Such an incredible honor to learn that Rosa’s Song is a picture book finalist for the Golden Poppy Award!! A heartfelt thanks to @caliba_20 (the California Independent Bookseller’s Alliance) and to everyone who has supported this book along its journey.
Congrats to the finalists in all categories!! It’s always nerve-racking to put a piece of your soul & imagination out in the world, so I have immense admiration and respect for my fellow creators, and for the talented publishing teams who’ve ushered these fabulous books into readers’ hands.
Hats off to the great indie bookstores for all the important work they do for our communities. I’m a fangirl!! ❤️
Support your local indie bookstores, and remember…books make wonderful gifts—you’re not just gifting an object, but an entire experience, an entire world! 🙌👏
Ah, Paris. The place I keep seeking, ever since I lived there in my early 20s. Some highlights from our recent trip: • meeting Apollonia Poilane (CEO/owner of the bakery her grandfather established @poilane — maybe you’ve seen her Masterclass?) • wandering around the 6eme arrondissement (where I usually center myself whenever I go back) • admiring new cards by the late artist JJ Sempé in our room with a magnificent view • a breakfast at Café de Flore • a delicious ramen shop @kodawariramen • shopping at the beautiful new boutique of artist @marinmontagut near the Luxembourg Garden • visiting my old street near the Seine, where I spent a very happy year or so • a charming moment watching a pro soccer player at La Place Saint-Sulpice 💕 I could go on and on, but if you want some Paris tips (specifically for introverts who hate crowds!), I wrote a post several years back — on my blog under Travel. #vivelafrance🇫🇷 #iloveparis #francophile #authorslife
I was very lucky to live in Paris for two years during my 20s. I will always love how everything is elevated to the level of art, done with the highest level of professionalism—food, window decorations, life. During this last trip, I only got to spend 5 days near my old neighborhood in the 6eme arrondissement, but I hope to live there again (or in Provence) someday.❤️🇫🇷 #vivelafrance #saintsulpice #authorslife
I was invited to speak at Rosecrans Elementary in Compton this past week, and the students were so engaged as I spoke about the ups and downs of becoming a published author. When I described the rejections, they gasped and cried, “No!!” And when I spoke of the triumphs, they cheered and bounced in their seats. I could tell many of them wanted to tell stories of their own, esp when one student said, “I want to go write!” They were each given a copy of Rosa’s Song, but one boy came up to me afterwards and tried to hand me money. He wanted to compensate me for my book, but I told him the book was a gift and no payment was necessary🥹 I think the story of trials and triumphs really resonated with some of them, and I hope they’ll go on to do great things. I’m always so moved when I meet smart, curious kids in inner-city neighborhoods, for I know they have the passion & drive to bring the good changes we need.
Thank you, @accessbooksca and @puente_strategies for gifting each student with a book and for transforming school libraries. And thank you, Rosecrans Elementary, for a truly amazing morning ❤️
#schoolvisit #authorsofinstagram #rosecranselementary #writerslife #picturebook
I’m thrilled to announce my latest book deal with the brilliant team at @randomhousestudio and @myo.yim.drawing (a super talented artist based in Australia)! The No-Shoes Home is a story about learning to treasure family traditions. As a kid, I got annoyed sometimes about having to remove my shoes before entering my home. I was also embarrassed when I had to introduce my non-Asian friends to our no-shoes rule, which my mother upheld religiously, even when the plumber or handyman stopped by 😅 The publication date is a few years away, but I can’t wait for you to meet Mina and her hilarious friends!
For updates about this book as well as the upcoming Sora’s Seashells (May 2023), please do subscribe on my website for (very infrequent but fun) newsletters: helenakrhee.com
#bookdeal #authorsofinstagram #amwriting #kidlit #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #picturebook