Author Spotlight Kimberley Griffiths Little

Welcome all to my first Author Spotlight feature where you will get a chance to meet a well known author and learn about the writing process. 

 Interview

 

 1) What were your favorite children books, when you were growing up? 

I read practically every Nancy Drew there was, plus Harriet the Spy, The Little White Horse, and I gobbled up all of Phyllis Whitney’s mysteries, A Wrinkle in Time, etc. I could go on, but I won’t. Basically, I read a book a day all during elementary school.Maybe that’s why I love writing for the middle-grade audience.  

2) What was the inspiration behind writing your book? 

Several things! The magical, mysterious world of butterflies . . . spooky Louisiana swamps, old plantation houses, islands in the South Pacific . . . and a girl who is connected to all those things through her Grammy Claire.

I love mysteries; too, as you can tell from my childhood favorite books, and I wanted to try my hand at writing an actual mystery that didn’t have ghosts or paranormal elements. Just a girl with a brain and secret letters and keys in a mysterious house, trying to help her grandmother who died in an untimely way and who slowly gives her secrets from beyond the grave to figure out the people who are trying to destroy the seunusual butterflies.

It was also very rewarding to write about a very smart and very cool grandmother because I never knew my own grandmothers,(and I hope I can be a very cool grandma too someday!).

3) How many Drafts and rejections did you have before your book was published? 

Since this isn’t my first book and it was already under contract to Scholastic through a proposal I sent to my editor, I didn’t have any rejections—but I racked up hundreds in the year’s previous to selling my first book. And, after my first three books were orphaned, and before I landed a three-book contract with Scholastic, I had a period of 8 years where I was writing like crazy, but not selling anything.Rejections come with the territory of publishing. Now I do about 3-5 drafts of a new book, and two more with my editor and one with the copy editor so each book goes through a lot of hand and eyes.

4) Why Butterflies? 

Butterflies are inherently mysterious. They start out as a little tiny egg on a leaf, turn into a creepy-crawling green caterpillar, then become a white chrysalis or cocoon –and finally, almost like magic, this gorgeous, colorful creature hatches from a white blob and can FLY! And they look like dancing flowers.

Some of the most fun I had writing this novel was researching the butterfly quotes at the beginning of each chapter and putting them in a spot where they reflected what happened in a particular chapter. But two of the quotes do not come from *famous* or well known scientists or movies. One is from my daughter and the other is from Tara’s Grammy Claire herself.

5) What can "When the Butterflies Came" teach our children? 

I write a lot about families with secrets; families who are going through tough times and upheavals and changes—and show how that affects my 11-12 year old main characters. The heart of every story is the knowledge that families are important and they love each other in the end. They can be crazy sometimes, but their core belief is that they work together despite difficult and heart-wrenching events. They stand up for each other, pull together, and can come through hard times stronger than ever.

6) Can you see your book on the Big Screen? 

Not yet - and movie rights are still available! I’m hoping Hollywood—or even some small director—will hear my secret wish, or discover my book when his child brings it home from the library or the Scholastic Book Fair. . . a director that has always loved butterflies and falls in love with my book. I can always dream, right?

7) What future book plans do you have? 

I just turned in my fourth manuscript to my editor at Scholastic for publication summer of 2014. She’s reading it now while I wait chewing my fingernails that she will like it and I won’t have to shred it and start all over (that’s actually happened to me before so I know first-hand how crazy-making it can be). This new book is middle-grade as well and has time slipping and a cursed doll and a girl who lives in an antique store.

Fall of 2014 will be my Young Adult debut with Harpercollins for a book I’ve been researching and writing for nearly ten years so I’m pretty thrilled about finally selling it. It’s an ancient Middle Eastern story about the roots of belly dance in the women’s world, including goddess temples, tribal warfare, camels, and frankincense.

Thank you so much, David, for a great interview and featuring me on your blog!

Here are a few links for your readers:
http://www.kimberleygriffithslittle.com/
(I have some awesome book trailers on my website on the Home Page with on location filming in the swamps as well as original music by some friends of mine. Scholastic liked the one for The Healing Spell so well; they commissioned the music to put on their website.)

http://www.kimberleygriffithslittle.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @KimberleyGLittl

And I’m very active on Facebook so come findme!

Middle Grade Voices

 Middle Grade Books

1) “Children of the Lamp (The Akhanaten Adventure) - by P.B Kerr, published by “Orchard books, and imprint of scholastic Inc.  New York 2004.  What if you find out that you are descendants from a long line of Dijon, human-like  beings created from fire.  They are able to grant wishes, and take on different animal forms.  This is exactly what happens to two twelve-year-old twins, John and Phillippa, after they get their wisdom teeth pulled.  The children are sent to London to their Uncle Nimrod's home where their amazing adventure begins. This venture takes the reader on a magic carpet ride through a fantasy Middle Eastern World.  This journey teaches the twins that granting wishes is not only dangerous for themselves, but for people who desire wishes as well.

2) “Peter and Star Catchers”-Written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, illustrated by Greg Call.  Published by Disney Hyperion paperbacks for children New York 2004.  How was never-land discovered?  How did Peter Pan become a boy forever? This book helps the reader find answers to those questions and many more.  Peter Pan is a never aging boy, who visits children at night and takes them to fantasy island called Never-Land where magic lives.  Through the use of vivid language and pencil illustrations, the authors introduce us to how Peter Pan became a part of a world, full of amazing creatures, and magic. This story reveals the mystery of magic dust and how Children can make it real by looking within and tapping into their own imagination.

 

3) “Infinity Ring book three the trapdoor”- written by Lisa McMann, published by Scholastic Inc.  New York 2013.  The next book in this interactive serious takes our heroes Dak, Sera and Riq to Maryland in 1850 just before the Civil War.  The main character in this book travel back it time and fix History Breaks, that has been caused by an evil corporation with intentions to take over the world. The time period in this book describes how new law has been passed that allows any white American to report free blacks, and then make them slaves. The children's mission is to stop this law, and to save the civil right leaders from a prison Dream like landscapes, humor and adventure take the seriousness of the topic at hand, and twists it into a fun read for everyone. 

4) “The 13^th Reality, the Journal of curious letters. - Written by James Dashner, illustrated by Bryan Beus, Published by Shadow Mountain Press an imprint of Worzalla Publishing Co.  Stevens point, WI. 2008. One day a nerdy boy, Atticus Higginbottom receives a strange letter from Alaska.  After this boy’s life changes from a boring one to life full of mystery and questions that, need to be answered.  Twelve clues guide him to an event, after which he will find out the world he lives in is one of many parallel worlds, still need to be discovered and saved.  If a child likes to solve problems through clues, they would love this book.  As the story progresses Atticus grows from zero to hero.  The pencil illustrations, and secrets surrounding his life will keep your middle graders turning the pages.  

Feb Six

It has been a cold and snowy winter so far. I really hope that you take the time to purchase these picture books and share them with your young children by your fireplace. Please have fun and enjoy that special moment with them.

	Picture Books

"I Want my Hat Back"-  Written and Illustrated by Jon Klassen published by Candlewick 

press 2011 Somerville, MA and a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book. A Bear's hat is stolen, but who has done it? He searches everywhere by talking to several of his animal friends. Have any of them seen it? This sounds like a simple concept for a story, but it is much more then that. What makes the book unique are the words and Illustrations.  The hat is hidden in the story and your child has to find it. They have to look carefully. It can be used as a game for them, and this makes the book fun. Get a copy today. 

"The Very Beary Tooth Fairy"- Written  by Arthur A. Levine and Illustrated by Sarah S.Brannen, Published by Scholastic Press 2013 New York. All his life Zach the bear has been told to stay away from humans. Than one day he notices a family having a picnic and the little boy has a tooth loose. Zach discovers his tooth is also loose. What if the tooth fairy is a human, he has to find out for himself. The author's words and the illustrations give the legend of the tooth fairy a new twist. I really enjoyed this book very much. It is  a great story to share with your kids. Get your youngster a copy, they will ask you to read over and over again.

"While Your Are Sleeping"-  Written and Illustrated by Alexis Deacon, Published Farrar, Straus and Giroux New York 2006. What happens after the lights go out? This book explores this idea by creating a fantastic world where toys come to life to protect you. The words and illustrations blend perfectly together to make a great book that does not only teach your kids to take care of their toys, but to dream. It answers the question that every child has: "What happens when I sleep?" This delightful story for your young children to read at bedtime. I highly recommend this book for everyone.  

"The Lamb and the Butterfly"- Written by Arnold Sundgaard and illustrated by Eric Carle, Published by Orchard Books an imprint of Scholastic Inc. New York 1988 reprinted 2013. Classic books stay with you all your life and inspire new generations as well. This book teaches a terrific lesson in a classic folk tale style. I was happy to see it re-released. It uses a combination of wonderful language and simple illustrations to show that every individual is unique, and so is their lifestyle. This book wisely teaches youngsters to identify with others, but to truly know themselves. This classic folk tale will be a great gift for your kids.  

"Before You Came."- Written by Patricia Maclachlan and Emily Maclachlan Charest, Illustrated by David Diaz, Published by Katherine Tegan Books an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers New York 2011. Summary-"A mother relates how she spent time before her child arrived, then passes on a gift of days peddling a red canoe, reading in a pillow-filled hammock until dark, and watching the moon rise at night." The use of poetic language and beautiful illustrations explores a universal view of a bound between mother and child. I think that any parent can relate to it. Get a copy of this book and make your little one feel extra special.  

"The Granddaughter Necklace."- Written by Sharon Dennis Wyeth and Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline,   Published by Arthur A. Levine Books an imprint of Scholastic Inc.. January 2013.This picture book is a great read for Black History month. Summary- " A mother shares with her daughter stories of the generations of women in their family as each individual has passed along the tales and glittering necklace to her own daughter." I liked this book very much. I recommend it for older readers or to be used in a classroom setting. The illustrations are wonderful and the concept beyond the story is great.  

Enjoy the picture books above, and I will have four new middle readers up in mid March.

Female Power in Young Adult Literature

Welcome to my new update for my blog. In this post, I will be looking at three books where Teenage girls overcame large obstacles and grew into women of power. Please enjoy my reviews.

Young Adult Books

“Story of a Girl”- This book was written by Sara Zarr, National book Award finalist published by Little Brown and Company 2007 New York and Boston. In this book the main character Deanna Lambert was caught by her father while she was making out with an older boy from school. She has been humiliated not only by her dad, but later by her classmates. She thought her life would be ruined forever. In this book, Deanna struggles to gain respect from others and move on with her life. Only by using the power within helped her grow into a beautiful woman. Girls can find this book very helpful in guiding them through their teenage years. The novel is realistic fiction at its best. The author succeeded making this book great, with the help of very intense emotional language, dialogues, monologues and relationships. She was able to reveal the inner struggles and victory of the main character. A great read for teenagers especially girls.

“Eon”- This book was written by Alison Goodman, published by Viking then Firebird books, an imprint of the Penguin Group. New York 2008. Imagine a world where Dragon Eyes are chosen every 12 years. Throughout history, this job was for boys only. Girls were believed not to have the same power as males. In this, book traditions have a way to be changed. It all starts on a salt farm where Eona works. She eventually found by a master who trains Dragon Eyes. She can see all 12 dragons, but how can she grow in a masculine run world?  There is only one way; to hide her true sex by living like a boy. The Cycle of the Rat Dragon is underway and this is her chance to connect. After the ceremony, a journey of power begins. History says that men had made a bargain with the Dragons long ago, but the truth is hidden. This wonderful book explores the struggle for power. It is full of fantastic descriptions, dialog, vivid landscape and lots of action. Alison combines everything to show the reader the truth of the Legend Eona the last Dragon Eye. I really enjoyed this great book, and I felt like I was a part of this journey. “Eon” is full of action, surprises, and a true page-turner. It opens a door into a world dominated by male power, but is this truly the case? “This book is a great fantasy for all teens.  

“Eona”-   This book was written by Alison Goodman, published by Viking Books an imprint of Penguin group New York, London and Ontario 2011. This is a sequel to “Eon”. The truth has been unveiled, but the struggle continues. The empire dies and a new battle for the thrown has begun.  Ten Dragon Eyes have been murdered and Eona learns that the convent of Dragons was really a prison for them. She is the first Lady Dragon Eye in 500 years. Her Dragon is The Mirror Dragon also known as the Queen of Dragons. In this sequel, she struggles to control her power. It is also a race against time to save the 12 dyeing Dragons and her land. An evil Uncle of the Empire has taken over the thrown. He only believes in greed, torture, power, and not in the love of the land. I really enjoyed this book. It asks the question can one powerful girl improve the world for the better or does her new power change her forever? Like the first, book “Eona” keeps the reader at the edge of the chair. It has action, beautiful landscapes, realistic characters and adds a love triangle between Kygo the true empire, Eona and Lord Ido a power hungry Dragon Eye, who Lady Eona healed. It has everything a teenager can ask for and it also creates a fantastic world that any reader can be immersed in.   

 Next update will be mid-February covering three picture books. Please share you Comments.