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Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! We hope that you have returned refreshed after the holidays at the close of a strange and difficult past year. We are optimistic for the promise of a vaccine and a better year for everyone. We are grateful that in the midst of so much change, children's books have gone from strength to strength. Despite the challenges, the children's side of the agency increased its revenue by a third, breaking new records in 2020.
Our wonderful clients have continued to write and our artists to illustrate outstanding books. Highlights of 2020 include Robin Ha's ALMOST AMERICAN GIRL which was selected as a best book by School Library Journal, YALSA, A Mighty Girl, and was a Goodreads finalist. Another graphic novel, Sarah Mirk's GUANTANAMO VOICES was chosen as a YALSA best book for the year and a New York Times best graphic novel of the year. In middle grade, A WOLF CALLED WANDER by Rosanne Parry, spent 47 weeks on the NYT bestseller list, and popped up again over the holiday, while Rosanne and Lindsay Moore's WHALE OF THE WILD spent 12 weeks on the Indie bestseller list and was a Washington Post book of the year.
We proudly had ten clients shortlisted for the Canadian Children's Book Centre Awards, with Tina Athaide and Natasha Deen winning their categories. Eric Walters was nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in October, and his book BROKEN STRINGS, co-authored with Kathy Kacer, won the Vine Award for Canadian Jewish literature in the children's/YA category. We remain the #1 Children's Agency Dealmaker in Canada in 2020 according to Publisher's Marketplace.
The number and value of deals negotiated in 2020 were up 10% and 30% respectively on 2019. And we already have a number of new deals coming through in 2021--we look forward to sharing them with you. We will be doing our Bologna meetings virtually this year, and look forward to connecting with you virtually. We will be sending you our new title catalogue in the spring and would be delighted to set up a video call to present it to you. Fingers crossed for Frankfurt in person!
Wishing you all the very best,
David Bennett, Lynn Bennett, Elizabeth Bennett, Sandra Bishop, Andrea Cascardi, Brenna English-Loeb, Samantha Haywood, Fiona Kenshole, Amanda Orozco, Amy Tompkins, Tim Travaglini and Léonicka Valcius
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North American and World Rights
Picture Books
 Sue Tarsky at Albert Whitman acquired world rights to MY FRIEND BEN AND THE SLEEPOVER, a picture book about the two beaver buddies and their first sleepover by Charles Beyl, a sequel to his picture book MY FRIEND BEN WON'T SHARE, in an exclusive submission, for publication in October 2021, by Elizabeth Bennett.
 Andrew Wooldridge at Orca has bought world rights to WE WEAR MASKS by author-illustrator Marla Lesage. The picture book was acquired in June and published in November and is meant to help kids overcome any fear or awkwardness they might feel about wearing a mask; Elizabeth Bennett brokered the deal.
 Rachel Wada will illustrate Kao Kalia Yang's FROM THE TOPS OF THE TREES, a memoir in which a girl who has known only life within a refugee camp in Thailand gains new perspective when her father carries her to the top of a tree in a gesture of possibility, hope, and love, for publication in fall 2021. Carol Hinz at Carolrhoda Books acquired the book for publication in fall 2021. Amy Tompkins handled the deal for the illustrator, and Heather Karpas at ICM represented the author in a deal for world rights.
 Whitney Moran at Nimbus has acquired world rights to Heather Smith's SLOWPOKE THE BELL ISLAND MINE HORSE for publication in fall 2021. The book is set on remote Bell Island, Newfoundland in the mid-20th century, and follows a young boy who, at 11 years old, must enter the local iron ore mine to help support his family; knowing full well the story of his father's tragic death at the same mine, he must overcome his fears-with the help of a new friend-when disaster strikes again. Genevieve Simms will illustrate. Amy Tompkins handled the deal.
  Alyssa Pusey at Charlesbridge has acquired ALL ABOUT NOTHING by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Elizabeth Goss, in a three book deal at auction. It introduces young children to the role of nothingness in their world and encourages kids to look at the world differently - to see what might be hidden in the space around things and appreciate how important that space can be. The first book will be published in Spring 2023. Fiona Kenshole handled the deal for the author and the illustrator.
 THE REMEMBERING STONE, a thoughtful picture book about bereavement by author/illustrator Carey Sookocheff, was sold to Karen Li at Groundwood Books by Fiona Kenshole.
Carey Sookocheff is also illustrating A PERSON CAN BE... by Kerry Kokias for Yasemin Ucar at Kids Can Press. Fiona Kenshole handled the deal.
 Erin Falligant is writing three Disney Princess stories: TALES OF COURAGE AND KINDNESS feature Ariel, Aurora and Snow White. Elizabeth Ansfield of Disney acquired from Fiona Kenshole.
 Linsay Knight at Walker Books Australia has commissioned two picture books from illustrator Liz Anelli. OLD FELLOW is written by Chris Chang - publishing August 22, and SEED TO SKY is by Pamela Freeman, publishing August 23. Fiona Kenshole represented the illustrator for both deals.
Liz Anelli is also to illustrate SONG OF THE WHITE IBIS by Philip Gwynne for Heather Curdie at Penguin Australia for publication spring 2022. The deal was handled by Fiona Kenshole.
 Kendra Levin at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights to ACORN WAS A LITTLE WILD by Jen Arena, illustrated by Jessica Gibson, a picture book about a free-spirited acorn who lives life to its fullest and discovers that growing up just may be the wildest adventure of all. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Andrea Cascardi represented the author, and Gary Swift at Lemonade Illustration Agency represented the illustrator.
Middle Grade
 IF YOU LIVED DURING THE CIVIL WAR by Denise Lewis Patrick, chapter book, was sold to Katie Heit at Scholastic. Deal by Andrea Cascardi.
 THE SCIENCE OF SPORTS by Jennifer Swanson to Lisa Tenaglia at Black Dog & Leventhal (Hachette). This middle grade nonfiction book illustrates how the principles of science, technology, engineering, and math are behind every soccer kick, slap shot, homerun, and slam-dunk. The world rights deal was brokered by Andrea Cascardi.
 Lisa Tenaglia at Black Dog and Leventhal acquired world rights to A CHILD'S INTRODUCTION TO THE NUTCRACKER by Heather Alexander in an exclusive submission. This non-fiction book will introduce readers to the story, characters, costumes and choreography of the classic fairy tale ballet. Publication is planned for October 2021 and was brokered by Elizabeth Bennett.
Heather Alexander will also be writing ONLY IN AMERICA, a book packed with humorous and unusual facts relating to each state in the US. World rights were acquired by Lucy Brownridge at Wide Eyed Editions, an imprint of Quarto. Publication is planned for October 2021 and the deal was negotiated by Elizabeth Bennett in an exclusive submission.
 Jonathan Westmark at Albert Whitman has acquired two early readers by Patricia Lakin in a new series, THE TINKERERS. World rights were negotiated by Fiona Kenshole.
Graphic Novels
 Chris Harbo at Capstone has acquired, in a four-book deal, THE SUPER ADVENTURES OF OLLIE AND BEA by graphic novelist Renee Treml. The early reader graphic novel series follows two soon-to-be best friends, celebrating the differences that make us super. The first two titles are scheduled for spring 2022; Elizabeth Bennett negotiated the deal for world English rights and simultaneously sold Australian, New Zealand and foreign language rights to Jodie Webster at Allen and Unwin.
 Mary Wilcox at HMH has acquired world rights to the first two books in a graphic novel series by Kayla Miller, author of the Click series. The spin-off series, featuring Olive's friends Beth and Chanda, will be written by Miller and Jeffrey Canino. Publication of the first book is set for fall 2021; Elizabeth Bennett represented the authors.
 Ruth Linka at Orca has acquired world rights to AWOL (Absent Without Leave) by author-illustrator Marla Lesage, a middle grade graphic novel about a military brat who is left alone (again) after her best friend's family is reassigned, while navigating her father's unpredictable mood swings. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Elizabeth Bennett negotiated the deal.
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 Hungarian rights to MICAH MCKINNEY AND THE BOYS OF SUMMER by Nina Chapman (middle grade) to Mano by Orsi Mészáros at Katai & Bolza Literary Agents on behalf of Elizabeth Bennett and Amy Tompkins.
Korean rights to EAT BUGS: PROJECT STARTUP by Heather Alexander, Laura D'Asaro and Rose Wang (middle grade) to Charlie Book by Ian Im at EntersKorea Co. on behalf of Elizabeth Bennett.
 Russian rights to THE EDGE OF EVERYWHEN by Allison Mackey (middle grade) to Phoenix by Olga Baykova at the Elizabeth Van Lear Agency on behalf of Elizabeth Bennett.  Russian rights to CLAN by Sigmund Brouwer (middle grade) to Phoenix by Olga Baykova at the Elizabeth Van Lear Agency on behalf of Amy Tompkins.
Russian rights to Emily Whitman's middle grade novel THE TURNING sold to Phoenix by the Elizabeth Van Lear Agency on behalf of Fiona Kenshole.
 Simplified Chinese rights to QUACK by Anna Humphrey (middle grade) to Beijing White Horse by Connie Xiao at Andrew Nurnberg Associates on behalf of Amy Tompkins.
Turkish rights to THE QUANTUM WEIRDNESS OF THE ALMOST-KISS by Amy Noelle Parks (YA) to Ren Kitap by Nazlıcan Kabatas at the Kalem Agency on behalf of Elizabeth Bennett and Amy Tompkins. |
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ORANGE FOR THE SUNSETS by Tina Athaide won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction from the Canadian Children's Book Centre. AMONG THE FALLEN by Virginia Schwartz (Holiday House), BE MY LOVE by Kit Pearson (HarperTrophy Canada), and ROOM FOR ONE MORE by Monique Polak (Kar-Ben Publishing) were on the shortlist.
 IN THE KEY OF NIRA GHANI by Natasha Deen (Running Press Kids) took home the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award at the Canadian Children's Book Centre Awards.
Also at the CCBC Awards, Eric Walters and Kathy Kacer were shortlisted for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award for BROKEN STRINGS (Puffin Canada); THE PHONE BOOTH IN MR. HIROTA'S GARDEN by Heather Smith and illustrated by Rachel Wada (Orca Book Publishers) and KING MOUSE by Cary Fagan (Tundra Books) were shortlisted for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award; and BEASTLY PUZZLES: A Brain-Boggling Animal Guessing Game by Rachel Poliquin (Kids Can Press) was shortlisted for the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction.
 BROKEN STRINGS by Eric Walters and Kathy Kacer (Penguin Random House Young Readers) won the 2020 Vine Awards for Canadian Jewish Literature in the Young Adult/Children's Literature category. Administered by the Koffler Centre of the Arts, the Vine Awards honor the best Canadian Jewish literature.
Eric Walters has been nominated for the 2021 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, which is the world's largest award for children's and young adult literature. The award, which amounts to SEK 5 million, is given annually to a single laureate or to several. Authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and reading promoters are eligible. The award is designed to promote interest in children's and young adult literature. The UN convention of rights of the child is the foundation of our work. An expert jury selects the laureate(s) from candidates nominated by institutions and organisations all over the world. The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was founded by the Swedish government in 2002 and is administered by the Swedish Arts Council. Award-winning author Eric Walters is one of Canada's best-known and most prolific writers of fiction for children and young adults. He has published more than one hundred books, which have won over one hundred awards, including eleven separate children's choice awards, and have been translated into more than a dozen languages around the world. A select backlist catalogue for Walters' work is available upon request. Contact Amy Tompkins.
 We are proud to note that five of our titles have been shortlisted for the 2020 OLA Forest of Reading: BROKEN STRINGS by Eric Walters and Kathy Kacer, THE PHONE BOOTH IN MR. HIROTA'S GARDEN by Heather Smith and illustrated by Rachel Wada, UNDER PRESSURE: THE SCIENCE OF STRESS by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and illustrated by Marie-Eve Tremblay, FRYING PLANTAIN by Zalika Reid-Benta and SERGEANT BILLY by Mireille Messier and illustrated by Kass Reich.
THE PHONE BOOTH IN MR. HIROTA'S GARDEN by Heather Smith and illustrated by Rachel Wada was selected by the International Youth Library for the 2020 White Ravens List.
 ME, TOMA AND THE CONCRETE GARDEN by Andrew Larsen and THE PHONE BOOTH IN MR. HIROTA'S GARDEN were Honour Books for the First Annual Sheila Barry Best Canadian Picturebook of the Year Award!
SUMMER OF THE BRAVE by Amy Noelle Parks has been picked as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.
THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON STEREOTYPES: HOW SCIENCE IS TACKLING UNCONSCIOUS BIAS by Tanya Lloyd Kyi has been selected as a finalist in the Middle-Grade Nonfiction category of the Cybils Awards.
 ACT by Kayla Miller has been chosen for the 2021/22 Texas Bluebonnet Award list. Each year 20 middle grade books are chosen by teachers and librarians in the state of Texas. Students are encouraged to read books on the list and vote on their favorite with the winner announced in the spring. Judging is currently underway for the 2020/21 award which includes A WHALE OF THE WILD by Rosanne Parry.
A WHALE OF THE WILD by Rosanne Parry and illustrated by Lindsay Moore ( Greenwillow) has spent twelve weeks in the Indie bestseller list since publication in September. It received a starred review from Booklist. "A dreamily written, slyly educational, rousing maritime adventure." - New York Times Book Review Rosanne and Lindsay are both represented by Fiona Kenshole.  A WOLF CALLED WANDER by Rosanne Parry (Greenwillow) returned to the New York Times bestseller list over the holiday. This is the 47th week this terrific middle grade has featured in the list. Ann Whitford Paul's IF ANIMALS KISSED GOODNIGHT was the #2 highest selling title on Amazon of ALL fiction, adult and children's combined, in 2020. Ann has two new titles in the IF ANIMALS series - IF ANIMALS GAVE THANKS and IF ANIMALS TRIED TO BE KIND. Ann is represented by Fiona Kenshole.
Year-End "Best of" lists
BEASTLY BIONICS by Jennifer Swanson (NG Kids), NSTA Best Stem Books List, CBC Best Stem Books list
 ALMOST AMERICAN GIRL by Robin Ha is a School Library Journal Best Book of 2020 and also a Goodreads Choice award semi-finalist! ALMOST AMERICAN GIRL has won a Walter Honor Award in the teen category!
 I DO NOT LIKE STORIES by Andrew Larsen, illustrated by Carey Sookocheff (Owlkids) was chosen by School Library Journal as one of its best books of 2020. This picture book is about a boy who is sure of one thing: he does NOT like stories. Not stories about waking up in the morning, or people in space, or fish in the sea, or planes, or trains, or boring old buildings. Andrew and Carey are represented by Fiona Kenshole.
 The Chicago Public Library named HOME BASE by Nikki Tate and illustrated by Katie Kath to their Best Books of 2020 list.
BARRY SQUIRES, FULL TILT by Heather Smith and THE MOST AMAZING BIRD by Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak and illustrated by Andrew Qappik both made the Globe 100, the books of the year list put out by The Globe and Mail.
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CM: Canadian Review of Materials recommends WE WEAR MASKS by Marla Lesage calling it, " a book for the moment in which we find ourselves, and it offers a ready avenue for opening discussions with our children about what is occurring in the world around them..." Contact Elizabeth Bennett.
Kirkus Starred Review for SUMMER OF BRAVE by Amy Noelle Parks:
With compassion, wry humor, and pinpoint accuracy, Parks weaves the multiple challenges facing adolescent girls into a compelling, seamless narrative. Timely, insightful, and highly recommended." Contact Elizabeth Bennett.  Kirkus loves ELEPHANTS DO NOT BELONG IN TREES by Russ Willms, saying, "this is a giggle-inducing story about acceptance and turning the tables on expectations, and it works equally well as a laptime or group-session read-aloud. Wry humor with a bouncy beat: a treat for storytimes." Contact Elizabeth Bennett. A glowing review in Kirkus for EAT BUGS: PROJECT STARTUP by Heather Alexander, Laura D'Asaro and Rose Wang. "Based on the true story of co-authors and Chirps cricket chips co-founders D'Asaro and Wang, Hallie and Jaye's bug adventures for the greater good will entrance readers and even encourage them to try eating bugs. The expressive illustrations peppered throughout complement the descriptive and informative text well, capturing characters' emotions and personalities. An unusual, inspiring, and intriguing story. Contact Elizabeth Bennett. Kirkus reviewed SHERLOCK BONES NATURAL HISTORY MYSTERY by Renee Treml calling it a nifty whodunit. "Treml's graphic mystery will most certainly delight fledgling eagle-eyed detectives who can spot cleverly placed clues (and red herrings) in the tidy panels alongside cheery heroes Bones and Watts. Interspersed throughout the narrative are fun facts covering a swath of natural science from beetles to butterflies...mystery aficionados should enjoy the chance to solve the case alongside the lovable cast of animal characters." And for the second book in the series, SHERLOCK BONES AND THE SEA-CREATURE FEATURE Kirkus writes: "The lights may go out, but the learning never stops-nor do the hijinks and hilarity." Contact Elizabeth Bennett.  The Washington Post published a profile of Rosanne Parry and her MG A WHALE OF THE WILD, which is pretty unusual for a children's author. The Washington Post also gave the novel, illustrated by Lindsay Moore, a rave review. Contact Fiona Kenshole.
 ONCE UPON A WINTER DAY by Liza Woodruff (Margaret Ferguson/Holiday House) received four starred reviews and was featured on the cover of Horn Book magazine.
"When a child's mother is too busy for stories, he follows some tracks in the snow and makes up his own. . . . Nature tells good stories if we only get outside and look around."- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review Horn Book starred review: "Words and pictures work together to tell a taut and just-right-for-the-audience suspenseful tale." Contact Andrea Cascardi. Praise for Sigal Samuel's RABBI OSNAT AND HER DOVE (World Rights Sold: Levine Querido). Contact Samantha Haywood: "VERDICT: A vibrant life story, with imagined conversations and brilliant illustrations, that will find a home in every collection." - School Library Journal |
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Lisa Chen-Wing was born and grew up in a small town in northern British Columbia. She then went on to study at Queen's University and the Ontario College of Art & Design for degrees in Mathematics, Education and Graphic Design. In her career as an Advertising Art Director, she's worked on local and national campaigns and won several awards for her work. Currently she's an author and illustrator for picture books and lives in Vancouver, Canada. She also draws a semi-autobiographical webcomic, Whiny Whiny Pancakes. www.elsiedub.com, @lisachenwing on social media. Lisa is represented by Andrea Cascardi.
 Lisa Cinar is an illustrator, designer, picture book-fan, dog-petter, pattern-lover and owner at Draw Me A Lion; an online shop of cards, prints and other fun things. Originally from Germany she now calls Vancouver, Canada home. Lisa has written and illustrated numerous picture books and chapter books. Her most recent works include a companion book to Bear's Winter Party titled Cooking with Bear (Groundwood Books, 2019) and the brand new picture book You And Me Both by Mahtab Narsimhan (OWL Kids) released in April 2020. Lisa is represented by Elizabeth Bennett.  Angie Gentile-Jordan grew up reading about girls having adventures in faraway lands. A graduate of St. Catherine University with a degree in English and a minor in Women's/Gender Studies, she now works for a nonprofit that provides resources and training for librarians and writes stories about girls in our world who ask uncomfortable questions. Angie's work has been published on the Herstry site and was accepted into the Tin House YA Fiction workshop. She lives with her family in Minnesota, in a home filled with books, plants, and animal hair. Angie is represented by Elizabeth Bennett. Elizabeth Goss is an illustrator, author and papercutter. An honors graduate of Syracuse University's illustration program, she creates her unique illustrations by delicately slicing and stacking layers of paper. She thinks of papercutting as an exquisite cross between drawing and sculpture, a medium where lines can literally be lifted out of paper to create story and depth. Her artwork has appeared in books, galleries, TV spots, and advertisements. She has published with Heinemann and West Margin Press and was a finalist in the 2018 Bologna Dueling Illustrators Manuscript contest. Liz is the illustrator of ALL ABOUT NOTHING, by Elizabeth Rusch, which will be published by Charlesbridge as part of a three book deal. Elizabeth is represented by Fiona Kenshole.  Annette Hashitate was born in Japan and moved to California as a child. She was trained in traditional oil painting from the age of ten. Annette received her Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts from the University of California, San Diego and now creates pictures books and graphic novels that appeal to a diverse audience. "From a young age, I was drawing funny pictures and writing quirky stories. I often got in trouble at school for scribbling in my notebook instead of paying attention in class. I am now back on the journey I started as a child, to tell stories through my art." Annette is represented by Elizabeth Bennett.  Violet Chan Karim is a comic artist and writer from Boston, Massachusetts. Her love for cartoons, books, and movies as a child led to her pursuing a career in writing and illustration as an adult. She graduated with a BFA in Sequential Art from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2020. Violet's debut graphic novel, Summer Vamp, will be published in 2024 with Random House Graphic. She also creates the webcomic, Death of a Pop Star, with Webtoon. Violet is represented by Elizabeth Bennett.  Cristina Quintero is a Colombian Canadian writer living well outside her preferred climate in Alberta, Canada with her husband, kids and two ridiculous dogs in an extremely red house. She is a breast cancer graduate and obsessed with community building, cooking, and following her curiosity wherever it leads her. Which is not always wise but also never boring. You can connect with Cristina on Facebook: Cristina Quintero_Writer on Instagram: cquintero_writer or on Twitter @cquinterowriter. Cristina is represented by Amanda Orozco and Laura Cameron.  Tom Ryan is an award-winning author of books for young readers. He has been nominated for the White Pine Award, the Stellar Award and the Hackmatack Award. Two of his young adult novels, WAY TO GO and TAG ALONG, were chosen for the ALA Rainbow List, in 2013 and 2014. He was a 2017 Lambda Literary Fellow in Young Adult Fiction. His 2019 release KEEP THIS TO YOURSELF was the recipient of the 2020 Arthur Ellis Award for YA Crime Book and the 2020 ITW Award for Best YA Thriller, and has also been nominated for the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award, and the John Spray Mystery Award. His latest novel is I HOPE YOU'RE LISTENING. Tom, his husband and their dog live in Nova Scotia. Tom is represented by Amy Tompkins and Samantha Haywood.  Judith Torres has a master's degree in speech language pathology from New Mexico State University and worked with children for 28 years before writing two picture books, DUCK DUCK MOOSE and BEARLY AWAKE. She co-founded and directed a non-profit that developed programs for underserved, Latinx youth. A member of SCBWI for 18 years, she was a finalist in the We Need Diverse Books Mentorship contest, as well as the winner of a mentorship contest through PB Chat. In 2008, she also won the Utah Statewide Arts Council Juvenile Fiction Writing Contest and in 2010, Honorable Mention in the Writer's Digest Children's Writers Competition. She lives in Santa Fe and is at work on her next story.  Mel Valentine Vargas is a Miami born, Chicago based, Latinx comic creator and illustrator. They love drawing minorities and art that their younger self needed while growing up, including Hispanic main characters, non-binary characters, and bodies of all shapes and sizes. Mel's work is largely inspired by LGBT and Hispanic experiences, and is focused in graphic storytelling with themes that help highlight minority lifestyles. It is their goal to ensure that their illustrations help people who are not often represented feel a little less alone and a lot more love. Mel is illustrating PILLOW TALK, a YA graphic novel for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt due out in 2023 and looks forward to writing and illustrating more books for young adults. Mel is thrilled to be at Transatlantic and is represented by Elizabeth Bennett.
 Aparna Varma is an illustrator born and brought up in New Delhi, India and briefly in Botswana. She now dreams and draws in Toronto. Her cultural roots and upbringing continue to inspire her work to this day. Aparna's work is a mix of modern with bright pops of colour, infused with detail, texture and narrative. She enjoys using traditional paint mediums like acrylic, gouache and coloured pencil along with digital techniques. Aparna studied animation at the National Institute of Design, India. She divides her time between illustration and serving as an Animation-Production Manager at Nelvana Studio. She is currently illustrating two books for Kids Can. See her work at https://aparnavarma.com Aparna is represented by Andrea Cascardi.  Helen Taylor is a science-loving children's writer in Santa Cruz, California. She started telling quirky stories at the California Academy of Sciences, a museum and research institution in San Francisco, where she wrote about polar bear hair plugs, catfish physicals, and other curiosities. In 2019, she received the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators' Work-in-Progress Grant for Nonfiction. When she's not writing, you'll find her traipsing through the redwoods with her family. Or stargazing. Or daydreaming about tacos. Helen is represented by Amy Tompkins. |
Renee is the very good dog who belongs to Amanda. She spent the first few years of her life on the streets of New York but now she's the queen of her own home and is living her best life in sunny CA. Her favorite things are treats, toys that squeak, long walks, and sleeping on her couch and king-sized bed!
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GUANTANAMO VOICES by Sarah Mirk (Abrams) was a New York Times Best Graphic Novel of 2020. It was chosen as a 
