Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Most Popular Posts - 09 - Kathy Landwehr - Vice President - Peachtree Publisher

 I met Kathy Landwehr at the Ventura/Santa Barbara Mission picturebook retreat this year.  Kathy was gracious and generous with her critiques of first pages.  I am always pleased to interview an editor.  I give you Kathy Landwehr.

When and why did you become an editor for children’s books?

I started working at Peachtree in 1990, but in publicity and marketing. I moved over to editorial and production in 1995 in a managerial role and starting acquiring titles in 2001. And that’s when I felt I’d really found my home, even though I loved my time at Peachtree before that as well.

Tina's Top Book Picks - RENÉ HAS TWO LAST NAMES / RENÉ TIENE DOS APELLIDOS

I have known Rene' Colato Lainez for many years and have admired his  books about the Latino experience in the United States. His new picture book Rene' Has Two Last Names is a fabulous story of a kid feeling out of water in a new school and new country.

On the first day in his new school, René’s teacher gives everyone a name tag with their first and last names.  Like many Salvadoran names, Rene's name has two parts, “Colato Laínez.” But his tag reads only “René Colato.”

Happy Holidays from the Courys

This year I have many reasons to be thankful.  I am blessed with a supportive family, wonderful friends and an adoring husband.  Happy holidays to all, and enjoy our virtual youtube holiday card.

Terri Hoover Dunham

Occasionally I will hear from an author around a holiday to promote their holiday book. Such is the case with Terri Hoover Dunham and her darling Christmas picture book illustrated by Laura Knopp, The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story. I give you Terri Hoover Dunham.
 

When and why did you start writing for children?

I've written stories and poems since I can remember.  But when my sons were small, I had been reading lots of picture books to them.  I so enjoyed those times, my sweet boys curled up on my lap, mesmerized by the stories and the illustrations.

Tina's Top Book Picks

As If Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President. I love this book! It made me laugh out loud. No wonder it won the Sid Fleischman Humor Award last Summer.  It is hilarious.

Vanessa has a crush on the wrong guy, she's praying for the Boob Fairy to come, and she hates having a secret service agent following her every move at school. Most of all, she hates that her mother, who is Governor of Florida, is running for president.

Resentful of her mom being on the campaign trail, Vanessa devises a plan to make her mother quit. But her plan backfires, and Vanessa has more to deal with than she bargained for.

The book has a surprise ending and left me wanting more. I love this kid!

Fran Cannon Slayton

I met Fran Cannon Slayton though the kidlit blogosphere.  She is one of the Class of 2009 with her historical YA, When the Whistle Blows. I agree with all the rave reviews for her debut novel. I am happy to give you Fran Cannon Slayton.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing for kids in 1991, just before I entered law school.  While I'd always loved writing, I really didn't make a conscious choice to write for kids.  Rather, an idea for a story hit me and I tried to just flush it out of my mind - after all, I was going to be a lawyer, not a writer - but the idea would not be put to rest.