Oh hi there!
So remember the 90s got milk campaign? They tried to bring it back, but it didn’t work. Well, I’m here to do what they couldn’t. With just a sticker and some gumption.
This week AT THE KID TABLE…
We’re all about painting our own wallpaper and making silly stickers with a hint of 90s nostalgia. (Please emotionally prepare yourself now for the Hanson got milk poster.)
Above you’ll notice a video that takes you through my art studio transformation including that satisfying moment of removing the tape after painting, homemade stencil mess ups, broom dance parties, and other shenanigans. (It also includes a sneak peek spread of my next picture book at the end!)
Below you’ll notice some words and pictures including the 90s got milk inspired sticker I made just for you.
MONDAY
I worked on my new-and-improved art studio project. To witness the transformation happen before your very eyes, see the aforementioned video. (I know, I know…I worked really hard on it, okay?) But here is a little peek of the wall I painted.
I also designed a sticker to celebrate the upcoming release of my picture book TO CATCH A GHOST (out July 1)!
Of course, you might recognize my inspiration instantly but, just in case, here is a little 90s throwback courtesy of my childhood.
To get your very own “got gumption?” sticker, simply preorder TO CATCH A GHOST from the following independent bookstores:
But wait…there’s more! You can also get an exclusive, high-quality print from Buy Olympia here.
If you’re like, “But I want a sticker AND a fancy print,” you could always order one book with a sticker and one with a print, then give a book away as a gift — keeping the print AND sticker for yourself. (I won’t tell. Pinky swear.)
TUESDAY
Tuesdays are book release days, so I have some awesome new picture book recs for you to buy at your local independent bookstore:
JIM! Six True Stories about One Great Artist: James Marshall by Jerrold Connors
There’s Something Odd About the Babysitter by
and John LeddaA Gift of Dust by Martha Brockenbrough and Juana Martinez-Neal
Blue by Suzanne Kaufman
This Book is Dangerous! by Ben Clanton
WEDNESDAY
I worked on cover sketches for the second HOW TO PEE YOUR PANTS book. I’m learning that the challenge of sequels is honoring the first book while making the second one its own thing. The cover should capture all that and more so…good luck to me ;)
I watched the rest of LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM season three, and I’ve never seen a more cinematic kiss in my entire life.
THURSDAY
I designed and ordered some TO CATCH A GHOST postcards to give away at the ALA conference in June (it’s basically a librarian party that includes free books, signings, panels, and awards banquets like Caldecott, Newbery, etc.). I’ll be doing my first ever ALA signing this year, and I’m so stinking excited!
I also spent hours researching hardtop boats with large windows after learning that Dave Eggers wrote his last book on a boat. It’s times like these that I wonder if I have ADHD.
FRIDAY
I listened to episode 169 of Mike Birbiglia’s WORKING IT OUT which is him critiquing Ira Glass’s standup comedy routine. It is super hard to talk about the craft of comedy, but Birbiglia does it well; this episode is a gold mine of helpful and applicable principles for writers.
Tradesies!
Alright, it’s that kid table moment when we trade our dad’s famous chocolate chip cookies with our favorite fruit snacks. To participate in the trade, leave a comment or reply to this email with the following:
What is one thing you made, read, watched, listened to, experienced, or learned this week?
Thanks for sitting with me AT THE KID TABLE today.
See you in a week or two. As always, I’ll save you a seat right next to me.
Your looking-at-her-current-to-do-list-before-her-book-comes-out-and-hyperventilating friend,
Rachel
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