What is JacketFlap

  • JacketFlap connects you to the work of more than 200,000 authors, illustrators, publishers and other creators of books for Children and Young Adults. The site is updated daily with information about every book, author, illustrator, and publisher in the children's / young adult book industry. Members include published authors and illustrators, librarians, agents, editors, publicists, booksellers, publishers and fans.
    Join now (it's free).

Sort Blog Posts

Sort Posts by:

  • in
    from   

Suggest a Blog

Enter a Blog's Feed URL below and click Submit:

Most Commented Posts

In the past 7 days

Recent Posts

(from Maryann Cocca-Leffler)

Recent Comments

Recently Viewed

JacketFlap Sponsors

Spread the word about books.
Put this Widget on your blog!
  • Powered by JacketFlap.com

Are you a book Publisher?
Learn about Widgets now!

Advertise on JacketFlap

MyJacketFlap Blogs

  • Login or Register for free to create your own customized page of blog posts from your favorite blogs. You can also add blogs by clicking the "Add to MyJacketFlap" links next to the blog name in each post.

Blog Posts by Tag

In the past 7 days

Blog Posts by Date

Click days in this calendar to see posts by day or month
new posts in all blogs
Viewing Post from: Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Visit This Blog | More Posts from this Blog | Login to Add to MyJacketFlap
I am an author-Illustrator of over 40 books for children. Check out my blog if you'd like to find out about upcoming books and comments about life in the publishing industry. I'd love to get comments from teachers & parents to see how they are using my books in the classroom or at home. I also hope to bring my popular books back in print via ebooks. Keep in touch!- Maryann
1. The Next Big Thing- Blog Tour

The Next Big Thing is a global blog tour (which started in Australia!) to bring awareness to authors & illustrators and their current work. Thank you to the wonderful Nancy Cote for tagging me! I will answer some questions about my newest book, then pass the it on to two other fantastic book artists. 
   
What is the working title of your next book?



Where did the idea come from for the book? The idea came from 2 areas in my life- past and present. When my kids were younger we took a February Vacation trip to Florida...leaving our little dog behind in snowy NH. And a relatively recent separation from my daughters...one off to college- the other off to live on her own. Separation can be difficult!

What genre does your book fall under? My book is a picture book, for ages 4 - 8. (It is a small book...perfect to take on vacation.)

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?  
Movie??? There is going to be a movie? Well, my Godchild's daughter Violet was the inspiration for the character...she looks just like this Violet. (We better get Violet into acting lessons...quick!)

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? A mix up causes Violet to imagine her dog, who was left behind on vacation, is miserable.

Who is publishing your book?  Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt). (The book was published on Feb 19-2013- It's out!)


How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
First drafts are quick! It's the 5Oth draft that takes forever! 

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

A Vacation for Pooch might be compared to "Knuffle Bunny"(by Mo Williams), as in both books the child is missing a loved one. It also captures emotion and an element of surprise as in the classic "Caps for Sale" (by Esphyr Slobodkina). This book has an important but subtle message, which I try to instill in all my books, including,  Princess K.I.M. And the Lie That Grew, and Princess Kim And Too Much Truth.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My daughter Kristin, who was going off to college, was a biggest inspiration.

What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?

It is a book about missing someone and surviving without them...whether being separated  for a short time ( going to work) - or a long time ( a parent in the service) or leaving a pet behind while on vacation, this book can ease the fear and let the child know, that even when miles separate you- LOVE will keep you connected.

Thank you so much for stopping by -  I hope you enjoyed hearing about my new book.
The Next Big Thing Blog Tour continues on March 21st with the following book artists - you won't want to miss them!

Author Illustrator- John Nez
Author Illustrator-Loreen Leedy

2 Comments on The Next Big Thing- Blog Tour, last added: 4/8/2013
Display Comments Add a Comment