Julie and I met in 2019 as part of a picture book debut group. Even though we are geographically 5000 miles apart, we have grown close through the wonders of technology. Hopefully one day, I’l be able to travel to Switzerland again and meet her in person. She’s been a fabulous critique partner, and we’ve shared the joys and challenges in our lives over the past two years. Julie is a marvel at writing sparse text and recently published the fifth and sixth board books in her LITTLE ANIMALS series, LITTLE PENGUIN and LITTLE ZEBRA. Julie is generously offering one winner a copy of LITTLE PENGUIN or a picture book critique. Winner’s choice! Please include which prize you would prefer in the comments!
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
This was taken in my Grandma’s garden, where I remember spending many happy days. I don’t remember if Dog had a name, but I do remember he was the only doggie I wasn’t afraid of back then – the stuffed kind!
What inspires you?
My inspiration often comes from story time with my students and their captivated little faces, but it can also be sparked by a series of photos in the news, which inspire me to write a story for them. I try to keep myself open to ideas popping up in the strangest of places!
What do you hope your readers take away from your books?
I hope that they love the rhyme and rhythm of the Little Animal Friends series and the adorable art as much as I do! As a former ESL teacher, picture books offering rhyme, rhythm, and repetition were definitely my go-to books.
What can we look forward to next?
I have another NF poem picture book bio releasing on 4th May with Kids Can Press. Sakamoto’s Swim Club, illustrated by the super talented Chris Sasaki, is the story of a dedicated teacher who coached Hawaiian swimmers all the way to the Olympics!
To connect with Julie and learn more about her books:
Website: https://littleredstoryshed.wordpress.com/
Twitter and Instagram: @juliedawnabery Facebook: julieabery
Laura Roettiger Books 
Congratulations on your books, which look adorable. If I’m lucky enough to be the winner, I would appreciate a PB critique.
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Lynn, thank you for reading and your comment. Julie has helped me through many manuscripts and you’re in good hands if you win! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Thank you for reading, Lynn. I would be delighted to offer you a PB critique if you win. Good luck.
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Congratulations. I adore your books!
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Thanks for reading, Lauren! I’m a big fan, too. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thanks so much, Lauren. 🙂
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Great post, as always. Julie, your books are adorable! Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for reading, Ellen! I’m a big fan of the LITTLE ANIMALS books but her other books are magical! Very beautiful language and amazing rhymes. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thanks for popping by, Ellen.
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Only here to agree on your assessment of Julie’s wonderful writing! I’m so glad her editors have paired her work with illustrators whose work can match it! Enjoyed the interview!
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Thanks for reading, Julie. Yes, some wonderful illustrations for all of her books. Her soon to be released book, SAKAMOTO’S SWIM CLUB, is illustrated by Chris Sasaki and it’s magnificent.
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Thanks for coming over to read and comment, Julie 🙂
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These books are lovely! So perfect for little kids learning!
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Thanks for reading, Andrea! I’m a big fan too. Good luck in the giveaway.
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I love these Little animal books! And isn’t it wonderful that what started off as a rather small (compared to today’s 700+ entries!) online contest helped to launch your career! Way too cool! 🙂 Much success on your latest picture book, Julie!
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Yes! The LITTLE animals are so precious and Julie’s other books are also beautiful examples of sparse text and amazing imagery! Good luck in the giveaway! Let us know if you prefer a critique or a book. 💛💛
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IF I’m lucky & win, I’d love some fresh eyes on a ms 🙂
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Thanks for reading and yes, a critique from Julie is a wonderful thing. Good luck!
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Beautiful books! Love finding great examples where economy of words is celebrated! Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for reading, Paula and all your support for the blog. Yes, the economy of words is impressive, to say the least. (Pun intended.) let us know if you prefer a book or critique.
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I’ve read this author’s books before! And I know her animal book series started off with Vivian’s 50 word contest and that alone inspired me to enter this year. I would be honored to win a manuscript critique from this talented author if I am the winner. Thank you the post!
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Danielle, thank you for your continued support of this blog! Your copy of ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON is on its way and I just checked the tracking and it’s in Detroit, so you should receive it soon! 💜 good luck in the giveaway and thank you for your kind and well deserved words for Julie!
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I almost met Julie in Bologna last year. But the pandemic happened and all plans were cancelled. But I kept the connection and can say she’s an amazing writer, queen of rhyme, and one warm person that I am privileged to call a friend. Good luck with the new book, Julie and I love your baby picture with the doggie. ❤️ 🏆critique!
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Rina, thanks for reading and SO many canceled plans during the last year! I’m glad you’ve been able to stay in touch and your description of Julie is exactly right! If you haven’t seen my blog before this, the baby pictures are always a highlight! Good luck in the giveaway!
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It would be really hard to choose between the book or a critique. Either would be marvelous. I guess I’d pick the critique — anyone would learn a lot from Julie. Congratulations on your successful series of books!
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Thanks for reading and I agree, either prize would be great. Good luck in the giveaway!
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Books with rhyme and rhythm are some of my favorites to read aloud to my students. I would love to add Little Penguin to our classroom collection and study of penguins.
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Thanks for reading and being such a wonderful supporter of this blog. Julie is a master of beautiful text. Good luck in the giveaway.
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