Today Is Different: Perspectives from a Debut Author & Debut Illustrator

By Carol Hinz, Associate Publisher of Millbrook Press and Carolrhoda Books

The picture book Today Is Different is a powerful look at protest, solidarity, and social justice. Written in the aftermath of the protests that followed George Floyd’s murder, the book is also a touching portrait of a friendship between two young girls. As the book’s editor, I was so impressed by how enthusiastic and collaborative debut author Doua Moua and debut illustrator Kim Holt were throughout the book-making process. Read on to hear from both Doua and Kim about what this book means to them!

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Artie and the Wolf Moon: An Interview with Olivia Stephens

Earlier this month Artie and the Wolf Moon hit the shelves. In this original and empowering middle grade, Artie Irvin is thrilled to discover she comes from a line of werewolves. She asks her mom to share everything—including the story of Artie’s late father. Her mom reluctantly agrees. And to help Artie figure out her own wolflike abilities, her mom recruits some old family friends. As she learns the history of werewolves and her own parents’ past, she’ll find that wolves aren’t the scariest thing in the woods—vampires are.

Today debut graphic novelist, Olivia Stephens, joins us to share a little bit about her creative process and some exclusive early sketches.

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