Supriya Kelkar 2. The Night Diary – Veera Hiranandani 3. Front Desk – Kelly Yang 4. Amal Unbound – Aisha Saeed 5. Dactyl Hill Squad – Daniel José Older 6. Tight – Torrey Maldonado 7. Ghost Boys – Jewell Parker Rhodes 8. So Done – Paula Chase 9. Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows – Ryan Calejo Diverse Picture Book Recommendations https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/multicultural-reading-resources/diversity-book-lists-for-kids/diversity-books-by-genre/diverse-picture-books/ Diverse Early Chapter Book Recommendationshttps://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/multicultural-reading-resources/diversity-book-lists-for-kids/diversity-books-by-genre/diverse-easy-readers-early-chapter-books/ Diverse Chapter Books and Young Adult Recommendationshttps://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/multicultural-reading-resources/diversity-book-lists-for-kids/diversity-books-by-genre/diverse-chapter-books/ The host Michele McAvoy is an award-winning children’s book author. Interested in a School Visit (teachers/librarians), a picture-book critique (writers) or appearing on the My Messy Muse podcast (all of the above) please visit Michele’s website at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme Subscribe to Michele’s newsletter to receive a FREE print entitled “Someone Special” from her most recent picture book THE GORILLA PICKED ME! with Native Ink Press.

Jackie Yeager is a middle-grade author of the Crimson Five Series; Award-winning Spin the Golden Lightbulb (January 2018) and Flip the Silver Switch (August 2018) with Amberjack Publishing. Jackie tells us her inspiration for this creative STEM story set in the future about 5 kids who enter an inventive competition with the hopes of winning and ultimately avoid being programmed. Flying scooters, flipping bunkbeds and sparkling air purifiers are just a few of the magical elements that fill the pages of this fun juvenile journey. Take a listen to hear Jackie’s inspiration and her path to finding an agent and getting that book deal! The Crimson Five series is Jackie’s debut. To find out more about Jackie here is her website https://swirlandspark.com Her books are sold everywhere, including Amazon & B&N. For exclusive giveaways and content, please join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook (free!) at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse Interested in a PB critique? Interested in a school visit? Please visit me at michelemcavoy.com/workwithme

Don’t miss this interview with Stephanie Hansen, senior agent and owner of Metamorphosis Literary Agency as she answers all of your agent/publishing questions. Stephanie will open up for queries from December 17, 2018 through December 21, 2019 for My Messy Muse members ONLY. It’s free to join the My Messy Muse community. Please visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse/ 1. You must be a My Messy Muse member to submit (she will have a members list.) 2. You must put “My Messy Muse Member” in the subject line of your query. 3. submission emails infö@metamorphosisliteraryagency.com https://www.metamorphosisliteraryagency.com www.michelemcavoy.com Michele McAvoy’s picture book entitled “Cookie & Milk” is set to release with Cardinal Rule Press in Fall 2019!

An interview with Rob Vlock, a middle grade author with two novels published with Simon & Schuster, Sven Carter & The Trashmouth Effect and Sven Carter & the Android Army. Rob talks about his inspiration for his crazy characters, what drove him to write for children and how writing helped him through the bumps in the road. I hope you enjoy this kidlit podcast. Visit My Messy Muse on Facebook to join our private community. All kidlit fans welcome! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse/ https://robvlock.com

An interview with Ariel Bernstein, author of a picture book call I HAVE A BALLOON, illustrated by Scott Magoon (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster), about Owl who has a shiny red balloon, and Monkey who wants that balloon very much, and a chapter book series, WARREN & DRAGON, illustrated by Mike Malbrough (Viking/Penguin Random House), about 7 year old Warren, and Dragon, his pet dragon. The first two books in this series, 100 FRIENDS and WEEKEND WITH CHEWY, published in August 2018. Forthcoming another picture book entitled WE LOVE FISHING published by Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster) and two more books in the WARREN & DRAGON series, DELUX VOLCANO AND SCARY SLEEPOVER. Ariel shares her publishing journey, what inspires her to write her witty stories and one piece of essential advice for those looking to break into the kidlit industry.