James gives thanks, and a critique!

Picture book writers don’t get much room for acknowledgments in their books, but we have so many people to thank. Now that GOOD NIGHT, OPPY!, the debut picture book of James McGowan - illustrated by Graham Carter (Boyds Mills Press) - has roved onto shelves everywhere…

*Illustration by Anne Appert, Leah Hong and Neesha Hudson*

… it’s time to say THANKS!

Here’s a message from debut picture book author James McGowan:

I always lament that picture books don’t have acknowledgement sections. Us picture book creators have tons of folks to thank, just like novel writers. We just don’t have the page count. Thanks to the Troupe for giving us the space to thank everyone. Where do I start?

My family obviously has been incredibly supportive, excited, professional in their marketing efforts, and all-around amazing. I swear, some of them missed their calling for a job in sales. My mom, brother-in-law, and aunt may be responsible for half of OPPY’s sales! Shouts, of course, to my nephews Matthew, Jonathan, and Nicholas. I don’t think I’d have discovered a love for picture books if I wasn’t trying to force those children to read books more frequently. My cousins, whom I spend every single day with, are my staunchest supporters and are to be credited for 98% of my confidence in this whole book publishing thing.

I also have a ton of publishing folks I’d like to thank, starting with my agent Naomi Davis, who has been the most enthusiastic supporter of OPPY since the moment I sent them the first draft. They’ve pushed this book (and me) to be the best it can be, and I’m thrilled we’re able to work together. The entire BookEnds team has been immeasurably supportive and I can’t thank this found, bookish family enough.

Community is the most important thing for a writer, and my friends Jen Matarese, Jess Hernandez, Kaitlyn Sanchez, Amanda Rawson Hill, Leah Hong, Anne Appert, Ellie Terry, and Shar Petersen have been truly the best folks to do this whole writing journey with. Anne, you particularly are deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize. I am glad we’re sharing this day because I would likely have passed out from stress if we didn’t have each other to share the stress.

And the Troupe! You folks. The talent. The careers ahead of everyone. I am so glad I get to say I knew y’all when. Here’s to more books.

To show appreciation of the picture book community, James is giving away a picture book manuscript critique!

To enter: