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(LOOK WHAT YOU CAN WIN!)

PRIZE ARCADE

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We're super proud to introduce our INCREDIBLE donors! 

 

Read their bios, follow them on social media, and order their books from indie book stores! We are all about supporting our amazing #kidlit community! Now for the good stuff...

 

Yes, we're talking PRIZES! Take a stroll down our boardwalk (this page). Then step right up and give it your all!

(Note: you may only submit a non-rhyming NF/Info Fiction ms.--800 words or less.)

                                                          

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Remember: to be eligible for one of our Grand Prizes,

you MUST enter both a story and earn"Summer Fun" points!

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RIDE THE WAVE

GRAND PRIZE CRITIQUES

AND AUTOGRAPHED BOOKS!

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Miranda Paul

Associate Agent/ Erin Murphy Literary Agency

Miranda Paul holds a B.A. in English from St. Mary's College of Md and has worked with students (and campers) in every grade from Pre-K - college. A co-founding member of the nonprofit organization We Need Diverse Books, Miranda currently serves as its Mentorship chairperson. She occasionally makes faculty appearances at SCBWI conferences, The Writing Barn, and Highlights Foundation (Nuts and Bolts of STEM writing) and has presented at the Library of Congress Young Readers Center.

 

Miranda has worked as a freelance writer and journalist, and is the award-winning author of more than a dozen picture books including One Plastic Bag, Water is Water, 10 Little Ninjas, I Am Farmer, Nine Months, and Little Libraries, Big Heroes. She has her sights on prolific writers and writer-illustrators who are able to craft geeky-yet-wildly-entertaining manuscripts that bring science to lay audiences, make her laugh out loud, or have a strong social justice bent; and novels, memoirs, or nonfiction that are philosophically and emotionally gripping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, author Baptiste Paul, two children, four rescue cats, and a fluctuating number of gill-bearing aquatic animals.

You can follow her on Twitter @Miranda_Paul or visit her at www.mirandapaul.com

Miranda will be at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center 9/5-9/20. 

Baptiste Paul grew up in St. Lucia, where at age seven he propagated a root cutting that still produces breadfruit for his family. He holds an Environmental Science degree and is the author of The Field, which received multiple starred reviews. He is also the co-author of, I Am Farmer, with Miranda Paul.

 

Learn more at baptistepaul.com &  follow him on Twitter @baptistepaul

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Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

Associate Agent 

 

Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez, an Associate Agent at Olswanger Literary, is a mom, wife, high school math teacher, and picture book author. She's also the co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest, and one of the hosts (along with her critique group--6 Ladies and a MANuscript) of Kidlit Zombie Week.

 

You can follow her on Twitter @KaitlynLeann17 or visit her website www.kaitlynleannsanchez.com

Rita Lorraine Hubbard is the author of The Oldest Student:How Mary Walker Learned to Read (Schwartz & Wade Books), Hammering For Freedom:The William Lewis Story (Lee and Low Books), and African Americans of Chattanooga: A History of Unsung Heroes (The History Press). She manages the history site, The Black History Channel,

and the children's book review site, Picture Book Depot. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

You can follow her on Twitter @RitaLorraine or online at ritahubbard.com.

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Vivian Kirkfield is a retired kindergarten teacher with a masters in Early Childhood Education. She inspires budding writers at conferences and on her blog, Picture Books Help Kids Soar where she hosts the #50PreciousWords International Writing Contest and the #50PreciousWordsforKids Challenge.

 

She is the author of Sweet Dreams, Sarah (Creston Books); Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe (Little Bee Books); From Here to There: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt-1.19.21) and Pedal, Balance, Steer: Annie Londonderry, First Woman to Cycle Around the World (Calkins Creek, Spring 2023).

 

You can follow her on Twitter @viviankirkfield or visit her website at www.viviankirkfield.com 

Lesa Cline-Ransome is the acclaimed author of numerous award-winning picture books, receiving numerous honors and awards from NAACP Awards, Kirkus Best Books, School Library Journal Best Book, New York Public Library Best Book, ALA Notable, an NCTE Notable--to name a few!.

Her body of work includes, Satchel PaigeMajor Taylor: Champion Cyclist, Young Pele: Soccer’s First Star, Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass, Benny Goodman and Teddy Wilson, My Story, My Dance, Just a Lucky So and So: The Story of Louis Armstrong, Germs: Fact and Fiction, Friends and Foes, Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams and The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel Payne and Not Playing by The Rules: 21 Female Athletes Who Changed Sports

 

Her verse biography of Harriet Tubman, Before She Was Harriet was nominated for an NAACP image award & received a Coretta Scott King Honor for Illustration. Her debut middle grade novel, Finding Langston, was the 2019 winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction and received the Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor. The companion, Leaving Lymon released this year. Overground Railroad, Light in the Darkness: How Slaves Learned in Secret, Freedom’s School and Whale Trails: Before and Now are her titles that uncover the hidden stories in American history.   

You can follow Lesa on Twitter @clineransome

One lucky winner will receive an autographed book.

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Rob Sanders is a teacher who writes and a writer who teaches. He is known for his funny and fierce fiction and nonfiction picture books. Rob's recent releases include The Fighting Infantryman: The Storyof Albert Cashier, Transgender Civil War Solider  (Little Bee Books), Bling Blain: Throw Glitter not Shade (Sterling), Pride: Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag (Random House) and Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution (Random House). He is also co-regional advisor for SCBWI Florida.

 

You can follow him on Twitter @RobSandersWrite or visit his site at robsanderswrites.com

One lucky winner will receive an autographed picture book.

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BEAT THE HEAT 

WITH A COOL CRITIQUE

Kirsten W. Larson used to work with rocket scientists at NASA and lucky for us, she now writes books for curious kids. She’s the author of Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane (Calkins Creek, 2020), The Fire of Stars (Chronicle, Fall 2021), along with 25 other nonfiction books for kids.

Find her at kirsten-w-larson.com or on Twitter@KirstenWLarson

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Heather Macht is an active children's author who has been creating stories since the third grade! She earned her degree in fine arts from Florida State College at Jacksonville and holds a career as an I.T. professional. Her picture books include Rex The...We Don't Know (Pelican, 2020), The Ant Farm Escape! (Pelican, 2019) &  You May Just Be A Dinosaur (Pelican, 2015). She's an active member of the SCBWI and also is a volunteer judge for Rate Your Story,

You can follow her on Twitter @AuthorHMacht or on  www.heathermacht.com 

Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection: Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork Publishing). Upcoming books include Sadie’s Shabbat Stories and The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection: The Liberty Bell Train Ride (CFP). Melissa has worked as a lawyer, freelance writer, and early childhood educator. She lives in NYC with her family, and enjoys museums, theatre, and long beach walks.

 

You can follow her on Twitter @MelissaStoller.

Melissa Stoller
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Danielle Dufayet is the author of several books including, Fantastic You, a story about loving yourself as if you were your own best friend. You Are Your Strong, a tale about handling difficult emotions, and  Waiting Together, which launches this September. 

 

You can follow her on Twitter @DanielleDufayet.

Janie Reinart revels in playing with words. As an author, educator, storyteller, and poet, words are her tools. Janie’s debut picture book, Until Water Makes Mud: A Story of Refugee Children splashes on the scene in Summer 2020. When she’s not writing picture books or singing, she’s playing with her 16 grandchildren.

 

You can follow her on Twitter @smile73777.

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Jarm Del Boccio

Jarm (‘J’ pronounced as a 'Y') Del Boccio is devoted to breathing new life into the pages of history, and offers her young readers hope, heart, and a real life hero. Her debut middle grade historical fiction, The Heart Changer, reflects the heartache and angst of a young refugee in a foreign land where all hope seems lost. 

 

You can follow her on Twitter @JarmVee.

Laurie Smollett Kutscera is a children's author and an award-winning graphic designer and illustrator. Her debut book, Misadventures of a Magician’s Son  debuted in Spring 2020. She lives in Long Island with her husband and dog, and when she’s not boating in the bay, she’s working on several contemporary picture books and middle grade novels.

You can follow her on Twitter @lkutscera.

Laurie S Kotscera
Sharon Giltrow

Sharon Giltrow grew up in a large family in South Australia, surrounded by siblings, sheep and barley. When not writing, she works with children with Developmental Language Disorder. Sharon was awarded the Paper Bird Fellowship in 2019. Her picture book, Bedtime Daddy (EK Books, 2020) debuted this spring. 


You can follow her on Twitter @sharon_giltrow.

Stacey Corrigan is an author and second-grade teacher in Michigan. She’s a member of SCBWI and 12 X 12.  Her humorous picture book, The Pencil Eater, debuted in 2019. 
 

You can follow her on Twitter  @StaceyCorrigan3.

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Annette Schottenfeld is passionate about kidlit, hip-hop dance and environmental issues, believing all have the power to change lives. An expert baker & registered dietician, she created the secret recipe for the decadent Uglie Muffin (yum!). Annette lives in New York with her husband, two kids and dog, Her debut informational picture book, Obi’s Mud Bath (Clear Fork Publishing) is based on an actual event in Africa and will launch late 2020.

 

You can follow Annette on Twitter @nettschott

Danielle Freeland is an IT specialist who is passionate about kidlit. She creates stories that inspire hope, joy, and beauty in the world around us. She’s an active member of SCBWI, IBBY, 12x12, and is the Vice President of Book Links (Queensland, Australia).

You can contact her at www.daniellefreeland.com

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Pippa

Pippa Chorley grew up in a picturesque village in England, inventing stories in her garden and creating magical worlds in the woods on family walks. Today she’s an elementary school teacher in Singapore, taking her own family on enchanting hikes. She is the picturebook author of Counting Sheep and Stuffed! 

You can follow her on Twitter @PippaChorley

PICK A FAB FLAVOR: "MINTY MANUSCRIPT" CRITIQUE OR "PEACH PIE" PICTURE BOOK 

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GET THE SCOOP

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Sandra Foreman Sutter is the award-winning author of The Real Farmer in the Dell (Clear Fork Publishing, 2019), a modern gender-bending take on the childhood song, and Stan’s Frightful Halloween (releasing 2020). She is a member of SCBWI and 12x12, and an assistant with the Children’s Book Academy. Her writing spans across genres from fiction and nonfiction picture books through young adult novels. Sandra is donating either a manuscript critique or a copy of her book, The Real Farmer in the Dell. 


You can follow her on Twitter @sandradsutter.

Sandra F Sutter
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Connie Dow is a kidlit author and a dance instructor. When she’s not moving her body to the beat, she’s immersed in writing.  She's the written three books, Dance, Turn, Hop, Learn! Enriching Movement Activities for Preschoolers (Redleaf Press, 2006); One, Two, What Can I Do? Dance and Music for the Whole Day (Redleaf Press, 2011); and the picture book From A to Z with Energy! (Free Spirit Publishing, 2019). Connie is donating either manuscript critique or a copy of her picture book, From A-Z with Energy.

June Smalls’s first poem was published in the first grade and she hasn’t stopped writing since then! A member of SCBWI, she resides in Northern Virginia with her family and ever-growing assortment of animals. She’s the author of She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch and Odd Animal ABC’s as well as books for the educational market. A lucky winner can pick either a manuscript critique or a copy of her book, She Leads. 


You can follow her on Twitter @June_Smalls.

June Smalls
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Tina M. Shepardson is an award-winning teacher for 32 years and author. Her debut picture book, Walkout (Clear Fork Publishing) launches this year. You can find Tina walking around Upstate New York with her family, enjoying the latest snowstorm with her akitas. One lucky writer will win either a manuscript critique or a copy of her debut, Walkout. 
 

You can follow her on Twitter @ShepardsonTina.

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SWAG YOUR BAG 

ACCESSORIZE WITH THE 

PERFECT BEACH READ

Shirn Shamsi  was born and raised in the UK &  now lives in Illinois, where she has raised six children— human and feline. Shirin has been a member of SCBWI since 2010. Laila and the Sands of Time is her debut novel (Clear Fork Publishing, 2019). One lucky writer will win a copy of her novel.
 

You can follow her on Twitter @ShirinsBooks.

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Suzanne J Lipshaw

Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw is a nonfiction children’s book author and elementary special education teacher. Her first picture book, I Campaigned for Ice Cream: A Boy’s Quest for Ice Cream Trucks (April 2019 from Warren Publishing) is the true story of a 9 yr old who wondered why ice cream trucks never rolled down the streets of his neighborhood. One lucky winner will get a copy of her book (ice cream not included :) )


You can follow her on Twitter @SuzanneLipshaw.

Heather Kinser writes at the intersection of story, poetry, and nature from her home on the San Francisco Peninsula. She's a former technical editor who now spends her days writing small stories--to make a big difference for kids! Small Matters: The Hidden Power of the Unseen (Millbrook Press, 2020) takes young readers into a super-close look at details too little to be seen with the human eye, such as the hair on a honeybee’s eye! Heather is giving one lucky prizewinner a copy of her book (shipping in US only). 
 
You can follow her on Twitter @hethfeth.

Heather Kinser
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Gabi Snyder lives in Oregon with her family, including one daredevil dog and a cat who keeps everyone in line. Her love of dogs, counting, and unusual modes of transportation inspired her debut picture book, Two Dogs on a Trike (Abrams Appleseed, 2020). Her upcoming picture book Listen (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books) launches in 2021. One lucky writer will win a copy of Two Dogs on a Trike. 

 

You can follow Gabi on Twitter @Gabi_A_Snyder.

Patricia Saunders fell in love with history in the 6th grade. During her career, she’s been both an arts teacher and an author. Her debut picture book, Mother Teresa: The Little Pencil In God's Hand (Clear Fork, 2019) tells the real story of the young Saint, who was torn between becoming a writer or helping the needy. Her second picture book, It's a Muffuletta! It's a Whata? is coming soon. She’s donating a copy Mother Teresa.
 
You can follow her on Twitter @WriterSaunders.

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Claire Annette Noland is passionate about books for kids. She has made it her life’s work as a writer, teacher, children’s librarian, and mom. Her debut picture book, Evie’s Field Day (Cardinal Rule Press, 2020) ran onto shelves just a few weeks ago. A lucky writer will win a copy of her book.
 

You can follow her on Twitter @claire_noland

Debra Bartsch loves writing from a kids-eye view of the world. She’s active in multiple writing communities including SCBWI Oregon and the Children’s Book Academy. Deb enjoys writing both fiction and nonfiction kidlit. One lucky writer will win a copy of her debut picture book, Crow Spirit (Clear Fork Publishing, 2019). 
 

You can follow Deb on Twitter @deb_bartsch.

Deb Bartsch
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Kat Harrison is a writer, editor, and chronic illness advocate from Michigan. Her writing has been featured in various print and online outlets including Real Simple and New York Family. Surgery on Sunday (Warren Publishing,2020) is her debut picture book that teaches kids they can be brave, even when it’s hard  Kat is giving away a copy of her book.

 

You can follow her on Twitter @xokatharrison.

Eleanor Ann Peterson combines her passion of nature with her love for writing. A member of SCBWI, CANSCAIP, and CBI, Eleanor currently lives in Italy with her husband and three dogs. Her debut picture book, Jurassic Rat (Clear Fork Publishing),tells a whimsical story about a rat trying to care for his family while facing his fears of gigantic dinosaurs! Eleanor is giving away a copy of  her book.

Eleanor A Peterson
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Rinda Beach was a second-grade teacher who read and told stories, until she met a bat in Germany. She learned to edit, thanks to SCBWI classes and critique partners. She established Beach Girl Press to publish her first book, Neil Armstrong’s Wind Tunnel Dream. Her second book, Lake Fun for You & Me launched this spring. One lucky writer will win a copy of Lake Fun.

 

You can follow Rinda on Twitter @BeachRinda

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WIN A SIGNED PICTURE BOOK

(WE LOVE & SUPPORT INDIE BOOKSTORES!) 

GET A READ

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Carla Ketner is an author and the proud owner of an independent bookstore, Chapters Books & Gifts. For over 15 years, this welcoming store has been a fixture in downtown Seward, Nebraska. Carla regularly hosts author signings, children’s camps, book fairs and other special events (virtually, for now). Visit them online at sewardchapters.indielite.com.

 

Carla is donating an autographed copy of Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics by Jean L Patrick.

You can follow Carla on Twitter @sewardchapters.

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