Sometimes, you receive a book review that gets what you were trying to achieve.
“A book whose story of a boy hunting a monster is really about mental health and learning to accept the darkest parts of oneself…. Stated differences in racial and sexual identities also feed into themes of acceptance and support the idea that Dawz must appreciate everything about himself, just as those around him accept and appreciate each other. Monster vs. Boy is a supportive novel in which a boy learns to address his trauma—with his community’s support.“ Foreword Reviews
Six more sleeps until this book launches into the world with a gorgeous cover by Markia Jenai!
One month until the release date of my middle-grade novel Monster vs. Boy with Charlesbridge Publishing! You can watch a video sneak peak of it here. The gorgeous cover and illustrations are by Markia Jenai. Here’s what Publishers Weekly had to say about it:
“With realistically limned characters, the author explores pensive themes surrounding acceptance of oneself and of others to deliver a sensitive rumination on personhood and kindness.”
Illustrator Dawn Lo and I are thrilled to announce that One Tiny Bubble has won the 2023 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Canada! In case you’re not familiar with it, this is a peer-selected award, voted on by members of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. You can check out all the winners here, but let me just say that One Tiny Bubble was selected from a stellar list of finalists! Thanks so much to the SCBWI members who voted and to the SCBWI staff for implementing the award.
I have to mention that this isn’t the first time a book of mine has been honoured with this award. My middle-grade novel Bog won the 2015 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Canada. It’s an honour to be recognized once again!
“In this thoughtful story that deals with serious topics but is lightened by humor, Krossing expertly navigates what it’s like to be young and unsure of yourself…. A moving tale of learning to accept yourself, flaws and all.”
It’s coming in July 2023 from Charlesbridge Publishing with a gorgeous cover by Markia Jenai. Available for pre-order now.
I’m thrilled that One Tiny Bubble received second place in the Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence in Book Design – Children’s Category. A huge congrats to designer Alisa Baldwin and the Owlkids Publishing team! Dawn Lo’s wonderful illustrations gave them so much to work with. You can read the list of winners here.
