Aug 1, 2019

Announcing THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE

I am thrilled to announce that my poetry will be included in the upcoming anthology THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE (September 3, 2019, Millbrook/Lerner). The anthology is edited by author Miranda Paul and illustrated by Marlena Myles and includes many different types of poems about being thankful for all that we have, each and every day. The talented and diverse group of authors write about a variety of topics, each using a different poetic format, and Marlena Myles’ stunning artwork perfectly illustrates each poem.




The poems I contributed to THANKU are math poems—one of my favorite types of poetry—which I discussed in three posts in the past (on you can find these here, here, and here). I cannot tell you what an honor it is for my poetry to be included in this book alongside authors I have long admired, such as Jane Yolen, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Renee LaTulippe, Sylvia Liu, Cythia Leitich-Smith, and SO MANY others! I am also thrilled that three of my local critique group members also have poetry in this anthology—Chrystal Giles, Megan Hoyt, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton. We are currently planning two book signing events in the Charlotte area and are excited to have four contributors in one place!

A portion of the proceeds from THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE will go to We Need Diverse Books, a “non-profit and a grassroots organization of children’s book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people.” For more information, please here.

Please consider purchasing a copy of THANKU! This book will be a wonderful addition to your personal picture book collection and would also make an excellent contribution to any classroom library. THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE will be available through online booksellers and can be ordered through your local bookstores beginning September 3rd. "THANKU" in advance for your support!


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An excerpt from the July 15th issue of Kirkus:  

THANKU: Poems of Gratitude
Editor:
Miranda Paul
Illustrator: Marlena Myles
Publisher: Millbrook/Lerner
Pages: 40
Price ( Hardcover ): $19.99
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
ISBN ( Hardcover ): 978-1-5415-2363-0
Category: Poetry
An anthology of diverse voices united by the theme of giving thanks. In her editorial debut, Paul 
(Nine Months: Before a Baby Is Born, 2019, etc.) pairs over 30 poems with Myles' (Spirit Lake Dakota/Mohegan/Muscokee Creek) spirited illustrations capturing favorite things for which the nearly three-dozen poets represented here are thankful. Motivated by the sentiment that gratitude should be expressed year-round, Paul collects poems as varied in form as content...Myles' colorful digitally rendered illustrations help contextualize the poems, saturated, often abstract backgrounds complementing neatly outlined, diverse figures...Lovely lyric lessons in appreciating the ordinary. (Picture book/poetry. 6-10) 


An excerpt from the August 1st issue of Booklist:
Thanku: Poems of Gratitude.
Ed. by Miranda Paul. Illus. by Marlena Myles
Sept. 2019. 40p. Lerner/Millbrook, $19.99 (9781541523630). 

Gr. 1–4. 811
Authors from diverse backgrounds contribute poems (each displaying a distinct literary form) focusing on the concept that gratitude is appropriate in all seasons, not only at Thanksgiving...Myles' full-color digital illustrations exhibit variety as well, and she is equally adept at creating panoramic vistas, playground close-ups, and inventive collages...Appended with an explanation of poetic forms, biographical information on the creators, and an editor's note, this attractive and accessible collection should be popular with browsers and useful for creative writing classes. 
— Kay Weisman

4 comments:

  1. Becky, this is such wonderful news. Congratulations my friend!!! Please bring a copy to the conference--I just tried to order one but it won't show up (even with ISBN). It's probably too early. I can't wait to see you in it. Congratulations!!!

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  2. Dear Becky,
    This is so wonderful. I am very happy for you!!! Congratulations!
    Love, Joan

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  3. Congrats!
    Your bud,
    Brian MacDaid

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congrats, Becky! What an honor to be in this book.

    ReplyDelete

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