Welcome Author Stephanie Gibeault – Giveaway Alert

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Today I welcome my Picture Book Gold author friend Stephanie Gibeault. Over the years, we have crossed paths on social media in different children’s book groups. When my real life friend and I decided to form a promotion group together for 2023 and beyond, Stephanie’s name was mentioned as someone we should ask. Fortunately, she said yes! Some virtual meetings, too many emails to count, and a few phone calls later, I feel like she’s a real life friend of mine too! We’ve shared so much over the months getting to know each other and working together for the benefit of our group, I’m excited to be celebrating Stephanie’s debut picture book, TOBY TOOTLES, illustrated by Mary Sullivan. Toby is the story of a little bunny who learns to overcome an embarrassing situation that I’m sure all little readers will be able to relate to. Stephanie also has a few dog related books coming out in the future which have my tail wagging. 

Stephanie has generously offered one lucky winner a copy of her book TOBY TOOTLES, which is a hoot and a toot! (This giveaway is open to US and Canadian addresses.) Comment on the post to be entered in the giveaway.

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

When I was young, I was incredibly outgoing and confident. On my very first day of school, I marched into the kindergarten classroom without even looking back at my mother who was dropping me off. No fear! Back then, I was nothing like insecure Toby, the main character of my book. These days, I relate to him much more. Here’s me on my first day of school.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. I once wrote a short story based on a snippet of conversation I overheard at the hospital. I’m revising a picture book manuscript that was inspired by Marvel movies. And my fascination with nature leads to all kinds of book ideas. The trouble is finding the time to write everything that interests me.

What’s something you hope readers take away from your book?

I hope readers get a good giggle from my book. But more than that, I want them to feel reassured, especially the children most like Toby. We all feel embarrassed at times, but it doesn’t have to ruin our fun. Life is full of tooty moments – it’s how we respond to them that matters.

What’s next for you?

I’m thrilled to say I have four books in the publishing pipeline. My next book, CAN’T GET ENOUGH DOG STUFF co-authored by Moira Donohue (published by National Geographic Kids) will be released this April. Then I have two more nonfiction middle grade books releasing in the spring of 2024. They are FROM CALCULATING CHIMPANZEES TO BRAINY BEES: MATHEMATICAL ABILITIES IN ANIMALS, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett (published by Candlewick/MIT Kids Press) and MAKING SENSE OF DOG SENSES: HOW DOGS PERCEIVE THE WORLD, illustrated by Raz Latif (published by Owlkids Books.) Then in 2025, I have a nonfiction picture book coming from Owlkids Books tentatively titled DOGS VERSUS HUMANS: SHOWDOWN OF THE SENSES (illustrator to be announced.)

To learn more about Stephanie, TOBY TOOTLES, and all of her upcoming books:

Twitter: @GibeaultWrites

Instagram: @stephanie_gibeault

Website: stephaniegibeault.com

Published by authorlaurablog

I'm a reading specialist from Chicago, now living in the beauty of the Roosevelt National Forest in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. My first book "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" features a creative and curious girl who loves science, her little brother, and her very patient parents. I'm currently writing a MG novel and several picture books with STEM elements and dogs.

46 thoughts on “Welcome Author Stephanie Gibeault – Giveaway Alert”

  1. This book sounds hilarious! Congrats to the author for her exciting upcoming books too! I was the total opposite in kindergarten–very shy and fearful.

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    1. Thank you from the bottom of my fart, Danielle! I hope Toby can teach shy and fearful kids to feel comfortable in their own skin.

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    2. Hi Danielle, thanks for reading. Toby Tootles is funny and children are going to love it! I did my student teaching in kindergarten and it’s so interesting to watch how children respond to their world. Good luck in the giveaway.

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  2. I love TOBY and think this book will be so helpful for nervous, worried, self-conscious kids (and maybe even the adults in their lives). And I know they’ll get lots of giggles from this story, too! And wow, your nonfiction dog and other animal books that are coming sound amazing, too–I know so many animal-loving kids who will be enthralled by them and so many teachers and parents who will appreciate the facts and other information that can be used in the classroom! Congratulations!

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    1. Thank you so much, Jolene! I hope the book is helpful for all the self-conscious people out there, kids or adults. Three toots for Toby!

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    2. Jolene, you know better than most the important role books play in helping children understand navigating worry and other emotions. And yes, the dog books are going to be a wonderful resource for all of us children who love dogs! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  3. I want to read this book! It’s sounds like a book kids will enjoy but also gain encouragement. Congrats on all your upcoming books, Stephanie!

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    1. Melissa, thanks for reading and stopping by the blog. Not to take anything away from Mary Sullivan, my vote is for kindergarten Stephanie! 😍 My favorite part of the blog is seeing everyone at the age of their target audience, so many adorable photos! Good luck in the giveaway.

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    1. Ryann, thank you for reading and yes, kids are definitely going to want to read TOBY TOOTLES over and over. I’m excited for the upcoming books too! Good luck in the giveaway.

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    2. Thank you very much! Yes, I think embarrassment is a universal experience. We’ve all been Toby at one time or another. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  10. Wow, 4 books! That’s so exciting, Stephanie. Your kindergarten photo is so adorable. I can’t wait to read TOBY TOOTLES. It sounds both entertaining and comforting for young readers. What a wonderful combination!

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    1. Thanks for reading, Jill! I love the pictures of the authors when they’re the age of their target audience! It’s so much fun to see what everyone looked like when they were little. I’ve always had a picture of me when I was little on my desk to remind me of who I am on the inside. Looking forward to sharing your interview next! Good luck in the giveaway.

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    2. Thank you so much, Jill! I hope the book makes kids laugh but also reassures them that everybody experiences embarrassment. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  11. I thought I commented before but don’t see it, so apologies if I did. I love the message of embracing the uncontrollable embarrassments. And very much looking forward to your upcoming book on animals and math!

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    1. Hi Julie, thanks for joining sharing your thoughts and reading our interview! Stephanie is wonderful and I’m glad you were able to join her for Storytime Sprint yesterday. Good luck in the giveaway.

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  13. Congrats, Stephanie — not just on Tobey Toots, but all the books coming after it! As an aspiring picture book author, I’ll admit one of my favorite manuscripts is also about farts — I hope I can follow in your footsteps!

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    1. Zac, thanks for your support for Stephanie and wishing you the best of luck on your writing journey. Feel free to follow the blog for more wonderful author and illustrator interviews and giveaways. Good luck in the giveaway.

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    3. Thank you so much, Zac! I wish you the best of luck in your picture book journey. Farts are definitively funny, so I bet your fart manuscript is a gas!

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  14. Not only does this book look like a real winner, but the other books you have coming down the pike sound fascinating! Congratulations on all of your success!

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