Have Swag Will Travel: Planning Library Visits, Webinars, and Other Outreach, by Kathy MacMillan

Hello readers! I am delighted to bring you today's interview with author Kathy MacMillan. Kathy and I have several interests in common including kidlit, libraries and American Sign Language. I first interviewed Kathy in 2014 and again in 2020, and she has featured my work on her information-rich blog multiple times (Lucy's Blooms here, my potty-humor books, here, and my Story Time with Signs and Rhymes series, here ). Fun Fact: Kathy and I will be publishing house siblings when my next book, MAMA'S HOME, comes out with Familius in 2026! 

by Kathy MacMillan and Ekaterina Ladatko

Kathy's latest book, NITA'S FOOD SIGNS, (the third title in her Little Hands Signing series), came out on February 4, 2025 (illustrated by Ekaterina Ladatko, Familius), but she has MANY books to her credit. I've long said that one of my favorite parts of being an author is connecting with young readers at school, library, and bookstore visits, and in my Birth Stories for Books series, I often ask authors for one piece of advice related to planning successful book-related events. Since Kathy and I already took a deep dive into her path to publication for NITA'S DAY, Kathy's first book in the Little Hands Signing series, we decided to use today's conversation to take a deeper dive into planning book-related events and promotions. So let's get to it! 

Dawn Prochovnic: Welcome back to the blog, Kathy! I'm so happy for you to be here. And congrats on your latest book! 

Kathy MacMillan: Hi Dawn!  Thanks for having me!

DP: You offer a wide variety of innovative, collaborative virtual and in-person events. You present regularly at public libraries, you offer a variety of webinars and eCourses, and I even recall a fun and informative Instagram Live event with fellow author, Tracy Gold, when your book SHE SPOKE first came out. I’d love to learn more about your experience planning/implementing one or more of these events.  Let's start with libraries: 

Reflecting on the (many!) library programs you have facilitated, both traditional, and virtual, are there any elements/activities that stand out that the young readers (and/or their parents/caregivers) seemed to enjoy the most? 

KM: Anything interactive! So many authors (and people in the general public) think that storytime is just holding up a book and reading it, but there is so, so much more to it! An effective storytime includes lots of opportunities to connect and interact with your audience. That can mean pausing to ask questions, singing songs together, using props, or inviting volunteers up to help act out a story – or all of the above! If there is nothing for the kids and families to do but sit there, I consider that a failed program.

I have been presenting storytime programs that teach American Sign Language at libraries and schools since the early 2000s, so all of my programs (even my workshops for adults and writing programs for teens) include some American Sign Language. It’s a great way to get kids moving while still being engaged with the content. 

© Maryland State Arts Council 2023, MSAC.org

When it comes to programming and presentations, my motto is “Connection over perfection.” It’s much more important to be engaged with your audience than it is to get through everything on your plan. You have to be tuned in to the group, and if they need a wiggle song where I planned a story, then they get a wiggle song!

DP: Such great advice. And I LOVE that motto! 

Do you have any fun anecdotes and/or pictures to share from your past events? 

KM: Here are some pictures of various programs and storytimes I have done. The problem with being very animated, and with using a lot of ASL in my programs, is that inevitably there are a lot of pictures of me making weird faces! 

© Maryland State Arts Council 2023, MSAC.org

Image provided by Kathy MacMillan

Image provided by Kathy MacMillan

DP: Love it! 

Do you have any event mishaps or cautionary tales that other storytime/book event planners might benefit from knowing about (or simply get a kick out of)?

KM: This story comes from a writing workshop for middle schoolers, but it’s a great example of leaning into participation and of being resourceful. In a writing workshop about plotting, I had planned to show a clip of the movie Cars to illustrate effective finales. We set everything up ahead of time and worked around the school’s firewall, and everything was working fine. But in the workshop itself, the video wouldn’t play. So I got a couple of volunteers to come up and act out the scene instead. It was hilarious and so much fun that I ended up doing that for all my future presentations, instead of playing the clip at all!  Sometimes last-minute inspiration to get around an obstacle can yield the best activities.

DP: What a great story! I can just imagine how much fun that part of the program is for the participants!

I noticed on a recent promotional piece for a library story time that "all attendees will receive a free book," funded by the Friends of the Library. How did that fantastic arrangement come to be?  

KM: This was a very cool initiative by the Friends of the Newark Free Library (DE). They had several authors presenting over the course of the year, and the Friends provided money to purchase copies of each author’s books to be distributed at the programs! 

I have also been able to do book giveaways at some of my programs which were funded through the Maryland State Arts Council’s Arts in Education program. This is a fabulous program, and many other states have something similar. Basically, the way it works is that the teaching artist has to apply to be a part of the roster (and it’s a pretty intense process, so if you are brand new to doing arts or literary programs in schools and libraries, you might want to wait to get some experience before you apply.) Once you are on the roster, schools, libraries, and nonprofits can access grant funding to cover teaching artist fees and program materials (including books to distribute.) The best part about the Maryland program is that the application process for the teachers and librarians is super easy, with the teaching artist handling most of it.

DP: Those are great tips! Thanks for sharing your approach here. 

You also offer a variety of webinars and eCourses. Are there any particular resources you rely on and/or recommend for others who might want to offer remote programming? 

KM: I have taught online courses through the American Library Association for many years, and I vastly expanded my webinar offerings during the pandemic, when library staff needed online professional development. I have had great success with offering online library and educator workshops, and far less success with offering online workshops for writers. I think the difference is that my offerings for library staff and educators are fairly niche; I focus on serving Deaf patrons in libraries, and on strategies for incorporating ASL into storytimes in an effective and respectful way. There are simply very few people offering these kind of trainings, while there are a LOT of people offering online writing workshops. 

So my advice is to figure out what you can offer that very few others can, and then market directly to your audience. I post about my webinars on my website and social media, of course, but most of my registrations come from my direct contacts with library staff and state library organizations.

DP: Super advice, Kathy!

You write in a wide variety of genres, from board books and picture books, to YA and instructional books for librarians and educators. What specific event planning advice do you have for folks like yourself with a wide range of work that is intended for vastly different audiences?

KM: When I first started offering specialty programs for libraries (long before I had books to promote!), I built my storytime programs around public library summer reading programs. That’s because many libraries only have money to pay for outside presenters during the summer. And summer programs are typically all-ages programs. (Even if they are advertised as for a particular age group, you never know who is going to show up!) So for every program I do, I think in options: What if only babies show up? What if it’s all older kids? What if it’s a mix? 

Speaking of summer reading: Many public libraries across the country now use the Collaborative Summer Library Program, which means that many libraries nationwide are now using the same theme. This is great for authors and teaching artists, as it means we can develop one program related to the theme, and market it everywhere! (Even better, the themes are announced several years in advance, giving us plenty of time to plan.) I have had great success sending out a postcard mailing to public libraries in my area and surrounding states with information about my programs in January, and offering a 15% off discount for anyone who books by February 1. Check out my 2025 offering here.

DP: Looks like your summer is going to be loads of fun! 

You also have an ABUNDANCE of book-related EXTRAS (learning extensions, activity ideas, and other educational resources, etc) for young readers and their grown-ups on your Storytime Stuff website. Since Women's History Month is observed in March, (and two of your books, SHE SPOKE and SHE SPOKE TOO are particularly relevant to this topic), can you point us in the direction of some helpful extras on your website that you've developed in support of this observance?  

KM: You can find all the goodies for SHE SPOKE and SHE SPOKE TOO at https://tinyurl.com/shespoke (We snagged that url when the first book was published, so we had something easy to put in the book itself. I just have to make sure to keep the link up to date!).  Our latest additions are SHE SPOKE and SHE SPOKE TOO word searches, made with the free worksheet generator at Education.com.

 She Spoke Word Search (printable .pdf)

 She Spoke Word Search answer key (printable .pdf)

 She Spoke Too Word Search (printable .pdf)

 She Spoke Too Word Search answer key (printable .pdf)

DP: Wow! That tinyurl is jam-packed with great resources and learning extensions!  

Do you have any new projects and/or special events coming up that you’d like to put on our radar? 

KM: I’m so excited to be celebrating Women’s History Month with SHE SPOKE TOO: 14 MORE WOMEN WHO RAISED THEIR VOICES AND CHANGED THE WORLD. You can find an interview with me and my co-author, Manuela Bernardi, where you can learn more about the book here.

by Kathy MacMillan and Manuela Bernardi

I also want to share my most recent book, NITA’S FOOD SIGNS, which came out in February. This is the third book in the Little Hands Signing board book series, which combines family stories with instruction in basic ASL vocabulary. Check out NITA’S FOOD SIGNS storytimes in ASL and English and learn more about the series here.

© Maryland State Arts Council 2023, MSAC.org

DP: I just received an early copy of NITA'S FOOD SIGNS and I love it! (The book design in that series is absolutely marvelous!) 

Is there something you wished I would have asked you that you haven’t had the opportunity to share? 

KM: As someone who spent years on the other side of the library desk booking programmers, my best advice for anyone who wants to perform in libraries is: make it easy on the people who are hiring you! Make sure your program titles and descriptions, rates and policies, and promotional materials are easy to find on your website. One of the best things I ever did was add an availability calendar to my website—I can update it from my phone and it shows my availability in real-time.

And here are a couple of other resources that authors and illustrators who want to connect with public libraries might find helpful:

Working with Public Libraries: A Guide for Authors, Part 1 by Kathy MacMillan (at PubCrawl)

Working with Public Libraries: A Guide for Authors, Part 2 by Kathy MacMillan (at PubCrawl)

Storytime Magic for Picture Book School and Library Visits (Webinar recording; 90 minutes)

DP: Wowza, Kathy. I cannot thank you enough for your willingness to share so many of your event and book promotion experiences and ideas with us. 

Dear readers, you've heard me say it before: the best way to thank an author whose insights have been helpful and/or inspiring to you is to support their work. Follow them on social media. Subscribe to their newsletter. Buy their books. Request them from your library. Read and share them with others.  Let's give Kathy's books some love:

She Spoke Too purchase links:

Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore (autographed copies that support a great cause!)  

Bookshop.org   

Amazon.com   

BarnesAndNoble.com   

Familius.com

Nita’s Food Signs purchase links:

Autographed copies from the Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore

Bookshop.org 

Amazon.com  

BarnesAndNoble.com  

Familius.com 

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Image provided by Kathy MacMillan

Kathy MacMillan (she/her) is a writer, nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, editor, and signing storyteller.  She writes picture books (including The Runaway Shirt and the Little Hands Signing series from Familius Press), children’s nonfiction (including the She Spoke series from Familius Press and Super Cities!: Baltimore from Arcadia Publishing), middle grade fantasy (the Chronicles of Cavallon series under the pen name Kim Forester), and young adult fantasy (Sword and Verse and Dagger and Coin, both HarperTeen). Her debut novel, Sword and Verse, was a finalist for the Compton Crook Award. She has also published eight resource books for educators, librarians, and parents, including 5 volumes in the bestselling Storytime Magic series from ALA Editions. Kathy lives in Baltimore, MD. Find her online at KathyMacMillan.com or on Twitter and Instagram at @kathys_quill.

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Have Swag Will Travel is an occasional feature of Dawn Babb Prochovnic's blog. Dawn is the author of multiple picture books including, Lucy's Blooms, Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?, Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?, and 16 books in the Story Time With Signs & Rhymes series. Dawn is a contributing author to the award-winning book, Oregon Reads Aloud, and a frequent presenter at schools, libraries, and educational conferences. Contact Dawn using the form at the left, or learn more at www.dawnprochovnic.com.  

Birth Stories for Books: STUCK!, THE STORY OF LA BREA TAR PITS, by Joyce Uglow

Howdy, readers! It's time to dig into another Birth Stories for Books interview. Today we'll take a deep dive into Joyce Uglow's debut nonfiction picture book, STUCK! THE STORY OF LA BREA TAR PITS (illustrated by Valerya Milovanova, Bushel and Peck Books, March 4, 2025).

by Joyce Uglow and Valerya Milovanova

Dawn Prochovnic: Welcome to the blog, Joyce. We "met" recently via our mutual membership in 12X12. I was interested in hearing about your newsletters on Substack, and I was fascinated with your debut nonfiction picture book, STUCK! THE STORY OF LA BREA TAR PITS. I'm  eager to learn more about your path to publication for this book.

I'd like to start by learning about the inspiration that sparked the idea for this story, and the process and timeframe between your initial idea for the book and the story that was formulated fully enough to submit to an agent or editor.

Joyce Uglow: STUCK! came to me the first time I visited La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, CA. I stared in wonder standing in front of the Smilodon exhibit. My original notion was to feature Smilodon as a main character who would travel the USA. Oh, my goodness! What an unmarketable idea… When I started researching animals trapped in the asphalt seeps, I realized the story is MUCH BIGGER than the 3.5 million fossils stored and displayed in the museum. Two words: climate change. Paleontologists’ research unearthed findings showing changes that impacted the ice age ecosystem trapped over 50,000 years in hidden pools of asphalt. They found that human-caused fires impacted a great deal. Since 2018, I’ve read research and interviewed scientists to ensure the accuracy in the book’s text and in the art. This book is dedicated to La Brea scientists Dr. Emily Lindsey and Dr. Regan Dunn.

DP: Wow! It sounds like the content for this story really took hold and grabbed you! 

When you compare one of your earliest drafts of this story to the version in the published book, what stands out for you in terms of what is most different? Likewise, is there anything in particular that stands out that was included in your earliest drafts and survived the revision process?

JU: Once I started the manuscript, I knew I wanted to write using a light mood and tone because this topic is somewhat dark. I worked to soften the blow of the huge number of unsuspecting ice age animals that met their demise in the stickiness. Each iteration of the manuscript got stronger via the wisdom of input from my critique group members. They shined a light on the arc and the language. I’m eternally grateful for their thoughtful feedback. Below is a snapshot of one of the early drafts with and early title STUCK! TRAPPED! STACKED IN THE PITS! This spread about the dragonfly moved to the end of the book in a slightly different format. 

DP: Reflecting on the journey from idea to published book, are there any individuals, experiences, or opportunities that you credit with opening the door for you to bring this story to publication? 

JU: Children’s Book Insider (CBI) publishes a monthly newsletter that is known for its articles on the writing industry and craft tips. The publication offers news and above-the-slush-pile submission opportunities. The CBI newsletter is published 12 times per year by Children’s Book Insider, LLC and can be found at http://www.writeforkids.org . 

When I felt that STUCK! was submission ready, I began looking for publishers that accepted manuscripts from unagented writers. Lo and behold, CBI featured editor Ryan G. Van Cleave of Bushel and Peck Books. I closely read and followed the submission guidelines. Several months later, I opened a celebratory email. Woohoo! Bushel and Peck offered me a contract for STUCK!  Bushel and Peck Books is a highly respected and PAL approved press. (PAL is a term SCBWI uses for Published and Listed.) My SCBWI profile and listed books can be found here.   

DP: One of the kindest and most thoughtful rejections I've received was from Ryan G. Van Cleave at Bushel and Peck. Hooray that your book found a home at such a lovely publishing house.  

Your book has been described as a "lyrical non-fiction exploration, surrounding the history, and little-known origins, of the ice age and the La Brea Tar Pits." Based on a recent stroll through your website and blog, it's clear you have a love for, and experience with, poetry. Can you share how your interest and experience with poetry influenced and informed your picture book? 

JU: I want to first recognize that my late mom, Marie Virginia (Hall) Cooper was a quiet writer. As an east coast high schooler and William and Mary college student, she wrote editorials and articles. As a busy mom, she quietly submitted her stories and editorials. Little did I know, that her writing practices would rub off on me. As an educator for students who benefitted from creative approaches, I often used writing to teach reading and picture books to teach writing. Because I was interested in creative approaches for reaching students, I researched the impact of using mentor texts on student literacy. This led to more involvement in literacy education and to serving as the president of the Wisconsin State Reading Association. This in turn, led to my responsibility of hiring presenters for the 2012 WSRA conference. In my search, I read about Janet Wong. Her presentation on poetry for kids at the 2012 WSRA conference hooked me on writing poetry. I have poems in books published by Janet Wong and Sylvia Vardell’s Pomelo Books as well as in poetry anthologies published by Hey Hey Books and Northern Loon Press. As you noted, the text of STUCK! THE STORY OF LA BREA TAR PITS is lyrical. I have come to love the tone and mood of lyrical picture books.  

DP: I just love how one connection leads to another and another in this business! 

Who do you see as the ideal reader for this book and/or what would you love to hear a bookseller or librarian say as they "hand-sell" this book?

JU: I see students in grades 2 to 5 digging into it. The Next Generation Science Standards state: 

3-LS4-1: Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived long ago.  

And the connection to reading and writing is huge. Teachers work with student on the following:

RI.3.1

Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. (3-LS4-1)

RI.3.3

Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect. (3-LS4-1)

W.3.1

Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons. (3-LS4-1)

W.3.2

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. (3-LS4-1)

W.3.8

Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories. (3-LS4-1)

STUCK! recently received the following praise from a reviewer for The Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books : 

“This stirring story and its dynamic illustrations may manage to

enthrall even the least nature-focused kiddo, but any budding scientist will be thrilled to

discover the informative and accessible backmatter, where more information includes a

timeline, glossary, and list of trapped animals, potentially sparking a desire to learn even

more about this viscous part of our planet.”

DP: What a fantastic example of tying your book to established educational standards -- and whoo-hoo for the excellent review! 

What resources would you suggest for readers who want more on this topic?

JU: Concerns about climate change and its impact on the world around us are growing. Scientific studies at La Brea Tar Pits are working to find more about the link between climate warming and the evolution of Ice Age predators, and attempting to predict how animals will respond to climate change today. If it is possible for a reader to travel, I recommend taking a trip to the amazing La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, CA. The fossil exhibits are stand-and-stare-worthy. If accessing the information in person is not feasible, here are some cool resources. 

More info: 

• Stones and Bones: Fossils and the stories they tell

• Fossils for Kids: An Introduction to Paleontology (Simple Introductions to Science)

• https://tarpits.org/research-collections 

DP: Thanks for these great resources, Joyce!

What would be your dream review for this book? Who would this review be from? And where would this review be published or posted?

JU: My BIG WHY: I write picture books centered on wonder combined with my passion for nature, the planet, and my child-like curiosity-driven interest in bees, trees, whale families, and much more. I write picture books for curious kids as they change and grow.

My dream review would come in the form of a thank you or a letter from kids who love our book. Of course, we’d be very grateful to have readers post positive reviews on Kirkus Reviews, Library Science Journal, Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble. It would be a dream come true to see STUCK! THE STORY OF LA BREA TAR PITS in every book store. 

DP: Here's to seeing all of that and more for this book, Joyce! 

One of my favorite parts of being an author is connecting with young readers at school, library, and bookstore visits, and I’m always looking for fresh tips. Do you have any professional advice or suggestions for fellow author/presenters in terms of planning successful (in-person and/or remote) book-related events? 

JU: I was a part of conference planning committees for the Wisconsin State Reading Association for many years. The best presenters came prepared with a rehearsed presentation, tech tools, handouts, and a smile. Flexibility is a must, because things can go sideways. Bring a plan B. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. 

DP: Great tips! 

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your pre-published self? Or, said another way, what do you know now, that you wished you would have known a bit earlier?

JU: Patience is a virtue. 

DP: Indeed! Especially in this business!

Is there something you wish someone would ask you about your path to publication for STUCK! THE STORY OF LA BREA TAR PITS, that you haven’t had the opportunity to share yet? 

JU: Q: What is the most effective marketing tool that does not come across as self-promotion? 

A: My answer to that is ELEVATE, my One Little Word for 2025.

Announcing uGROnews - a newsletter for kidlit authors and illustrators curated by Joyce P. Uglow and Kathy Groth and published on the Substack platform. The title of this newsletter comes from their last names and speaks to the mission of uGROnews. Both authors volunteer for SCBWI Wisconsin. Kathy currently serves as chair of Publications Promotions and Joyce carries out the duties of the Assistant Regional Advisor. uGROnews gets delivered to readers and subscribers on Substack at no cost. Joyce conducts Q&A written interviews she calls Creatives’ Point of View, which get posted on or about the 15th of each month. The goal is to ELEVATE fellow kidlit creatives and their new projects, offer opportunities for authors and illustrators to increase awareness surrounding their latest releases or soon-to-be-released projects to the writing community. uGROnews is a way to showcase the book, share its vital idea, and describe the project’s publishing journey from idea to book. Equally important is the second post made at the end of the month. The How To Pointers curated by Kathy, gather know-how about various aspects of the craft of writing and publishing. Uglow and Groth see the incredible creativity, talent, and skill that members of the writing community have. If you happen to be a reader on Substack please check out uGROnews. If interested, subscribe and share with others. 

DP: What great resources for our readers, Joyce. Thanks for sharing! 

Do you have anything you’d like to tell us about what you’re currently working on?

JU: You asked THAT question. Here goes… I read and support the writing community in a variety of ways. If you’re a member of Inked Voices, I recently posted a discussion about back matter there. In addition, I’ll be Mighty Kidlit Featured Author in September to dig into back matter some more. In terms of poetry, Cynthia Mackey and  I are co-hosting a poetry and illustration challenge. The kick-off is March 14 but you can join anytime. Here’s a quick look on YouTube. We’ll post a one-word prompt you on Instagram and BlueSky. The details will be announced on February 14 on Substack. Watch for the STUCK BUMBLEBEE CHALLENGE. Join in on the fun! 

In terms of writing poetry and picture books, I am fortunate to have been granted a Pacing Mentorship with the amazing Jodell Sadler of Sadler Literary. The mentorship is through Rate Your Story on the Mighty KidLit Creator platform. I’m working on a half dozen manuscripts to polish them. Stay tuned! 

DP: Wowza! You've got LOTS going on in the next few months, Joyce. Very exciting! 

What is the best way for readers to get in touch with you or get their hands on your book(s)?

JU: I have details about my books, author visits, and poetry on my website at https://joyceuglowauthor.com . 

Social media: 

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jpuglow.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpuglow/

jpuglow@gmail.com 

STUCK is available wherever you buy books. 

Bushel and Peck Books  Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Bookshop  

DP: Thanks so much for sharing your Birth Story for STUCK! THE STORY OF LA BREA TAR PITS with us, Joyce! 

Dear readers, you've heard me say it before: the best way to thank an author whose insights have been helpful and/or inspiring to you is to support their work. Follow them on social media. Subscribe to their newsletter(s). Buy their books. Request them from your library. Read and share them with others.  

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Joyce P. Uglow writes lyrical picture books about nature, science, and our planet. Retired from a career in education, she is the author of STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits (Bushel & Peck Books/March 4, 2025) and poetry in several anthologies (Pomelo Books, Hey Hey Books, The Dirigible Balloon, Northern Loon Press). Joyce loves family gatherings, gardening, and exploring National Parks, mountains, rocks and the ocean with her husband, Larry. She serves as SCBWI Wisconsin Assistant Regional Advisor and a round one 2024 CYBILS Poetry judge. She is unwaveringly committed to sparking kids' curiosity. Visit Joyce’s  website to learn more. 

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Birth Stories for Books is an occasional feature of Dawn Babb Prochovnic's blog. Dawn is the author of multiple picture books including, Lucy's Blooms, Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?, Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?, and 16 books in the Story Time With Signs & Rhymes series. Dawn is a contributing author to the award-winning book, Oregon Reads Aloud, and a frequent presenter at schools, libraries, and educational conferences. Contact Dawn using the form at the left, or learn more at www.dawnprochovnic.com.