Writing for the Very Young, with June Sobel

How did you start your career writing picture books? What’s your origin story to become a children's book author?

Even before I had a child, I collected picture books. In the back of my mind, I harbored the notion that someday I would write children's books. It was a secret dream. I enjoyed a career as a free-lance illustrator and graphic designer before I became a writer. What rekindled my love for picture books was the joy of the bedtime ritual of reading aloud to my son, Adam.?

When he was 18 months old, Adam yelled "big trucks" from the back seat of the car and became obsessed with construction equipment. Despite owning or borrowing every book on the topic, I found there were no ABC books on construction. I wrote the book I couldn’t find. My text lingered for several years as I had no notion of how to make these two pages could become a book. A personal tragedy led me to connect with an old friend who was an agent for cartoonists.

Over lunch, I mentioned my book idea. She knew an editor in New York who recently become a literary agent and sent her my manuscript. By the time I returned home from our meeting, the agent agreed to represent me. Within five months, I secured my first book deal for B IS FOR BULLDOZER .?

With your art background why didn’t you illustrate your book?

When I submitted it with my illustrations, the sales team wanted a known illustrator. I thought, that if they liked my words enough to publish me, I wouldn't be too attached to also doing the illustrations. So, I let go of my ego. The reality was that my work wasn't narrative. Telling a story in picture form is very different from just doing a single illustration. One of my editors explained that there's an alchemy in pairing an illustrator with a writer. I am prompting their illustrations with my words.?

There was a three-year delay getting B IS FOR BULLDOZER published. Three things were happening: one was that they were approaching very famous illustrators who had six months to respond with a yes or no, and they would often say no. Then they would approach illustrators I might not like. I have been lucky to have veto power in the choice of illustrator.? Another delay occurred when my editor took maternity leave. Eventually, we found an illustrator that I agreed would be a good fit.

Could you have imagined the path your career has taken?

Reflecting on this journey, I’m reminded of the serendipitous moments that have shaped my career. My first book, published two decades ago, continues to sell, a rare feat in the publishing world. This success opened doors to more opportunities, leading to the creation of SHIVER ME LETTERS – A Pirate ABC and my best seller, THE GOODNIGHT TRAIN . The seed for THE GOODNIGHT TRAIN began with a harrowing experience, being on an airplane struck by lightning. This incident, and the subsequent train ride home, sparked the idea for this story, demonstrating how unforeseen events can lead to unexpected sources of inspiration. I could never have imagined that this book would become a 7 book series that will continue to grow. THE GOODNIGHT TRAIN EASTER was published a few months ago just in time for the past holiday. Parents and little readers can look forward to THE GOODNIGHT TRAIN VALENTINE and THE GOODNIGHT TRAIN READY FOR SCHOOL in 2025.?

My career has been marked by significant changes, including shifts in publishing houses and the departure of key contacts, which underscore the unpredictable nature of this industry. Despite these challenges, my relationship with my current editor has been a source of stability and creative growth, allowing us to continually produce new work and adapt to the evolving landscape of publishing. This journey underscores the importance of resilience, flexibility, and the willingness to embrace change, all of which have been crucial to my success as an author.

Tell us about some other books parents and children can look forward to?

Just in time for the next school year, FIRST DAY, HOORAY! will be published in June 2024.? It is a back-to-school picture book about the importance of acknowledging your feelings and using them to navigate new experiences. Additionally, I have another series developed with my editor, TOW TRUCK JOE starring a helpful tow truck and his dog Patch, which teaches toddlers about the importance of working together in a community. This series comprises four books and features interactive lift-the-flap elements, adding a unique touch to the reading experience.

During the boredom of the pandemic, my good friend Barbara Bietz and I decided we’d have to write a Jewish themed book together. Barbara is the creator of a popular web site https://jewishbooksforkids.com/ ? Our main goal was fun! We never expected to win a PJ Library Author Incentive Award for our first book APPLES, APPLES – All Year Round which was published by Apples & Honey Press as well as PJ Library. Next fall, readers can look forward to CHALLAH, CHALLAH, For You and Me .

Do you have any advice for others who might dream of writing for children?

The most important thing is to know your genre. Read. Read. Read. There are many wonderful books about writing that have inspired me over the years.? I have an On Writing page on my website www.junesobel.com ? Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – www.scbwi.org ? This is a great way to find other writers in your community and connect with agents and editors.

What is the biggest surprise about writing these books?

The most surprising gift of having created these books is the connections I have made with parents and children from all over the world. I regularly receive touching messages, photos and videos about my books bringing joy into their daily life. Children’s books are one of the few genres that can become a part of a family’s legacy.? I never imagined I would spend an evening reading to classes in Tashkent, Uzbekistan over Zoom. A father from Nova Scotia was inspired to create a rap version of THE GOODNIGHT TRAIN? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2Ew6ZKX8n4 ? I also love in person visits with my target audience, age 5 and under, who continue to delight me with their comments on my books!