Book Launch Giveaways, and Illustrator Rebecca S. Hirsch

 It has been a busy few days since my first picture book launched on Tuesday, July 6. On that book birthday Vivian Kirkfield, author and inspiration to many in the world of children's books, welcomed us to  celebrate the book birthday on her blog, including a  giveaway, HERE.  Still time to get in on the drawing as of this post on 7/12/21!

I'm solely responsible for a glitchy digital fail on the ZOOM launch event. Thanks to Becky (illustrator Rebecca S. Hirsch) for being so quick on her toes. We managed a fun discussion of the back-story behind bringing IS IT OVER? to the world. The short and lively conversation was recorded, and I think everyone who had hoped to attend live received a link to catch up at their convenience. If you would like a chance to view it, leave a comment saying so and I'll send it directly.

We were able to conduct the drawing for the raffle from among registered folks, whether they attended or not. Witnesses confirmed that the winner was the mom of this delightful and delighted young reader, Miss K. (Photo used with permission of her parents.) 

If you are feeling as excited as K. is to win a signed book/stuffed IVAN toy, opportunities are limited. The linked post above might still be live when you read this. If it has ended, another blog drawing (including IVAN) will appear later in this book birthday month (7/23/21 at Beth Anderson's blog, HERE).

We'll have another raffle at a live book birthday party for those in the SE Wisconsin area on Sunday, July 18. If you'd like to join us, add a comment requesting details and I'll send you a direct invitation. Lots of fun for kids who come, too, including art activities with Becky!

Speaking of Becky, I invited her to share some of her thoughts and reactions about working on this project, and she agreed!

Becky: I was honored when Sandy emailed me last August and asked if I’d be interested in illustrating this book. Working on this project was a bright spot in a difficult and uncertain year, and I am truly grateful to have been a part of it.  

An early challenge came during the character development.  I knew I wanted the readers to understand Daddy was a veteran, but I wanted them to come to that realization along the way.  So I did a bit of research online and decided to give the character a prosthetic leg.  It tells us why Daddy has a difficult time with loud noises without him ever having to mention it.

SB: Becky, if you want to share a favorite interior spread, would you tell us why?

Becky: This spread is my favorite from the book.  It is one of those rare pieces that comes out on paper (or in this case, digitally on screen) exactly the way it was in my head.  I knew when I pictured this image that I would be able to illustrate this story.

SB:  Thanks for your thoughts, Becky, and for tapping into the heart and emotional core of this simple little story. You brought it to life far better than I could ever have imagined.

Rebecca S. Hirsch is a picture book author and illustrator.  She strives to capture the magic and the playfulness of childhood in her work.  She is an active member of the Wisconsin chapter of SCBWI.  She lives with her husband and children in Waukesha, WI. She came in Second Runner-up in the 2017 SCBWI Tomie dePaola Illustration contest.  Her illustration received the “People’s Choice” award at the SCBWI Marvelous Midwest Conference May, 2019. As of 2021, Rebecca is the Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI-WI. She can be found online at www.rhirschillustration.com or on Instagram as rhirchillus.

Speaking of veterans, I celebrated the release this week by mailing copies of IS IT OVER? to ten veteran/family support groups for use within their programs or to share with a family they thought might especially enjoy it. Before the end of this launch month I'd like to mail out (at least) ten more copies. If you are aware of a veterans' group or family support group that might appreciate having a copy, please offer that suggestion in the comments. I'll curate the list for authenticity and then do a drawing to proceed with those donations. At the end of the month I'll post a list of the organization recipients.

For now, I'm back to work on more party preparations and ongoing writing. I posted that amazing nonfiction elephant title I promised, HERE. If you haven't read it yet, I hope you will. I'll return soon with more picture book recommendations and reviews, and hope you'll be here to read them!

July 20, 2021 addition to post: 

Just updating here to indicate that the end of the month arrived and I will be mailing out one book to each of ten different FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION homes from coast to coast. If you aren't familiar with this remarkable service organization for veterans, check them out HERE.

 

 

learn the details.