Book Title:  BLOOMING ROSE BLASTS OFF! by Lauren Piland
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Jan 10, 2023
Content Rating:  G for all kids.

Rose loves to write, draw, and play―but what happens when she has to face a project she’s never done before?! With encouragement from her best friend, Brady, and some brainstorming with Dad, does Rose’s rocket launcher project turn out to be less than stellar or out of this world?!

As a former second grade and elementary art teacher, Lauren Piland is a Louisiana native turned Texas homesteader who knows the importance of engaging read-alouds both in class and at home. After taking a step back from the classroom to raise her second child, she realized the gap some campuses face between the undersupported emotional struggles of students and the overwhelming responsibilities of teachers. “When we can use tools such as books and relatable characters to open up those more meaningful conversations, both at home and in the classroom, it aids in that process of peeling back layers of getting to know each other better and building trust,” says Piland. “Children need to feel seen, feel heard, and feel protected. And we do that by tapping into our emotions.”

Piland also wanted to further support teachers by including ready-to-use, curriculum-based exercises to go along with each book that focus on learning objectives such as reading comprehension strategies, vocabulary building and word mechanics exercises, writing prompts, whole group projects and STEM exercises with differentiated versions for students in Pre-K all the way to fourth grade.

Interview

1. What is an academic bundle?

Each of our stories have a Beyond the Text academic bundle of activities that goes along with it. As a former elementary teacher, I thought it would be helpful to include exercises in reading comprehension, writing prompts, science & technology, and more to use at home or in the classroom.

2. How have your experiences helped you to write this book?

The whole concept behind our Blooming Rose series stems from my experiences working in the elementary classroom, as well as situations from raising two children of my own. While the stories are fictional, I wanted this series to reflect feelings, characters, struggles and triumphs that all kids could relate to, including my own.

3. What is one thing you like about being an author?

I knew I would love being able to share my book with kids during author visits and community events, however, I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoy connecting with teachers, parents and other small business owners who love to support our kiddos as well.

4. How did you pick your illustrator?

Being a new author, I wasn’t quite sure where to start, but after pouring over dozens of portfolios, both from my publisher and from outside agencies, I imagined finding the right one would be like finding the right wedding dress. When you know, you know, and that has certainly rung true when I came across Kristen’s portfolio, and I’ve loved working with her to bring Blooming Rose to life – it’s such a pivotal piece of a picture book that needs to fit just right!

5. Where do you write?

Although I’m lucky to have some extra space for a home studio, that has become my hub for all things shipping distribution & storage. Because honestly, as a work from home mom, I do all my writing and working from our dining room table so I can keep a better eye on everyone and everything! 😉

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