I am honored to be part of April Halprin Wayland's Blog Tour for her new book on Rosh Hashanah, New Year at the Pier. I was lucky enough to draw the editor of the book, President and Publisher of Dutton Children's Books, Lauri Hornik, for an interview.
When you first read New Year at the Pier, what stood out to you about this manuscript?
In a word, heart. The interactions between the characters are so warm and true, and I loved the coziness of the telling and story.
I also loved the fact that it was a specific and unique story set during a Jewish holiday rather than simply a celebration of that holiday.
What kinds of manuscripts are you looking for now?
At Dial and Dutton, we're looking for character-driven projects written for all ages of children and young adults, and are particularly seeking chapter books and middle grade fiction right now.
What is your favorite dessert and why?
Molten chocolate cake -- the richer the better! If you're going to have dessert, it may as well taste extravagant.
Lauri Hornik joined Penguin in 1999 as Editorial Director of Dial Books for Young Readers, became Dial's Vice President and Publisher in 2005, and the President and Publisher of both Dial and Dutton Children's Books in 2008. A graduate of Harvard College, she previously held positions at Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers and Houghton Mifflin Children's Books.
Laurie put her finger on it- well-written children's books have a pulse.It's almost tangible. Editors feel it on the first page of your manuscript.
April's book is brimming with life. The main character is imperfect, lovable, human.
Posted by: Michelle Markel | September 03, 2009 at 10:06 AM