Welcome Author Alex Giardino – Giveaway Alert

Posted byauthorlaurablogPosted inUncategorizedTags:, ,

Today I welcome Alex Giardino whose beautiful book, ME + TREE, illustrated by Anna & Elena Balbusso is being released today! If you enjoy book birthdays as much as I do, you should go order it now from your favorite indie bookstore and bake a cake to make the most of the celebration. I’ll wait.

Ready? It’s time to meet Alex.

What were you like at the age of your target audience?

My target audience for my forthcoming book ME + TREE, and really for all my books, is either a 5th grade reader, and also a single-mom reader. This sounds odd, but I think I am writing for these two selves I have been. 

As a fifth-grade girl, I spent a lot of time alone, going for walks in the nearby hills, talking to myself, imagining stories, and feeling a deep need for connection. In ME+TREE and all my books, my characters are uplifted, healed, and inspired by the natural world. 

As a single mom, reading and writing stories have been my solace, my way to connect with others, especially when I felt alone. So just like the girl in ME+TREE connects to an old tree stump by confiding her life story to it, I am connecting through my stories too.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by strong-willed, strong-minded people who fight for justice and against all forms of cruelty. I am inspired by their courage. I am also inspired by artists because I see in them a determination and freedom to follow their visions. Surfers also inspire me, because they allow themselves to be polished by the waves. 

What’s the one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

Love. 

I mean that. 

I hope people read my work and know that love is what holds us. It is what endures. 

In all my work, love heals and fulfills my characters. It’s what I hope for all of us.

Alex has generously offered to give one lucky winner a signed copy of ME + TREE. Be sure to to comment on this blogpost to be entered to win. Also, share this post on Facebook or Twitter and mention it in your comment for additional entries!

What’s next for you?

I hope there is a lot of love ahead for me! I am working on two novels in verse and several picture books. I love writing verse. It’s my new thing.

To connect with Alex and learn more about her books:

Website: http://www.alexgiardino.com

Twitter:  @Alex__Giardino Facebook: Alex Giardino Instagram: alex__giardino

Published by authorlaurablog

I'm a reading specialist from Chicago, now living in the beauty of the Roosevelt National Forest in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. My first book "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" features a creative and curious girl who loves science, her little brother, and her very patient parents. I'm currently writing a MG novel and several picture books with STEM elements and dogs.

41 thoughts on “Welcome Author Alex Giardino – Giveaway Alert”

  3. Sounds great! To learn how to know yourself, your own strengths and interests- that’s the best gift ever! Internal strength is so important for anyone, especially women these days! I’ll be putting this on my list- thanks for the recommendation

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    1. Paula, thanks so much for reading. Yes, it’s beautiful and a wonderful message for everyone. I’ve always said picture books are for every age and this book really embodies that. Good luck in the giveaway!

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    2. Oh my gosh, what a kind thing to say about my previous book ODE TO AN ONION. I sure hope you find much to love in ME + TREE as well. Here’s to loving trees, Alex

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    2. Oh I am so excited to read Canyon’s Edge and Red, White, and Whole. I loved Long Way Down! Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Here’s to loads of love for trees, Alex

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    1. Thanks for reading! This book is special and since it’s not mine I’d like to brag that it does exactly what a picture book should do; make you want to read it again! Good luck in the giveaway.

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    2. Hello Jilanne! I hope we have a chance to meet one of these days, since we are both Bay Area people. Maybe an in-person Kid Quake one year! Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Here’s to loving trees, Alex

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    2. Tiffany, what a lovely thing to say about my book. I feel like the world needs messages of connection and hope, too. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Here’s to loving trees! Alex

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  13. There are 3 things I love about this post, Alex. 1) I love the sound of your book, “Tree + Me,” esp because I just came home from a hike through the woods, taking pictures of all sorts of trees 🙂 2) I really love your hope for a reader’s takeaway. Yes to that! And 3) your shirt is so cool and happy! 🙂 Best of luck with your launch and future writings!!

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    2. Hello and thank you for this wonderful note! I love that you love trees and wander through the woods admiring them, like I do! I hope you will enjoy reading my book. ps. that shirt is a beloved find from a market in Oaxaca, bought many years ago when I lived in Mexico.

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