Apr21

A Squirrelly Guest Post with Kristen Remenar (and bonus book giveaway!)

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Published by Charlesbridge Publishing

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!)

Upcoming Michigan bookstore visits include:

May 11: 2 Dandelions Bookshop in Brighton, MI at 11am

May 18: Sidetrack Bookshop in Royal Oak, MI at 11 am

May 19: The Book Beat in Oak Park, MI at 2 pm

May 25: Schuler Books in West Bloomfield, MI at 11 am

June 1: Orion Township Public Library in Lake Orion, MI at 11 am

June 8: Eras Bookstore in Oxford, MI at 11 am

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!

28 responses »

  4. Congratulations on your new book! And congratulations to Squirrel for accepting some help with the little ‘uns. We ALL need help SOMEtimes!

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  5. I am excited for Squirrel Needs A Break! Kids, like grownups, can get overwhelmed by TOO MUCH and it’s good to see a picture book that addresses this topic in a fun way. Can’t wait to place this on my shelf next to Groundhog’s Dilemma. Hooray for Kristen and Matt!!

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    • Thank you, my beloved mentor! Yes, there are times when we could all use a little bit of help and it’s good to know we can call upon our family of friends.

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  8. Kristen is a remarkably kind and thoughtful person, who drove 90 minutes to my house to welcome me home after my stroke in 2015 with bags of groceries. Her stroke hit her hard, and for years she did her best to live each day.

    But the storyteller in her climbed up the steep mountain, and she’s back to creating indelible characters with tales to tell. Hooray, hooray for my good friend.

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