This Author Loves That! : Marketing a Picture Book

 When I first started thinking of writing as a profession, I was unaware how many hats we have to wear. We write, sure. But then we edit, critique, cheerlead, market, sell, teach, and more I can't even think of now.

With my latest picture book, This Cat Loves That! : A Cat Book for Kids, I stepped out of my comfort zone and rhymed and had to work my text around photos rather than having illustrations work around my text. 

This book is geared for preschoolers and young readers. It is full of sight words and cute cats. The best part; when thinking of how to market this book I thought of cats of course!

A fun photo shoot with a local shelter gave me tons of laughs as this little tabby with the cute boots loved riding on my shoulders (I should have gotten a photo of that!) and my shoelaces were attacked frequently by a speedy grey. An older black cat happily followed the kittens and looked for chin scratches as I shot a laser pointer at my book repeatedly.

The great part is cats are curious. All I had to do was set the book down and they all came to sniff, bat, and bite this new toy.

There were so many sweet and affectionate cats it was hard not to bring one home. Though I don't think my cranky old tuxedo cat would have appreciated it very much. At nearly twenty we let him rule the roost.

If you are a writer or illustrator, teacher or librarian, it is great fun to find the subjects of your books in real life if you are able. They really bring the books to life, especially for the readers who are more visual learners. You may realize that you love marketing and photography too.

So enjoy these cute kittens and if you are interested in this fun cat book click here. If you are thinking about a way to help out your community and local animals, please check out your local shelter, SPCA, or rescue groups. A simple donation of trash bags, cat litter, cleaning products, toys made by the kids, and food are a small way you can make a big difference. Who knows, you may even find a furry new family member.

Put cute cats to the test and find out what they love best!―an early-learning book for toddlers and preschoolers

If you’ve been looking for cat books for kids, you’ll love This Cat Loves That!, a fun rhyming story filled with tons of cute and colorful cat photos that will help your little one learn about their feline friends. Your child will delight in discovering what cats love, as well as some stuff they don’t. Of all the cat books for kids, this one is the purr-fect introduction to one of their favorite animals!

This standout among cat books for kids includes:

• Photos of different cat breeds and ages
• A narrative designed to engage toddlers and pre-K kids
• Basic fun facts about cats

When it comes to cat books for kids, this one is the cat’s pajamas!

She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch - Now Available

My latest picture book, She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch, is now available for sale!

She is the Queen. The matriarch.

She leads her daughters and their daughters.

Inspiring text and striking illustrations follow the empowering journey of an elephant matriarch as she leads her family through the wilds of Africa. With facts about African elephants on every spread and a message that will encourage young girls to be the trailblazers of their generation, She Leads offers an incredible story and an unforgettable tribute to the strength of a true leader.

Open your eyes, princess. One day you will lead.

So why should you buy this book?

• A short, lyrical story carries the reader forward, and can be read alone for a swift bedtime read.
• Nonfiction sidebars on each spread let you explore the complex world of the African Elephants.
• Amazing artwork!!
• Strong females make great role models.
• Makes a great gift for the young animal lover in your life.

Where can you find it?

Indie Bound

Barnes & Noble

Books-a-Million

Amazon

Editorial Reviews:

"This beautifully illustrated book has my two favorite things: nature and girl power. Its tender family story is paired, on each page, with facts about the matriarchal society of elephants, which means kids who love strict nonfiction and those who prefer a story line will both be satisfied. A must-have in every child's library."

- Heidi E. Y. Stemple, poet and author of Counting Birds: The Idea that Helped Save Our Feathered Friends

"A quietly powerful book about real girl power in the animal kindom. She Leads manages tobe both straightforward and moving, fact-filled and lyrical, and always firmly grounded in the power, nurturing strength, and beauty of the elephant matriarch and her legacy to those who will follow. Yumi Shimokawara's naturalistic illustrations bring the queen and her society to life, while June Small's main text offers the elegance of poetry, filled out by more information in the sidebars on each page. Ideal for story time, the classroom, or bedtime reading."

- Kathy MacMillan, librarian and coauthor of She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World

"With simple, yet lyrical text and stunning illustrations, She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch beautifully demonstrates the elegant grace and proud nature of these extraordinary animals for young readers."

- Lindsay Ward, author and illustrator of Don't Forget Dexter

"I am very impressed with the text, the illustrations, and the tone of the book on many levels. The illustrations are rich, the text is well-researched, and the story is one that many people will connect with easily. I am heartened and excited by the messages and information presented in regards to the wonderful social structure and the amazing behavior of these incredible creatures. Elephants have been role models for me in life for over twenty years, and I am in awe of them with every new fact that I learn and with every new insight into how they see the world and one another. She Leads captures that awe on many levels and sends strong and meaningful messages about the importance of family, leadership, and compassion."

- Mike McClure, Maryland Zoo general curator and elephant collection manager