The first time I heard about Brian Gehrlein was when I read his article, 5 Things My 600 Rejections Taught Me. You know the feeling when you read or see something and you immediately like it? Well, that’s what happened to me. I immediately liked this guy. He was an actual “real person” with real writing struggles, encouraging not only himself but also others in the query trenches. Since then, I’ve gotten to know Brian through working with him in his critique services, and he is the real deal! I am grateful for his help, creative suggestions, and encouragement, and I highly recommend his critique and mentoring services.
I was thrilled when I was invited to be a part of the This is Not a Sleepy Bear Book Advanced Reader Team. At that point, I had already pre-ordered the book and was looking forward to adding it to my collection of picture books. Of course, The Book of Rules is part of that collection. I’m crazy about Dennis and wish I would have had this book during my years in the classroom. So, it was no surprise to me that Brian did not disappoint with his second book.
This is Not a Sleepy Bear Book by Brian Gehrlein and illustrated by Jennifer Harney is a show-stopper! From the minute you begin reading, it draws you into a cozy yet chaotic world of fun and shenanigans. The clever twist on a classic bear story and zany humor will have kids asking to have this book read to them again and again. And to top it all off, there’s a surprise ending! No wonder it got a Kirkus Star review! You can pre-order a signed copy of This is Not a Sleepy Bear Book at The Learning Tree.
At the end of Brian’s article 5 Things My 600 Rejections Taught Me he said: “So I hope I can remember what I’ve learned over the past two years. There’s power in perseverance and a number is just a number…not a reflection of your worth. Perhaps I’m only getting warmed up…”
I’m so happy that Brian didn’t give up, because now we have two of his amazing stories in the world, stories that kids will love, and giggle to for many years to come. And guess what, I think he’s still only getting warmed up!
I am thrilled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Ana Siqueira, the author of If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja, Bella’s Recipe for Success, Vera La Valiente Is Scared, Sticky Hermana, as well as other amazing bilingual picture books.
Welcome, Ana and thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey. I am a huge fan of yours and love all of your stories. My Babysitter is a Bruja also happens to be the perfect book for Halloween. And, to top it all off, Sticky Hermana is coming out at the end of this month! Of course, I’ve already pre-ordered it and I can’t wait. Okay, now for the questions…
Me: Do you have any special plans for Hispanic Heritage Month?
Ana: Absolutely! As a co-founder of the Latinx Pitch event, I’m always looking for ways to spotlight our incredible Latine creators. While we’ve decided to hold off on the event until next year due to current circumstances, we’re not backing down—we’re just recharging for an even bigger comeback! Next week, I’ll be visiting a school to talk about the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and our diverse culture. I’ll also be reading my book, Vera La Valiente is Scared, illustrated by Teresa Martinez (Beaming Books). Can’t wait to share the story and celebrate with the students!
Me: How long have you been writing?
Ana: I began writing and publishing children’s books in Brazil several years ago. Then life happened—I took a long break from writing.
However, in 2019, my Spanish students asked me to write a story in Spanish based on the viral video “The Duck Song.” I sold that story to the educational market, and it reignited my passion for writing picture books. So really, I owe it to my students for nudging me back into the creative world!
Me: Where do you find inspiration for your books?
Ana: Real life is my muse—especially moments with my kids and grandkids. Take If Your Babysitter is a Bruja (illustrated by Irena Freitas, Simon & Schuster). It was inspired by my daughter Karina when she was three. We were at the beach in Brazil, and she didn’t want to leave. I used my teacher voice: “We must leave now!” And she started yelling that I wasn’t her real mom—I was a witch! Imagine walking three blocks with a screaming child shouting you’re not her real Mami. That moment had to become a book!
Sticky Hermana (illustrated by Olivia de Castro, Charlesbridge) is based on my little sister, who was super sticky and followed me everywhere. It’s a sweet story about sibling love—and the need for a little personal space.
Both books are also published in Spanish.
Me: Tell me a little bit about your books’ journey to publication. Were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, aha-moments? You can share the good, bad, ugly lol, or not.
Ana: Oh yes—every book has its own rollercoaster ride. But the biggest challenge? The waiting game. Back in 2019, editors would respond in about a month. Now, it can take much longer—and sometimes, you don’t hear back at all. Rejections sting, and the silence can be tough. My advice? Don’t refresh your inbox every hour. Instead, channel that energy into your next project. Keep creating, keep learning, and keep going.
Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?
Ana: Learn, learn, learn! Just like a doctor wouldn’t perform surgery after reading one book, writers need to keep growing. Read craft books, attend webinars, join critique groups—and give yourself at least a year before diving into querying.
Me: Thank you for sharing the resources for children’s book writers, I enjoyed watching it and I’m sure others will too.
What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.
Ana: I have two picture books coming out in 2026:
If Your Abuelo is an Astronauta (a companion to Bruja)
Mami’s Heart, illustrated by Nomar Perez (HarperCollins) And in 2027, my chapter book series is coming: The Creepy Creature Catchers—a group of kids investigating undercover people they suspect are Brazilian legends. I’m also diving deeper into Chapter Books and exploring Easy Readers. So many stories to tell!
Me: That’s wonderful news! I can’t wait to read your new books, like I said, I’m a big fan! I’d love for you to share a recipe with me. I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.
Ana: Here’s a spooky and fun Halloween treat: Zombie Eyeballs! Perfect for kids, parties, or just unleashing your inner mad scientist in the kitchen. Watch the recipe here: https://youtu.be/r08Fxo3YPRA?si=IdJ6SVhDFhRc5ySc
Thanks so much for your time, it’s always fun getting to know writing friends, I hope you have a wonderful day. The video of your spooky and fun recipe is so much fun! I love how you work together with your assistant!
I’m happy to celebrate the fall season with Maria Antonia, the author of Barnaby the Runaway Sheep. This heartwarming story with themes of trust and faith is the perfect story to share with little ones! Welcome Maria and thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey.
Me: Do you have a favorite season?
Maria: I like all the seasons of the year, and I look forward to all the changes. But I will say that I do love springtime! It’s the season of new beginnings. I do a bit of gardening, so I love when all the trees are coming to life. And the flowering fruit trees are the best! Not to mention, lilacs and lily-of-the-valley are some of my favorite flowers.
I love how Sayani Mukherjee (the illustrator for my picture book, Barnaby the Runaway Sheep) was able to incorporate so many of the seasons in the book. The flowering trees to show the spring and the wonderful, vibrant greens to depict summer. One of my favorite illustrations is one that shows Barnaby and the other sheep from overhead with the golden browns of autumn.
Me: How long have you been writing?
Maria: I’ve been writing and telling stories since I was a kid. However, I started to seriously pursue being a published author in 2018. I had been writing short birthday stories for my nieces and nephews and wanted to know if they were “good enough” for publication. I started to put my work out there within the online critique community. I had two short stories picked up by two magazines in the fall of 2020. I’ve had lots of magazine stories published since. And then in 2024 and 2025, my two picture books were released into the world! The Christmas Elephant and Barnaby the Runaway Sheep.
Me: What or who inspired you to write Barnaby the Runaway Sheep?
Maria: Barnaby was inspired by a real-life sheep named Shrek who ran away and lived out in a cave for a number of years. By the time his shepherds tracked him down, he couldn’t move due to his wool being so heavy and matted with dirt. He only survived because they found him!
I initially wrote about Shrek but ultimately decided to fictionalize the story. I had more creative license that way and didn’t have to stick to all the facts of Shrek’s story. The sheep’s name changed to Barnaby, which just felt like the perfect name for my little runaway sheep!
Me: Tell me a little bit about this book’s journey to publication. Were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, aha-moments?
Maria: This book is my second picture book in a 2-book deal with my publisher, Paraclete Press. Even though it was published second, it’s the book that got me the deal! We submitted my Christmas Elephant book after that, and they decided to lead with that story in time for Christmas. Barnaby came out for Easter!
I originally titled the book The Runaway Sheep, but there was another book by that name. Just before my book went to print, my editor contacted me and told me they wanted to change my title so it wouldn’t be confused with this other book. We came up with Barnaby the Runaway Sheep. I love the new title and now I can’t imagine it as anything else!
Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?
Maria: You have to be persistent. This business is full of rejection, and if you can’t handle that, this is probably not the job for you. Also, keep working on your writing craft. You can always learn to do better. Keep writing new stories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different writing styles to find your voice. Write what excites you!
Me: What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.
Maria: I am working on all sorts of different stories at the moment. I have a few manuscripts on submission with my agent. I’m gearing up for school visits this fall/winter, both in-person and virtual visits. I love interacting with young readers. As a former teacher, it’s fun to be back in the classroom.
Me: I’d love for you to share a recipe with me, I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.
My Recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge!
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups chunky peanut butter
3/4 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
½ cut powdered milk
2 tsp vanilla
Directions:
Combine peanut butter and butter on low heat.
Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, powdered milk, and vanilla. Mix well.
Spread mixture in a buttered 9×9 pan (or line with wax paper or parchment paper).
Refrigerate overnight.
Cut into small, bite-sized squares. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat!
Me: Thanks for taking the time to chat with me; it was fun getting to know you more, and I have a feeling I’ll be asking you back again. I haven’t had peanut butter fudge in a long time, and it’s nice to have a recipe for it now.
Maria Antonia learned to write her name at five years old and tried typing with an old manual typewriter at age eight. However, it was when she met the computer that she never turned back. Many years later, she still clickety-taps out her stories onto the screen, stories that have turned into picture books like The Christmas Elephant and Barnaby the Runaway Sheep. In addition to writing, Maria also enjoys sipping a nice cup of hot tea and capturing the world with her camera. She has lived in Sunny Spain, Busy New York City, and currently resides in the Great White North of Canada.
Sayani Mukherjee is an Indian illustrator based in Dublin, Ireland. Sayani embarked on her artistic journey with a passion to observe and recreate children’s expressions and activities in a whimsical art form. Her love for children’s literature combined with her artistic prowess led her to specialize in illustrating books for young readers. With a growing portfolio of acclaimed projects and awards, Sayani’s work continues to brighten bookshelves and inspire young readers worldwide.
Pat Brown Books 