Hi there, Dr. Mira Reisberg here and I am so thrilled to introduce the following recent and upcoming books from former students of the Craft and Business of Illustrating Children’s Books and the Craft and Business of Writing Children’s Picture Books.  These amazing illustrators and writers were impressive CBA students whom I had the honor to edit and art direct at Spork to help launcher revitalize their careers.  I’d like to tell you why either my publisher Callie Metler-Smith or I acquired them. And what it was like working on them.  We’ve included some purchase links when available, in case you want to take a look at some of them for yourselves.

Joy the Pandacorn by Maggie Lauren Brown & Fia Kilbourn
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Carefree as a unicorn and loveable as a panda, Joy the Pandacorn’s world was bamboo-and-rainbow-filled bliss. Until the first day of school. Multiple rejections, and all sorts of identity issues become obvious as Joy struggles to figure out where she fits in.
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WIth a distinctive black and white palette, highlighted by rainbow swishes and swirls, Joy is a visual delight.

Pre-order here 

by Bryan Patrick Avery

Using pictures to tell a story is a form of storytelling that goes back thousands of years. From cave paintings to hieroglyphics and mosaics to the Sunday funnies, using illustration to communicate thoughts, feelings, and ideas is a method that resonates with readers long after the work is created.

The graphic novel is another medium that mixes art and language to tell a story. While there are those who think reading a graphic novel isn’t really reading, I believe it is a critical form of storytelling. This month, let’s look at some resources that can help you understand, plan, and create graphic novels.
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Will Eisner, pioneer of the graphic novel form, is revered as a master of storytelling using sequential art. The Eisners, awarded annually to the top works in the comics industry, are named for him. It’s no surprise, then, that the most sought-after book on creating comics and graphic novels comes from him.

COMICS and SEQUENTIAL ART is an inside look at how Eisner views the art of craft of creating comics. This insightful book covers everything from using images to convey meaning to the proper (and improper) use of the frame to how to write a comic or graphic novel. The book contains numerous examples from Eisner’s own work. It is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to understand how to write and/or illustrate a graphic novel or comic book.
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Another book that I think anyone looking to create a graphic novel should read is Scott McCloud’s UNDERSTANDING COMICS. Written as a graphic novel with McCloud as its main character, this book covers everything from the vocabulary of comic books to timing and language. 

Part instruction manual, part dissertation on how/why people connect to comics, this book is a must read if you want to develop comics or graphic novels that really connect with readers. You’ll never read a graphic novel the same way again.
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Speaking of reading a graphic novel, here are a few of my favorites to read and study. They are truly masterful works that resonate with readers.

​Well, that’s all for this month. Until next time, happy reading and writing, and have a magical month.

​By Melissa Stoller
 
 
It feels like a long time has passed since the beginning of the pandemic. What are you doing to stay creative? Now might be the perfect time to try something new or revisit a favorite activity to jump-start your motivation.
 
Here are a few actions you can implement today that might be helpful during these challenging times:

​​1) Meditation - try a few calming breaths as you think about ideas you want to pursue or revisions that are waiting. Sometimes, closing your eyes can offer a moment of peace, and in that moment, a brilliant new idea or a solution to a story block can appear. Remember to have a notepad nearby to capture your reflections. 
 
2) Affirmation - pick a phrase that is meaningful to you and your writing journey and say it aloud or tape it to your computer or writing notebook. It could be something like, “I am an author,” “My words are meaningful,” or “I’m writing because . . . .“ Hopefully, these affirmations will strengthen your resolve to be creative and to allow yourself to write, revise, polish, and repeat.
 
3) Movement - take a walk around the block, do some easy stretches, practice yoga, take a bike ride, go for a swim, or do them all. The possibilities are endless. Often, movement clears your mind and allows for space, and that space gives you room for creative pursuits. 
 
I hope these actions help spur your writing inspiration and motivation throughout August and beyond. Let me know what works for you in the comments! 
 

BIO:

Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island and The Liberty Bell Train Ride (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017 and 2021); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, Fall 2018). Upcoming books include Sadie’s Shabbat Stories and Return of the Magic Paintbrush (CFP). Melissa is a Blogger and Assistant for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a Moderator for the Debut Picture Book Study Group, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, and a founding member of The Book Meshuggenahs. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and long beach walks.


CONNECT:  

https://www.MelissaStoller.com
https://www.MelissaStoller.com/blog 
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
http://www.twitter.com/melissastoller
http://www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
http://www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller
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Every now and then, you have the good fortune to meet someone magical and extraordinary. That’s how I feel about Vincent X Kirsch. I first met Vincent through one of his books, Noah Webster and His Words written by a friend, Jerri Chase Ferris, and illustrated by Vincent. It was love at first sight. Then I had more good fortune when Vince became a student and joined our Craft and Business of Writing Picture Books AND our upcoming Craft and Business of Illustrating Children's Books course. He ended up contributing fantastic materials to the illustration course including an unbelievable filmed critique where he critiqued some of my art live. Wow!!! Ever since, we have been beautiful friends and I treasure both his work and his friendship. This book review will give you a glimpse into just how exquisite Vince is to show how he connects heart, humor, whimsy, beauty and important life lessons for kids.

How I Learned to Fall Out of Trees is a heartfelt, tender story about two close friends who must say goodbye. The two friends spend a lot of time outdoors together, discovering and collecting an assortment of things they love, like leaves, feathers, and bird’s nests. But then Adelia has to move. Roger is crushed. As she prepares to leave, she tells Roger the best way to climb a tree, step by step; first as they are playing outside, then while he helps her pack.
 
As the moving truck is ready to take Adelia and her family away, Roger asks her a final, concerning question about climbing a tree. He asks, “What if I fall?”  Adelia answers, “Falling will be easy. Letting go will be the hardest part.”
And she’s not just talking about the tree. What Roger doesn’t realize is that Adelia has left him a special gift… an assortment of the soft things they had collected. A gift intended to make the transition easier - not just the transition of letting go from the tree to land softly and safely, but also in letting her go.
 
This is a clever and beautifully written story that parallels two situations that could result in a hard landing. But with just the right sensitivity, care and support from a friend, Vince shows kids how letting go doesn’t have to be quite so painful.

​Next up is a wee video showing how Vince's art and words connect. If you'd like to buy this books and support Vincent, an independent bookstore, and our scholarships, please visit: https://bookshop.org/books/how-i-learned-to-fall-out-of-trees/9781419734137 
Find out more about Vincent X Kirsch and his work at www.vincentxkirsch.com

​Dr. Mira Reisberg is incredibly excited to be co-teaching the highly interactive and super successful Craft and Business of Illustrating Children's Books with the first live training starting August 31st! Fabulous bonuses are starting right now. Click here to find out more and score the time-sensitive $100 discount!
She is also co-leading a magical FREE webinar with her crew below on Writing, Illustrating, and Selling Your Kidlit Creativity on August 15th at 4PM Pacific/7PM Eastern!!! Just click here to join!