Tag: families

NOVEMBER 20TH FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR STEPHANIE WILDMAN HOSTED BY KIDLIT AUTHOR AND CREATOR OF CHELSEA’S WORLD OF BOOKS LITERARY BLOG, CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

In this Feature Interview, Stephanie Wildman talks about her inspirational journey to publishing that began at age 69- and how it’s never too late to pursue your dreams!

But before we jump into our interview, if this is your first time visiting the blog, here’s the scoop on Feature Interviews.

THE SCOOP: WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS & WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.

Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.

What can these interviews offer YOU?

These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to:

  • stay current with market trends
  • hook an agent or editor
  • find writing community & other resources
  • discover workshops, contests, and other events
  • figure out which path of publication is right for you
  • know if your agent is a good match

And more!

AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month!

*If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, POST A COMMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS FEATURE INTERVIEW! Want extra entries? Share a link to this article on X or IG and tag X @chellys books or IG @chelseasworldofbooks so I can add your extra entries!

Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!

INTRODUCTIONS AND BEGINNINGS: WHEN, WHY, HOW?

Stephanie, welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog. We’re so excited to have you with us! For our guests who may not be familiar with Stephanie, she’s the writer of five picture books, including Treasure Hunt (the first book in the Flor, Roberto, & Luis series), Brave in the Water, and a newly released picture book - this month- (congratulations!) Miri’s Moving Day (co-authored with Adam Ryan Chang, illustrated by Dream Chen). Stephanie, we can’t wait to hear about your books. But first, I’d love to learn more about you and your path to publishing. I always love starting my interviews by asking about the why. What was the “why” behind your decision to pursue children’s publishing as a career? Has writing always been something you’ve been passionate about, or did you discover your love of literature as an adult?

I have always loved libraries, reading, and writing. My fondest childhood memories are of trips with my family to the local library – usually in the early evening because my mom didn’t drive, but my father took us all after work. I created a pen name for myself in the fourth grade. Your question asks why I chose writing for children as a career – and I think, in fairness, I have to say I didn’t – I couldn’t see how to make a living at it, so I went to law school and became a law professor. Some of my friends would say I’ve always been a writer anyway since I wrote five books and dozens of law review articles in that career. But that writing was different than the focus on fiction for children that I now have, even though I still retain that social justice sensibility that drove my legal work.  Writing for children is my happy place, reminding me how I loved reading Beverly Cleary books, Munro Leaf’s Story of Ferdinand, and countless other books that took me to faraway worlds with people having different experiences. 

-This is just fascinating. I love hearing how people ended up in kidlit. And I think having writing for children as your happy place is a great way to look at it. Also, it’s beyond cute that you created a pen name in fourth grade!-

Writing for children is my happy place, reminding me how I loved reading Beverly Cleary books, Munro Leaf’s Story of Ferdinand, and countless other books that took me to faraway worlds with people having different experiences. 

I know you mentioned that your journey to publishing started later in life - at age 69 - which is just incredible! Your journey is definitely a testament to the statement, “It’s never too late to start something new!” I’d love to hear a little bit about what kind of work you were in prior to your career in publishing- and what influence your earlier acts played - if any - in your decision to enter kidlit publishing?

I guess I answered some of this question in the above response – isn’t that just like a law professor to anticipate and elaborate on the question? I will add that even in my legal writing I did tell stories to illustrate points I was trying to make. When I published the first edition of Privilege Revealed: How Invisible Preference Undermines America (with contributions by Margalynne Armstrong, Adrienne Davis & Trina Grillo), I sent a copy to my college creative writing teacher (yes, I took creative writing classes back then). She wrote back that now she saw “what creative writing classes were for.” Narrative storytelling is a great way to reach audiences of any age. As at least one craft book has aptly pointed out, our brains are wired for stories.

-How cool!-

So, we have a little background on earlier years. Now, I’m curious: what events led to you entering the kidlit publishing world? And when did your journey begin? We’d love to hear about your beginning steps! Querying agents/submitting to publishing houses, rejections, revisions, finding critique groups- all of it!

My kidlit publishing journey began when I made one of my best decisions ever – to take a class from Maxine Rose Schur, a wonderful writer, teacher, and now friend. I really knew nothing. I had an idea for a book (that became Brave in the Water), and Maxine said, “It’s a picture book.” I’m not artistic, so I was doubtful. I didn’t understand that the publisher picks the illustrator – I didn’t have to be artistic at all. From this class, I also learned about SCBWI (where I found a critique group) and 12x12 Picture Book Challenge (with educational webinars to continue my learning about craft). I began to understand a whole world of kid lit resources full of kind people existed. I did begin querying agents after many rewrites of Brave in the Water, which started at over 900 words. I learned it had to be under 500, which seemed impossible. I didn’t even understand that one should have several polished manuscripts to share before starting to submit to agents; I had only the one. While I did get some champagne rejections, along with form rejections and radio silence, too, I didn’t land an agent. But I had stayed in touch with Maxine. When we connected some months after the class, she said, “Haven’t you sold that book yet?” She had always believed in it, helping me with multiple revisions. When I told her I had not sold it, she suggested I send the manuscript directly to Lawley Publishing, a small woman-owned company. They accepted it within a month – a month that happened to be during the pandemic lockdown.

-This is incredible, Stephanie. Wow! Also, having writing friends like this who believe in us can be a huge game-changer. Sometimes, we don’t see the same magic in ourselves (or our stories) that others do… That imposter syndrome is the silent dream killer. I’m so glad you had a supportive friend in your corner who pushed you to pursue publication and take chances.-

My kidlit publishing journey began when I made one of my best decisions ever – to take a class from Maxine Rose Schur, a wonderful writer, teacher, and now friend.

PUBLISHING ROUTES: TRADITIONAL? INDEPENDENT? AGENT? NO AGENT? CONTRACTS + BOOK DEALS + MORE

What made you choose traditional publishing over independent publishing?

I did consider independent publishing, but as I mentioned, I’m not artistic. I didn’t feel confident that I could shepherd the manuscript through the whole publication process with book design as well as choosing illustrations and distribution. A traditional publisher made more sense to me, so I wouldn’t have to invent the wheel.
For readers who may be on the fence about which route to take, what are some of the pros and cons of indie/traditional? Explain. 

*Note for my readers: it’s important to remember that these answers are SUBJECTIVE. What might be a pro for one person could very well be a con for another, or vice versa. Publishing is not a ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL. My advice? Do your due diligence. Figure out what YOU want out of publishing and lean into what works best for YOU.*

I want to second Chelsea’s note here about figuring out what YOU want from your writing experience – not just in choosing a route to publication but also in measuring what success means to you. To some people, book sales measure success. My primary goal is for my book to be in libraries! (remember – I love libraries. And there is a great website – worldcat.org – where you can track what libraries have your books.)

-Oh my gosh, Stephanie. How did I not know about this? Formerly a librarian myself, I’m glad you shared this resource! Thank you! As you were saying…-

My understanding is that acquisition librarians generally look to traditionally published books for their purchases. But independent publishing can be a way to get your creation out in the broader world, if that is your primary goal. But it’s also expensive. I wanted to use my resources to buy books for little free libraries rather than spend upfront to get the book created. And I liked the collaborative aspect of book creation with the publisher’s team.

Are you currently (and/or have you ever been) represented by a literary agent/agency? 

I do not have an agent. As one writing colleague noted, an agent still has to sell the book.

-Very true. An agent does not guarantee a book sale. And on the other side of that coin… having no agent does not mean you won’t have a book sale.-

Is finding an agent something you want to pursue in the future? Why or why not?

I am open to finding an agent, especially a more hands-on editorial agent. As a member of the Writers Grotto, I see the range of writers who have agents, who seek them, and who are going it alone. It all really does come down to what you want your writing experience to be for you. An agent can help a writer get access to bigger publishing houses with more resources. I’m happy, though, that my books are out in the world. My definition of success, as I said, is more about getting the books into libraries to reach the largest audience.

For our readers who haven’t yet reached the other side of publication (but are eager to), could you share a little bit about your experience with book deals and contracts, specifically, contract negotiations, advances, and royalties? How do these all work?

As someone trained as a lawyer, I’m not intimidated by reading a contract. But I urge people without that training to get legal advice. The Authors’ Guild will give contract advice to members, and while I haven’t used that service, I think it would be worth the price of membership.
 
-Another fantastic tidbit of helpful information for our readers- thanks for sharing this resource, Stephanie!-

I have never been the best negotiator for myself, so that may be another role an agent might play. I have asked, for each book with each publisher, to have a say in selecting the illustrator, even though that condition hasn’t been a clause in the contract. Having input into the book’s creation was more important to me than anything else. Having that interaction happen is more based on trust, even with a contract clause.

Can you walk us through your experience of working with publishing houses on a project: things like working with art directors to find an illustrator for your writing and how much say, if any, you as the writer have this process?

When I worked at fundraising for social justice, we used to say, if you’ve seen one foundation, you’ve seen ONE foundation – meaning they are all so different. I believe the same may be true of publishing houses, having worked with two different ones with different approaches. One thing I have loved about Lawley Publishing is that, because they are small, the publishers begin with a Zoom meeting giving me a chance to share my vision of the book. I loved that they wanted to know my ideas, and judging from other author’s reactions, it’s kind of unusual to be asked that question. We also consulted on illustrators, and once an illustrator came on board, we had another Zoom meeting about illustrations before any sketches got created.

As someone trained as a lawyer, I’m not intimidated by reading a contract. But I urge people without that training to get legal advice. The Authors’ Guild will give contract advice to members,

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES + HIGHLIGHTS + PIECES OF ADVICE

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced (and/or are still facing) on the publishing journey, and how have you been able to overcome them?

Having my first book debut during the pandemic was a challenge. My local bookstore suggested I pair with another writer so we could draw a larger audience to Zoom. I have found this pairing strategy a good one for future events, even post-pandemic. It’s fun to boost other authors and share that spotlight.

-I echo this! Doing group/partner book events is SO fun! When I worked for our library as the events coordinator, I used to arrange author events all the time (practically whenever I could!), and I always encouraged local authors to come in groups of 2-5, and sometimes, I’d even host larger panels over the weekends so that guests would be more drawn in by the size of the event. 

Plus, as an added bonus: if you’re uncomfortable about being in the spotlight, as many authors who are introverted by nature often are, sharing it with others is always nice. And it’s a great way to build new connections within your local writing community!-

Another challenge that we all face is rejection. Having published articles and books before my kidlit journey, I was further along in understanding rejection is just part of the process – it is more the norm than acceptance. I won’t say that rejections don’t sting a little – we all would like that “yes,” of course. But so many opportunities for rejection are ever present in this business, even once you have published a book! You ask someone to review it or host you on a blog or podcast, or let you read at their bookstore (or carry your book). I’ve gotten surprising “no’s” or ghost responses, as well as surprising “yeses.” I think I’ve gotten better at just asking.

-This is so true and important for writers. The worst that you can get is a “no,” but you’ll never get the “yeses” if you don’t ASK. So, ASK! And if it’s a no, that’s okay. ASK again!-

What’s one piece of advice that you would like to share with readers who may be dealing with similar challenges?

Like I said, just ask. Submit, take the risk. Try again. Don’t spend a lot of time being bummed out or derailed. Breathe. Take a walk. And get back to writing.

-100% AGREE!-

“…Just ask. Submit, take the risk. Try again. Don’t spend a lot of time being bummed out or derailed. Breathe. Take a walk. And get back to writing.” – Stephanie Wildman

What have been some of the greatest highlights of your author journey? 

So many highlights! The best are the photos of kids hugging the books, like the mom who mailed me a picture with the bookmark her daughter had made for Brave in the Water because it was her new favorite book that she was reading over and over. I also cherish the opportunities to read to children at bookstores, libraries, and schools. And, of course, the new friends I’ve made, like my wonderful, wonderful critique group and members of the Writers Grotto – the sense of community means so much. I even have online friends I’ve never met in real life.

-These are all wonderful highlights!-

In your application, you mentioned discussing steps authors might take to help librarians find their books. As a former librarian myself, I’m a huge fan of finding ways to connect with libraries, whether it’s by creating resources, hosting author events, or any other opportunity I can find. In all truth, collaborating with libraries as an author is always a mutually uplifting and beneficial experience for both parties. I’d love to hear about any experiences you may have had with connecting with your local libraries and sharing your books! What has your experience been?

Just last weekend, I read Ghost Writer (Escritor Fantasma in Spanish) at a bilingual event at my local library. The library purchased copies of the book, as part of their promoting literacy campaign, to give to patrons, and we followed the reading with crafts to build the library’s altar for Dia de los Muertos! The event occurred in the very room where I had brought my grandchildren for story times when they were preschool age. Just thrilling. I had read for this library previously in the pandemic, but they had a new children’s librarian. I just asked in an email if she would like to hear about my book. But I also introduce myself to librarians, whenever I visit a library. And I ask about storytimes. I don’t always get “yeses,” either.

-That sounds like a lot of fun! I’m so glad you got to do this.-

I participated in a fun event through the Writers Grotto about writing books for children as part of their Grotto Nights at the Library series. The recording is available on YouTube. Here's the link!

-Thanks for sharing!-

Do you offer any resources for librarians in connection with your books or otherwise? If so, I’d love to add them to my TEACHER CORNER resource page.

Educational Resources are available for each of my books both on my website and on the publisher’s.

-Note for readers: You can also find Stephanie's resources for Brave in the Water, Treasure Hunt, Breath by Breath, Ghost Writer, and Miri's Moving Day linked via Teacher Corner.-

And Lawley has a YouTube channel featuring videos where I read each of my books. *Channel Linked Here* Spanish versions are also available on this channel. Treasure Hunt, Breath by Breath, and Ghost Writer have each been made into TV Shows by Chris Castellarin, a first-grade teacher in Canada. Mr. Castellarin broadcasts Lessons from the Classroom on Vancouver Island’s Channel 4 - Roger’s Spotlight Community TV.

Links here: 
Treasure Hunt: Watch it here.
Breath by Breath: Watch it here.
Ghost Writer: Watch it here.


-Wow, how awesome! Thank you so much for sharing these.-

Have you had any author events? If so, we’d love to see some pictures! 

I list past author events on my webpage – here are some photos!

SHARING RESOURCES: CONTESTS + WRITING GROUPS

Were there any writing contests, groups, or organizations that were particularly helpful to you as a writer?

Mindy Alyse Weiss’s PB Party gave an early version of Miri an honorable mention, which was so encouraging. I didn’t place in other contests, but the discipline of writing something new and entering contests has been fun, especially for Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words. I love reading the entries from other writers. And I felt honored when Karen Greenwald invited me to be a judge this year for Sun, Write, Fun – a nonfiction, info fic contest. I felt like I had ARRIVED!

-How awesome! I bet that was exciting!-

For writers who are looking to build connections and forge relationships within the writing community, what are some places/resources that you’d recommend looking into and why?

I would start with SCBWI (where I found my critique group and attended local chapter events) and 12 x 12 Picture Book challenge (for the Facebook community, educational webinars, book chats, and resources in their forum community, including library requests, review requests and more). I also joined the Writers Grotto – a writers’ workspace because I love interacting with writers from all genres. My writing accountability group came from members of this organization.

THE BOOKS!

Okay, we’ve landed on the books portion of the interview. Is anyone else excited? I know I am! Stephanie, tell us about your books! What makes them special to you? What inspired you to write them? What do you hope they will give to your readers?

☺ My books are inspired by my grandchildren and the questions they ask.
Brave in the Water evolved after I spent 8 swim lessons watching one grandson sit on the edge of the pool, refusing to get in the water. (He is now on a swim team, by the way, and loves it).

The Flor, Roberto, and Luis series didn’t start as a series; it started with Treasure Hunt, based on games and crafts I did with another grandson during the pandemic. (And each book has a craft activity in the back matter). 

Once that book was in the world, with the wonderful characters drawn by Estefania Razo, Flor, Roberto, and Luis returned in Breath by Breath, a bedtime (or anytime) adventure through the body. I thought the series might be complete as a trilogy with Ghost Writer (co-authored with Cecilia Populus-Eudave, who has been the Spanish translator for all these books) - a Halloween/Dia de los Muertos story inspired by a third grandson’s questions after the death of a beloved pet. But guess what!? A fourth book is coming in 2025 – Story Power! (co-authored with Simon Wildman Chung). 

This grandson had an idea for another Flor, Roberto, Luis story; he is a co-author because it was his idea! He was so cute sitting with his pencil, circling words, and suggesting edits. Readers will learn the elements of writing a story.

Finally, Miri’s Moving Day (co-author Adam Ryan Chang, illustrator Dream Chen) arrived this month, again inspired by a grandson’s questions about his identity.

So you can understand how each of these books is special, coming as they did from various grandson’s questions and involvement. I hope readers relate to the interests and concerns my grandsons expressed and that the books provide insight and fun.

-This is so sweet. I love the story behind your stories!-

Any last pieces of writerly wisdom that you’d like to share with us today?

Do you need inspiration? Tara Lazar’s January blog posts (Story Storm) are full of ways to generate ideas.
Start writing! I have found the morning pages (or any time of day) practice to be beneficial. Try writing two or three pages longhand, even if it’s a grocery list – just write what you are thinking. I find I write differently using a pen than I do at the computer. Eventually, I take some of these ideas to the computer. Some writers benefit from writing sprints – set a timer for 5 minutes and write.

-I personally find writing sprints to be super helpful. Sometimes, I feel intimidated by the idea of starting a new project because I have SO MANY other things I’m trying to get accomplished between revisions and other writing deadlines, but if I just set a timer for 5 or 7 minutes, it’s amazing how much easier that feels. And the funny thing is, I usually get so into writing that I end up setting another timer so I can have more time to finish up fresh ideas.-

Exactly! There is something freeing about setting that timer. 

My last piece of advice is “Have fun.” As I said, writing is my happy place – I hope it’s yours, too.

Beautiful words of wisdom to end on. Thank you so much for joining us today, Stephanie. We really enjoyed having you with us and wish you all the continued success on your author journey + the general story of life!

But that’s not all. We have one last item on the agenda. And it’s a big one! It’s time for our GIVEAWAY PRIZE(S)!

“My last piece of advice is- have fun. As I said, writing is my happy place – I hope it’s yours, too.” – Stephanie Wildman

GIVEAWAY

For the month of November, Stephanie Wildman is offering 2 prizes to 2 winners- (1 prize per winner):

  • One copy of Breath by Breath
  • One copy of Miri’s Moving Day

One copy of Breath by Breath and one copy of Miri’s Moving Day.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

  • Leave a comment on this post!
  • And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter!

That’s it!

DEADLINE TO ENTER: 11:59 PM CST 11/30/2024

Want extra entries? Share a link to this article on X or IG and tag X @chellys books or IG @chelseasworldofbooks so I can add your extra entries!

FAQ:

What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).

Did you enjoy this interview?

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AUTHOR + HOST BOOK LINKS AND IMAGES

PURCHASE Brave in the Water

PURCHASE Treasure Hunt

PURCHASE Breath by Breath

PURCHASE Miri’s Moving Day

PURCHASE ADHD and Me 

AUTHOR BIO + CONNECT

Children’s book author Stephanie Wildman of Treasure Hunt (2022) and Brave in the Water (2021) both published by Lawley Publishing, became a Professor Emerita after serving as the John A. and Elizabeth H. Sutro Chair at Santa Clara Law. She directed the school’s Center for Social Justice and Public Service. Her other books include Privilege Revealed: How Invisible Preference Undermines America 2d (with contributions by Armstrong, Davis, & Grillo) (2021); Race and Races: Cases and Resources for a Diverse America 4th (with Delgado, Perea, Cuison-Villazor, James, & Stefancic) (2022); Social Justice: Professionals Communities and Law (with Mahoney & Calmore) (2013); and Women and the Law Stories (with Schneider) (2011). Lawley published her third picture book Breath by Breath in 2024. Kar-Ben Publishing will release her fourth children’s book, Miri’s Moving Day (co-authored with Adam Chang) in 2024. Member: 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, SCBWI, Writers Grotto. Stephanie is a grandmother, mother, spouse, friend, good listener, and she can sit “criss-cross apple sauce” thanks to her yoga practice. Learn more about her at www.stephaniewildman.com. Connect with Stephanie Wildman on Instagram and/or X.

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FEBRUARY 7TH, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH BILINGUAL, NEURODIVERSE CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR AND ASSISTANT LITERARY AGENT RACHEL S. HOBBS, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER, & LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Oh my goodness, guys. I don’t know about you, but my January was a roller coaster. It somehow felt like it lasted forever because SO MANY THINGS happened, yet it flew by at the same time. Do you ever have crazy months like that? One second, you’re slugging along, and then BAM. BAM. BAM. Things happen out of nowhere, and FAST! Well, that’s how it was for me. And I’m so happy to be here with you again as we begin a new month together in February. This month, I have a pretty spectacular lineup of guests for you. Today’s guest is particularly special, as she and I have many common shared experiences, which you’ll learn more about here shortly.

But, before I get into the interview portion, I first want to address anyone who may be visiting today for the first time. Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Why? Because it means that you are interested in learning. And as we publishing warriors all know- the only way to be successful in this industry is to continue learning. And when I said warriors before, don’t mistake this for a battlefield- it’s not really so much that it’s a fight, although sometimes it can feel that way, but really, what I mean by “warriors” is that publishing requires a tenacity. A determination. A hunger. And as warriors must do, you too must “soldier on.” It’s the only way. And for me personally, I’ve found the greatest way to be able to do this is to share the journey with others who are just as tenacious, determined, and hungry for it. Okay- that’s all nice, but what does this little speech have to do with you being here on my blog today? Well, here is a brief overview of what feature interviews are all about and why they’re so important.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for kidlit writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.

Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community (authors, illustrators, editors, and agents), and we discuss all things kidlit publishing.

Here are a few examples of topics:

  • Writing workshops and resources
  • Diversity in literature and why it matters
  • Where to find support and community
  • How to improve writing craft and set goals
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
  • Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
  • Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals, and time frames
  • And, of course- NEW BOOKS!

And now that you have an idea of what I’ve promised- it’s time to deliver. So, let’s get into our feature interview!

Rachel S. Hobbs

Rachel S. Hobbs was born in the US to a Californian father and an Argentine immigrant mother. She grew up with a love of languages and music and received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in music. She works part-time as a literary agent’s assistant and has worked as a children’s educator. She enjoys volunteering and working with children, and in her spare time, you can find her braiding hair at festivals, playing the flute in a band, crocheting, reading, and playing games. She lives in Monterey, CA, with her husband and three kids. Tango Red Riding Hood is her first book, published by Gnome Road Publishing on September 12, 2023.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Rachel, it’s so nice to have you visiting on Chelsea’s World of Books blog today. I’m really looking forward to our chat today and getting to share more about our mutually diverse backgrounds. But before we dig into that area, I’d love to hear all about how you got your start in publishing. Can you tell us how it all began? Which came first, the chicken or the egg (the chicken and the egg being “kidlit author” and “literary agent assistant”)?

Great question! I started writing seriously in 2005. I realized during my research and critique group experiences that working in children’s publishing was exactly what I wanted, but I thought it was too late. Let’s cut to 2020 when my first article was published; 2021, when I got my first book deal and my internship at a literary agency; then 2022, when I got my agent’s assistant job; then 2023, when my first book was published! So, the two roles have danced around each other for quite some time.

BEHIND THE AGENT DESK: QUERIES, TRENDS & PET PEEVES

Since you work as both a children’s book author and a literary agent’s assistant, I thought we could take those questions in two sections. Let’s start with “behind the agent’s desk.”  Can you walk us through what being a literary agent’s assistant is like?

There is no quick answer! Basically, it’s amazing, and I love it. It’s very busy and fast-paced, even though if you look at any one particular deal, publishing seems so slow. There are many different types of tasks to accomplish, and you have to juggle them all and reprioritize all the time.

What agent/agency do you work for, and what kind of books do they represent? 

I do contract work for Writers House since I’m only part-time and work remotely (the agent I work for has a full-time assistant). I’m lucky to be at such an amazing place with wide resources, surrounded by incredibly talented people. Every type of book that I can think of is represented there.

Are you currently taking clients of your own? If not, do you plan to in the near or distant future? If so, what kind of books (genres) will you look to acquire for your list?

I do contract work, so I’m not in a position to take on clients myself. Even down the line, though, I still will only be interested in children’s books.

Let’s talk trends. Have you noticed any trends that editors and publishing houses are looking for and are not looking for right now?

That is such a hard question, and this might not be a favorable answer, but different editors look for different things! I still see tender, thought-provoking stories, but also very fun, non-serious books. What is hard for an author, I think, is that you wouldn’t know that a publishing house is currently working on a story just like yours, and even though they like your story, it can’t work for that house. So, you really can’t assume the reason why your story was rejected. Also, an editor may have done a bunch of poetry and is ready for something different. If you want to see what publishing houses are acquiring right now, then Publisher’s Marketplace can be helpful. It is uncanny, though, to see waves of submissions for similar sounding manuscripts without people meaning to write on similar topics. I personally don’t think any trend is predictable.

What kinds of stories do you enjoy reading most? Any quirky favorites/guilty pleasures?

I love being shocked by a picture book that, in retrospect, makes me wonder how that was never done before. A recent example of something unexpected was Jon Klassen’s The Skull. I also love picture books that make me want to rip out the pages to frame every single one because of how much I love the art, like Lane Smith’s A Gift for Nana. I treasure humorous picture books whose endings land so well, like Mac Barnett and Marla Frazee’s The Great Zapfino. I love listening to YA audiobooks, usually of the fantasy/sci-fi sort. I absolutely loved Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross. I can’t recommend it enough. I like graphic novels…I could go on and on!

What are some big querying pet peeves?

All opinions are my own and are not representative of anyone I work for or with. I personally don’t make decisions on query letters. However, here are things that stand out to me unfavorably: when query letters state that their book is the next NYT best seller, or that their family or students love the manuscript; huge or really tiny font size; no name listed (nor is it guessable by the email address); reading a query letter written “by” the animal protagonist of the manuscript; saying no one has ever written about [insert topic] before (note: look for ways your story might fit alongside other stories and use those as comps, then point out how yours is different); saying this is your first book (that doesn’t need to be said) or that you just wrote it.

In your opinion, what hooks an agent?

To be honest, it’s different from agent to agent. I recommend reading manuscript wishlists and seeing what deals were made by that particular agent. (See Publishers Marketplace.) I have found good information by attending conferences, hearing agents speak, and reading their faculty bios. And even if I can’t personally attend a conference, I appreciate learning about agents from friends.

When I’m writing a query letter, I absolutely have critique partners read my pitches. Some people are really great with witty wordings that make your pitch sound snappy and exciting. I think book comps also show you know the industry well and you’ve done your homework.

Once an agent makes an offer of representation, what are the next steps? Walk us through the process. (Typical timeframe- how many manuscripts do you send out on submission- can you send more than one at a time at once- to how many houses? Etc.)

I don’t send anything out myself. I think it’s common, though, to submit to several editors, although if two are at the same house but at different imprints, they might not be able to both extend offers. It seems that usually, one manuscript is sent out per query, but a deal can be made for more than one manuscript. I don’t have a lot of experience in this area.

What is the process for a current client sending new work to their agent? Are they able to reach out directly and let you know they have new work they’d like you to consider, or is the agent responsible for checking in within a certain amount of time to see what new projects their client is working on? Explain.

I don’t work directly with any client, but I know the first one to be true, and I’m not sure about the second one.

CONTRACTS, MONEY & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

I know a lot of writers are curious to know about how they and their agent’s both get paid. Can you tell us a little bit about how that works?

The agent takes a 15% commission. The publishing house typically sends the payment to the literary agency, and the literary agency pays the author.

Does the agency you work for offer a standard contract for each client, or do you customize each contract to fit the needs of your individual client?

I know there are boilerplates, but I don’t know the specific answer to your question.

Can you tell us a little bit about some of the things an agent does to aid an author or illustrator in the process of negotiating contracts on their behalf with publishing houses?

An agent will not only look for a good advance but how many slivers the payout is in (fewer slivers mean larger fractions of the advance paid out at a time and preferably not spread to multiple payments after publication). Also, the competitive works clause is crafted so as to not prevent an author from publishing other books. An agent will try to get bonus payments (in case of awards and such) and escalators (higher percentages earned after a certain amount of books are sold). There are more details for sure, but this info is broken down for the author to compare so they can speak to their preference.

What are some of the things you specifically look for in negotiating a fair contract where both your client and the publishing house are happy?

I don’t participate in this aspect, but it’s always great to hear that an author gets to work with someone they really click with who is just as passionate about their work as they are. I think when both parties feel like winners, it’s something to celebrate!

About how many clients, on average, does your agency take on every year?

I don’t know—there are 28 agents at Writers House, and some are more established than others who have recently begun taking on their own clients.

Does your agency represent authors and illustrators? Or just authors?

Authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators.

BEHIND THE AUTHOR DESK

Okay, we’ve gotten through the agent questions. Now for our author questions. Can you tell us about a day in the life as a kidlit writer?

I can’t tell you about ANY kidlit writer’s day, but I can tell you about mine! I work in the morning and then work a little bit on my writing, then go to the gym and try to work more on my writing if I can do it on a stationary bike. This might include reading craft books as well. I have family obligations that need urgent attention, and my own health works against me at times, so sometimes I get more done than at other times. I am frequently behind on my goals, emails, and other obligations. It’s hard not to feel like a failure every single day, especially when I compare myself to what I see on “the outside” from other authors. I try to extend grace to myself and give it a shot the next day., At the end of each day, I listen to audiobooks, usually YA.

What kind of children’s literature do you write?

Picture book manuscripts and I’m currently adapting one to middle grade and one to a chapter book. Wish me luck!

And favorite topics to write about?

I love fantastical things and I also love writing from my life, and I usually put the two together. I enjoy sharing aspects of my Argentine culture and also insecurities/challenges that I have experienced (and still do!).

Where do find your inspiration to write children’s literature?

My childhood, my culture, the kids I have worked with, and the things I read.

How do you keep that spark going while balancing your other obligations?

I have ADHD and can’t focus almost at all. My mind has always wandered and still does, but it leads me to many interesting creative avenues, so I’m always building something new in my head. I can also be productive while letting my mind wander—while I’m shelving books at the library where I volunteer, or while I’m braiding hair at the festivals I work at, or while doing chores.

What is your favorite part about being a children’s book author? And is it something you’ve always known you wanted? Or did you discover your passion for writing later in life? 

I’ve always told stories and wanted to tell stories. I only admitted out loud that I wanted to be a children’s book author in 1999 because I was so embarrassed to say it, feeling the imposter syndrome so badly. The best thing about being published is knowing a kid that I may not have met or ever will meet can have a story that I wrote and cherish in their hands and that they can see themselves in what I shared.

Speaking of stories… we’d love to hear all about TANGO RED RIDING HOOD and how it came about. Can you share the story behind the story?

Sure! I was listening to a YA audiobook in 2020, and when the main character walks into a ball and gets swept into a dance by “the guy,” I found myself wishing it would be tango, and it wasn’t. I reflected on my love for tango, how much I appreciated growing up listening to tango and wishing other kids could listen to it to. The verses that I wrote, following the rhythm to El Choclo, came first, and then the retelling formed around that.

What was your publication/submission journey like for that book?

I submitted it to several agents, but only a couple were interested. They asked for more work but turned me down. I participated in a Twitter (at the time) pitch, and Sandra at Gnome Road Publishing invited me to submit. I got an R&R and worked on the manuscript some more, then sent it back and got an offer on April 1, 2021.

Do you have any favorite illustrations from the story? If so, which ones and why? Feel free to share some pictures of your favorite spreads!

This is impossible to answer because I am madly, deeply, over-the-top in love with Carolina Vásquez’s illustrations. That is no exaggeration! The least expected page would probably be the one where Moni’s feet are zoomed in, and the text says, “I must hurry to la casa de mi Abuela." 

The muted background of the mountains and forest with the vibrant foreground focusing on her feet gives a sense of urgency while feeling that the distance might be too great. But this young, innocent heart will try anyway to make it safely to her grandmother’s house. There is so much feeling in that page spread, and I think it’s beautiful. 
Of course, I also love the page where Lobo’s tongue is dripping in such an alarming way (!), also where you see the bandoneón for the first time, the page spread with Lobo playing music, Moni dancing, and the music notes on top, the scene (SPOILER) of Abuela’s arms extended, the scene of them looking at a dictionary together, and the old tango records. I know this is too many!

I can’t blame you. If I were on the receiving end of this question, I would have difficulty choosing just one, too. They’re all fantastic!

DIVERSITY IN LITERATURE AND WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT

I was *SO* excited reading over your application. Not just because your work is terrific- which it IS- but also because I have a lot of mutually shared experiences with you. Being neurodiverse myself (ADHD), dealing with multiple mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression, and also coming from a Latin background, your experiences resonated with me on a lot of levels. So, I was thrilled to get the opportunity to share a conversation with, in a way, a kindred spirit. And, of course, I was happy dancing at the thought of chatting with you about your book, TANGO RED RIDING HOOD. For those of you who haven’t read it, imagine DORA THE EXPLORER meets LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD (but with more music and movement).

A Latin twist on a beloved fairytale classic? Fun bilingual language? Yummy foods? Music and dance? YES PLEASE! Can you share how you first got the idea for writing this story?

I mentioned above how the idea began. But what it boiled down to was: I grew up with a culture my peers did not. There were some things we did at home (like listening to tango music) that no one else around me did. But I was passionate about these things that I didn’t know how to share. So, by 2020, I was ready to share that experience with kids and help them feel what I felt through means that would already be familiar to them. And for kids who read it who share some of my background, this would be a way to be seen.

Let’s talk more about Tango Red Riding Hood. First off,  it’s such a joyful book and so much fun to read. I love how you wove so much culture into every detail of this story… and how you skillfully used family, music, food, and dance as a universal common ground to engage readers. And, to top it off, you added an educational angle to your story by creating bilingual text. You can really feel the personal touch and heart in this book. Coming from the cultural side, can you tell us what this story means to you? 

This story is the most personal one I’ve written because it encompassed so much about me personally, even though it seems like just a retelling! I had to learn Spanish through high school and college because my mom didn’t teach me directly. She was learning English as I was growing up. I understood her Spanish but could not speak it back. When I started learning, I made many mistakes, and even as an adult, I made an embarrassing mistake that made another adult laugh! I wanted to embrace the fact that even if you come from a culture, that doesn’t mean you know everything about it, including the language! In TANGO RED RIDING HOOD, Moni clearly is Argentine but has to learn Spanish. That’s more common about Latin Americans in the US than you might think. I loved that the illustrator is Argentine herself, and she added so many Argentine touches that I didn’t even have references to, like the tea “mate” and the other pastry, “media lunas.” She made the bottom half of the hoodie into a poncho and much more! I cried when I saw those elements and when I saw Abuela. She reminds me of my mom. I wonder what it would have been like to have a book I could have shared with my friends. Maybe I wouldn’t have had to feel like parts of myself were left at home.

Have you been able to host any author events with this story? 

I had one school visit and three author events at bookstores (and then took a respite). I was most nervous about singing the verses out loud! I love singing, but I feel more comfortable in an ensemble, not as a soloist. I had to practice a lot, make sure I started on the right pitch so I didn’t have to sing too high, and just pump myself up for it! I had a great time, though, and hope to get back to it.
How fun! And I just love the pictures. 

What kind of response have you received from this book from your readers? 

An older lady I didn’t know at my first event pulled my husband aside before leaving to tell him to pass along a message to me about how special this book was for her. She is originally from Argentina and had never seen a book like this. My husband was in tears relaying this message to me, and I could feel love from both of them. 

My family has happily shared my book with others, and it makes me feel proud that they can share a piece of themselves through this book, too. One parent on Instagram said how happy they were to share this book with their young daughter, who will get to have a piece of her culture to look at as well (she is also half-Argentine). 

My niece was so excited at one of my readings, and my brother says she asks him to read it again and again. 

One of the best experiences I had was at the elementary school, where I was reading it to each class. Due to a fluke, one boy heard it twice, and right before I sang the first verse for his second time hearing it, he said out loud to the kids around him, “This is my favorite part!”

Oh my gosh- I love these experiences. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing them with us. It made my day- and hopefully, someone else’s too!

What do you hope to bring readers with Tango Red Riding Hood?

I hope I bring music and dance into people’s lives, maybe in a way they hadn’t previously experienced. I hope I bring bravery—the idea that taking a chance (like learning a new language) is always better than staying inside a small, comfortable bubble. I hope I bring a viewpoint into a culture, and I hope I bring laughter.

I really love seeing stories (especially children’s books) that are inclusive of diverse cultures and characters. When we incorporate a variety of children and backgrounds into books, it not only gives children from those cultures confidence but it allows for more understanding, empathy, compassion, and awareness of each of our differences. And books that celebrate cultural differences are SO important! Can you share your thoughts on diversity in literature and why it’s so important?

You already said it so perfectly! Grace Lin was a keynote speaker at a conference I went to in 2017 (SCBWI California North/Central Spring Spirit Conference), and she said part of her presentation was included in her TED talk about mirrors and windows. I highly recommend watching it on YouTube! (Search for Grace Lin windows and mirrors.) Her speech was so impactful to me that it changed the way I wrote. I hadn’t ever really considered bringing my cultural background into my stories like that. I was still seeing my culture as an “other” in my life, not as something I could wholly embrace in this way. 

I think my writing has improved because of that mindset shift, and clearly this was my first book that sold! It feels amazing seeing that my life experiences can be an asset to my storytelling, not as something to set aside. I think it’s important as an author to feel free to be themselves while writing and for a child to see themselves while reading. 

I also think it’s hugely important for a child to not see themselves exactly but be able to connect with the story anyway because of universal truths. Some kids grow up in a very homogenous town. Unless they can peek into the lives of others around the world, they won’t understand global issues when they are older, nor know how to relate to anyone else. This was very obvious to me as soon as I left home for college, and I felt like I had to “educate” people around me who hadn’t been exposed to other cultures. Adults still need to be aware of each other: look to see what you’ve been reading. Are they written by people who are only just like you? 

Yes. There’s so much truth in what you’re saying, and I completely agree. While we’re on the topic of inclusive books, let’s talk about some other forms of diversity.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND EMBRACING UNIQUE ABILITIES

Mental diversity and disabilities can be a sensitive topic. And they can present their own set of challenges. Can you share a little bit about your personal experiences (related or unrelated to publishing) dealing with learning disabilities and mental health struggles?

I grew up thinking I was “stupid.” That’s what I would repeatedly call myself. I knew I couldn’t understand things as quickly as my peers, if at all. I didn’t test well, and I was behind. I remember in high school leaving a group in class as a senior and just crying because I didn’t understand any of the science terminology they were using or the numbers or how they got them. I was in such despair. I thought I might as well have been stranded alone on a deserted island, that’s how alone I felt. 

By my sophomore year in college, I went to a center for students with disabilities to be tested. That led me to having an unspecified learning disability and ADHD diagnosis, which also led me to accommodations. Looking at the results was shocking—it turns out I wasn’t “stupid.” I was actually bright, but my disabilities would have always clouded that over for me if I hadn’t been tested. 

I now know what I need. I need more time than other people, and I’m pretty comfortable asking for it. It also means that when I learn a new task, you’ll have to teach me over and over again until I understand it, but once I do, I really have it down. This means I have to tell supervisors that I need to learn it again or to please be patient with me. And the good ones are willing and patient. Sometimes, it’s embarrassing for me, and I still get that massive panic feeling if I’m at a meeting where a lot of new information is disseminated quickly and all at once, but when that happens, I have to remind myself that I’m bright, I just need more time. And sometimes, I just have to raise my hand to ask “obvious” clarifying questions. And I haven’t been scolded for asking those questions. 

The benefit is that I understand kids who struggle. And I want to be cognizant of that when I read to kids or answer questions. In my job, my supervisor has been patient and understanding. I haven’t been made to feel bad about my shortcomings. The learning curve was huge in starting my job. Even after the internship! There is so much to still learn. I’m getting better and better at leaving myself effective notes as reminders. I’m getting better at combing through all the details. I’m getting better at creating just the right organizational spreadsheets and color-coding for my visual learning strength. I’m ok. I can do this. I might be slow at writing and researching, but once again, I’m ok, I can do this.

Despite the challenges that learning differences and other disabilities can present, one of the things I like to encourage my readers to do (and actually, I have information on this very topic at the end of my book, ADHD AND ME) is to find the ADVANTAGE in disADVANTAGE. And, of course, this is not to suggest being unrealistic… but instead, it involves training your perspective. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, or struggle to do, instead, focusing on your unique set of abilities that only you have and figuring out how to use them as a tool.

Each of us has our own set of “gifts” and skills that make us stand apart, so basically, find those silver linings and use them to your best ability. Remember- every glass that is half empty is also half full. So, make sure you maintain a realistic and positive perspective of your personal talents while remembering to balance your needs and respect your limitations. 

Do you have any strategies that you find to be helpful? Explain.

I already mentioned things that help me in my job, but as for my writing, I highlight or leave sticky notes on books on craft. I listen to soundscapes on the Calm app for a constant noise, which helps my ADHD. Sometimes, I have family members read to me when my ADHD and OCD dovetail and I’m stuck reading the same sentence over and over and over again. I write immediately after work if I’m in a good workflow to piggyback on the momentum. I research, read, or take notes while working out (safely!) so that each task benefits the other with my ADHD. I talk my stories and ideas out to my bestie on the phone, which clarifies my thoughts.

What kind of silver linings have you discovered within your own set of unique abilities?

I’m honestly really good at note-taking (for myself, anyway!) and can find exactly where I need to return to get the piece of information I want. I’m great at multitasking. And I love, love, love the amount of different tasks I have as an agent’s assistant and thrive off of switching tasks constantly. I’ve never had a job that I loved more or suited me better. And since I have to reread a lot due to my ADHD and OCD, I remember details very, very well and write good reports on the manuscripts I read. And as far as writing goes, I have a lot of ideas and stories juggling around my brain and I’m comfortable with that.

If you could share any words of encouragement or advice with readers who may deal with similar circumstances in one (or all) of these areas- what would you like to tell them?

Be patient with yourself, and don’t compare. Really! Don’t get bothered by the social media posts/tweets that say how relieved they are that their first book is coming out when they’re 29 because their goal was to be published in their 20s, and they barely made it. Who cares if you’re in your 30’s, 50s, 50’s or 80s when you are first published? Enjoy things as they are at the pace you need.

And if you have OCD—plan ahead for book signings. Everyone’s OCD manifests differently, but when I felt more comfortable with a mask (I also am immunocompromised), I had one on hand. Since I knew I’d be touching people (hugs or shaking hands), I made sure to have hand sanitizer with me or know where the nearest sink and soap were. Also, if someone touched my pen, I could use the hand sanitizer to clean it off.

For my learning disability—I brought sticky notes for people to write the name they wanted the book dedicated to because I can’t hear a name and register it in my mind that quickly. I also can’t hear something spelled out loud without taking more time than I have.

For my anxiety—I brought pills that I could safely take and had family and friends who know my limitations around me as emotional anchors.

TIPS AND RESOURCES FOR KIDLIT WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Coming from the unique perspective of both sides of the publishing desk, what tips and resources would you like to share with aspiring writers and illustrators from A. The agenting side of the desk and B. The author’s side of the desk?

A.	Research the agent you are sending your manuscript to. If the agent only represents children’s fiction, don’t send adult non-fiction. Be patient, publishing one book after acquisition takes a long time (including the contract process), and you’re not the only client your agent has or the only person your editor is working with. Do check in politely. If you need a deadline extended just ask. When you’ve submitted and are “waiting,” or if your book is in the process of being published, don’t wait around. Keep working on the next thing. If you don’t know how to find an agent, look at Publisher’s Marketplace, Query Tracker, conferences, and acknowledgements in the back of a novel. Workshop your query letter like you would your manuscript. If you get an R&R, take your time—don’t make hasty corrections then send it back right away. Don’t take rejections personally.

B.	Take the time you need. If you are unwell (chronic illness or mental health issues), it’s ok to take a break—publishing will always be there, and so will your ideas. If you can and would like to, you can keep creating in your mind, or leave voice memos, or jot down notes, so you can develop your stories as you are able. You don’t actually HAVE to write every single day. Share a piece of you in your stories. If your heart is in it, it will show (even if it’s a silly book!). Find a critique group of people who are honest but incredibly kind who want to see you succeed. Read books on craft. Go to conferences (in person or online), even if you think you already know the information. Look for scholarships to attend those conferences, to pay for SCBWI, or take classes. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to succeed if you check out books and get those scholarships. Find support through social media if that is helpful. Once you follow one person, it’s easier to find another. 

Are there any groups or places that helped you specifically on your writing journey that you’d like to share?

I had a mentorship through Las Musas during the writing of my manuscript, and it was monumental for me. Ana Siqueira was very knowledgeable, encouraging, and kind. I recommend looking for mentorships. I found out about Las Musas through LatinxPitch, so finding a community you connect with online can be incredibly helpful.

Any last tidbits or words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?

Write because you love it, not just for the goal of publishing.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Rachel. We appreciate you being with us and look forward to reading more of your stories on your continued publishing journey!

Interested in querying Writers House? Writers House is always open to queries. Look for more information at www.writershouse.com.

But hold on a second, we’re not quite finished. There’s still one last item on the agenda. And that is… the GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE:

Rachel S. Hobbs is offering the following giveaway prize: query letter critique.

How do I enter?

During the month of February 2024:

  1. Subscribe to the blog
  2. Like this blog post
  3. Leave a comment below letting me know you’ve done 1-2. (If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which you’d like in the comments below.)

And that’s it!

Deadline: February 29th (that’s right- it’s a leap year!)

FAQ: What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed PRIOR to this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your comment below this post.

Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing their book or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Already have a copy? Consider leaving a brief review. Reviews are one of the best gifts you can give an author or illustrator. Don’t believe me? Ask one!

Using the sponsored links below also helps support this blog.

Purchase Rachel’s book: TANGO RED RIDING HOOD

Bilingual, (English//Spanish) Picture Book

Purchase Chelsea’s Book: ADHD AND ME

Neurodiverse, Picture Book

Connect with Rachel S. Hobbs

Website: www.rachelshobbs.com

Twitter: Rachel_S_Hobbs

Instagram: rachel_s_hobbs

TikTok: rachel.s.hobbs

Barnes & Noble Book Signing in Bowling Green KY, With Children’s Author & Librarian, Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts 
Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to announce I'll be visiting the Bowling Green Barnes and Noble, located at 1680 Campbell Ln, Bowling Green, Ky 42104 on Saturday, July 8th from 1 PM- 4 PM, for an author book signing. If you live locally and would like to stop by, I'd love to connect with you! 

In addition to the book signing, I'll be bringing all sorts of fun giveaway prizes, freebies, and goody bags. 

Freebies:
💙 lollipops 
💙 word searches/spot the difference worksheets 
💙 lesson plans grades k-3rd 
💙 family resource packets with websites, book recommendations, and tips for neurodiverse families.

NO PURCHASES REQUIRED


Goody Bundles:
💜 Semigloss laminated bookmark 
💜 Free author autograph 
💜 Special edition "believe in yourself" stickers 
💜 Special release ADHD AND ME coloring book 
💜 Packet of crayons 

FREE WITH THE PURCHASE OF BOOK ADHD AND ME, DAY OF SIGNING, AT BARNES AND NOBLE. SIMPLY BRING YOUR RECEIPT TO THE SIGNING TABLE TO CLAIM YOUR GOODY BUNDLE!

Prize Drawing:
Interested in winning prizes? Post a review of ADHD AND ME to Barnes & Noble website: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adhd-and-me-chelsea-dicicco/1143058981?ean=9780997933413 (AND/OR post a picture of the book, ADHD AND ME to your Instagram, tagging @chelseasworldofbooks account), the day of the signing and claim your prize drawing slip from the signing table! The winner will be selected at random from the first 10 participants!

Please note: if your Instagram account is set to private, tagging will not work, so make sure to leave a review of the book to claim your drawing slip for a chance to win the giveaway prize!

STEAM Homeschool Group Takeaways

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Parents and Educators, View all blog posts 
Dear readers,

This October marked the 10th month of the STEAM Homeschool Group. From the first meet in January with 0 in attendance, oh, how our group has grown! I’m thrilled the share that this past group we had 60 participants!

Can you believe it? I sure can’t! How exciting it is to see all the new members we have gained and the families who have been able to connect from this fabulous group!

As you all know, this project is a passion of mine. I was a homeschooler, and I know how hard it is for families (especially with multiple children) to find inexpensive Homeschool Programs and resources. So naturally, I was beyond the moon excited to start this completely FREE program.

Not only does this group provide a safe space for families and children to meet other homeschoolers within their community, at no charge, but we’re also able to provide free resources like:

* Educational Textbooks
* Interactive Workbooks
* Leveled Reader Books
* Pre-planned literacy training worksheets
* Individually Created Honor Kits on various subjects (math, science, history, animals, plants, anatomy, weather, space, reading comprehension, poetry, biographies, language, etc)
And much more!

Every group meet I feel the same emotions.

Gratitude, joy, overwhelming happiness. And inspiration! Tons of inspiration!

To give you an idea of why I feel this way, I want to share some takeaways from what I saw during our group this past Monday.

Things I witnessed as I looked around the room:

* Creativity
* Inventiveness
* Curiosity
* Kindness
* Friendships forming
* Teamwork
* Problem-solving
* Learning inspired by natural play
* Engineering
* Building
* Kids thinking outside of the box to make something original, that brings them joy

I saw 100% unadulterated pure exploration, and what a sight it was! And guess what? The kids weren't the only ones playing and having a good time. Parents were too! 

These parents are connecting with their kids, and other adults! Forming community and cultivating a network of friends. Using their imaginations to help build and create at our STEAM tables!

What an absolute treasure this group has been. And what a pleasure it has been to see it grow and flourish! The feedback and love in this program has been astounding. I’m so grateful for all of our amazing participants of this group who help make it what it is.

So, here are some fabulous pictures from our time together in October. Enjoy!

Some kiddos enjoying our Fall themed worksheets and activities!
Here’s a group of boys working together at our “build” table!
Our “create” table is always a hit! Check out some of this fabulous, original artwork.
Mom is playing some games too at our “games and puzzles” table!
Our “science” table is booming with curious hands and minds!
Here are a few small hands forming some sight words!
Teamwork at its best! Keep it up, ladies.
Proud of what he built! And he should be, it’s pretty impressive.
One of our young members made this and gifted it to me. She also gave me a flawless sales pitch for her ideas for a new company and the products she will make and sell. She’s going places!
Another look at the “science” table!

STEAM IN THE LIBRARY AND IN HOMESCHOOLING

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Parents and Educators, View all blog posts

It’s been a little while since I’ve made a post. Here’s what I’ve been up to…

For the past few months I’ve been gathering information, doing research, attending webinars, and working vigorously toward starting a non-profit Homeschool Group for families in need in my community. And I’m happy to announce, it has been a great success!

I’m so excited to share this news with you, so let’s dive right in!

What is Homeschool Group?

Homeschool Group is a place where families can come together and socialize, and kids can engage in self-paced, hands-on learning in a relaxed and creative environment. Right now, my group is open to ages 7-10, but I may look at expanding those age brackets as time goes on and I get a better feel for the specific needs of my community.

Where and when is Homeschool Group hosted? How can I attend?

Great question! Homeschool Group is being hosted in the Hendersonville Public Library in Tennessee. This group is held on the first Monday of each month at 2 PM. Sign-up sheets can be found in the Children’s area. For other cool events we have going on, check out our Facebook page or Instagram feed for updates and calendar info!

My personal goal with Homeschool Group is to inspire creativity and encourage social emotional learning while exposing children to the five elements of STEAM education; science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

Around the room I have activity tables set up for kids to visit, imagine, and explore the wonders of reading, science, building, writing, creating, socializing, inventing, and playing!


Each of our tables is inspired by STEAM concepts, and is designed to encourage creative thinking and problem solving, enhance motor skills and social-emotional learning, and inspire children to find connections and explore the realm of imagination in a safe and fun environment.

DISCOVERING THE SCIENCE BEHIND A RAINCLOUD

Throughout the building process of this project, I was able to get some fabulous inspiration and ideas from several webinars, a few that I will mention here.

The two that stood out among the rest were STEAM in the Public Library: Programs & Services for Children and Creative Spaces and Family Engagement in Libraries, both available on Webjunction. Now, for those of you who may not know this, in addition to being a children’s book writer, I am also a Children’s Librarian. And, being homeschooled for the majority of my childhood, I have extensive knowledge of what it’s like to be in that position. How hard it can be to make connections within the community. Finding the right resources. Finding places to go. And forget about costs! You can’t find a “cheap” homeschooling program or event to participate in, and free? Free is unheard of. Everything costs something, and most often, it’s a higher price than the average family is looking to spend. Especially when you have more than one child. And that’s not a slight at pricing. It’s very possible that the price is justified and appropriate for whatever services are being offered, but nonetheless, many families simply can’t afford it.

Prepping our activities!

So naturally, coming from a place of understanding, I wanted to offer a service to these families that wouldn’t dip into their pockets. And after some well thought out planning and a trial run, we were finally up and running!

Back to the wonderful Webinars I was able to enjoy. Here are a few of the notes I took from Creative Spaces and Family Engagement in Libraries, that really made me think about why art is such an important role in a child’s life.

The arts are not just expressive and effective. They are deeply cognitive. The arts develop essential thinking tools:

Pattern recognition and development.

Mental representations of the observed/imagined.

Symbolic and metaphorical representations.

Abstraction from complexity.

Cross wiring of brain areas.

Engagement with an art trains the brain to FOCUS, improving learning

* Interest in an art form leads to sustained attention when practicing that art form.

* Engaging in art involves resolving conflicts among competing possible responses.

* The ability to resolve conflict among competing responses is also a crucial aspect of attention training.

Arts integration improves learning

Studies consistently show:

* Greater emotional investment in classes.

* Work more diligently and learn from each other.

* Parents become more involved.

* Teachers collaborate more.

* Increased cross-curricular learning.

* Curriculum becomes more authentic, hands-on and project-based.

https://learn.webjunction.org/mod/page/view.php?id=448

Whew! That was a lot to type up. But, well worth it. In fact, I loved it so much, I printed it all out and laminated copies for personal inspiration and reminders as I plan each group.

A few other points I took from this seminar that I really appreciated; I want to share with you below.

Art is a form of self-expression.

Art experiences should not invite sameness. Art should not require an instruction sheet. Art should not have a deadline. Art should encourage creativity, not conformity.

Think of setting up an art experience in the same way you would think of setting up a science experiment.

Encourage tinkering. Invite inventiveness.

Art is not a team sport.

Most often, artistic creation is solitary. Group art WILL leave some kids feeling rushed and compared.

https://learn.webjunction.org/mod/page/view.php?id=448

Yes, yes, YES, to all of the above! If you don’t believe this to be true, I suggest taking a look at my book, ADHD and Me. Yep, shameless self-promo. But I wouldn’t try to sell you if I didn’t think it’s true. And I happen to know it is because it was inspired by a real young lady, who went through the same everyday challenges as Malory. Who was that young lady? Me.

About the book: ADHD and Me is an SEL (social-emotional learning) book about a young girl named Malory who has ADHD. Throughout her neurodiverse journey, she is encouraged to express herself using art, by her art teacher Ms. Julie, who was diagnosed as a young girl with Autism. With the help of her fabulous support system, including friends and family, Malory is able to find the joys in life and embrace her differences.

Now for my notes on STEAM in the Public Library: Programs & Services for Children with guest speaker Amy Koester and blogger, “THE SHOW ME LIBRARIAN.”

A little bit about Amy. Amy is a Learning Experiences Manager of a Public Library. She serves as a vice president of ASLC, and she’s a big supporter of her library and community. To see more about her click here.

Amy is a kindred spirit and fellow supporter of all things STEAM. And, her blog is simply AMAZING. Here is a link to visit her blog, THE SHOW ME LIBRARIAN.

So, a few things that I took away from this webinar are listed below.

  • American children are lagging behind other countries when it comes to creative thinking.
  • School and life success isn’t just about reading.
  • Creativity is a top work skill. Today, big companies are looking for outside-of-the box thinkers and problem solvers. It is a highly valued and sought after trait in today’s workforce. And understandably so. Children who are adept learners and creative problem solvers statistically fair better in all avenues of life.

Now, a few of the suggestions that Amy gives are:

  • Set up activity stations (check!)
  • Observation station (check-check!)
  • Sensory lights (FUN!)
  • Sand (PERFECT!)
  • Rocks (LOVE!)
  • Glow in the dark (Who doesn’t love glow in the dark stuff?)
  • Grow plants (Check!)
  • Root gardens (Fantastic idea)
  • Incorporate living things (100%)
  • Butterflies/ant farms- and tie in books that fit your experiment! (yes!) While we are on that topic, see if you can sprinkle in non-fiction books too!
  • Snails/worms (yes)
  • Use recyclables (ALWAYS!)

A few other helpful tips to make your programming fun and engaging for your young participants:

Ask Questions!

Encourage them to make something.

Get your hands dirty!

Include things that will involve motor skills.

Make STEAM displays fun: one suggestion Amy gave was a globe! A globe is great because kids can both look at it AND play with it. It spins!

And last but not least, give children the tools to succeed!

Three Ways to Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Parents and Educators, View all blog posts 
Building up a child’s inner confidence is part of our job as parents, caregivers, and educators. In order to properly do this, there are several things we need to be mindful of and a few things we should avoid.




I will start with the top three things we SHOULD do.


    

  • Focus on the positive
    • 


  • Use kind speech
    • 


  • Be ready to forgive




Focusing on the positive is first on the list of things to do to help boost your child’s self-esteem.



*Note: focusing on the positive does not AND should not mean that you can never express the negative. In life, there will consistently be both. However, if you follow these simple guidelines, it will make this process much simpler to understand and apply in to your everyday routine. So, how can we focus on the positive? What exactly does that mean? Let’s discuss a few ways.



Focusing on the positive goes hand-in-hand with positive affirmations. Why is positive affirmation so important? When a person receives a compliment, the brain, in turn, gets a “rise in dopamine.” As brought out in the linked article: “dopamine is associated with motivation, focus, and positivity.” These are all great things for children and people in general to have.



Example of using a positive affirmation/compliment to boost self-esteem: Mom is going to the grocery store. While she is buckling Hannah into her car seat, she notices that her older son, John, is buckling himself into the car without being helped. What does she do? Mom responds. “I noticed that you remembered to buckle your seatbelt all by yourself when we got into the car. That was very responsible. Good job!”



Why is this notable? Rather than taking John’s seemingly simple/small accomplishment for granted, Mom chose to capitalize on this opportunity to offer positive commendation/affirmation. By taking the initiative to reward John with praise for his task, mom has actually provided him with something crucial to his development. What is it? You guessed it- dopamine.



By taking active initiative to provide her child with this commendation, she has just given him the needed encouragement to repeat this action. What is the end result? Mom has done an excellent job in creating an incentive for John to continue practicing a healthy/positive habit. 



*Now, as mentioned before, there will be times when there will be good and bad things to mention. But how you go about expressing the negative aspects without harming your child’s self-esteem is the key. So, how can you do that?



That brings us to kind speech. 



As you’re probably familiar with from the working world, delivering “bad” or “unpleasant” news is often best when you accompany it with good news. Sometimes, this is not an option. But most of the time, there is something you can use to your advantage. Let’s discuss a few examples.




Example of an educator in an art room, using kind speech to both commend and correct:



Mr. Mark is hosting a creative painting class. A young student has made a beautiful portrait, but also a massive mess! There is paint splattered on the floor as well as the walls. How will Mr. Mark respond?



Mr. Mark assesses the situation. He approaches the student privately and in a soft tone. “You’ve done a wonderful job using color to express yourself on this page. I’m proud of you. But, now that we’ve painted, we will need to clean up the spots that missed the page and landed on the floors and walls.”



What do we take away from this example?



Firstly, Mr. Mark spoke to the student directly instead of broadcasting the situation in front of the entire classroom. 



Next, he spoke in a “soft tone.” If you’re a parent with a teenager, or if you’ve ever been a teenager, it’s likely that you’ve heard the expression before: “It’s not what you said it’s how you said it.” This truly applies in this setting. How you say something can deeply affect both the meaning as well as how a child will respond to it.



And finally, I’ve saved the best for last. Did you notice how Mr. Mark began the conversation with his student? He did not start by reprimanding the mess. Instead, he began with praise. This is a good tactic to remember for pretty much every relationship in life... but an especially good one to remember when dealing with children. Keep in mind: children are fragile. Their brains, emotions, and bodies are still growing. So, be patient, be gentle, and always be kind.



The third item on our agenda to boost children’s self-esteem is being ready to forgive.



What does that mean? That means mentally preparing and coming to terms with the definite knowledge that your child or student WILL make mistakes. They will do things that upset, hurt, frustrate you. But, how you respond to this can either make or break the situation- and child’s self-esteem.



So, how can you keep your cool when dealing with a potentially frustrating situation? There are a lot of suggestions out there. But the one that works best for me is very simple. Before responding in a fit of blazing anger or exasperation, I take a moment and imagine that I am that child. How would I want someone to respond to me? Was this error made with malicious intent, or was it made by pure accident? 




Each circumstance will be different from the next, which is why putting yourself into the headspace of that child is crucial to gauging how to respond correctly. 




*Admittedly, we will have moments where we make mistakes too. Maybe one of those mistakes will even be responding to a situation in a way we wish we hadn’t. So, it’s important to remember to be ready to forgive not only your children or students but yourself too. Forgiveness is a two-way street. And in order to keep that balance maintained, it takes work. Keep this question in mind: How can we offer forgiveness to others when we can’t show ourselves that same courtesy?




Tips: 
    

  • Be honest in both commendation and correction. Children can sense sincerity, and a way to show respect for them is by treating them with the dignity of honesty.
    • 


  • Be specific; avoid blanket statements.


Examples of using positive affirmations in a home or school setting.



#1: “I appreciate what you’ve done.”


#2: "Your participation/comments/thoughts is/are valuable to us."



Now for the NO-NO’sWe have gone over the things to be mindful of, and now it’s time to jump into the things we should avoid. These are known as the “NO-NO’s.” 




NO-NO #1


Avoid comparisons between children/students. No two children are the same, so it is, therefore, unreasonable to compare them to each other. Additionally, comparisons can lead to many harmful mental complexes down the road. So, do your child/student a favor and keep comparisons at bay. Remember: the only person a person should ever be compared to is the person they were yesterday. Self-reflective comparisons can actually be a very beneficial tool in helping to gauge healthy success and reach goals.





NO-NO #2


We have danced around this topic but haven’t directly addressed it yet. So, for no-no #2, we have: AVOID FOCUSING ON THE NEGATIVES FIRST. As was brought out earlier, this does not mean that you cannot tell your child when they have made a mistake. That would be an unbalanced overcorrection, which would lead to unrealistic and unhealthy habits down the road. Remember: wherever possible, practice directing your attention first to positive aspects before delivering critique or correction.



If you work to incorporate these three keys, you will be amazed at how these changes will help benefit your child’s mental health and boost their self-esteem!





For a suggested article on why to give compliments click here.

November 2021 Mental Health Expo for Families and Children, Hendersonville TN Public Library

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts

If you live in Hendersonville, TN, or a surrounding area, we warmly welcome you to attend our upcoming mental health event! This event will be held on November 20th, 2021, from 10:00, am- 12:00 pm.

Join us on Saturday, November 20th, 2021, at the Hendersonville TN Public Library in celebrating our differences and supporting those around us in the community who are dealing with mental health problems.

Our speakers will be sharing a little bit of hope, comfort, and understanding, as well as providing resources to help aid children and families.

Local children’s book authors Chelsea Radojcic-DiCicco and Mary Elizabeth Jackson will be sharing topics on how to empower your children today as well as how to help children in school and within the family.

Chelsea’s picture book entitled ADHD and Me follows eight-year-old Malory, who has ADHD and shows life through her eyes. It describes her daily interactions with her family and tells her perceptions of school life from the teachers, students, and herself. Throughout the story, Malory shared her observations of others around her while also navigating her own feelings.

Mary’s *newly released* middle-grade book, Cheers From Heaven, navigates the emotions of five students who bullied a boy with cancer. After his death, the five students befriend one another and journey to find the boy’s notes that he left behind. This story handles grief, forgiveness, and healing.

Crisis Counselor Jason Scruggs will be addressing the acknowledgment, assessment, and addressing of your child’s emotional well-being.

And Cary Massey, President of Next-Level Consulting, will be discussing how to build healthy relationships. If you’re in the area, stop by! We would love to have you.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

GUEST SPEAKERS & DISCUSSION TITLES:

Mary Elizabeth Jackson

Empowering Our Kids Today

Chelsea Radojcic-DiCicco

Helping Children at School and Within the Family

Jason Scruggs

Acknowledging, Assessing, & Addressing the Emotional Well-Being of Your Child

Cary Massey

Building Healthy Relationships

Mental Health Matters, September 18th 2021, Gallatin Public Library Event for children, family, and community.

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts

The Mental Health Matters Event inside of Gallatin Public Library was featured this afternoon on Special Needs TV, hosted by Bridgetti Lim Banda, and was streamed live from Cape Town, South Africa. Bridgetti interviewed participants of the event, Mary Elizabeth Jackson, (Chelsea Radojcic-DiCicco) Chelsea’s World of Books, and Jason Scruggs, on who they are and why they came out today.

The presenters’ common goal in joining together today was to provide mental health aid and support to the community, families, children, and educators. Despite the heavy rains, the group was able to band together and find creative ways to reach their audiences at home. Thanks to Mary’s quick thinking and resourcefulness, she was able to get ahold of her co-host of her Special Needs TV show, and Bridgetti, the show producer, was gracious enough to bring us on live to share our message with viewers.

The rainclouds were filled with silver linings today! Thank you to everyone who came out to support the effort, and if you weren’t able to make it out, you can see our our interviews on Facebook > Special Needs TV > Mental Health Awareness EXPO > posted 09/18/2021.

Thank you for visiting! 🙂

Gallatin TN Public Library Event For Children, Teachers, and Parents

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts

This event theme will be surrounding children’s education, empowerment, mental health and well-being.

Join us for our special Children’s Learning Event in Gallatin Public Library! Guest speakers in attendance: Children’s Book Author, Chelsea Radojcic-Dicicco, Author and Autism Advocate, Mary Elizabeth Jackson, and Children’s Crisis Counselor, Jason Scruggs.

Event Topics:

  • 10 AM : “Neurodiverse Learning” (given by guest speaker, Chelsea Radojcic-DiCicco)
  • 11 AM : “Acknowledging, Assessing and Addressing the Emotional Well-Being of Your Child” (given by guest speaker, Jason Scruggs)
  • 12 PM : “Empowering Our Kids Today” (given by guest speaker, Mary Jackson)

This event will be hosted at no charge, and open to the public. We encourage parents, and educators to come in and visit! We have lots of fun freebies and resources to offer, so if you’re in the area, stop by and say hello. We look forward to seeing you there!

Who is this event for?

  • Parents
  • Children
  • Educators
  • Family
  • Friends

If you are a #elementaryschoolteacher PLEASE stop by and pick up your FREE LESSON PLANS, GRADES K-3RD GRADE.

You don’t live local? No problem! Download your free pdf interactive lesson plans (that correspond with ADHD and Me) on my website under the free lesson plan tab, or simply follow the link in text.

If you have any questions, please call (615) 452-1722 and ask to speak to Gabby Cato, Operations Manager of Gallatin TN Public Library.

ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKERS

The first guest speaker, Children’s Literature Author, Ms. Chelsea Radojcic-DiCicco, will be discussing the topic ‘NEURODIVERSE LEARNING’ at 10:00 AM. Afterward, she will be participating in an author signing of her book, ADHD and Me. (Available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, Lulu Bookstore, and Kindle.)

Resources, Free Stuff, and Merchandise

  • Informative banner will be displayed at the booth, featuring the topics: SUPPORT SYSTEM, LEARNING DIFFERENCES, and MESSAGE TO PARENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND EDUCATORS.

There will also be:

  • Promotional bookmarks
  • Spiral-lined “embrace your differences” school notebooks
  • Inspirational Stickers

And last but certainly not least, there will be:

  • FREE INTERACTIVE LESSON PLANS

Lesson plans will be made available for educators or homeschoolers in attendance, grades K-3rd. The curriculum includes games, projects, and learning examples designed for a group or in the classroom. Hurry in and get your free copies while supplies last!

For anyone interested in author interviews, having an in-person or virtual reading, or Q&A with the author, there will be a signup sheet provided at her booth.

Our next guest speaker, Children’s Crisis Counselor, Mr. Jason Scruggs, will be delivering his discourse on the topic ‘ACKNOWLEDGING, ASSESSING, AND ADDRESSING THE EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF YOUR CHILD’ at 11:00 AM. Mr. Scruggs’s wealth of experience and knowledge is invaluable, and we look forward with great anticipation to his presentation! He will also have a table set up with information for families and will be available to meet and greet patrons and answer questions throughout the day. Scruggs is an educator, professor, and counselor with two Master’s Degrees and works for the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit in Bowling Green, KY.

https://www.facebook.com/jason.scruggs.50

Our final guest speaker, Special Needs Advocate, Author, and Autism Ambassador, Ms. Mary Jackson, will be delivering her talk on ‘EMPOWERING OUR KIDS TODAY’ at 12:00 PM. Ms. Jackson will also be participating in a book signing at her booth and will have other resources and pamphlets from local branches from our learning community with her as well.

Ms. Jackson is the co-author of Poolicious book series, as well as the co-founder and co-host of The Writers Corner Live TV Show and the Special Needs TV Show on Facebook and YouTube. To find out more about Ms. Jackson, please visit her website at www.maryejackson.com. We are looking forward with deep enthusiasm to seeing you all!

https://www.instagram.com/maryjackson444/

https://www.instagram.com/chelseasworldofbooks/

Local Autism Awareness & Support Expo, Hosted in the Hendersonville Public Library in Sumner County Tennessee, May 8th 2021

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts

Faces shined Saturday morning as we gathered into the Hendersonville Public Library of Sumner county for a special event: The Awareness and Support Expo “for families and friends caring for individuals with special concerns.”

Children and parents cozied up in the warmth of this charming library as the piano played in the background. Around the library, were community members there on a mission to spread awareness, education, and resources with families with special needs- covering all areas of disability.

Also hosted in the Hendersonville Public Library on May 8th was the Friends of the Library book sale. Usually the Friends book sale is held semi-annually, however, due to covid precautions and safety guidelines for the state and protection of patrons, the library had held off on hosting over the past year. Both these events were arranged by the Director of the Library, Diane Johnson, and Library staff members.

sPECIAL GUESTS VISITING THE HENDERSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY TODAY:

To mention a few among the groups that joined were The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Borderless Arts Tennessee, Rainbow Mosho, Mary Elizabeth Jackson, Susan Bailey Moss, and myself, Chelsea DiCicco.

The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilitities

The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has a Facebook page, hosted by the DIDD Communications Department. Their mission is to support all people statewide in “living the lives they envision for themselves.” Their page aims to promote an informative and community-focused online experience. Find out more about them on Instagram, Linkdin or X.

Borderless arts tennessee

Borderless Arts Tennessee is a non-profit organization run by the state of Tennessee, committed to presenting programs for individuals with disabilities. Through the aids it provides, it adds to the enjoyment and empowerment of the community. For more information, visit their website here or find them on social media here.

Autism Tn aDVOCATE AND cHILDREN’S bOOK aUTHOR, Mary Elizabeth Jackson

Mary Elizabeth Jackson is an Advocate for Autism Tennessee and a independently published Children’s Book author local to the Hendersonville area. She’s also the co-host of an Amazon LIVE show called Bridgetti.Live, hosted by Bridgetti Lim Bana, located in South Africa. During the course of the day, the participants were featured on the show via live stream- Books: Meet the Author.

Independent neurodivergent tween author & artist, Rainbow Mosho

Rainbow Mosho is a twelve-year-old artist and author with Autism, working her way towards empowering other children and families with special needs through her inspirational work. Her goal is to “give hope to all the kids in the world” with her book and words. Discover her indie books and custom pieces of artwork on her Facebook page.

Neurodivergent Children’s Author & Blogger, Chelsea DiCicco

Chelsea DiCicco is a neurodiverse local kidlit author living outside of Nashville, TN. Her book, ADHD and Me, was inspired by events in her own childhood and deals with the day-to-day challenges and triumphs as seen through the eyes of an eight-year-old little girl named Malory, who had ADHD.

To find out more about this author or her books, you can visit the ABOUT THE AUTHOR tab of this website or MY BOOKS.

Check out these Neurodivergent author’s and their books for kids!

What I Gained and Lost During COVID19 by Rainbow MOSHO

Balloons by Rainbow MOSHO

Rainbow Rabbit Meets Oracle the Alphabet Creature by Rainbow MOSHO

Adventures at the Zoo by Rainbow Mosho

Rogue Girls Rule the World by Rainbow Mosho

Poohlicious Look at Me by Mary Jackson

Cheers From Heaven by Mary Jackson

ADHD and Me by Chelsea DiCicco

CLICK HERE to watch live interviews with the authors recorded on May 8th 2021.