@andichitty
Marveling at the magical world of #kidlit and creepy crawlies! Writer and backyard adventurer. Co-host of @StorytimeSprint.bsky.social https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1206704021/the-waga-laga-bugs-a-hardcover-picture-book
QUERYING AUTHORS: today is Manuscript Wishlist Day on Bluesky! Check out the MSWL hashtag throughout the day (I don't want to link it here and clog the tag)❤️ I hope you find your perfect agent match!
#kidlitchat For those who haven't heard, there will be an official #MSWL day on Thursday this week. If you're currently in the query trenches or will be soon, it's a great resource and may put some wonderful agents on your radar based on what they're looking for.
Waga-Laga Word Search
Teachers and Librarians, tell me! Are there specific types of activity sheets your kids prefer? Word Searches, Crossword Puzzles, etc? I'm all ears!
#activitysheets #educators #librarians #teachers
Our next sprint will be with @jilanne.bsky.social reading THE OCEAN'S HEART (art by Khoa Le). Join us next Tuesday, March 3rd at 8 p.m. EST! Register here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
@andichitty.bsky.social
@ryannjones117.bsky.social
Heads up for anyone looking to participate in #pbparty this year- The #PBParty Prep Zoom will be Wednesday, February 25 at 6 pm Eastern! 🗓️💻
Yay!!!
It's so surreal seeing this book in the hands of my critique partners😍 So many years of revisions and so many versions of Waga-Laga stories, I thought they'd all get Waga-Laga-ed out!
In a new report on the harm done to creative professionals by generative AI development, the Society of Authors and other trade associations are demanding new regulations to compel tech giants to respect copyright and remunerate authors and artists.
Check out the #publishingforminnesota auction: Books & book bundles, original art, virtual school visits, critiques, AMAs, ms and query reviews, etc. Purchases paid by proof of donation to MN orgs providing legal aid, emergency assistance, food, and community resources to those in urgent need.
Screenshot of an X.com post by The Associated Press (@AP) stating that dozens of immigrant families protested for better treatment behind fences at a Texas detention facility, where a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father were sent after being detained in Minnesota. Below is a video thumbnail showing a crowd gathered outdoors along a fenced walkway; many people wear bright blue or red outerwear, and some hold signs.
After being held in two of them as a boy, I fought for decades urging America to never again build concentration camps and put human beings in them. It breaks my heart to watch this happen twice now in my own lifetime.
Who says you can't do fun things when you self-publish?! Look at that shininess🤩
Illustrated by Sandra Attema-Welte
#kidlit #picturebook #specialcover
Today is the last day to get in on The Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter! All backers will get their books approximately 1.5 months BEFORE the general public🥳
www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...
Today is the last day to get in on The Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter! All backers will get their books approximately 1.5 months BEFORE the general public🥳
www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...
6 Days Left to preorder through the Waga-Laga Bug Kickstarter
I have to unexpectedly cover a shift at work this morning, so I'm repurposing yesterday's post🫣
Only 6 days left to preorder "The Waga-Laga Bugs" through Kickstarter! All books will arrive in April (just in time for BUG SEASON)!🦋🐞🐜🐛🐝
www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...
#picturebook #educational
One week left for the Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter
7 days left!🥳 You've heard the backstory, watched the printing process, celebrated a Kirkus Star with me, and more. With one week left to get your preorder in, time is ticking (but only if you want a copy- no pressure. Pressure tactics make me uncomfortable.)
www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...
Thank you so much!!❤️
The news is dire, but books uplift. I’m giving away these PBs and MG books- some new ARCs and some older gems.
To enter, L + RP and leave a comment for an extra entry. US only, ends 1/21.
Thank you so much, Carrie!❤️ (Also, "Dozens of Donuts" is a favorite in our house, we're eagerly looking forward to "Plenty of Pancakes"!)
"The Waga-Laga Bugs" Kirkus Starred Review
We got a KIRKUS STAR⭐️! Of all the books Kirkus reviews, only 10% receive a star (that includes traditionally published books, too)!
Oh! And don't forget... only 9 days left to get in on The Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...
#kirkus #tradereviews #picturebook
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Day 8/19: Evolution of a Children's Book Cover
There is so much to consider when creating a cover (font, title placement, etc). I love how it turned out!
Illustrated by Sandra Attema-Welte
Kickstarter Link: www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...
#childrensbook #picturebook #kidlit
BOOM page
BOOM page
BOOM page
BOOM page
Day 5/19: My 5-year-olds Favorite Page!
It's day 5 of "The Waga-Laga Bugs" Kickstarter, so I thought I'd share my 5yo's favorite page! The page turn here is a kid-favorite (this is also my toddlers favorite- he yells "BOOM"!).
Kickstarter link: www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...
Interior Page
Interior Page
Interior Page
Interior Page
Day 4/19: My Favorite Spread!
We're 4 days into my Kickstarter for "The Waga-Laga Bugs" , so I think it's time to share my favorite spread!
Sandra took my text and ran (flew?) with it🐝
Check out the Kickstarter here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...
#honeybees #picturebooks #kidlit
Do you love watching the printing process? Me, too😊
It's day 3, and "The Waga-Laga Bugs" Kickstarter goal was met on day 2. I'm blown away by the support! Thank you❤️
Our Kickstarter ends on the 23rd, so there's still time to check it out!
#howitsmade #picturebooks
Thank you to EVERYONE for all the encouragement, kind words, and support yesterday as I launched my first ever Kickstarter! We're halfway funded in just one day, which is AMAZING! I'm blown away🥹
www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...
Illustrated by Sandra Attema
#halfwaythere #childrensbooks #kidlit
Thank you, you as well!🥳
Absolutely!
This bug book has had a long journey, but every setback brought us to where we are now😍
Check out "The Waga-Laga Bugs" Kickstarter for sneak peeks at the interior, the backstory, and more!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...
Interior pic from "The Waga-Laga Bugs"
Why does December 31st feel so far away from January?!
2026 is starting off with a bang for me as I prepare to launch my first ever Kickstarter🫣 My campaign will have some sneak-peeks at the interior pages! I'm so excited to show you all!!
#kickstarter #childrensbooks #publishing
I started this writing journey in 2021, but 2025 was the year I finally felt like an author. It was a year for the books (literally), and I am SO EXCITED for 2026... the year of The Waga-Laga Bugs!
I hope 2026 brings good things to you on this crazy author journey, no matter which path you choose❤️
Storystorm Participant Badge
With #Storystorm on the 1st, my Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter launching on the 5th, and the kids starting school again, January is going to be a BUSY month!
I highly recommend you check out @taralazar.bsky.social blog and sign up for this year's Storystorm!
#kidlit #childrensauthors #busyjanuary
