Today I’m celebrating another book from a Picture Book Gold friend, Marcia Berneger. On Valentine’s Day BUSY FEET, illustrated by Susan Chapman stomped, tiptoed, and wiggled its way into the world. It’s a fun book and Marcia has been very busy sharing it at book stores and library story times. Today she’s going to share some of her inspiration and I highly recommend you order it from your favorite indie bookstore or ask your library to get it. In fact, two ways to help authors that don’t cost you anything: request books and check them out from your public library and tell your friends about them!
Marcia is offering one lucky winner a “your choice” prize of a copy of her first picture book, BUSTER THE LITTLE GARBAGE TRUCK, illustrated by Kevin Zimmer or a picture book critique. Comment on the blogpost to enter the giveaway.

What were you like at the age of your target audience?
BUSY FEET is designed for ages two and up. At that age I was very shy. I was a pretty fearful child, afraid especially at night. My grandson, Ori, on the other hand, is a pretty fearless kid. I’m including his picture.

What inspires you?
My grandson is my biggest inspiration when it comes to writing picture books. I love reading my books to him. Turns out, his three favorite books right now are BUSTER THE LITTLE GARBAGE TRUCK (my first picture book), BUSY FEET and a new one I ran off for him called CRUSIN’ DOWN THE HIGHWAY. It’s filled with work trucks like fire engines, cement trucks and, of course, garbage trucks. Nothing better than to have him ask me to read them three times in a row, for days at a time.
What do you hope readers take away from your books?
BUSY FEET is about all about having fun. It also happens to be fill with antonyms. (Must be the teacher in me.) I want little kids to raise their feet up and down, run fast and slow, and just have fun with my book.

What’s next for you?
I do have two more books in the Busy Baby series that hopefully Starry Forest will publish. I also have that truck book, which I plan to submit to agents. My grandson is growing up in an interfaith family and I’m focusing on one or two picture books around this topic. That is a very underrepresented market and I’m hoping to fill in that huge gap.
To learn more about Marcia and her upcoming books:
Twitter & Instagram: @marciaberneger @marciaberneger
website: http://www.marciaberneger.com
Congratulations, Marcia! Your books look almost as adorable as your grandson! I look forward to reading them.
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Thanks for your kind words for Marcia and yes to the books and Ori all being adorable! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thanks so much, Kim! Ori is a sweetie!
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These look so fun! Congratulations 🍾
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Thanks for reading and sharing on Twitter, Rachel! I loved reading about how Marcia added so many different elements to BUSY FEET to create such a layered story! Good luck in the giveaway and I can’t wait to celebrate your upcoming book soon!
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Thanks, Rachel, It was fun writing them, too!
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Congratulations on your fun picture books! I look forward to reading each one.
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Thanks, Danielle for all your support! I do appreciate the fun element that Marcia seems to have mastered in these books because we need to remember to have fun! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Thanks, Danielle! I hope you enjoy them!
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I love your books, Marcia, and your grandson is adorable! ❤
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Thanks for reading, Jolene and yes to both! Ori is such a gorgeous boy and the books are really fun! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Thanks, Jolene! Ori is a ton of fun, also! We have so much fun reading Busy Feet together!
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Congratulations on you successes! I look forward to reading Busy Feet! And also congrats on that adorable grandson!!
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Thank you Jennifer for your kind words for Marcia! Busy Feet is really fun and Ori is quite the cutie pie. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thanks, Jennifer! I hope you enjoy Busy Feet
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(My comment got posted before I finished it–eager fingers, I guess).
Ori enjoys Busy Feet–since his feet are ALWAYS so busy! 🙂
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Congratulations on all of your success! I can’t wait to read your books 🌺
And also congrats on your adorable grandson!!
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That’s so special that your adorable grandson enjoys your books, Marcia!! ❤
Congratulations on the delightful BUSY FEET! I look forward to reading more of your books soon.
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Thanks for reading, Jill and for your kind words for Marcia! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thanks, Jill! Busy Feet is one of Ori’s favorite books. (Although he’s definitely a “truck” kid and Buster is by. far his favorite story.)
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Congratulations, Marcia! Busy Feet is such a delightful and fun book. It is wonderful to learn about the inspiration behind your stories. I am a big fan of your work and dedication, and I am very happy to see your books in the world.
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Thanks for reading, Judith! You just made it in under the wire. I’m here to pick the winner of the giveaway. Good luck!
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Congratulations, Marcia! Busy Feet sounds like a fun reading. It is so nice to learn about the inspiration behind your stories.
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