Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day is a children's picture book on patience that is great for Christian families to share with their little ones. Read on for an interview with the author and a chance to win a copy for yourself!
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day! by Allia Zobel Nolan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Title: Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day!
Author: Allia Zobel Nolan
Illustrator: Alexandra Colombo
Published: 2024 by Kregel Childrens Books
About the Book:
"Can you send me some patience, God? Please?"
Harriet's mom calls her Harriet Hurry-Up--and it's easy to see why. There's nothing this little girl can't stand more than waiting. From a slowpokey sun that won't rise before she does, to the shy sprouts on her school potato experiment, to the long line at the store with Mom, everything takes forever for Harriet. Why, oh, why can't this day just go faster?
But with her Gran's help, this impatient little girl is learning to trust God's timing and find the blessings he puts in every single day--if she can just slow down long enough to see them.
With rhymed text that kids will love and colorful, whimsical illustrations full of surprises, Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day! will quickly become a family favorite. It's perfect for birthdays, back-to-school reading, and for anyone--child or adult--who finds that having patience is hard.
Interview with Author Allia Zobel Nolan:
Thank you for visiting my blog today, Mrs. Nolan. Can you introduce yourself to our readers and share what inspired you to become an author?
I’m delighted to be here and visit with your readers. My background is truly a Cinderella story. I started my career as a journalist, writing human interest pieces. During that time, I also wrote humorous pieces for The New York Times, and had two columns in local and national newspapers entitled, “Life with a Side of Whiskers,” as I often wrote about my cats.
I sent one of my newspaper stories to a publisher without an agent…just one letter…to see if there was any interest in publishing it as a book. He called me and said yes, and after I let out a shout you could hear in Antarctica, which was the beginning of my career as an author.
After that I got a position as senior editor for Reader’s Digest Children’s Books and began writing children’s books exclusively…although I did continue to write a few cat books on the side. Currently, I have over 150 titles to my name. Do I consider myself blessed? You bet. Still, writing was in my DNA. It was what I was meant to do. And I couldn’t be happier.
Every author's journey is truly unique! Do you have any favorite children's picture books/authors who inspire you?
Well, I’m an avid reader. From childhood, I always had my face in a book. Reading is my very favorite pastime. Some of the books I read and reread include Eloise at the Plaza…I used to imagine myself as Eloise. I loved and still do love and read lots of children’s poetry books; books like The Butterfly Jar by Jeff Moss, anything at all by Shel Silverstein. I read Jack Prelutsky’s Something Big Has Been Here, and lots of Dr. Seuss. I also loved Kate Camillio’s Because of Winn-Dixie. You know it’s difficult to pick out one or even some of my favorites, because I love them all.
Those are some great picks! I think I often overlook children's poetry, but those are some iconic authors! I work as a children's librarian and a lot of people seem to assume that writing for kids is "easy." Can you walk us through the process of writing a picture book?
Writing a picture book involves more than meets the eye, and the best authors make it look “easy,” though it is far from that. There’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than most people realize. I’d probably take a week to outline everything that goes into it. Still suffice it to say, the one thing an author must do to be able to write a good picture book for children, is to become one. The author has to hang up her adult thoughts and feelings, likes and dislikes, vocabulary and imagination, and slip on the persona of a child. She has to think like a child, use vocabulary a child would, dig deep for feelings and actions a child would have…. In essence, become five or six years old again. And you have to be sincere so your readers will know you’re not faking it. That may sound simplistic. On top of that, you have to guide the illustrator to do the same thing.
That's so true, children can tell when you're sincere and authentic! What inspired you to write Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day?
I got the idea for this book out of the blue. I was expecting a check from a publisher and as I was walking to the mailbox to see if it had arrived, I thought to myself: Boy, I hate to wait.
And since I write books for children and am always looking for ideas to share with them, I thought learning to wait might be a good topic for children, because if I hate to wait, I could imagine they must feel the same way too.
The truth is we live in a fast-paced, door dash, instant gratification, I-want- it-now world, and this not only affects adults, but we oftentimes unknowingly transfer it to our young ones.
So, I wanted to write a book that showcases a Fancy Nancy type character, one children could relate to, who feels antsy and, in a hurry, most days, but has a real problem with waiting because (spoiler) it’s her birthday the next day. How does Harriet handle being anxious? She prays for patience and receives an answer in the form of a pound dog her Grannie brings home. Playing with the dog refocuses Harriet’s attention so she can live in the moment, enjoy a game of towel tag, and stop wishing away a day that seemed to drag on.
That is a very good point about instant gratification and how fast-pace is now the norm in our culture. I was also an art major, so I have to ask about the art process ... How do you collaborate with illustrators? Do you choose who you get to work with or does your publisher match you together? What is your role in the illustration process?
Well, because I used to be a senior editor at Reader’s Digest Children’s Publishing, I got to know many wonderful, talented illustrators. Down through the years, I have kept files of them as well as any new artists I come across who would be a good fit for some of my ideas. So, I generally suggest two/three people and, thankfully, the publishers usually agree with my choice. I’m fortunate in that way, as most publishers pick the illustrator, and the author really has no say. The editor/publisher then finds out a) if this is something the illustrator wants to work on; b) if the illustrator can work within the budget and c) if he/she can work within the expected time frame.
Next, comes the art brief. That is usually executed by the editor. But I like to write up the art notes myself. Then I pass it along to the publisher. Saves them time and effort because since I wrote the book, I have the vision of what the complimentary art should be. Now, I don’t stifle the creativity of the artist by giving them a blow-by-blow account of what I want…. Just rudimentary elements. For example, three kids of diverse ethnicity, aged about eight years old, are playing in the park. The artist takes it from there. Next, changes, if any, are made and when all is approved, the artist goes to final art.
That's awesome that your publisher lets you have some input in selecting an illustrator. It sounds like you have a clear idea of what art you're looking for/envisioning to pair with your text. What advice would you give to someone who wants to write children's picture books?
Research the topics you are thinking of writing about. See what’s out there; what’s trending; read what editors are looking for on writing blogs; go to writing conferences; or listen to authors who have instructional podcasts about writing for children; Spend time online or at bookstores looking/reading picture books; join a writer’s group and get feedback from them. And most of all, persevere. Don’t be afraid of rejection. It goes with the territory.
I think most successful authors reach the publishing stage because of their perseverance! Are there any resources or techniques that you found particularly helpful in your own journey?
I joined several writers’ groups and went to a few writers’ conferences. I took writing courses at the local college at night. Plus, there’s a plethora of information online so don’t be afraid to dig deeper. Browse bookstores. Books I recommend are: On Writing Well by William Zinsser, and the Elements of Style. And my absolute favorite, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Oh, and if you can’t find a writing group, start one yourself!
That's great advice, if you can't find the support you need, create it yourself! Thank you so much for your time! Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about? What's next for you?
Well, I’d love for readers to check out my website: www.AlliaWrites.com, and to say hello to Harriet when she makes her appearance at bookstores; B&N, ChristianBooks.com, Amazon, and other bookstores.
I’m also hoping we can continue seeing Harriet in follow-up titles. So, keep an eye on my website. Two additional children’s books are in the hopper and scheduled for the end of the year and the beginning of 2025. I really enjoyed speaking with you and offer one more piece of advice for adults and children alike: Keep reading! Thanks again!
We appreciate the behind the scenes look at your life as a children's picture book author! Thank you again, Mrs. Nolan! Be sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a copy of Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day, a Harriet doll and more!
More about the Author
Allia Zobel Nolan is the author of over 150 traditionally published titles. Her books reflect her two main passions: God and cats. Recent titles include Cat Confessions: A Kitty-Come-Clean Tell-All Book (over 130,000+ copies sold); The Worrywart’s Prayer Book, winner of the gold medal first place 2022 Indie Book Award for Christian Non-Fiction; Laugh Out Loud:40 Women Humorists Celebrate Then and Now...Before We Forget, finalist in the 2019 Indie Book Awards for Humor, the classic bestselling children’s book, What I Like About Me: a Book about Differences, and the sequel, What I Like About You: a Book About Acceptance finalist in the 2020 Indie Book Awards for Children’s Picture Books. God Made Us Just Right, from Kregel Publishers, won a 2022 Catholic Media Award for best children’s book. Her latest picture book Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day is currently on presale and will be published August 13, 2024. She lives and writes with her husband, Desmond, their two fur babies, Nolan Nolan, and Colleen Fiona Shannon, and their recently-adopted shelter dog, Miss Kitty, in New England. Connect with Allia by visiting alliawrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
One (1) winner will win a signed copy of Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day, a Harriet doll, and book-themed gift items!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 21, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 28, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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