Book Giveaway: WAY PAST JEALOUS by Hallee Adelman

Author Hallee Adelman’s latest picture books, Way Past Jealous and Way Past Sad, launched April 1st! She has agreed to share a giveaway for one lucky winner: a signed copy of Way Past Jealous with fun book swag! All you have to do to get in the running is leave a comment. If you Re-blog, Tweet, Post on Instagram, or talk about it on Facebook with a link and the hashtag #waypastjealous, you will get additional chances to win. 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, Instagram, Reblogging and writing a review on Goodreads or Amazon, really helps spread the word for a new book. Thanks for helping to support children’s books and kind authors like Hallee!

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Sometimes, being jealous can make everything feel worse.

Yaz is jealous. Way past jealous. Yaz loves to draw, but no one ever notices her pictures. Everyone is giving Debby and her drawings all the attention. One of Debby’s pictures even got put up on the board for the “Stars of the Week.” Now Yaz’s jealousy is making her think ugly things, and even act mean! How can she get past jealous? This sweet, engaging story speaks to social and emotional learning and guides kids as they learn to acknowledge and manage feelings of jealousy.

BOOK JOURNEY:

Being able to remind readers that they are stars just for being themselves is a true joy as an author. Honestly, it is also a big reason why I write at all. I want kids to hold onto their strengths and their power in tough moments. I want kids to know they shine whether or not anyone comments or notices. These sentiments are brought forward through my main character, Yaz, Way Past Jealous.

When I first started writing Way Past Jealous, I learned that envy was different than jealousy. According to child therapists, envy connects to an advantage: someone wants your cool, sequined outfit; someone wants your Disney World vacation; someone wants your blue eyes. Jealousy connects to relationships: someone wants the attention their sibling is getting; someone wants to feel like the teacher’s favorite; someone wants to be your one and only best friend.

Working with jealousy as the primary emotion, I considered the root of my main character’s feelings. I asked: “Why does Yaz care if Debby is getting all the attention? Why does it matter if their teacher hangs Debby’s work instead of hers? What is motivating Yaz’s frustration and her actions and her reactions?”

I started to picture Yaz staring at her feet with slumped shoulders. This defeated posture brought an “ah ha” moment about what drove Yaz’s jealousy: Yaz felt small, unseen, and unimportant.

As a main character, Yaz makes some pretty big mistakes. She starts to ignore Debby. She acts mean toward other kids who are celebrating Debby. She even secretly pulls Debby’s drawing off the board for the “Stars of the Week,” making Yaz feel even worse. Of course, Yaz makes all of these mistakes as her jealousy swirls, because she forgets that Debby is not the only star of the week. Even though her friends and teacher are not focused on Yaz, and even though Yaz does not feel like it, she is already a star herself.

I was excited to “see” Yaz recognize this by the end of the book. Kirkus gave Yaz a star, too. J Karen Wall really brought the star imagery forward in her illustrations. I love that during Yaz’s lowest moment, she sits on a blanket filled with stars. I also love that Moe Ferrara from BookEnds, along with Wendy McClure and the Albert Whitman team, believed in this vision and helped make the book the best it could be.

Starting May 10th I’m hosting the second annual Book Song Challenge @waypastbooks on Instagram. There will be a surprise co-host announced this week. To enter, kids select their favorite book from the school year and sing about it. Three kids will win a grand prize: $1000 book gift card for their school or local library with a $75 book gift card for themselves. No one has to feel way past jealous of any other entrant, because like Yaz learns in Way Past Jealous, all participants are already stars!!!

Way Past Jealous and Way Past Sad launched this April 1st as part of the Great Big Feelings Series. Two more titles in the series are headed your way in 2022!

For activities, videos and more visit: www.waypastbooks.com

For more about Hallee and her work visit: www.halleeadelman.com

For more about Sandra, the illustrator of Way Past Mad and Way Past Worried, visit: https://www.sandradelaprada.com/

For more about Karen, the illustrator of Way Past Sad and Way Past Jealous, visit: http://www.karenwall.com/

For more Albert Whitman titles visit: www.albertwhitman.com

For more about Moe Ferrara and BookEnds Literary visit: https://bookendsliterary.com/

Author’s extra note:

I’m so honored to be sharing this story on Kathy’s blog. Her work as former Regional Advisor of the NJSCBWI, gave me and other writers life-changing experiences. I couldn’t think of a more perfect host to blog-launch my books. I admire her heart and work for others. LOVE YOU, KATHY!!

HALLEE’S BIO:

Hallee Adelman writes small books about big feelings. Titles include My Quiet Ship and The Great Big Feelings Series with books like Way Past Mad and Way Past Worried. With a PhD in education, Hallee has taught elementary through university students. Random facts: Hallee also loves chocolate-covered almonds, works on documentary films and serves organizations that benefit kids, families, and storytellers. She lives near Philadelphia, PA with her family. Visit her online at www.waypastbooks.com.

Insta: @waypastbooks

Twitter: @halleeadelman

Thank you Hallee for sharing your book and journey with us. This is another great book to add to your “Great Big Feelings” series. I love that you are helping children deal with their feelings. You books guide them to identify those feelings and help them learn ways to deal with them. Very important! I also, love you, too, along with all your books. Gook luck with the book! Can’t wait to show off your next two books in 2022!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy