It’s been a really, really wonderful spring, and I would love to tell you all about it! Do you have a minute to catch up? Book things have given me some great reasons to travel, talk about things I care about deeply, spend time some of my favorite people … and meet lovely new folks, too. Here are some pics and stories from the road!
ILLINOIS READING COUNCIL
In March, I went to Springfield, Illinois, to present a session for educators at the 56th Annual Illinois Reading Council Conference with my friend Sarah Aronson, an incredibly dynamic author and writing teacher at The Highlights Foundation.
(Check out her fantastic new picture book release Abzuglutely! Battling, Bellowing Bella Abzug.)
Our session topic for Illinois educators? How to bring the JOY of writing into classrooms, with lots of ideas for supporting students and fostering their creativity - something we are both very passionate about.
I’ll definitely be putting together a proposal for the 2026 event, in the hopes of returning to be a part of the energy and intention of this special conference — and to spend time catching up with Illinois SCBWI members and children’s book authors. Such a great group!
SCHOOL VISITS
Spring is often a very busy time for author visits. Schools everywhere are winding down after state testing and able to take a minute to celebrate and put a bow on a great year. It’s thrilling to be a part of this momentous season. Magic is absolutely everywhere.
In April, I visited a school in Sullivan, Illinois, for two days to share Willow and Bunny, illustrated by Christopher Denise, and talk to students about how they — like the story’s main characters — can help and make a difference in their home and community.
Students told me about cleaning their rooms and helping with dinner. About feeding the goats and making their mom tea.
I hope and pray, more than anything, that students know how much they are needed — exactly as they are — and that they believe it.
In May, I went to Edina, Minnesota, to chat with readers at all grade levels about writing the stories YOU want to read!
We also dove deeply into Dancing with Daddy, illustrated by Ziyue Chen, to discuss activities that connect us, disability, and communication. The questions and ideas shared by the students just blew me away - I loved every single minute.
School visit days just fly by. There are so many thoughtful questions and sincere efforts to learn, understand, contribute and connect. It’s an incredible privilege to write stories for the most curious and heart-guided of humans!
The next stop on the school visit schedule? Omaha, Nebraska! Many thanks to The Bookworm Omaha for supporting school book orders and for hosting a signing while I am in town, too! Click HERE for details - please stop by at 4:30 p.m. on May 15 and say hi, Omaha friends and family!
I would LOVE to visit a grade school near you, as well! Email me at anitraschulte (at) gmail (dot) com, if you’d be open to connecting me to an educator or librarian in your community!
TURKISH EDITION
In the midst of these comings and goings, a package came in the mail… The Turkish edition of Willow and Bunny! Just gorgeous, and a bit surreal, too!
Want a peek inside? Here’s a glimpse!
This is the second foreign language edition of Willow and Bunny that’s been released — the French edition launched last summer. I really tried to get to Paris last fall, to see it in the wild. The trip didn’t come together, sadly. But when I inquired about where I could find the book in the City of Love, I learned that it was in 40 bookstores… in Paris alone!
Isn’t that bananas?
Here’s a pic from Instagram of a French bookseller holding a copy of our book in his store - bah!
Translated into French, Turkish, and next… German!
It’s been extremely special, watching the book evolve in this way - each time, with new font treatments on the gorgeous cover illustration by Caldecott honor artist Christopher Denise. I love imagining our story heading out on these new journeys, on the other side of the world!
COMING SOON
What’s next? In a few weeks, I’ll be launch a new blog feature called Behind the Book, a Q&A with incredible picture book creators, each with a brand new book that you’re gonna want to check out, I promise you. Here’s the line up!
Corinna Luyken, author and illustrator of The Arguers
Antwan Eady, author of The Gathering Table
Gloria Amescua, author of Abuelita’s Song
Jess Hannigan, author and illustrator of The Bear Out There
…with many more on deck!
Each Q&A will include a chance to win a copy of the featured author / illustrator’s new release. Stay tuned for your chance to go Behind the Book, and win a story for your home or school library.
See you back again, very soon!