I LOVE HARRIET KIPPLEY

I’m happy to welcome Jenny Pease to the blog, to talk about her picture book I Love Harriet Kippley, which will be releasing next year but is available to pre-order now. The book is illustrated by Alessia Girasole and will be published by Free Spirit Publishing.

I met Jenny on Twitter. She’s one of the most supportive authors I know in the kidlit writing community and she provides great critiques. I’ve actually won 2 critique giveaways with her, and she gave me spot on feedback and suggestions for my stories. I found her advice really helpful and I would totally recommend you contacting her if you ever need a critique.

I’m so glad to be able to chat with Jenny about her new book, and just wait till you know the lovely theme it has and how she got inspired. 💜

About I LOVE HARRIET KIPPLEY:

Harriet and her classmates each have to draw a picture of something they love. Harriet loves unicorns, barbecue chip sundaes, and tubas . . . but those are already taken. With a little support and encouragement from her amily, Harriet finally decides on the perfect thing to draw. Herself! 
 
I Love Harriet Kippley is a sweet, humorous, lively, and charming read-aloud with a simple message of self-affirmation. Harriet’s search to find something special and unique to draw can help start conversations with kids about developing self-confidence and recognizing personal strengths.

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Now, on to our interview.

M. Jenny, can you share what inspired you to write this particular story?

I know it has to do with BTS 💜 How exciting!

J. One of my favorite BTS songs is called Love myself. The song talks about how important loving ourselves is. I wanted to translate this message into a story that was fun and relatable to young children.

M. What was your favorite scene to write and why?

J. There are so many fun scenes in this story that Alessia Girasole has done a wonderful job illustrating. I especially love when Harriet is thinking of all the things she loves like barbecue chip sundaes, tubas, and polka dotted unicorns. The scene with Grandma coming back from a motorcycle ride is also a favorite of mine too.

M. That sounds like fun!

Now, can you share a bit about your experience working with an editor on this story?

J. I really enjoy working with Free Spirit Publishing. They give me their ideas and input while also listening openly to mine. I love how we’ve worked together to really make Harriet and her story shine.

M. How much input did you have on the illustrations?

J. I’ve actually had quite a lot of illustration input. It was honestly surprising how much they wanted to hear my input regarding them. For instance, the way Harriet looks was my idea, and I’m thankful Alessia Girasole could turn my character description into such fun and wonderful art. Many publishers are different when it comes to how much illustration input the writer has. So, my experience may not be the same as someone else’s. And of course my ideas and input would mean nothing without having a great illustrator to execute it.

M. That’s wonderful, Jenny! I’m glad you’ve had such a positive and yes, uncommon experience. You’re lucky!

Lastly, what message are you hoping readers will take away from this book?

J. I really hope children will be like Harriet and say, “I love myself too!” I’m also looking forward to seeing lots of self portraits from young children with I Love Myself written proudly at the top. Just like the self portrait Harriet drew in the book.

I love that, Jenny! Loving yourself is such an important message for young kids. I’m sure your book will be a wonderful addition to homes and classrooms!

Finally, your book is now available for preorders and that’s such a huge milestone! Congratulations! 🎉 Can you please share why preorders are important to authors and where can someone preorder I love Harriet Kippley? 

J. Preorders are very important to authors. They help give books visibility and exposure and it increases the books chances of being able to do well in retail stores.

If you want to preorder Jenny’s book, please visit:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop

To celebrate preorders, Jenny is offering a critique giveaway. Please check out my Twitter to know more details about this exciting opportunity and how you can participate.

Jenny, thank you for sharing about your wonderful book. I’ll be looking forward to publication date to celebrate with you. 🎉

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JENNY’S BIO

Jenny Lynn Pease has loved writing since a young age. In elementary school, she wrote a book about a witch who learns the value of friendship. Now, she’s been writing ever since. Jenny hopes her books make children feel happy, curious, and inspired. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and son. If she’s not writing, she’s probably singing and dancing to her favorite tunes, playing games with her family, or relaxing outside by a lake. She is a former early childhood educator and a current mental health advocate.

Twitter: @kidlitjenny

Instagram and threads: @jennylynnpease

Thanks for reading!

M

Cover photo by Sarah Dietz.