Gloria gives thanks, and a book!

Picture book writers don’t get much room for acknowledgments in their books, but we have so many people to thank. Now that CHILD OF THE FLOWER-SONG PEOPLE: LUZ JIMÉNEZ, DAUGHTER OF THE NAHUA, the debut picture book of Gloria Amescua, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh (Abrams) - is sparkling on shelves everywhere…

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

… it’s time to say THANKS!

Here’s a message from debut picture book author Gloria Amescua:

First, I want to thank my family who has believed in me always. Thank you to my mom and dad. I’m so thankful to my granddaughters who inspired me to write picture books, and my son and daughter for having them. I’m grateful to my partner for loving me and for putting up with me through the long process of writing and publishing.

This book is the culmination of the support of hundreds of people who brought it to life. Thank you to Bethany Hegedus at The Writing Barn for your mentorship, teaching and the writing community you created. This wouldn’t have been a book without you! My poetry and critique groups, I appreciate you all for your feedback, belief and support. I admire all your books and look forward for those still to come.

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Kelly McDonough for her assistance and for introducing me to Luz’s grandson, both of whom helped me with research. Thanks, also to Jason Low, when I received Lee & Low’s New Voices Honor Award for the manuscript under another title.

A huge “thank you” to Full Circle Literary, my agent Taylor Martindale Kean and my editor, Howard Reeves, for your energy, expertise and patience. You both helped me dig deeper, stay true to the focus and make the story shine. My gratitude to the amazing Duncan Tonatiuh for being the illustrator and bringing Luz’s story to life. A special thank you to Howard for seeing that perfect connection from the beginning. My gratitude extends to the whole Abrams team, including publicity and marketing who brought this book to readers.

Lastly, I appreciate my debut book groups, Picture Book Troupe 21 and Las Musas for your knowledge, community and support on our author journeys. It’s been great to read your books and cheer you on!

To show her appreciation of the picture book community, Gloria is giving away a copy of CHILD OF THE FLOWER-SONG PEOPLE: LUZ JIMÉNEZ, DAUGHTER OF THE NAHUA!

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