Lulu the Beaver by Bethany Gano
I have a very special guest joining my blog today! Debut
author Bethany Gano has teamed up with The Children’s Book Review for a book
tour and I’m thrilled to have her share a guest post with you all. Be sure to
look at the bottom of the post for ways to connect with Bethany and a giveaway.
About the book:
In a colony full of busy beavers, one bashful beaver is
hiding a gigantic secret.
Lulu tries to be a typical beaver, but her dream of being an
artist is getting out! Despite her friends’ encouragement, Lulu’s struggle with
fear and self-doubt has led her into a pattern of destroying her artwork —
until an unexpected encounter changes Lulu, and the forest, for good.
With funny asides, sound effects, and elements of comic-book
style, this eye-opening tale urges kids to confront gloomy thinking and gives
them the courage to bravely share their gifts.
STORY BEHIND THE STORY
Hello new friends — Sheri, thank you so much for inviting me
to be a guest and to share about my book, Lulu the Beaver!
I should probably say one thing right up front — Lulu is me.
Lulu dreams of being an artist, but she’s a little beaver stuck in a loop —
suppressing her dreams, destroying her artwork, and resigning herself to
blending in. Lulu is bursting at the seams with dreams and ideas, and (like all
of us) what's inside of her needs to be shared. More on that in a minute.
A few years ago, when my initial thoughts of Lulu hit the
page, I was feeling stuck. I’d been working in the commercial arts for over 20
years and had let fear and self-doubt get the best of me. I had never publicly
shared my artwork. Not only that, but while it was a joy to help clients launch
and achieve their dreams, I knew I wouldn’t realize any of my own if I didn't
make space for them — including creating a book to share with our kids.
So, one morning over a cup of coffee, I storyboarded a rough
version of Lulu’s entire story. I was thrilled! And then I panicked — I had no
idea how to create a children’s book! So, I started right away learning
something new. I became best friends with my local librarian and checked out
pile after pile of books. I sketched and sketched some more. I plotted out
scenes, lighting and props, and began fleshing out what I hoped would be
memorable characters. I experimented with watercolor, acrylic, and ink, and
took in loads of feedback. And then I realized that was all just the beginning
— I needed to face my fears and get this in front of people — and decided to
start a crowdfunding campaign through Kickstarter.
My first campaign, a hardcover book, failed. Yay.
Looking back, it was way too ambitious for a first campaign,
but still not a very glamorous part of my story (especially for someone like me
who was ready to tuck tail and run before I had even started)!
But, I dusted off, got back up, and a few months later took
a shot at a smaller, softcover campaign. This time, my project was funded the
day after it launched! And, most importantly, I also had a group of amazing
people who were encouraging me and helping me along my journey. I couldn't have
made it without them, and I still look back on this with wonder and thankfulness.
There’s more to the backstory, but when I share Lulu’s story
with kids, I share my journey too. I talk about what it looks like to flip the
“gloomy thinking” that holds us back. Gloomy thoughts can often start at a very
young age — it may be the fear of water, not wanting to share something we
drew, or maybe feeling nervous about making a new friend. I talk about the
importance of facing our fears, the value of perseverance, and the reality that
practice makes pathways — all of which start with self-acceptance. If I hadn't
confronted my own gloomy thinking, this book would not exist.
I don’t want to spoil the story, but I think it’s sufficient
to say that through her friends’ encouragement, and an unexpected encounter,
Lulu changes. She embraces her creativity, starts to see herself in a
completely new light, and ultimately lets her friends and family in on her
exciting creative secret! I hope that Lulu's story might just be a fresh wind
in the sails of a kiddo who needs some encouragement to reframe their thinking
— that who they are and what they have to share matters. A lot.
One (1) grand prize
winner receives:
THE ILLUSTRATION PACK
A signed, hardcover copy of Lulu the Beaver, a blank
sketchbook, a set of four Blackwing Volumes pencils, a pack of
metal pencil caps, One custom-painted illustration by Bethany of a name
of your choosing (in Lulu’s forest lettering style shown, but the palette can
be customized).
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
THE BLAST-OFF PACK
A signed, hardcover copy of Lulu the Beaver, a copy of Lulu’s
Activity Book, One “Dream On” patch, One “Lulu Blast” sticker,
and One “Lulu Blast” bookmark
Three (3) winners receive:
A signed, hardcover copy of Lulu the Beaver
About the author:
Bethany Gano’s first large-scale work of art landed all over
her parent’s kitchen floor — despite her witty, four-year-old attempt to give
credit for the fine piece to her imaginary friends! She never stopped creating,
though, and eventually learned the best places to display her artwork. Bethany
has worked in the commercial arts for over twenty years and loves storytelling
through art and design. She is extra fond of picture books — a place where art
and words can’t survive without each other. Lulu the Beaver is her debut
picture book.
Off the clock, you can find Bethany covered in paint,
playing board games, swimming, daydreaming at the beach, and attempting to walk
her dogs. She, her husband, three kids (and other furry and scaly family
members) call Central Florida home.
Keep in touch on social media:
Website: http://www.bethanygano.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bethanygano/
https://www.facebook.com/bethanyganoarts
Comments
Post a Comment