Author Vivian Kirkfield has a new picture book titled, PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE, illustrated by Jill Weber who was recently featured on Illustrator Saturday. It is available in bookstores now. It is coming out next week. Vivian has agreed to share a book with one lucky winner. All you have to do to get in the running is to leave a comment. Reblog, tweet, or talk about it on Facebook with a link and you will get additional chances to win. Just let me know the other things you do to share the good news, so I can put in the right amount of tickets in my basket for you.
Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, reblogging really helps spread the word for a new book. Thanks for helping Vivian!
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
An irresistibly adorable mouse tries to find her Passover plate before sundown when the Seder begins in this colorful Jewish holiday story.
An enchanting mouse scours her cozy, miniature home for her Passover Seder plate with no luck. Sundown is near and the Passover celebration will begin soon. Pippa Mouse must venture out and be brave to ask a cat, a snake, and an owl for help. To her surprise not only are the animals helpful in tracing her plate to the pond, they become her Passover Seder guests. A spread at the end of the book shows the Passover plate with its six essential symbolic items: zeroah (a roasted bone), beitzah,(an egg), maror and charoset (bitter herbs), chazeret (mortar or paste), and karpas (a spring vegetable).
BOOK’S JOURNEY:
You never know what will result in a great story or even a book deal. In 2013, an editor participated in Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo Challenge and shared that she was looking for Jewish holiday books. An opportunity to submit to an editor? WOW! I sat down and a rhyming story about a little mouse who couldn’t find her Seder plate tumbled from my pen. Unfortunately, that editor passed on it. I put the story in a drawer and pretty much forgot about it as I got busy writing a slightly different genre—nonfiction picture book biographies.
Fast forward four years. Late in 2017, a critique buddy told me about a contest sponsored by PJ Library. She reminded me about the mouse story. “That would be perfect,” she said. “You should submit it.” I pulled the story out of the drawer and figured I needed to get a fresh pair of eyes on it. I showed it to an author/illustrator critique buddy. “I’m meeting with one of my editors next week,” she said. “Could I show it to her?” Jill brought it to NYC and within an hour, I had an email from the editor, asking if she should send the contract to me or to my agent.
Yes, I know. That is like a dream. And honestly, these days, I keep wanting to ask people to pinch me to make sure all this good fortune is real. But here’s the thing: when you put yourself out there and do the work and embrace feedback and never give up, you will succeed.
The rest of the journey for Pippa’s Passover Plate was equally dreamlike. I know from experience that this is not always how it goes in this business. Some editors don’t encourage collaboration between author and illustrator. Some illustrators have a totally different vision after they read your text. But Jill got the story and shared early sketches and then the book dummy with me. And I loved her joyful palette and her ability to enrich what I had written and bring my words to life with her fabulous illustrations. She’s even going to create a little Pippa Mouse doll for me to take on my trip around the world next year—be on the lookout for Facebook photos of Pippa at the Sydney Opera House, Buckingham Palace, and the Bologna Book Fair.
VIVIAN’S BIO:
Shhh…don’t tell anyone, but for over seventy years, I’ve been having a love affair…with picture books. As a toddler, I devoured them (both literally and figuratively) and by second grade, I already knew I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher (so I could read lots of picture books to my students). But it wasn’t until I was almost retired and my children were married with kids of their own, that I decided to write a book for parents and teachers. Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking, published in 2010, was a joy to write, but difficult to promote, especially since I had self-published it. Then, in 2011, I turned 64 and my son gave me a surprise gift. We were going skydiving!
I’m so glad I took that leap of faith because, when my feet touched the ground, I knew there was nothing I couldn’t do if I set my mind to it. I’d been fearful of starting a blog—but after jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, starting a blog didn’t seen that intimidating any more. I began to review picture books and discovered Susanna Hill’s website where she reviewed picture books. Inspired by many of her followers who were actively pursuing picture book writing careers, I was hooked! That’s what I wanted to be…a picture book author! I took another leap of faith and with my whole heart I jumped into critique groups, conferences, classes and of course, reading, writing and revising. I signed with Essie White of Storm Literary at the end of 2015 and have been blessed with a bunch of book deals.
But the biggest blessing has been the camaraderie of this incredible kid lit community. There is so much rejection and disappointment that it’s absolutely positively crucial to have the support and encouragement of others. Most of all, I love helping other writers follow their dream because I truly believe that with patience, persistence, productivity, and passion, those dreams will become a reality.
Vivian, thank you for sharing your book and its’ journey with us. Looks like a really good book with cute illustrations. I am sure it will make the winner very happy to receive it. Good Luck!
Talk tomorrow,
Kathy
This looks like a great story. Love the animals’ expressions:)
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By: Becky Ross Michael on January 31, 2019
at 1:02 am
Thanks so much! I was so thrillled with Jill’s illustrations, Becky! She truly brought the characters to life.
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 1:52 pm
Your journey is inspiring, Vivian. How wonderful to know what you want to do with your life at such a young age.
Pippa’s story is a precious idea with lovely illustrations. I wish you great success.
Thanks Kathy for another terrific post.
-Vicki
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By: willowwrites on January 31, 2019
at 7:06 am
So true, Vicki…I agree…I think if a kid knows what they want to do, life is much smoother. But it’s also important to be open to change or something different. And it took me a while longer to grasp that nugget. 🙂
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 1:53 pm
Congratulations, Vivian!! Looking forward to reading it!
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By: jama on January 31, 2019
at 8:04 am
Thanks for the good wishes, Jama! Hope you get to read it real soon!
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 1:54 pm
I enjoy reading all your interviews. You’re always very encouraging to those that are just starting out. The illustrations are fun and I like the color palette! Wishing you the best.
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By: Ashley Congdon on January 31, 2019
at 8:08 am
My greatest joy is helping other writers, Ashley…more than writing myself, if that makes any sense. So glad you are enjoying Jill’s fab art!
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 1:56 pm
I’m so excited about this book! I have been Tweeting about it (just ask Vivian) often and I love everything about PIPPA! 🐭💛📚
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By: authorlaurablog on January 31, 2019
at 10:45 am
You are one of my most ardent supporters, Laura! Happy you are excited about the book…it’s full of joy, for sure.
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 1:58 pm
Vivian, you inspire me in so many ways, personally, creatively and motivationally to stay in the game. Which is not always so fun, is it…
In Pippa’s Passover Plate, you’ve couched tradition in a perfectly structured story, and Jill’s illustrations sparkle with fun and adorableness.
Kathy – I’m pinning, tweeting and promo-ing on FB too. Super excited!
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By: Wendy Wahman on January 31, 2019
at 10:52 am
Oh my…you made my day with your comments, Wendy! Thank you so much. I’m so happy I inspire others…this is such a difficult journey to become a published author…we all need to be encouraged and supported!
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 2:00 pm
Oh my goodness, this book looks absolutely fantastic! I will tweet about it right now too & tag everyone. A big congratulations to Vivian and Jill–so full of warmth and style.
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By: Annina Luck on January 31, 2019
at 11:32 am
YAY for social media shout outs, Annina. I’m grateful…and so happy you love it! Jill’s art is such a huge part of the story!
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 2:02 pm
This story and the pictures are adorable!
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By: shiela Fuller on January 31, 2019
at 11:33 am
It was a lot of fun to write…and Jill tells me it was a lot of fun to illustrate…so it was a win win process, Shiela!
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 2:03 pm
Congratulations! What a great story!
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By: rnewman504 on January 31, 2019
at 11:39 am
Thanks so much, my friend. Glad you love it, Robin!
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 2:05 pm
As always, Vivian you inspire me to keep going! Congrats and I can’t wait to read Pippa’s story. (I have a feeling Pippa might have some future adventures, too!) Hope so!
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By: Judy Wilkins Sobanski on January 31, 2019
at 11:40 am
Power to rhyming books! Congrats.
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By: Natasha Wing on January 31, 2019
at 11:43 am
Totally, Natasha! Most of my early pb manuscripts were in rhyme…but then everyone told me that editors don’t buy rhyming picture books, so I stopped and wrote in prose. But now I did actually write a sequel to Pippa in rhyme…we’ll see if the editor finds it worthy. 🙂
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 2:06 pm
Vivian’s story is so inspiring and gets to the heart of writing: If we work hard and do the editing, put ourselves out there and take that leap of faith – whether from the air or on land – we will achieve our goal! Congratulations on the birth of PIPPA! xo
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By: darlenebeckjacobson on January 31, 2019
at 11:51 am
Thank you, dear Darlene! And that leap of faith out of the plane was definitely a pivotal moment in my life.
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 2:07 pm
Pictures are adorable!
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By: Anitha Kuppuswamy on January 31, 2019
at 11:52 am
Congrats, Vivian! Looks adorable! I shared on Twitter.
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By: Gabi Snyder on January 31, 2019
at 12:53 pm
Congratulations, Vivian, and thanks for sharing your story here. You are such a cheerleader of the #kidlit community – I’m thrilled to see your work fly into the hands and hearts of readers as your career as a picture book creator soars.
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By: ptnozell on January 31, 2019
at 1:18 pm
This sounds like a delightful book, I love the rhyming and kids will too. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
I tweeted a link to this post: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/1091040147901050880, and pinned an image with a link on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.mx/pin/336573772149342116/.
Thanks again, have a great day!!
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By: carlrscott on January 31, 2019
at 1:28 pm
So happy for your success Vivian! Can’t wait to meet Pippa!
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By: Cathy Ballou Mealey on January 31, 2019
at 1:44 pm
Your encouraging words came at the right time. Thanks.
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By: Janet Sheets on January 31, 2019
at 3:46 pm
I am so excited to read Vivian’s book! Thanks for the opportunity.
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By: Kathy Mazurowski on January 31, 2019
at 3:56 pm
Congrats, Vivian. Can’t wait to see the Pippa doll!
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By: tinamcho on January 31, 2019
at 4:28 pm
Thank you so much, Tina…you’ve seen Pippa grow and improve over time.
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 11:47 pm
Fabulous! Congratulations, Vivian! Can’t wait to read about Pippa!
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By: Angie on January 31, 2019
at 5:05 pm
This looks like such an adorable book! Can’t wait to read it.
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By: Sara Fajardo on January 31, 2019
at 5:31 pm
It’s definitely a joyful story, Sara…and I think kids will love the rhyme and the repetition!
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 11:45 pm
Congratulations, Vivian! I’m so happy Pippa is finally in the world! She’s adorable!
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By: donnacangelosi on January 31, 2019
at 5:45 pm
So glad you are excited, Donna! Me, too! It’s been a wonderful journey with this book!
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 11:44 pm
Vivian, congrats on another book!
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By: supermario6 on January 31, 2019
at 6:32 pm
Thank you so much…I truly appreciate your kind words and loyal support of my books and my blog!
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 11:43 pm
I’m so happy for you Vivian. Pippa is just the sweetest mouse. I’ll retweet this post. Congratulations!
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By: jeanjames926 on January 31, 2019
at 9:08 pm
Thanks so much, Jean! When I saw Jill Weber’s illustration of Pippa, it was instant love at first sight. She captured Pippa’s sweet nature and joyful spirit.
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 11:42 pm
I heard through Maira M. and our writing group that you had a Passover book coming out. We haven’t met yet. I also write Jewish stories. But have not tackled Passover 🙂 !
I would loved to read your sweet story to my Jewish preschool class ages 3-5. We are preparing for the next two months to learn about Passover and the Seder plate is a big focus. Perfect timing of course. As we’d say: Mazel Tov (good luck or congratulations) on your accomplishment! Such talent.
Cindy Droker
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By: Cindy Droker on January 31, 2019
at 9:52 pm
That is fabulous, Cindy. And it is lovely to meet you. I taught kindergarten and Head Start in NYC many many years ago. 🙂 And on Friday, Feb 8, you’ll find a Perfect Picture Book Friday post on my blog starring Pippa…and as always, I provide a craft for kids…on that day it will be a paper plate Seder plate, with the food items cut from magazines and pasted on the plate. But there is also a link to the PJ Library website (Pippa is a PJ Library approved selection this year – YAY) where they offer some lovely background information about the Passover holiday and another paper plate Seder plate craft…this time using cupcake/muffin liners to glue onto the plate. Thank you for your good wishes…I’m excited for Pippa to take her first steps into the world!
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 11:40 pm
Can’t wait to read this!! Congrats!
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By: RebeccaTheWriter on January 31, 2019
at 10:31 pm
Thank you so much, Rebecca…it’s a thrill to see Pippa going out into the world.
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By: viviankirkfield on January 31, 2019
at 11:41 pm
This looks so charming, Vivian! Congratulations!
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By: marlainawrites on February 1, 2019
at 11:34 am
What an amazing story! I have always admired Vivian and am so proud for her!
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By: amshahen1 on February 1, 2019
at 1:57 pm
Another beautiful interview with Vivian. Go you girl! So looking forward to my copy of Pippa when she arrives, hopefully before you get here. Will be lovely having you both here with me.
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By: Diane Tulloch on February 1, 2019
at 3:21 pm
You are an inspiration!
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By: thecrowsmap on February 2, 2019
at 12:41 am
I love this interview, Vivian! Yes, what a dream situation you had from acquisition to publication. But you certainly deserve it, and I agree with you that putting yourself out there and doing the work is the key to success in this industry. I’m so thrilled for you, my friend! And I look forward to sharing Pippa with my kids.
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By: Abi Cushman on February 2, 2019
at 1:01 am
I am so proud of knowing you Vivian, you transmit Joy thru your writing and inspire the Kid lit community by helping and promoting writers!! You are awesome and I am proud of knowing you!! I fell in love with PIPPA’s story as the illustrator did!!! Fabulous illustrations for a fantastic story!!! Greetings from Greece!
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By: agatharodi on February 2, 2019
at 5:41 am
What a great interview and book! Congrats, Vivian, on a lovely story and adorable book! ❤
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By: Beth Gallagher on February 2, 2019
at 1:42 pm
Love the reminder that CPs are the best!!
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By: Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez on February 2, 2019
at 11:44 pm
Your story is so inspiring, Vivian. I also am starting to write later in life after teaching (in Brooklyn) and lawyering careers. I have some Jewish-themed MSs, but nothing like Pippa’s Passover Plate. Congratulations on this wonderful book and on being selected by PJ Library.
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By: Arlene Schenker on February 4, 2019
at 6:14 pm
Vivian, Pippa looks precious! You continue to be an uplifting source of inspiration in our kidlit community! I wish so much success for you and Pippa!
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By: Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor) on February 5, 2019
at 11:09 pm