Today I welcome author Katey Howes whose fifth and sixth books were published four months apart. When we chatted about which book to celebrate we decided that the most recent one, Woven of the World, illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova had received a lot of attention since it’s release in February, and it would be fun to put the spotlight back on her November, 2022 release A POEM GROW INSIDE YOU, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee. Heather s a local illustrator who I admire very much and whose been featured on the blog in May, 2022. As that decision was being made, A POEM GROW INSIDE YOU, was being given a special, well deserved honor which Katey will share later in our interview.
Katey is offering one lucky winner, a signed copy of A POEM GROWS INSIDE YOU, and some handmade seeded paper that you can plant to see what grows. Comment on the blog to enter the giveaway.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
Right around 8-9 years old, I started making books by folding and stapling handwriting paper, writing poems, and drawing my own illustrations. I’m so glad my parents saved some of these – I love to share them with students at school visits now!
What inspires you?
I’m often inspired by my own kids, by the natural world around me, and by puns!
What’s something you hope readers take away from your book?
With A POEM GROWS INSIDE YOU, I’m hoping readers will realize that it is very normal and healthy for ideas to sit dormant inside us for some time, until conditions are right to bring them out into the world. They shouldn’t feel rushed or pressured to create quickly, but rather to take their time and let ideas take root and bloom when they are ready.
What’s next for you?
I’m so excited that A POEM GROWS INSIDE YOU has been chosen by the PA Center for the Book to represent Pennsylvania at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. this summer. I’ll get to finally meet up in person with the spectacular illustrator, Heather Brockman Lee, and to see my book honored and shared with titles from around the country!
I’m also getting excited for my next title, THE REINDEER REMAINDERS, that comes out in summer of 2024 (just one year away!) It combines social emotional learning with math – which makes my geeky heart incredibly happy.
To find out more about Katey and her books:
Website: www.kateyhowes.com
Twitter: @kateywrites
Instagram: @kidlitlove
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kateywrites
Laura Roettiger Books 
Congratulations on your book award! I love that your parents saved your first books so you have them to share with audiences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Danielle, yes isn’t that great!? Thank you for reading. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Wow! Congratulations, Katey! Your books sound wonderful! Enjoy NBF!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Shaunda! If you haven’t seen this book, it’s really wonderful! Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Wowser! So much going on with. you and your books, Katey! It’s nice to give A Poem Grows Inside You a little love. You’d hate to have one sibling overshadow the other. Congrats!! Oh, and my geeky self is looking forward to The Reindeer Remainders, too, LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jilanne, wowser indeed! An embarrassment of riches for Katey! I love this book so I was happy to shine a light on it. It’s funny how publishing has its own schedule of fast and slow, but usually slow. And another one coming so soon! And YOUR book is next month!
Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Katey Howes! Enjoyed your 12×12 webinar and now your interview here (lovely that you still have those “poem books” from your 8-yr old self)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, I loved the 12×12 presentation too! And yes, what a treasure that Katey’s parents kept her poem book! Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Congratulations Katey! Thanks for the reminder that it’s okay to let ideas “sit dormant inside us” for a while!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Jill. So many good reminders in the interviews! Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Dear Katey,
Congratulations on your book, “A Poem Grows Inside You”! I love the message it conveys. It serves as a wonderful reminder for creators of all ages. In our fast-paced world, dominated by technology, waiting can often feel like an outdated concept. Understanding that the ideal conditions are crucial to bringing our creative ideas to life is very important.
I look forward to reading your book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your kind words for Katey. Yes, we really need to slow down for our creativity to be nurtured. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
A Poem Grows Inside of You is lovely and inspiring! Congratulations on its being chosen to represent PA at the National Book Festival!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Lisa. It’s really a fantastic book! Love that it’s getting love from Pennsylvania, too! 💟 Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
I love that you still have your books from when you were a child!! Mine are gone now but I still miss them. Huge congrats on this book!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynn, it’s so cool to see this and makes me wish I still had some of the things I know my mom saved but my dad threw away when she died.
Good luck in the giveaway!
LikeLiked by 1 person