Less than a year after releasing her first picture book, Dr. Anne Cairns Federlein reached out with a second book. Written about a dear friend, The Big Jump isn’t a picture book. Rather, it is a nonfiction early reader that encourages children that if they work hard, their dreams can come true!
The Big Jump is very different from your previous book with Argyle Fox Publishing, Granny Annie Names the Kitten in the Mitten. Tell a bit about your new book and the person who inspired its creation.
The Big Jump is written about Joe Roop living in a poor mining community in Martwick, Kentucky. School started at first grade and ended in sixth grade back then. After that, Martwick boys went to work in the mines. No one could afford the tuition to go to high school. Families depended on the wages of their children.
Who is your target audience, and what do you hope readers get out of your book?
Any age reader will enjoy learning about mining life in Martwick, Kentucky. This book will specifically engage children, ages eight to twelve, to ask questions about the game of basketball, the value and importance of learning, and how education gave Joe the “big jump” to earn a degree at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
With this different audience and content, we chose a different illustrator and style of illustration. That said, when you saw the first illustration for this book, you gasped. What was it about Chris Fowler’s work that captured your heart, and how was the process of working with him?
Chris caught the spirit of the book in his first draft. I wrote the book. Chris Fowler told the words through his perfect illustrations. What a talented illustrator! He just knew how to tell Joe Roop’s story in pictures.
Now that your book is published, how will you measure whether it’s a success? What is your goal for your story, and how does that compare to your first book?
Books are declared successful by the number sold in our society. I believe a book is successful if it is read and its ideas are discussed with children. Establish a pattern of reading early in children’s lives.
My first book, Granny Annie Names a Kitten in the Mitten, was written as a first step for young children to fall in love with books.
What are you doing to market your book and let folks know it is available?
Reading books to groups of children in libraries and on Zoom calls to show parents how to ask questions and have fun reading the book. I keep copies in the trunk of my car to sign and give free copies to children. They can’t believe I wrote the book.
What feedback have you received so far on your book?
5 stars!
How was this publishing experience different from your first go-around?
I’ve been trying to have manuscripts published with other publishers for a long time. I’m a writer with a PhD and couldn’t break through to get a book published by known and unknown publishers. Argyle Fox Publishing opened the door, helping at every step, and I have plans to write book three soon.
What would you say to other children’s book writers who have a story they’re considering publishing?
Author, why are you waiting? Take the next step to publish your children’s book!
With yet another book released to the world, you obviously love stories. Do you have another up your sleeve that you’re considering publishing? If so, can you give us a sneak preview of what it’s about and when you plan to present it to the world?
Yes, I have many books rolling around in my mind now that I’ve had success with two books. The next one may be for children, titled The Granny Annie Club.
Another Granny Annie book? Hooray! Thanks so much, and here’s to success!