Today I get to share my interview with Ellen Leventhal who is a wonderful author and member of the kidlit writing community. I’m not sure when or how we first connected, but I’m glad we did. I enjoyed her first two books and her new book, A FLOOD OF KINDNESS, illustrated by Blythe Russo is a gorgeous book that will touch your heart and inspire kindness. Ellen is offering a signed copy to one lucky winner. Please leave a comment to enter the giveaway and share this post widely to encourage others to find this wonderful book.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
When I was a child, I was quiet and spent a lot of time imagining. I recently spoke to a childhood friend who reminded me how I used to make up stories with our dolls. Coincidently, a few days later, I found this picture of me with some dolls. I remember this day, even though it was over 60 years ago! (I rarely let anyone take a picture of me.) I had just given all the dolls part in a play I made up. If I recall, I gave the smallest doll the biggest part. I was the young one in my family, and I never wanted any attention on me, so I gave it to my dolls.
What inspires you?
I think life experiences inspire me the most as far as what I write. The experience can be life- altering like a loss of some kind or something as small as finding a leaf on the ground. I also mine ideas from my childhood. It helps me make sure I connect with the feelings of children. Sometimes just observing children will spark a memory or an idea, and I go from there.
What’s the one thing you hope readers will take away from your book?
For A FLOOD OF KINDNESS, I want to validate children’s feelings of anger and sadness as well as empower them with the knowledge that they are not powerless. I hope the takeaway is that a small act of kindness (both given and accepted) can help everyone on their road to healing.
What can we look forward to next?
Well, I do have something in that “private publishing pipeline.” I recently signed a contract for a new picture book that I’m excited about, but I can’t announce it yet. I’m also working on a chapter book that kind of wants to be a middle grade, so I’ll see where that goes. As far as life events, I’m just looking forward to the time I can do in person school visits and travel again.
To connect with Ellen and learn more about her books:
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/EllenLWrites INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ellenl411/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ellen.w.leventhal
FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/Ellen-Leventhal-Writer-976247352488082
Thanks, Ellen and Laura! I throw my support behind anything that nudges the world towards kindness. Can’t wait to read it!
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Thanks for reading, Susan. I couldn’t agree more, kindness seems to be in short supply but the more we experience it and share it, the more there is! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thanks, Susan. I’m with you!
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A Flood of Kindness sounds like the perfect book for a worldwide book club. Can’t wait to read it!
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Thanks for reading and all your support! Yes, I think this would be a perfect book club book. Ellen lived through 3 floods so she’s a bit of an expert on that and she’s the embodiment of kindness. Good luck in the giveaway!
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How sweet. I hope you like it. Thank you.
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A long time ago, I made it my personal “theme” to always choose kindness. The world doesn’t need anymore unkind acts/selfish acts. This book will be so important for caregivers to share and start discussions with kids about deliberate choices they can make to show kindness.
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Danielle, thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I couldn’t agree more. Good luck in the giveaway and thank you for your kindness in the writing community.
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Thank you. I agree about choosing kindness. Sometimes it’s hard, but it’s definitely the way to go. Thanks again!
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Thanks, Danielle! Yes, we have enough selfishness and unkind acts, right?
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Hope you are flooded with love for this book, Ellen! Congrats!
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Awwww, yes! Well said, Jilanne. Thanks for reading and being such a wonderful supporter of this blog. Good luck in the giveaway.
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I remember hearing about this manuscript on 12 x 12. Congratulations!
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Thanks for reading, Janet. I appreciate your support of the authors and illustrators visiting my blog. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Fabulous post, Ellen and Laura! I love that picture of you with your dolls, Ellen!
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Thanks for reading, Lauren. I’ve loved all the pictures of the authors and illustrators as youngsters. Good luck in the giveaway.
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I feel like I read this already, but the like isn’t there.
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Thanks for reading! And commenting enters you in the giveaway! Good luck.
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I would love to share your beautiful story with my students! Congratulations!
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Thanks for reading, Melissa. I saw a preview copy and mine is ordered from my favorite indie bookstore. Good luck in the giveaway.
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