Soon to hurl into the world . . . THE BIG BOOK OF BARF!
I am delighted to share the spewtiful cover of my very first book!
Say “hurl-o” to Chuck, Professor Anita Puke, and Queezy (she’s the little cutie bouncing on the big B in BARF).
All 288 pages of THE BIG BOOK OF BARF hurls into the world January 2025. It’s available for pre-order now from your favorite independent bookstore (and Barnes and Noble, Target, Amazon too).
Published by Bright Matter Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. For ages 8 – 10.
Do you want the good news or the bad news? Okay: the bad news first. There is no shortcut tosuccess. The good news is, it’s doable. ~ Don Santo
Congratulations to Elizabeth Sundling–winner of the WHEN THE RAIN CAME DOWN! Please use the Comment page to provide your mailing address and Frog on a Dime will be hoppy to send you your prize! Many thanks to everyone who entered and for all of your kind comments for Leslie.
Enter to win your very own copy of Leslie’s NEW picture book from Macmillan Books–WHEN THE RAIN CAME DOWN–a beautiful heart-warmer, illustrated by Keisha Morris, about community rising up when the rain comes down. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post by noon on Friday, May 24.
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Okay, my little Forget Me Nots, now let’s jump into our guest post. Take it away, Leslie!
“The first art director I ever spoke to about my work asked me this question: If you could only do one thing, would it be to write or to illustrate? I was annoyed. Couldn’t I do both? ‘KEEP WORKING ON IT,’ he said. I know he was trying to get me to focus on one thing at a time. Trying to do two things well, can take longer, of course. But I wanted to do both.
“The first manuscript I sold was called THE SMUSHY BUS. The publisher wanted someone else to illustrate. They were looking for a project for Salvadore Murdocca, the well-established illustrator of THE MAGIC TREEHOUSE BOOKS. He was a known name and I was not. So I agreed and was sure I would illustrate my next book. Meanwhile, I would KEEP WORKING on it.
“The next art I created was for BIG CHICKENS. But . . . it had no emotion, no character. Another well-established illustrator, Henry Cole, got the nod for this project. I agreed. Just look at how much character these chickens have!
“A few books later I wrote WOOLBUR. I was sure I was ready to illustrate. But no. The publisher was insistent that someone else do the art. It was a big publisher and the only offer I got. I ultimately agreed.
“I next wrote FAIR COW and that same publisher was interested BUT . . . again, they wanted someone else to illustrate. I paused.
Should I pass up this chance to have the book come out with a big publisher?
Should I allow someone else to do the art or should I keep trying?
Should I stick to one thing like that long ago AD suggested?
“While I was pondering, I set up a critique with an award-winning illustrator. I told him about the offer and asked his advice. Without hesitation, he said he would let someone else do the art. I was crushed. I felt like giving up. But . . . I kept working.
“I asked for and received lots of advice. Friend and well-known illustrator, Matt Faulkner, helped me focus on character: ‘Is this an Eva Gabor pig or a Phyllis Diller pig?’
“Illustrator Lori Eslick reminded me to paint for myself. I painted more and worried less. Ultimately, I sent FAIR COW out to a small press with new art and . . . the publisher loved it.
“Since then, I’ve illustrated 5 of my 17 titles. Sometimes editors want a different style for a project. Sometimes I agree and sometimes I do not. I still have to work at it.
“I have two projects out this spring, one I’ve illustrated and one I have not. The first is GATOR’S BIG MOUTH, where three alligators face the big bad winds of a hurricane. I had a lot of fun writing AND illustrating this one.
“And WHEN THE RAIN CAME DOWN, written by me and illustrated by Keisha Morris–a beautiful heart-warmer about community rising up when the rain comes down.
“I saw that illustrator who crushed my spirit a few years after he dismissed my work. He complimented my current work and asked to see more. He didn’t remember his earlier comment and certainly had no idea how hard what he’d said hit me. Some feedback can give you hope and some can drop-kick you into working harder. Maybe it has taken me longer to reach my dream of being an author/illustrator than if I’d focused on one thing. But maybe I got where I needed to be right on time. “
Leslie, thank you so much for your transparency. Your story is inspiring and your picture books are treasures for young (and not so young!) readers. We look forward to many more books written AND illustrated by you!
I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way—things I had no words for. ~ Georgia O’Keeffe
My mere polliwog of a blog has wriggled its way into a full-fledged froggy. I think that’s worth celebrating, don’t you? Let’s dust off the Dime and have a grand time with a giveaway!
Leave a comment on this blog post by 11 p.m. on Friday, December 22, and you’ll be entered to win a surprise package filled with 11 prizes designed to delight, inspire and encourage you. It’ll come your way in January to give you a (gentle!) post-holiday push.
This coming year will be filled with exciting preparation for the release of my first book in January 2025. Be sure to hop by to see what’s happening, including fresh pages and inside scoops on publication news.
And, as always, my little dew drops, words of encouragement will be waiting for you!
The secret of making progress is to get started. ~ Mark Twain
On this 12th birthday, I’m hoppy to dole out a dozen reasons I’m grateful for Frog on a Dime:
I’m grateful-grateful-grateful for all of you, my little twinkling tadpoles.
I’m grateful for your kind comments and encouragement. You’ve kept me hopping (versus hobbling) forward.
I’m grateful for the companionship this little blog provides. (Confession: I was trembly-terrified when it came time to publish my very first post. What if no one notices?)
I’m grateful for this space to capture random sparks of imagination, ruminations and images.
I’m grateful to Darcy Pattison, a wise children’s author and publisher. Darcy emphasized the importance of obtaining a domain name and establishing an online presence to protect against invisibility. And I did it.
I’m grateful to illustrator extraordinaire Matt Faulkner for the amphibitastic image of Frog on a Dime (as proudly displayed above).
I’m grateful for the opportunity to encourage you along your winding, wondrous creative journeys.
I’m grateful for this stockpile of memories to revisit and the way it reveals (at least some) progress.
I’m grateful for this connection with readers, librarians, teachers, and other such brilliant bibliophiles.
I’m grateful to authors and illustrators who welcome interviews, and I’m thankful I get to promote their work.
I’m grateful to offer you a giveaway in celebration of Frog on a Dime’s 12th birthday!
Giveaway details . . .
Enter to win an autographed copy of THE BIG BOOK OF BARF. BONUS: a complimentary barf bag (sporting googly eyes!)
Leave a comment about what you’re grateful for (e.g., new friendships, writing breakthroughs, experiences you’re looking forward to like a workshop or conference, a new technique you’ve learned or resource you’ve discovered or whatever makes you thankful).
Post the comment here or on Facebook.
HOP TO IT! Your entry must be posted by 12 (noon) on 12/20.
Oh, and if you like, go ahead and share this giveaway news with a friend. And aren’t you kind.
Onward to Lucky Year 13! Ever forward, my little sparklers! We will continue to keep each other encouraged in 2025.
The year I turned twelve, I learned that what I said and what I did mattered. ~ Lauren Wolk, Wolf Hollow
Congratulations to Danielle Hammelef! You’ve won an autographed copy of THE BIG BOOK OF BARF, plus the bonus BARF BAG! I’ll send it your way as soon as the book officially hurls into the world on January 28! Many thanks to everyone who participated. I am grateful for you!
Does the mere mention of the holiday season make you queasy, my sensitive little sugar plums? Let Frog on a Dime set you at ease. Here’s what you do . . .
Be among the first 30 to respond. You’ll get a spewtiful barf bag to give to that young reader. Inside is a personalized, autographed message with the exciting news a Happy Spew Year gift arrives soon. (THE BIG BOOK OF BARF releases all over the world on January 28, 2025. Messy!)
HURRY! Offer ends December 1 or while supplies last.
Wishing you peace–and good health–this holiday season, my Cocoa Cups of Kindness!
A sure crowd pleaser . . . this info-gusher, plainly a labor of love, will draw readers like flies. ~ KIRKUS REVIEWS
My little pumpkin spice muffins, I have a treasure in my kitchen. My husband’s aunt compiled and shared an entire box of family recipes. This is his mom’s chunky potato soup. My goodness, that lady could cook. We miss her. Making her recipes, like retelling her stories, somehow keeps the connection alive.
The next time you yearn for soul-satisfying home cooking, reach for this recipe. It’s simple and so delicious. After a warm bowl of cheesy, potato-y yumminess, you’ll be ready to wrestle with revisions, write the perfect rhyme or create a colorful masterpiece.
Chunky Potato Soup from the Kitchen of Charlene Lorencen
Ingredients
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup cubed ham
Instructions
Add potatoes to boiling water, cook until tender. Drain, reserving 2 cups of the potato water.
Melt butter in a large sauce pan. Add onion and cook until tender and brown. Add flour, season. Cook 3 – 4 minutes. [I used a dash of salt, pepper and garlic salt to season. And I found I needed to add one more tablespoon of butter once I added the flour.]
Gradually add the reserved water, potatoes, milk and sugar to the sauce pan. Stir well. Add cheese and ham. Simmer over low heat about 30 minutes, stirring often. [I chose to use half and half instead of milk. I’m not sure what purpose the sugar serves–perhaps a flavor enhancer? To stay true to the recipe, I added it.]
Enjoy!
Hints for even faster and easier soup prep (I hope Charlene would approve!):
Look for bags of chopped onion in the frozen veggie section of your grocery store. They’re very inexpensive, can be used directly from your freezer–and save you both time and tears!
Cubed ham is sold in the meat section. (You can use leftover ham in omelettes, quiche, pizza topping, etc.)
Shredded cheese is in the dairy case. (Of course, you know that already.) If you have time, shredding cheese at home is not only less expensive, the cheese will melt easier and create an even creamier soup.
Cooking is at once child’s play and adult joy. ~ Craig Claiborne, food writer and former food editor of the New York Times
A new school year begins this week. I’ll watch as kids bounce down the steps of their buses and enter the school mere footsteps from my back door. Every fall, those children remind me of my own when they were in elementary school. They also take me back to my school days and spark memories of my favorite teachers. If you don’t mind, my little gold stars, I’d like to tell you about some of them. I hope my recollections inspire some sweet memories for you too. Honor your teachers by telling your kids or grandchildren about them, won’t you?
Janet Schafer
You were my 4th grade teacher at Blackman Elementary in Jackson, Michigan. I remember the day you invited all of us to come to your house. Now, by age 9, I was old enough to recognize the concept of teachers having lives outside of school, but actually going to my teacher’s home . . . wow. The funny thing is, I don’t remember a whole lot about that day. I have no idea how we got to your house, what we did once we got there or even what your house looked like. But I do remember feeling honored. You made me feel special another time when you sent me a card to congratulate me on my high school graduation. You kept track of such things? You found my new address (in pre-Internet days!). Once again, wow.
Barbara Eickholt
You were my world humanities teacher at Jackson’s Northwest High School. You introduced me to the best in classical literature, in history, in art and philosophy and got me ready for success in college. As if that weren’t enough, you recognized, challenged, affirmed and encouraged my writing abilities (such as they were back then!). And you did even more than that. You made me feel seen, and you gifted me, your “little elf,” with your friendship. Wow.
Frances White Ewbank
You were my freshman English professor at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Not only were you an exceptional scholar, you were an example of empathy. I remember arriving in your classroom on the day of our first exam. Do I remember what the test covered? No, I do not. Here’s what I do recall. You walked into the room, which fell silent immediately. As blue books were passed from desk to desk, you went to your lectern and bowed your head. You prayed for all of us. I suppose some would have taken this as a sign that we were about to take a grueling exam, but I felt honored by your empathy and kindness. Once again, all I can say is wow.
I’d love to hear about your favorite teacher. Please take a moment to share. Thank you!
Nine-tenths of education is encouragement. ~ Anatole France
Teaching is the greatest act of optimism. ~ Colleen Wilcox
The original spark of inspiration for writing a book about barf came out of seemingly nowhere (much like the urge to vomit). In 2020, the initial concept was a simple book, likely a 32-page picture book listing the various silly words we use for vomit. It’d be in alphabetical order, so a “ralphabet” book.
But then, my agent who was very enthusiastic about the idea, suggested I add definitions to each word. (And between you and me, I thought, How am I supposed to do that? They all mean the same thing!)
But then, I wrote those definitions (and it was actually pretty fun). Fast forward four years, and new we have, not a picture book, but a non-fiction title for middle grade readers. THE BIG BOOK OF BARF, in its final, shipped-to-the-printer form is 288 pages and weighs in at nearly 3 pounds! (It’s not called BIG for nothin’.)
But then, there’s no denying the book overflows with silly stuff. There’s plenty of science schmooshed in there too. Perhaps because I began writing in the midst of a pandemic when respect for science was, sadly, in decline, I was all the more determined to ensure the non-fiction elements were accurate and trustworthy. Kids deserve that. The more I researched, the more I discovered how much I didn’t know I didn’t even know about the human body and the way it helps us before we even know we need it. It’s incredible.
Curiosity cajoled me to keep asking questions and foraging for facts. My ultimate aim was to create a science-based book with an intimidation factor of minus 10 so that even kids who are reading reluctant or think science is “boring” might feel free to wander in. The book is intentionally divided into easy-to-digest “chunks” so young readers can enjoy it a bite at a time (and then spew the facts around to their friends!). And yes, it’s still divided into “ralphabetical” order.
I can’t wait to visit schools and libraries to share what I’ve learned and to hear what readers have to say about it.
But then, I may end up hearing a lot of kid’s “hurl-rific” stories. I’m more than okay with that.
“Curiouser and curiouser!” cried Alice. ~ Lewis Caroll
Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. ~ Lewis Caroll
You’ve been invited to give an interview. How exciting! Let’s get you ready, my little Key Lime Pie!
Besides being a children’s book author, I’m also a PR specialist. (15 years and counting!) Allow me to pass along the tips I share with the people I schedule for interviews.
Practice and apply these basic tips and you’ll become more polished, poised and professional with each experience. Why, you’ll feel cooler than a watermelon slice on ice. Your audience will think you’re cool too. This may be crazy talk, but hey, you may even learn to enjoy being in the hot seat!
TV interview
Watch prior interviews the host has conducted, if possible. Take note of their style, tempo, the types of questions they typically ask, and their sense of humor (or lack thereof!). Now, imagine yourself chatting with them.
Unless directed otherwise, look at the interviewer, not the camera.
Avoid wearing checks or stripes. Simple, solids are your best option.
To give yourself a chance to make any necessary wardrobe adjustments, practice sitting/standing in the clothes you plan to wear.
Arrive 10 – 15 minutes early to give the station crew time to attach your mic and run through anything they’d like you to know or expect before it’s your turn.
Speak up if you have concerns or nagging questions before the interview so that you can feel confident, and both you and the interviewer you can have a positive, upbeat experience.
See tips for radio interviews.
Call-in radio interview
Use a landline, if available, to avoid being dropped mid-conversation.
Smile as you speak, if appropriate to the topic.
Have a mirror in front of you so you’ll have “someone” visible to talk to. It will remind you to smile.
Ask how long the interview will be so you can pace yourself. Note, if an interview is very brief (e.g. 2 minutes or less), don’t let that pressure you into speaking too fast.
Prepare a cheat sheet of answer prompts to anticipated questions, but not a word-for-word script. You’ll be too tempted to read it and you’ll come off sounding stiff or rehearsed.
Have a glass of water handy. (A bottle takes too much time to open.)
Zoom/Skype/Web interview
Make sure you have the technology loaded to your device prior to the interview.
Set up a professional, clutter-free background.
Position your device so that the interviewer can see you square on, as if you are seated across a table from one another. Avoid looking down at the screen.
Adjust the screen so the interviewer sees more of you and less of the background.
Have your notes, pen, phone, etc. within easy reach.
Look into the camera when you are speaking. You can look at the screen otherwise.
Speak slowly and clearly.
Pay attention to the mute button.
For any interview
Thank the interviewer at the top of the interview and at the close.
Be your authentic, wonderful self. If you misspeak, quickly correct yourself, and move on.
Prepare a “cheat sheet” with basic information for easy reference, such as:
Street address/date/hours/details – for an upcoming book signing, workshop or event you’re promoting. It’s better to have the information ready and ignore it than to have your memory go POOF! mid-sentence.
Your web site URL, social media handles and/or how to contact you. (Who knows. Someone listening may want to invite you to your next interview!)
Provide your interviewer with a synopsis of your book, your headshot and image of your book cover to use for pre-interview promotion.
Offer the interviewer a signed copy of your book to use a giveaway to their audience.
Practice with a friend.
Give your friend/interviewer a list of the questions you’re likely to asked, then give them the okay to throw in a few unexpected questions.
Record your interview. Count on not liking the sound of your voice. It’s a hang up we all have.
Ask your friend for honest feedback and record that too.
You’re going to be fabulous!
Photo by Vicky Lorencen, Lily Pond, Fredrik Meijer Gardens 2024
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying. ~ Oscar Wilde
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
My little glistening spring peepers, Frog on a Dime is overjoyed to host the ever-delightful picture book author Kristen Remenar. Her latest book–SQUIRREL NEEDS A BREAK (illustrated by her talented husband Matt Faulkner)–scampers to shelves everywhere on May 7, 2024. You can preorder it now from your favorite booksellers (after you read Kristen’s post, of course!).
Comment on this post by noon on Friday, April 26, for a chance to win a personally autographed copy of SQUIRREL NEEDS A BREAK.*
Take it away, Kristen!
Illustrator Matt Faulkner & Author Kristen Remenar (Photo credit: Scott Orser)
I was a children’s librarian for thirteen years until I had a stroke in 2016 and I was an elementary school teacher before that. I was also a national speaker on using picture books to teach reading skills. For those careers I read literally thousands of picture books which I think made me a much better writer. I learned what I liked and what kids responded to. If you need picture book recommendations and free activities for kids, go to my website: kristenremenar.com!
In SQUIRREL NEEDS A BREAK, Squirrel starts off very grumpy because he’s spent a long winter stuck in the nest alone with his kits. I remember my days as a single mom with little ones. Feeling like I had to do everything on my own could feel very overwhelming! I found, like Squirrel does, that having support from friends can make a world of difference. Cheers to all those who help us get through the “little kit” years!
GROUNDHOG’S DILEMMA was the first book in the Groundhog & Friends world. SQUIRREL NEEDS A BREAK is the second book. Matt Faulkner, illustrator extraordinaire and world’s best husband, is currently working on the art for the third book, OWL, PLATYPUS, AND THE FALL FEAST FIASCO, coming in the fall of 2025!
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Thank you, Kristen! We cannot wait to meet Squirrel and all his faithful, furry friends.
Meet Kristen and Matt, and take home a personally autographed copy of SQUIRREL NEEDS A BREAK, when you stop by one of their upcoming bookstore visits. (Frog on a Dime recommends picking up at least one extra copy for Father’s Day!)
For more information, check out Kristen’s web site or find her on Facebook (Kristen Remenar) or Instagram (Kristen_Remenar).
Friendship is like a sheltering tree. ~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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*Congratulations to Jocelyn Levin, winner of the Frog on a Dime book giveaway!
Jocelyn will receive her very own personally autographed copy of SQUIRREL NEEDS A BREAK. Jocelyn, your book has been pre-ordered so that it can be sent to you as soon as possible following its May 7 release date. So happy for you! (Jocelyn, please contact me with your mailing address via Facebook (Vicky Lorencen) or by posting a message on the Frog on a Dime “Contact Me” page. Thank you!
Many thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway and shared such kind, encouraging words. You’re so sweet. I’m sure Squirrel would love to call you all friends!
In January 2025, my very first children’s book will be hurled into the world: THE BIG BOOK OF BARF – A Spewnami of Sick Science, Hurled History and Body Oddities in Ralphabetical Order. My publisher is Bright Matter, a non-fiction imprint of Random House Books for Children. Woo hoo!!
Day after day, my noggin is rumbling with random thoughts like these:
Seriously? I’m going to be a 62 year old debut author! How? WHAT?!!
Got to start a list of all of the people I want to thank for encouraging me all these years (and years and years). That’s going to be a long list.
This is real. Like for reals real. It’s actually happening. Maybe it’s finally safe to celebrate.
Publishing is one random, subjective business.
It’s true. Preparation pays off.
Got to find a way to express my gratitude to my family in a tangible way.
Wish I could reconnect with my teachers from across the years who recognized, challenged and championed my abilities.
I’m finally going to have my very own ISBN!!!
So glad I went to that SCBWI-MI workshop in March 2020 to learn how to create a non-fiction book proposal. I followed the “recipe” and it worked!
Presenting at the elementary school where I was a student and my kids went to school will be surreal.
Never ever thought I’d write a whole book about barf, but the whole process was a joy.
I need to come up with a snappy comeback for when kids inevitably ask, “How old are you?”
Better get noodling on my next non-fiction project and perfecting a new proposal.
Wondering if I’ll get to do a dedication page. What’ll I say?
Can’t believe this book was sparked by a serendipitous, random comment during an ordinary conversation. Magic!
Is it too self-centered to worry that commotion over the presidential election will interfere with my debut. (Uh. Probably!)
What if my publisher goes belly up before my book comes out?
Please oh please do not ask me to write a second book (an “eek”quel to THE BIG BOOK OF BARF) about #2. (I poo poo that idea!} Love non-fiction, but not that!
Chuckling over the thought of my obituary. “Children’s author Vicky Lorencen will be remembered for THE BIG BOOK OF BARF.” I love the thought of making people laugh even after I’m gone.
I am going to hear a ‘hurl” lot of barf stories.
My name is about to change to Children’s Author Vicky Lorencen. I sure like the sound of that.
Wonder how I’ll react when I hold my book for the first time.
Can’t wait to do school visits. (First, I need to get tips from all my friends who are pros.) It also reminds me of #16.
I need to get in better shape so I’ll have energy to enjoy what’s ahead.
Hoping kids will really, really, really like my book. Yes, really.
Wouldn’t it be cool if my success encourages another writer who is still in the “waiting room.”
It’s so weird how this feels inevitable. Why or how, I don’t know, but it does.
Sure this sounds crazy, but I fantasize about speaking at the SCBWI winter conference in NY and wonder what song to I want playing as I approach the podium. (No point waiting till the last minute–or for an invitation to speak.)
BONUS! Everyone who entered Frog on a Dime’s 11th Birthday Giveaway can look forward to receiving a very special surprise in February. Thank you so much for your patience and encouragement!
So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you’ll move mountains. ~ Dr. Seuss
Welcome to Frog on a Dime 