I’m very excited to share my interview with author Julie Hedlund whose new book, OVER, BEAR! UNDER, WHERE?, illustrated by Michael Slack will be out in the world on November 9th which means you should go preorder it from your favorite indie bookstore now. Julie is the founder of the 12x12PictureBook Challenge which is a wonderful community of writers at various stages of development. If you’re looking for a group that supports each other in every way imaginable, look into joining 12×12 in 2022. I’m lucky to live only a few miles from Julie so we’ve been at a few events together and now that in person things are coming back, I’m hoping to see her (in masks) soon!
Julie is generously offering one lucky winner a 30-minute “Ask-Me-Anything” on Zoom. Comment on the blogpost to enter the giveaway.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
I think you can probably tell from the photo that I’ve always loved animals. I was obsessed with my stuffed animal collection and constantly invented stories for us to play pretend.
What inspires you?
The number one thing that inspires me is travel. Going to new places forces me to “see” and pay attention differently, and I always come away from those experiences refreshed and with new ideas. Of course, books are always endlessly inspiring. And although I don’t watch a lot of TV, lately I am enamored of Ted Lasso, and if I didn’t already have my dream job, I’d say working in the writer’s room on that show would be it.
What’s the one thing you hope readers take away from this book?
First and foremost, I hope they find it funny. Life has been quite serious lately, so I would love it if the book could provide a few laughs. I also hope kids take away the idea that friends come in all shapes, sizes (and species), and if you make assumptions based on looks, you might miss an opportunity to make a new friend.
What’s next for you?
I recently sold a picture book biography that hasn’t been announced yet, but since I’ve been working on it for eight years, I am VERY excited! I also have a handful of other manuscripts that are nudging closer to being submission-ready. We’ll also be celebrating the TENTH (if you can believe it) year of 12 x 12 in 2022, so I’m working on getting ready for a very special year.
To connect with Julie and learn more about her books:
Juliehedlund.com. 12x12challenge.com
Virtual (and in-person) book launch event link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/storytime-celebration-w-julie-hedlund-michael-slack-tickets-164361769477
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieFHedlund Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliefhedlund/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieFHedlund
Laura Roettiger Books 
Thank Julie, thanks for all you do for the writing community! Can’t wait to read Over Bear! Under Where?
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Thanks for stopping by the blog, Denise. I can’t wait for my copy of OVER, BEAR! UNDER, WHERE? Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thanks Laura! How do I subscribe to your blog?
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I’m not sure. I think there’s a subscribe form when you comment on it. I’m traveling this week so I would need to look when I’m back home on a different device.
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Ok I will look, enjoy your trip!
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This book looks adorable and I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations, Julie!
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Lynn, thank you for reading! I’m looking forward to reading it! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congratulations, Julie! It is great that you have the opportunity to share your humor with the PB crowd! We all need some chuckles, but seeing our kiddos laugh is golden. And… your book birthday happens to be on my birthday too! I’m happy to share the big day! Yay, YOU! 🙂
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Well happy birthday to you, too! Cake for everyone, I say! 🎂Good luck in the giveaway!
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I can’t wait to get my paws on this book!!! Congratulations Julie!
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Thanks for reading, Elizabeth. I’ve been looking forward to Julie’s book for a long time! Good luck in the giveaway.
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I think you’re right Julie, funny is good after last year! I love the idea of this book 📚
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Thanks for reading, Melanie. Yes, laughter really is good medicine. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congratulations Julie!
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Thanks for reading! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congrats on both this book and the yet-to-be-announced one! I am looking forward to reading this, a dose of humor is always a gift.
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Thanks for reading, Susan. We really need as much humor as we can find after the challenges of the past year and a half. Good luck in the giveaway.
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All pre-ordered and can’t wait! Thanks for all you do, Julie. And Laura, I love your blog!
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Ellen, thank you so much for all your support of the blog and cheering on the kidlit community! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congratulations! Travel is big on my list as an inspiration as well. Keeps me out of ruts!
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Lynn, thank you for stopping by the blog. Travel is definitely an inspiration! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congrats to you, Julie! Can’t wait to read this book! And yes, it’s hard to believe that 12×12 has been around that long. I think I joined in 2013 or 2014 and have watched it grow into a group that helps authors and illustrators at many levels. Cheers!
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Jilanne, thanks for reading. I think we met through 12×12. 😊 Good luck in the giveaway.
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Yes we did! I’ve met so many writers thru 12×12!
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Congratulations, Julie! So happy for you.
Here’s hoping Over, Bear! Under, Where? is on everyone’s holiday gift list! Many thanks for all you do!
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Thanks for stopping by the blog, Mary Helen. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congratulations, Julie! Your book sounds adorable! I can’t wait to read it! And congratulations on the upcoming 10th year of 12×12! It certainly has been a wonderful community to be a part of. I’m so thankful you started it.
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Shaunda, thank you for reading and we are fortunate to have the wonderful 12×12 community. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congrats and best wishes with the release of your new books, Juie! What a wonderful gift of your time for the giveaway. Hope i win!
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Thanks for reading, Lisa. Yes, a priceless giveaway, indeed. Good luck in the giveaway.
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I’m so glad this book is out! Kids love funny, and there’s nothing funnier than underwear in munchkinland!
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Thanks for reading, Rinda and YES, munchkins love underwear jokes. I had one group of boys when I was teaching that couldn’t get through a poem with references to underwear because the gales of laughter made it impossible. 😂😂Good luck in the giveaway!
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I am so excited to hold your book in my hands, Julie!
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Thanks for reading and supporting the wonderful authors on the blog. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Your book sounds adorable! I can’t wait to read it! And congratulations on the upcoming 10th year of 12×12! Love everything it does to support writers
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Thanks for stopping by the blog. Yes, we are so fortunate to have 12×12. Good luck in the giveaway.
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I really enjoyed reading about Julie’s Hedlund’s new book and how she gets her ideas, Laura. Congratulations to both of you for your contributions to children’s literature and aspiring authors.
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Congratulations on the new book, Julie! I’m very curious about the biography! Congratulations on that too!
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