Welcome Author Renée LaTulippe – Int’l Giveaway Alert!

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Today I welcome Renée LaTulippe, author of THE CRAB BALLET, illustrated by Cécile Metzger. Renée is the name that comes up every time the subjects of rhyme and meter are mentioned in a discussion on social media. Depending upon who you ask, she is a legend, a guru, an expert, an authority, a master … you get the idea. Her poetry has been featured in several anthologies and and she is known for her writing courses including the highly regarded Lyrical Language Lab. I’m thrilled to be connected with her virtually and would love to visit the beauty of Tuscany and meet her in person one day. For now, I’m happy to share our interview and her fabulous giveaway.

Renée is generously offering one lucky winner a 60-minute Zoom critique of a picture book or children’s poetry collection. Comment on this post to enter the giveaway.

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

Thank you for having me on your blog, Laura! 

I was the complete opposite of my six-year-old daughter, Maddalena. She’s bubbly, outgoing, energetic, and fearless.

I, on the other hand, was very quiet, very shy, and very serious, as you can see in this pic of me “shaving” my dad. I clearly took the task to heart. And I have a distinct memory of my fourth-grade teacher asking me, “Don’t you ever smile?”

But while I was quiet on the outside, I had a rich and imaginative inner life. I loved entering my own world while working on arts and crafts (still do!) and, after writing my first poem at age seven, I spent the next ten years filling notebooks with poetry.

What inspires you?

My three children inspire me daily with their singing and music and art and writing and wit. They are a constant source of surprising ideas.

I never tire of the beauty of Tuscany, the rolling hills, the Mediterranean pines, the jasmine in my garden, the slant of the evening sun, and of course the sea. I’m surrounded by nature that offers me a place of reflection and quiet contemplation that gets my mind turning. I worked out many of the poems in my forthcoming collection while walking back and forth waist-deep in the sea. One of my favorite things is writing on our veranda overlooking the sea, especially when my son Lorenzo is practicing piano upstairs. I love hearing the notes of Chopin float down like petals from the open window.

And I am always inspired by the arts. I can be transported by a soaring voice, an orchestra, a painting, a dance, a play.

What’s one thing you hope readers take away from your book, THE CRAB BALLET?

I just want them to enjoy the language and the beautiful art! If after that they make a connection to the story when they go to the sea or to dance class, then that’s just extra goodness. And I always want to foster a love of the arts, both performing and visual, which is a theme in so much of what I write.

What’s next for you?

I am (im)patiently waiting for LIMELIGHT: Theater Poems to Perform, my middle grade poetry collection to be published in 2024 by Charlesbridge. In the meantime, I have a couple of picture books on submission (one about art, one about music) and am currently finishing revisions on a theater-related YA verse novel. And then … so many other ideas percolating!

To learn more about Renée and her books:

Website: http://www.reneelatulippe.com YouTube: Lyrical Language Lab

Instagram: @renee_m_latulippe Twitter: @ReneeMLaTulippe

Published by authorlaurablog

I'm a reading specialist and award winning educator from Chicago. While living in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for nine years, I spent time hiking on the trails with my Goldendoodle Charlie and friends, writing, working in a literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, and mentoring writers and teachers. I love visiting schools. My books combine STEM and Kindness. "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" a picture book that draws inspiration from the moon and the curiosity of children, inviting children to be creative, explore, and experiment. "An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story" a picture book told in the form of a newscast which skillfully balances the serious subject of forest fires with compassion and humor to help children navigate this important topic through the real events of 2020. I moved to Northern New Jersey in 2025 and am working on new projects.

284 thoughts on “Welcome Author Renée LaTulippe – Int’l Giveaway Alert!”

  1. What an insightful interview! I love the pictures and the book looks magnificent. I’ve done the creative Sunday with Renee and find it very satisfying. Thanks for being the marvelous poet and teacher that you are.

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  2. Well, you’ve more than made up for your shyness, Renee! As a somewhat quiet child myself, I like to think we were trying to figure out what the world is about. Love your talent, your books, and your generosity.

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  6. Renee, your rhymes are always lovely and The Crab Ballet looks beautiful! Can’t wait to read it. Thank you for your generosity in offering this giveaway!

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  7. Congratulations on your upcoming middle grade, LIMELIGHT! Looking forward to reading it! And I agree with Amy, you’ve more than made up for your shyness. Many thanks for the light you bring to the kidlit community!

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    1. Sara, thanks for stopping by the blog and all your kind words. Don’t miss other giveaways including one from July that’s still open from Amber Hendricks and good luck in Renee’s giveaway!

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    1. Rosemary, thanks for stopping by the blog and all your kind words. So much fun to read about the inspiration of other creatives.
      Don’t miss other giveaways including one from July that’s still open from Amber Hendricks and good luck in Renee’s giveaway!

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    1. Joy, thanks for stopping by the blog. Don’t miss other giveaways including one from July that’s still open from Amber Hendricks and 2 more coming later in August. Good luck in Renee’s giveaway!

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    1. Kaitlyn, thanks for stopping by the blog and your enthusiasm! Don’t miss other giveaways including one from July that’s still open from Amber Hendricks and 2 more coming up in August.
      Good luck in Renee’s giveaway!

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    1. Becky, thanks for stopping by the blog and your kind words. Don’t miss other giveaways including one from July that’s still open with Amber Hendricks and 2 more coming up in August.
      Good luck in Renee’s giveaway!

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    1. Justine, what a wonderful journey you are starting and the picture book community is full of wonderful, kind, and helpful people. Good luck in the giveaway and I recommend checking out Renee’s resources, especially Lyrical Language Lab because it’s a great resource that you’ll benefit from for years to come.

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  22. I love these little insights into a life. I can appreciate the way nature imprints itself in our lives every day. I have been a fan of Renee’s for a couple of years now and am hoping for a spot in the Lyrical Language Lab one day!

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  24. Renee…how wonderful to learn more about you and see that delightful photo of you and your dad! I, too, was shy…although perhaps it was more about being timid…I always did love people and I definitely smiled a lot (and I’m still smiling!).
    I LOVE Crab Ballet and I’m excited for your upcoming book.
    If I had to pick only one shining highlight of the many wonderful moments on my trip around the world in 2019, it would be the day Maria Marshall and I spent in Florence with you! And my one regret is that we didn’t find a way to make it to visit you in your home – your description makes me long to go back and do it all over again.
    Also, thank you for your very generous giveaway…I will take myself out of the running – although I can attest to what an amazing gift this will be for someone! I remember the fabulous feedback you gave me for Four Otters Toboggan (when it was titled Visitors to Deep Pool) during your incredible Lyrical Language Lab course. And look…it became a book!

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    1. Vivian, you always say the nicest things. I remember Visitors to Deep Pool and how beautiful and lyrical it was … and then how exciting it was to know it became the adorable Four Otters Toboggan! And now you do so much for the kidlit community — we all owe you a debt of gratitude!

      That day in 2019 is one of the highlights of my entire 20 years in Italy … THAT’S how much I loved spending time with you and Maria! I surely hope we can repeat it someday. What a gift of a day it was. ❤

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  25. Thank you Laura and Renée! Thank you for sharing—I love the photos!
    Congratulations on The Crab Ballet—I own a copy and love the illustrations.
    I took Renee’s lyrical online course. It was so helpful with my writing of picture books but also with my MG NIV that I’m currently revising!
    So much of this interview resonated!! I, too, love the water and find myself inspired whenever I spend time at the lake … and don’t get me started on music!! 🙂
    I’ve travelled to many parts of Italy, but look forward to visiting Tuscany one day.
    Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!!
    Rosanna Montanaro

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  26. I ❤️ this book more and more each time I read it. Crab Ballet is a feast for the ears and eyes while at the same time offering the reader a glimpse into the world of ballet and French! Congrats on such a unique accomplishment.

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  28. How wonderful! Renee is a fabulous poetry teacher. I aim to retake her course one day. Can’t wait for her #MG anthology! Thanks for sharing her sparkle here.

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  33. Thank you Renee! Thank you Laura! Great learning about your youth… i was also quiet but in my case, it was due to living in 3 countries with 3 languages and 2 alphabets within 3 years! I was in a fog, everything was moving and changing so fast and I could not keep up. Plus I had an undiagnosed neurodivergent learning disability which contributed to my state of mental and emotional fog…
    Great post, and I am looking forward to reading the Crab Ballet and Limelight! I am also inspired by the water and love swimming and paddling our many lakes here in the Adirondack Mountains.

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    1. Yvona, thanks for sharing your experience. Three languages is a lot and combined with different alphabets, I can imagine your quietness was due to lots of work being done in your brain without necessarily saying everything. Good luck in the giveaway.

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  35. What a lovely interview–thank you both! i took Lyrical Language Lab a couple years ago but I think I need a refresher!
    CRAB BALLET is such a beautiful book, both words and pictures, and congratulations on LIMELIGHT. I can’t wait to read it.

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  39. Thank you for sharing this look at what inspires you, Renee! It is inspiring! 🙂

    Congratulations on your newest book! It looks like a beautiful pairing of your amazing text and lovely art. And congratulations on your upcoming one, too!

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  43. Thank you Laura for sharing this interview with Renee. It was so much fun getting a peak inside your world Renee. I loved the way you described sitting on your veranda writing while your son practices the piano upstairs, it is such a beautiful image. Thank you for all of the wonderful ways you contribute to the Kidlit community! And congrats on the beautiful Crab Ballet and all of your upcoming projects!

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  45. Thanks for sharing your amazing story, Renee! The Crab Ballet is such a fun book for children. I love learning about new successes, and you seem to be on a roll! I wish you many more.

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  47. Wonderful interview! I loved THE CRAB BALLET and now I am, too, (im)patiently waiting for LIMELIGHT: Theater Poems to Perform. Also, Maddalena is a doll!
    Thanks for this opportunity,
    Jyn

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  48. I can definitely relate to being a shy child!

    Wow, what a generous giveaway! That will be an amazing and valuable opportunity for someone. Fingers crossed!

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