I'm so excited to announce a blog tour for The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell. Continue on to find out more about this charming children's book, read an interview with the author, and enter to win a copy of the book.
First, here's a bit about the book:
Discover the magic in simple moments when a child peers in the mirror to unintentionally come upon his smile, where kittens nap in boots, fairy hugs feel good, mice delight in reading books, and January snowflakes taste yummy.
Twenty whimsical poems warm the heart and inspire cheer; a collection enticing both the young and seasoned reader to explore the enchantment of the wonderful world of poetry.
Publisher: Handersen Publishing
ASIN: B0BJNT69WG
ISBN: 1647030757
ISBN-13: 978-1647030759
Print Pages: 28 Pages
Purchase a copy of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.
About the Author, Raven Howell
Raven Howell writes stories and poetry for children. Having published several award-winning picture books, she enjoys sharing her love of literature by visiting classrooms and libraries. Raven is Creative & Publishing Advisor for Red Clover Reader, served as Poetry Director for Monster Magnificent, and writes The Book Bug column for Story Monsters Ink magazine. Her poems are found in children’s magazines such as Ladybug, Spider, Highlights for Children, Humpty Dumpty, and Hello Magazine. She’s an editor, and collaborating author for Reading is Fundamental SoCal.
When not writing, Raven enjoys sunshine and the beach, spending time with her family, hiking, laughing, reading, goofing around with artwork, and inventing new recipes.
You can find her on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/atpearthkeeper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atpearthkeeper/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pickward/_saved/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-howell-5a813015b/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenhowell22
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pickward/_saved/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-howell-5a813015b/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenhowell22
--- Interview by Nicole Pyles
WOW: First of all, congrats on your book The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes! In this book, your poetry has a beautiful balance of being poignant yet simple and easy to understand. How do you manage to achieve that balance?
Raven: That delicate line of poetry (for children) being poignant and yet simplified is the key to captivating the young reader. First, when composing, the poet must be willing to cut out all excess, and that inevitably includes tons of editing. Importantly, you need your “gist,” the theme/thought you’re attempting to share, to take center stage even if you dance around it a little. But we’re not talking about a long waltz, this is a short disco dance if you’re writing for children.
WOW: That's a wonderful description of how you achieve that balance you do so well. Why does writing and reading poetry capture you?
Raven: During my childhood, I was exposed to poetry on a regular basis. My father was a published poet and was known for his spoken word and storytelling prowess to many here in the States, in Canada and in Eastern Europe. He would see things through a poet’s eye, and share the simple, enchanting wonders that surround us in our daily lives. A good poem has that magical “capture.”
As far back as I can remember, I always enjoyed writing and playing with words. Poetry was a natural path for me.
WOW: I'm sure he would be so proud of your work! The art in this book is incredible, and honestly, there were a few pages I would have loved to get framed. Who did the art? And did you work with them on it at all?
Raven: I loved collaborating with illustrator Naz Tarcan on The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes. Originally, I noticed her artwork on LinkedIn. Her illustrations are brimming with originality, smart, subtle use of colors and tones, and whimsy. I immediately thought to myself how wonderful it would be if we could get her on board to illustrate the book. I got lucky when she agreed!
Nazli lives in Belgium, and has a background in drawing, photography and even working with the circus! Fun!
WOW: That's phenomenal! Who is your publisher and how did you come to work with them?
Raven: This is my second book published by Handersen Publishing. My first book with them, So You Want a Puppy, is still a favorite when I attend book fairs. My editor is a poetry fan so I couldn’t be happier to work with a team who is familiar with
the ins and outs of children’s poetry and getting it into readers’ hands.”
WOW: I loved reading on your website that you wrote greeting cards! Did this type of writing help you improve your craft? If so, how?
Raven: You know, writing for greetings cards really did prepare me for my next step - writing verse for children’s magazines. Kids’ magazines need short poems with a concise idea - similar to what is called for when writing greeting cards. This was more than two decades ago, but to this day, I still write poetry for the Cricket, Highlights and School magazines. From that point though, many years ago, I had already written so many poems and stories for children that I became determined to publish children’s books as well.
WOW: What an amazing transformation that was! What are you working on now that you can tell us about?
Raven: I have a book titled A Colorful Beginning with Argentinian illustrator Carina Povarchik, releasing end of 2022. Preschoolers and elementary school classes are already getting to hear it during story time. It shares first day of school jitters as well as teaching colors. My first counting book, Mattison Mouse, will be available in May 2023 and my first early reader, The Charms of U.S. Farms is being published around the same time.
I write The Book Bug column for Story Monsters Ink magazine and also manage their Kids Corner, where we’re publishing fantastic arts and crafts, activities, brain teasers, puzzles, “draw this” printouts, and experiments for students of all ages. I’m looking forward to the next year because I have super fun features in the works!
From my manuscript working files, I’m excited about finishing a book about words – how words make us feel, how sometimes we need to use many of them, sometimes none at all, how some are silly, some are serious and so forth. Having said that, and yes, wanting to get around to finishing my story, my advice to those who are considering becoming writers remains: enjoy the journey, every single step. Some days will seem to stagger and feel unproductive, some days will bloom into weeks of inspiration. It’s all good. Hang in there and celebrate your creativity!
WOW: I love hearing about everything you are working on and thank you for such inspirational advice. Best of luck to you and enjoy the tour!
--- Blog Tour Calendar
December 26th @ The Muffin
Join us at our WOW! blog today, The Muffin, for the blog tour launch of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell. You can read an interview with the author and have a chance to win a copy of the book for yourself.
December 28th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Join Wendi as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell.
December 28th @ Reading Girl Reviews
Gina reviews Raven Howell's book The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
December 29th @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell.
December 30th @ Anthony Avina's Blog
Join Anthony as he features a guest post by author Raven Howell featuring a beginner's guide to writing poetry.
January 1st @ Page Peeks
Visit Jeanne's book review column as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
January 2nd @ Mother Daughter Book Club
Join Cindy as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
January 4th @ AJ Kormon's Blog
Join AJ as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
January 6th @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy as she shares her insights into Raven Howell's book The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
January 8th @ Shoe's Seeds & Stories
Join Linda as she features a guest post by author Ravne Howell about why we love gnomes so much.
January 10th @ Mother Daughter Book Club
Visit Cindy's blog again for a guest post by Raven Howell about arts and crafts, making fun gnomes for all ages.
January 12th @ Anthony Avina's Blog
Visit Anthony's blog as he reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell.
January 12th @ The Mommies Reviews
Visit Glenda's blog today to read her review of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell. You'll also have a chance to win a book copy too!
January 16th @ Word Magic
Visit Fiona's blog as she shares author Raven Howell's insights about the impact on children through author visits to schools or libraries.
January 15th @ Shoe's Seeds & Stories
Linda treats us to her review of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell.
January 17th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Lisa interviews Raven Howell about her book The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
January 18th @ Bev A Baird's Blog
Join Bev as she features a guest post by author Raven Howell about her lifelong journey as a poet and how she made it happen.
January 20th @ Bev A Baird's Blog
Come by Bev's blog again as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes. A must-read children's book you'll love!
January 20th @ Editor 911
Margo treats us to her review of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
January 22nd @ World of My Imagination
Nicole shares her thoughts about The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
January 23rd @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra's blog and read a guest post by Raven Howell about gnome fashion and how the fairy realm influences fashion today.
January 25th @ Carole Writes
Visit Carole's blog for her review of 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes.
January 27th @ Editor 911
Come by Margo's blog again and read Raven Howell's guest post featuring yummy treats with a gnome theme.
January 28th @ Lisa's Reading
Join Lisa as she reviews The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes. You also have the chance to win a copy of the book too!
January 29th @ Jill Sheets' Blog
Visit Jill's blog as she interviews author Raven Howell about her writing journey and her experience as an author.
***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****
Enter to win a copy of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway ends January 8th at 11:59 p.m. CT. We will randomly choose one winner and announce in the Rafflecopter widget the following day and follow up by email. Good luck!
20 comments:
I’m very excited to read this. I have 4 little ones that I homeschool and I bet this will be a lovely read!
This sounds like a wonderful book for our two little boys - we love all things to do with gnomes and fairies!
what a cute book ,i love the gnomes and fairies ! how do u come up with the characters and stories etc for your books?
What a wonderful idea for a collection! Delights such as these create interest and generate increased specificity in perception. What a wonderful gift to bring to children, truly enriching their lives.
This just sounds amazing. I can't wait to see it and share it with my great niece and nephews.
I love the cover! How beautiful and magical!
I love everything about this
This just sounds lovely. This book would be perfect when my grandchildren spend the night.
This sounds like a great book. My 2 year old grandson is just starting to really take an interest in books. Would love to have this one to read to him.
What an adorable book for all to enjoy!
Would love to read this to some little gnomes in my life!
This sounds delightful!
I would like to read whimsical poems with my niece!
I'm a big fan of children's poetry and would love to introduce this book to my son. He's just beginning to be interested in books.
You have such a wonderful imagination for story telling Raven. I love your graphics too. Makes me almost wish I was a child again.
Congratulations on your new book, I look forward to hearing with my grandson.
Congratulations on your new book. I look forward to sharing with my grandson.
cute
Raven, cute title for your new book! I bet your young readers (and kids like me who never grew up) will love the whimsical poems contained inside. You are one of the hardest working, most dedicated writers I know. Keep up the great work!
This would be a great gift for my great neices.
Post a Comment