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. This is so much fun! I love all your dance and theatre themed poetry – so super excited to hear about your upcoming LIMELIGHT! Your YouTube channel has been such an amazing resource for me; keep the videos coming ❤

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  4. Congratulations on your success! Thanks for sharing with the world. As a first time author almost done with my first children’s book it’s been such a rewarding journey to follow and be inspired by so many talented authors. Inspired by my now 7 year old I’m the midst of a pandemic we took to gardening for butterflies. That lead to this new venture into writing. My book is related to butterflies and their spiritual connection as signs from loved ones who’ve passed. The book is filled with key scientific educational content glossary, phonics breakdown and sweet take on the life cycle of the butterfly.

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    1. Thanks for reading, Mariel and for sharing a bit about your writing. It’s sounds like a labor of love and a shared experience with your 7 year old makes it even more special. Good luck in the giveaway.

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  5. Renee, you do such amazing work! Not just your poetry but how you share and give back to the writing community as well. I’ve learned so much from you from that Kidlit411 webinar that explains meter to your self study Lyrical Language Lab course to your Peek & Critiques. I would have given up on rhyme if it weren’t for you, and I have such fun writing it now, so that would have been a shame. Thank you! And congratulations on your books! The Crab Ballet is just lovely.

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    1. Thanks for reading, Chloe. The inspiration from author interviews is amazing. I’ve been so busy responding to comments here, I haven’t closed the giveaway from Amber Hendricks. Feel free to check that one out and leave a comment to enter. Good luck.

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  8. I have never been to Tuscany but it sounds beautiful. I’m from Vancouver Island in Canada and our surroundings are similarly beautiful. I would love to win a Zoom session. Congratulations on your book! I’m sure it will be loved by many children.

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  11. What a lovely interview! It was fun hearing about Renee’s life (Tuscany sounds idyllic) and seeing her sweet photos. I’ve learned much from her Peek & Critique videos, and appreciate her generosity in sharing them. Thank you, Renee, and congratulations on the publication of your debut picture book!

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  12. Even your interview is full of poetry, Renee! I can relate to the feeling of having a rich inner world while not expressing that much in social settings. That beautiful world of yours was just waiting to bloom out into your books! I can’t wait to see more of them!

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  13. What a beautiful interview! I absolutely love Tuscany (was there for our honeymoon many years ago) and your writing here instantly transports me. Super excited to read THE CRAB BALLET with my kids!! Thank you!

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  14. Renee, I have enjoyed reading your poetry and book. Thank you for sharing a picture into your life and writing rhythm. Like you, I am a mom with extroverted kids who are so different than I was at their ages but they are also a wonderful source of inspiration.

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  17. Wow! ‘Notes floating down like petals from the open window’ – what a striking visual! Even in an interview, the art of your poetry is evident. I am a big fan of your work. I have been meaning to work through your self guided module based class…just looking for a more open period of time… I would so love a critique from you. Thank you.

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  18. Thank you for sharing about yourself, and for your generosity in offering to critique a lucky writer. I hope it will be me.
    Best greetings from Macungie PA.

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  20. Wow! What an amazing prize. Congratulations on your
    upcoming Limelight: Theater Poems to Perform. The Crab Ballet is beautiful, so I can’t wait to read your poems too. I hope you find a new home for your works on sub soon.

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  21. Cannot imagine you as shy at any age! The Crab Ballet is a beautiful creation of words and art and love of the sea. I enjoy lingering over each stanza. What an inspiration you are to so many of us! And fingers crossed for your forthcoming projects!

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    2. Thanks for stopping by the blog, Catherine. I think Renee could describe cleaning the house and make us all want to join in. Her gift for words is remarkable. Good luck in the giveaway.

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  25. Just seeing the cover, above, of The Crab Ballet, shows why your book is in print! And having read it, I was mesmerized by how your lyrical language and the illustrations were so perfectly matched! Taking The Lyrical Language Lab changed my life (for the better, of course!), and I continue to learn and be inspired, as I’m sure many others are, by your podcasts, online presence, etc. I will be on the lookout for Limelight once it’s released. And thank you also for the chance for a Zoom critique, something any aspiring writer would be thrilled to win!

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  26. What a lovely interview! It was fun learning about your life, Renee (Tuscany sounds idyllic), and seeing your sweet photos. Your online lessons have been so helpful; thank you for generously sharing your expertise.
    Congratulations on the success of your debut picture book!

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  27. The Crab Ballet is beautiful, Renee! Thanks for sharing and congratulations also on your middle grade collection. So many amazing stories on the way to inspiring readers! I’m working on a novel in verse too and so delighted to see more making their way onto the market.

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  28. Congrats Renee, on all of your accomplishments! I also want to thank you for your Lyrical Language Course! It taught me how to do proper rhyme and meter and for that, I am forever grateful!!! Looking forward to reading The Crab Ballet! The cover illustration looks fantastic. I would absolutely LOVE to win a Zoom critique from you!!!

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  30. It’s so fun to get to know you better, Renée! I knew you were well versed in the arts, but didn’t realize that included a connection to theater! I am super excited for your upcoming Limelight and hopefully eventually your other picture books and YA.

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    2. Hi Larissa, thanks for your kind words for Renee, and no worries on comments going through! I had a day off in the mountains and am still catching up on responding. Good luck in the giveaway.

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  31. Your comment ” I love hearing the notes of Chopin float down like petals from the open window” made me smile. I often have classical music playing in the background as I write. It has a such calming effect when I’m wrestling with words. I’m looking forward to reading The Crab Ballet.

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  32. I don’t think my previous comment went through, but wanted to say how super excited I am for “Limelight” and any of your future work. Thanks for sharing about yourself in this post. It’s great getting to know more about you.

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  33. Thanks for sharing this post! I love the photo of you and your dad!
    I am looking forwrd to adding THE CRAB BALLET to our collection! The illustrations are stunning as well!
    🙂

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  36. I loved Renee’s class earlier this class and learned so much from her critiques!

    Performing and poetry joined hands to create such beauty in THE CRAB BALLET. I look forward to seeing how they will complement each other in the upcoming LIMELIGHT! Congratulations, Renee!

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  38. Thank you Laura and Renee! I love THE CRAB BALLET – incredibly beautiful words paired with incredibly beautiful images. Tuscany is one of my favorite places! What an amazing, inspiring place to live. Love hearing your description of it!

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  39. This was a lovely interview. I especially enjoyed reading about what inspires you Renée. Thank you for sharing your fabulous photos.

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  41. Thank you Laura and Renée for this post celebrating The Crab Ballet. So many of us working at perfecting our rhyme and meter see the ‘extra goodness’ we get from taking the Lyrical Language Lab course. I’m thrilled to see someone will be lucky enough to spend an hour with you, Renée! What a glorious giveaway!

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  43. Thank you both for this beautiful interview. What a treat!!! Renee, I am such a huge fan of yours and loved reading about your sources of inspiration. Congrats on this beautiful book and we are all looking forward to reading Limelght.

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  44. Hi Renee~Big fan here~feel like a kindred spirit because we we share a love of poetry, teaching, watercolor, and the arts. I use your videos when teaching poetry to my university students, and you really taught me how to pronounce trimeter! Best to you! Paula

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  45. Renée, thank your for sharing about yourself and what inspires you. Hearing about where you live in Italy near the ocean sounds so lovely. The cover and illustrations of Crab Ballet are just delightful. How great that the book includes ballet terminology with a glossary of the terms in the back.

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  46. Oh, my goodness… “I love hearing the notes of Chopin float down like petals from the open window,” you wrote. What a lovely, lyrical way to describe your experience! Many thanks for sharing, and for offering this opportunity!

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  49. I think your answers are lyrical! Love THE CRAB BALLET! It’s so good to know a little more about you and your talented & adorable children.

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    1. Sharalyn, thanks for stopping by the blog. I agree with you completely about Renee’s lyrical answers. It’s been wonderful reading responses from authors and illustrators and how their personalities and writing styles shine through. Good luck in the giveaway.

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