Debra gives thanks, and a critique!

Picture book writers don’t get much room for acknowledgments in their books, but we have so many people to thank. It’s been a week since TELL SOMEONE - the second picture book of the year for Troupe member Debra Kempf Shumaker, illustrated by Tristan Yuvienco (Albert Whitman) - arrived on bookshelves…

*Illustration by Anne Appert, Leah Hong and Neesha Hudson*

… and it’s time to say THANKS!

Here’s a message from Troupe member Debra Kempf Shumaker:

Oh gosh, where do I begin? 2021 has been such a fantastic year as I have had two books come out—FREAKY, FUNKY FISH in May and TELL SOMEONE a week ago.

So, my first thanks is to my family—Tom and our three sons who have been almost as excited as I have been for these books. I also am so grateful for the support of my huge family and Tom’s huge family—they probably make up half the sales of my books and I’ve enjoyed signing every single one I can.

A huge thanks to my first agent, Natascha Morris, who brought me this opportunity with Albert Whitman. An editor, Christina Pulles, asked Natascha if she had any clients interested in writing a book on spec as they had a specific topic in mind—a book to encourage open communication. And Natascha approached me. My first reaction was “No, I can’t do that.” It was a bit out of my comfort zone. But Natascha assured me I could. So I did. And it worked out. With Natascha and Christina’s help, my words took shape.

An additional thanks to James McGowan, who finalized the contract and supported me through the rest of the process of making this a real book. Having an agent like James in my corner is beyond awesome.

Thanks to Albert Whitman who paired my words with such an amazing illustrator—Tristan Yuvienco. Tristan’s art blows me away. Just look at those kids on the cover. Who doesn’t want to listen with every bone in their body to those kids? And when you open TELL SOMEONE, Tristan’s art keeps you turning the page.

I cannot say enough thank yous to my critique groups and partners. This book needed to come together quickly and I needed those extra eyes from first draft to polished manuscript. I am forever grateful to each and everyone of you who jumped in helped with feedback.

Last, but not least, I am forever grateful to the members of PB Debut Troupe 21. Releasing a debut book, then a second one a few months later, is joyful but stressful. To have a safe place to ask questions, commiserate, and raise each other up is priceless. I couldn’t have made it through without you. Thank you for everything.

To show her appreciation of the picture book community, Debra is giving away a picture book critique!

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