Today I am lucky to be joined by author Heather Ferranti Kinser as we celebrate the release of her latest book, IN A CAVE, illustrated by Bonnie Kelso (who was my guest in May, 2023) and published by Gnome Road Publishing. If you read this blog at all, you know I’m a big fan of STEM books so I was excited to see the description of IN A CAVE. Spoiler alert, it’s even better than I expected! It takes readers on a journey through a cave with its gorgeous illustrations and lovely rhyming text. The glossary “Vo-CAVE-ulary” is wonderful and truly adds value to the learning element of this new book. And yes, it’s a book birthday today so I think we all should be enjoying a slice of cake to celebrate!
Heather is offering an amazing giveaway! For teachers, you can choose a copy of IN A CAVE (US only) or a Zoom Classroom Visit. For writers, you can choose a copy of IN A CAVE (US only) or a manuscript critique. Please comment on the blogpost to enter the giveaway.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
As a young school-aged child I was very shy. Most of the time, I preferred wandering in a field picking up rocks over playing with other kids. I loved nature and family camping trips. On one camping trip, I became profoundly attached to a crooked little tree with a saddle-like bend in it, which I called my “giraffe tree.” Here’s a photo of me with dirt on my chin, standing in the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, holding a cheese sandwich.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by nature, travel, podcasts, and thinking about the world through a childlike perspective. This particular book, IN A CAVE, was inspired by my own trips through several caves while traveling; in particular, a 2019 trip to Mammoth Cave. I emerged with the line, “How to behave in a cave” running through my mind, and it eventually became this picture book!
What’s something you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope readers take away the sensation of having walked through to a cave—in their imaginations. Ideally, they’ll want to tour a real cave one day! And when they do, they’ll know how to treat these natural wonders with respect. Or, if they recently visited a cave in person, I hope this book will be a reminder of the marvels they experienced.
What’s next for you?
I’m newly agented (hooray!)—represented by Sarah Stephens of Red Fox Literary. Sarah and I have a project on submission and are hoping for good news soon (fingers crossed). I also have a Halloween-themed poem, called “Stage Fright,” coming out in the October 2023 issue of Cricket magazine. I can’t wait to see how they illustrate it!
To learn more about Heather and her books:
@hethfeth on both Twitter (X) and Instagram
Website: https://www.heatherkinser.com
Laura Roettiger Books 
Yay, Heather!!! Love love love this book! And I so identify with your experience as a child. I spent so much time wandering alone (happily) through the woods and fields of our farm. I do think that a single line can sometimes drive a manuscript to successful completion. In your case, it was “how to behave in a cave.” Congrats again! I hope this beautiful book does well!
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Jilanne, thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts about the interview! I think so many of us can relate to one line taking us on a writing adventure that leads to an entire manuscript! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Hi Jilanne. I am so familiar with that image of a child wandering and exploring on their own in a natural place. Thanks for sharing your experience and reading the blog post, and good luck in the giveaway!
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I enjoyed learning about how you got the idea for your book. I visited the mammoth caves as a teen and have wanted to return. I would love to win a copy of your book to experience exploring caves again.
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Thanks for reading, Danielle. I visited Mammoth Caves both as a child and a parent having spent most of my life in the Midwest. It’s interesting how we collect writing ideas from so many places. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Danielle, I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog post. Hope you get back to Mammoth (or another cave) soon! There are so many to explore. Here’s a directory from the National Caves Association: https://cavern.com/Directory/ Good luck in the giveaway!
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I love going into caves! They are just such magical worlds. Can’t wait to read this one, and wish you much success!
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Thanks for reading, Susan. I think this one is really fun and I’ve visited the cave that inspired the author so I felt tickled to find that out when I interviewed her. Gnome Road has really produced some amazing books! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Susan, yes “magical” is a great word to describe them! I hope you find reading the book to be a great armchair cave tour. Good luck in the giveaway!
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Yay for a cave book! I grew up going to caving with my dad. When we went to commercial caves he would usually take over the tour to explain things in-depth. The tour guide and tourists would applaud at the end. It was embarrassing at the time, but I appreciate it now and all I learned. It would be great to add a cave book to our school library. Thanks for the interview!
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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your fun, albeit embarrassing childhood memories! It’s funny how parents are so interesting to everyone but their own children. 🙄 Good luck in the giveaway.
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Brinton, you’re dad sounds like a real cave connoisseur! I love the idea of my book on sitting on your school library shelves. Good luck in the giveaway!
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I really enjoyed learning the story behind this book, and can’t wait to read it with my kiddo. Congrats on the release!
Coincidentally I’m actually reading an interesting nonfiction book for adults right now, Underground, by Will Hunt.
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Thanks for stopping by Nora and sharing a book suggestion for adults. I agree it’s always interesting to read about what the author’s motivations were for writing. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Nora, I’m so glad you read and enjoyed the interview, and I hope you get a chance to read it with your little one soon. Thanks for the book recommendation; I’ll check it out. Wishing you luck in the giveaway!
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This book looks fantastic — and I love how you use your nature travel for
Inspiration! Cave are so magical and mysterious. What a great topic for kids! Congratulations!
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Kelly, thank you for reading and thank you for your email today. I’m writing back, you’ll receive it shortly and congratulations on your new book! 🥳 Yes, the book IS fantastic.
Good luck in the giveaway.
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Kelly, I do get inspiration from travel. It’s a good excuse for a writer to get out and go places. Thanks for reading the interview, and good luck in the giveaway!
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Thank you for sharing Heather! Love this book as well as your recent Nature Is a Sculptor!
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Hi Leslie, thanks for reading and yes, these two are a wonderful pair of books! I’m a teacher and my brain always sees connections and how books overlap. Congratulations on your wonderful book! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you Laura!
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