For our Featured Author posts in 2017, 12 x 12 is happy to celebrate with our members who have books that are being published this year. We know the hard work these writers have put in to their career and we hope you will be encouraged and inspired by their journeys to being published picture book authors. This month’s featured author, Cheryl Keely, will be offering a picture book manuscript critique at our first check-in of the year on January 31st. Registration will open January 10th for the new 12 x 12 year here.
When Kelli Panique asked if I would be interested in being a featured 12 x 12 author to coincide with my debut picture book, A Book of Bridge: Here to There and Me to You, coming out in February by Sleeping Bear Press, I was very flattered. As a debut author, so much is new and exciting and I can’t wait to be a part of this world I’ve been journeying to for so long. But then I began to panic. Big time. What could I — as someone so new to the game — possibly contribute? I felt like I was actually on a rickety, ratchety rope bridge like one featured in my book. Too scared to go across. Definitely not looking down, but as I’d already said yes, out too far to go back.
Rope bridge Vietnam Photo credit: Pinterest
But I calmed myself by doing what I do when I’m uncertain about something or where to go and what to do next. I read. Specifically, I read my book and thought about how I could not be more thrilled that this book, which is all about making connections, would be coming out in a time when there is so much anxiety, divisiveness and turbulence in our world. As I wrote in my pitch, Here to There
addresses the technical way bridges connect us, as well as the heartfelt way we connect as human beings. I thought, maybe, just maybe this book will add a little positive to this world. Maybe one child will take comfort in seeing in a small way that we are all in it together, no matter where we live and how different we are. I would be lost without all the books I have read. Books have shown me the way when I felt doubt, lost, or struggled to find my way more than one time in my life, and I’m forever thankful for the bridges they have made. So, if I can add a bridge to something positive for even just one person through my book, I will be a happy person.
And that I thought, could be my contribution, a reminder that writers, like bridges, do more than connect one place to another, they can bring people together. And no matter how much we know that our voices matter, it’s always helpful to be reminded because sometimes the journey can get discouraging. Times can get tough and the road ahead can be so full of pit stops, detours, and pot holes, it can sometimes seem like we’d be better off just pulling over to the side, stopping and letting the world go on without us. But the world would not be better off without our voices. What we do matters, and our voices are always needed. Because, really, as turbulent as the times seem now, it is always a time of uncertainty, anxiety, and searching for understanding and acceptance for someone, somewhere in the world. We are so fortunate as writers that we can offer our words and pictures to help show others that those scary bridges we must cross from time to time can actually be swinging and swaying their way to beautiful places. We as writers and illustrators will always have something to contribute no matter how scared we might be about our own journey.
Still, thinking about the divisiveness in the world right now, I did have one regret of a bridge that did not make it into my book. For the bridge connecting neighborhood to neighborhood, I had to choose between two examples. The kid in me is very happy with using the Brooklyn Bridge because I learned a parade of elephants was used to open the bridge to show people it was safe. I mean come on, forget the kid in me, I would still stop to watch elephants on parade. (Alas, there are no elephants in the book.) But the adult in me wanted to use the West Rail Bypass International Bridge between Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, as the example. The rail bridge opened in August 2015 and is the first international crossing between the United States and Mexico since 1906. In a time when people are talking about building walls to keep people away, I adored the thought of including this particular bridge as a subtle reminder that walls and imaginary boundaries will not keep people divided who are connected just by being human. (Thank you for allowing me a chance to share the bridge somewhere.)
West Rail Bypass International Bridge Photo credit: San Antonio Express News
So it made my heart happy to see the characters illustrator Celia Krampien chose for Here to There. In the beginning stages of the book, it was written as if one family was doing the traveling. That changed over time, but that picture remained in my head. When I saw the characters were of three diverse ethnic backgrounds I made a bridge from ear to ear my grin was so big. Krampien made a bridge from my words to something better.
As writers and illustrators, we can be direct and blunt in trying to bridge divides or laying out paths to understanding and acceptance for sure. Or we can do it simply and eloquently, just by providing a glimpse of a bridge that is up head waiting for someone to cross in his or her own time. We have so many voices and that diversity is our strength as writers and illustrators, as well as human beings. What matters most is that we keep putting our voices out there. For each of our voices is bound to connect with someone at some point and that makes traveling the road worthwhile. So let us continue to make our bridges of words, of paint and the simple holding of hands. It is always a great time to be a writer.
Author Cheryl Keely loves traveling wherever bridges may take her, but enjoys returning to her home in Louisville, Ky., just as much. She resides there with her husband, a dog, a cat and a fish she is training to do tricks. Her debut picture book, A Book of Bridges: Here to There and Me to You, is scheduled for release by Sleeping Bear Press Feb. 15. Please visit her at http://www.cherylkeely.com/.
458 Responses
Great post, Cheryl! Thank you for letting us know that we are not alone… I also grab a book and read when I’m uncertain about something, or where to go and what to do next… but usually I head outside and sit on the porch to read that way I’m surrounded by not only the sights and sounds of nature, but also the smells. Sometimes before reading, I close my eyes and just listen to the world around me.
I totally agree with you when you said that, “Times can get tough and the road ahead can be so full of pit stops, detours, and pot holes, it can sometimes seem like we’d be better off just pulling over to the side, stopping and letting the world go on without us. But the world would not be better off without our voices. What we do matters, and our voices are always needed.”
Thank you. Yes. book, nature or a good walk with the dog!
What a beautiful idea for a picture story book Cheryl! The bridges are so tangible, and such a powerful symbol of connection. Very heart-warming to be able to read and share books like this.
Congratulations, Cheryl! I can’t wait to read your fabulous book! And thank you for such an inspirational post to start the year off with. Bravo! 🙂
Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful year of writing.
This book sounds amazing!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!!! I can’t wait to read in February!
Thank you. Have a wonderful 2017.
Congrats on your book. It sounds very interesting.
Congrats. What a lovely idea for a book!
Thank you, Cheryl, for your inspirational post. I look forward to reading A Book of Bridges! Congratulations!
Your book has all the feels! What a wonderful premise about connections and a simple way of explaining that to children using bridges. Kudos! Can’t wait to read it. ?
Thank you for this inspirational post, Cheryl! I’m looking forward to your book’s release next month. Congratulations!
What a profound and inspirational post, Cheryl. Thank you! Congratulations on your book and best of luck with it!
Congratulations! A wonderful post. Can’t wait to read your book.
Julie and Kelli could not have picked a more perfect author to start the new year off with! Cheryl’s post is beautiful and poignant. I can’t wait to read her new book!
What a perfect post to start off the new year! Thank you, Cheryl, for your beautiful and powerful words. I look forward to reading your book.
Well Cheryl, I got teary reading this post, so you definitely created a bridge to me! I love the metaphor and deeper meaning behind bridges, in addition to their very practical uses. This is the perfect post to begin our 2017 together!
This was really inspiring and so appropriate to start the new year. Thank you for your encouraging words!
Excellent post to kick off a new year of 12×12! Congratulations, Cheryl!
Lovely idea for a book. It sounds as if you have invested a lot of emotion and thought into the writing of it. Something to look forward to in February.
Cheryl, your heartfelt post is beautiful and inspirational. We are fortunate as writers to be able to show how making connections makes us all better people. I’m looking forward to this book, which I can tell will be wonderful just by how you write about it.
Very encouraging and uplifting post, Cheryl. Thank you. Does seem like perfect timing for your book to be released. Congratulations!
Cheryl, I was surprised to read that your new book coming out was all about bridges. I had written a picture book about bridges a few years back and then scrapped it. I am excited to read yours and see what you did with the idea of bridges. I love the premise of the story you described and the heart that you show through words and connection. Cannot wait to see the illustrations as well!! Congratulations. 🙂
Thank you. I love Celia’s illustrations. They are beautiful.
As an addendum. I went to reply to each of your comments, but I kept getting errors. Please know I appreciate all the comments you made and the time you took to make them even if I didn’t leave a personal reply. Technology. My next bridge to cross. 😉
Such a beautiful idea!
What an interesting post. Interested in reading your book also. Love the concept of bridges. Thanks!
I’m looking forward to reading your book. The cover is very appealing! I enjoyed learning a bit about its making! Thank you, Cheryl!
Yes! This is the perfect first post! I visualize a bridge to tomorrow! Thanks for sharing.
A wonderful message at the start of this new year. Thank you for sharing and congrats on your first book!
Wonderful post. I can’t wait to read your book!
Congratulations Cheryl! I can’t wait to read it!! It sounds like a great book for opening up some wonderful discussions in the classroom!
Thanks, Cheryl. I’m really looking forward to reading your book!
What a terrific topic for a picture book! I look forward to reading your story. Thanks for helping us remember to keep building bridges across worlds, words, countries, divides, humanity…especially now.
What a wonderful book idea, and what a wonderful time for it to be published – Congratulations!
What a fabulous post. I totally agree with you, and I had to laugh when you said “But I calmed myself by doing what I do when I’m uncertain about something or where to go and what to do next. I read”. That is absolutely what I do too. Thanks for the reminder that we all have something to contribute, no matter how uncertain or inexpert we may feel. Congratulations on your book, which looks stunning. You must be so proud!!!
I will definitely be looking to read this book. I love the idea of bridges as connectors for people and places, and I especially like what you said about writers: “We are so fortunate as writers that we can offer our words and pictures to help show others that those scary bridges we must cross from time to time can actually be swinging and swaying their way to beautiful places.” Thank you for inspiring me to create today!
What a thoughtful and lovely post. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you all for you lovely comments. All of them made me tear up. This is such a wonderful group and so supportive. I wish you all a wonderful journey in 2017 and many happy crossing of bridges. 🙂
I attempted to leave replies for each of your comments, but I kept getting errors, so I apologize for not responding directly. Please know that I appreciate all your comments and the time you took to read my post and comment. Technology — my next bridge to cross. 😉
What a beautiful gentle voice you have. I so agree that we need to show by example, and show the beauty each has in their heart instead of the downward slide society has taken. Thank you for your voice and picture book!
I can’t wait to read your debut book. It sounds wonderful. Congratulations! Thank you for this timely, poignant, needed post! This particular quote really resonated with me: “Maybe one child will take comfort in seeing in a small way that we are all in it together, no matter where we live and how different we are.”
What a fantastic (and timely) idea for a book and a great post! Can’t wait to see your baby in bookstores and the library! Congratulations!
Thank you for a beautiful, timely post! I look forward to reading your book.
Congratulations, Cheryl! Thank you for your positive post – you’ve added a bridge to your fellow 12x12ers. I can’t wait to read your book!
Perfect time for “bridges”. Another key element to gaining success…timing! Enjoy the ride Cheryl!
Thanks for the interesting post. Can’t wait to see your book. It sounds fascinating!
What a thoughtful and inspiring post, Cheryl — can’t wait to read the book. Congrats on your publication success!
I can’t wait to read your book! The premise sound lovely and full of heart.
Beautiful post. What a great topic for a book – I can’t wait to read it.
What a great idea to use bridges and multi cultural connections. I had never thought of that. Congratulations on your new book.
Yes! Thank you Cheryl. This is why I write, why I worked in museum education, why I taught…my roundabout career has been built around helping children (and their adults) build bridges between their own experiences and the bigger world around them. I love your book’s concepts – both the abstract and concrete connections that bridges forge, not to mention the fact that they are engineering marvels! Congrats on your debut release!
Your books looks lovely and I can’t wait to check it out. Thank you for the wonderful post and the encouragement!
Wonderful post Cheryl. Congratulations on your debut book. I love bridges for many reasons especially as a metaphor when I am helping children at school.
Cheryl – I love the idea of bridges connecting places and people. Thanks for this inspiring post. I am so excited to read your debut book. Congratulations!!
Cheryl – I love the idea of bridges connecting places and people. Thanks for this inspiring post. I am so excited to read your debut book. Congratulations!!
Cheryl,
Congratulations on your debut book. I can hardly wait to read it.
Thanks for persevering and sharing your creative thoughts.
I look forward to reading your inspiring book, Cheryl. Thank you for sharing your journey and your bridge.
I cannot wait to read your debut book…so very unique! Cheers to many more:>
I really enjoyed reading this post. I find it really helpful to hear from a debut author and you had lots of wonderful words to share with us that I appreciated!
Thank you for an inspiring reminder of what is so important about what we do and how our words and pictures can help us readers and writers alike rejoice in our connectedness, particularly, as you point out, during such divisive times. Your book sounds wonderful!
Great post Cheryl! I could not be happier for you and I can’t wait to get my copy!
Children’s book writers and illustrators create bridges with words and images. What a great message. We are engineers and we didn’t know it!
You nailed it, Cheryl. Connecting with others in positive ways is the best new year resolution for 2017. Thank you.
Wow Cheryl, what a timely post, and congratulations. This looks like another beautiful book and will land on my want list.
There are no shortage of ideas…ever! Thank you for your book. It was inspiration to me…anything, any subject can be the genesis of an idea and a manuscript.
Cheryl, beautifully expressed. What inspirational thoughts! I love how you acknowledged the great contributions of the illustrator and how her work complemented yours. I look forward to reading your book. Good luck!
What an amazing book! Connecting with others contributes to understanding and peace. You have made your mark with this book! Thank you!
This post is a wonderful start to 2017. Thank you, Cheryl, and congratulations on a book I’m going to be looking for in February.
Congratulations on your debut book! I’m sure it is the first of many.
What a thoughtful and thought-provoking post. I am very much a kindred spirit. My book for teachers is titled Books as Bridges: Using texts to connect home and school literacy and learning. The metaphor of the author/book as a bridge for building connections and understanding is a powerful one. All the best on your debut pb!
Thank you, Cheryl, for providing a bridge to a connection on so many levels!
Love your post, Cheryl! Beautiful thoughts and inspiration.
I have a picture of a bridge that disappears into a fog by my writing desk, sort of a way to keep me going when I hit that foggy place that writing can sometimes take us. There is always away through, and I’m glad to see you came out the other side of writing into publishing! I already know I’m going to love your book. Thank you so much for the thoughtful post.
This is a beautiful way of thinking about bridges! Looking forward to reading your book!
Thanks for this post and the lovely reminder to build bridges with others instead of burning them. I look forward to reading your book!
I enjoyed reading this and in particular loved the image of the railway bridge from the U.S to Mexico. There it is with the fence between the two countries. You can see the the fence also on the actual railway track so people won’t climb onto it. So very interesting for me. This book is a narrative but has a ‘political’ message which needs to be aired and discussed openly. There are many people, clearly, who disagree with you and many of us at 12×12. Questions need to be asked why. And ensure that children are involved in that discussion.
Thank you so much for your wonderful post. I love the whole concept, and I love how you used bridges as a metaphor for how we can connect as people. Also appropriate in this era of technology and ‘disconnecting’ from one another more and more. Congratulations on the publication of your book!
Thanks for the great post, and I can’t wait to read your book! It looks terrific.
Thank you for an inspirational post to start off this challenge!
The themes in your book are incredibly important, and wonderfully appropriate in light of everything going on in the world. I’m sure your book will be a wonderful resource for teachers and librarians all over; I look forward to purchasing a copy for my son’s preschool classroom.
I didn’t think I had any interest in bridges, but I’m really looking forward to reading your book. I am inspired by how you wrote on two levels, combining the architectural/informational aspect with the human/heart element.
I look forward to reading your book! What a fascinating subject!
I look forward to reading your book! What a fascinating subject!
Congratulations on your debut book! Thanks for the encouragement. I had always heard that being a writer can be lonely. The more I delve into this journey the more I realize how true that can be at times. But I also am seeing how this community can also encourage one another and help us keep putting one foot in front of the other.
cheryl,
Congratulations!It is inspiring to know that a prepublished PB author has actually made it. I look forward to reading your book and seeing the bridges it connects.
cheryl,
Congratulations!It is inspiring to know that a previously unpublished PB author has actually made it. I look forward to reading your book and seeing the bridges it connects.
So inspirational… I am just as curious to know the nitty gritty details of how you work, and your personal bridges, if you ever feel like sharing this as well. Thanks for the visual inspiration particularly. Eager to see the book!
Cheryl, a wonderful, motivational book and message to start off the year crossing a new bridge. Hopeful about where it will lead us.
I am intrigued by your idea to write about bridges and how they connect us. I am looking forward to your story.
Looking forward to reading your book! What a fun way to make non-fiction….fun! 🙂
May this be the first of many opportunities for you! I’m happy you so thoughtfully fleshed out the bridge metaphor. You’re spot on about needing to build bridges in this time of divisiveness.
Wow! This is a beautiful post and I am excited to see your book when it comes out. We need more bridges, more inclusiveness, more love! Thank you for sharing!
I really enjoyed reading your post and feel your passion for bridges and how they connect us. I live on Vancouver Island where we rely on ferries to connect us to the mainland and was born in Vancouver, B.C. which is a city of bridges. As a preschool teacher I have witnessed children building bridges many times and sharing those bridges as they take turns driving little cars or trains across.
Your book looks really appealing! I liked when you said “what matters most is that we keep putting our voices out there.” That is very encouraging to me as a new author. Thank you.
Well said, Cheryl, and a terrific way to kick off a year when a whole lot of us will be mustering the courage to cross our own bridges between doubt and just doing it. Thank you!
Congratulations on your first book. It sounds like a clever concept, but I imagine it was challenging to go from concept to complete story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
First, congratulations on your first book! What an exciting year this will be for you! I love the concept of bridges bringing people together and can’t wait to enjoy your book! I live in Pittsburgh, so I can certainly appreciate bridges, LOL. Thank you for a lovely post and best of luck to you!
Cheryl, I am SO looking forward to this book! My dad was a bridge builder. You can’t go in or out of California without crossing something he made; so bridges have always held a special pace for me and my artwork. I truly love what you have to say about joining people together in these rather difficult times, and will keep this in the forefront of my mind as I try to navigate.
I look forward to adding this book to our collection. It sounds lovely. And congratulations on the book launch. What a fantastic way to start the year off.
Wow!!! What a great post. Love it.
What a wonderful idea for a picture book, Cheryl. Thanks for the inspiring post and your words of encouragement.
Cheryl, I love that you find solace in books (how appropriate). Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of your book — congrats!
Great post Cheryl, it’s interesting to read about he thought process that goes into writing a picture book. Can’t wait to read it. All the best.
Great message, and so timely in this turbulent world. I love your cover. I’m guessing the illustrations are amazing as well.
Congrats on the book, I can’t wait to read it!
Touching idea for a book. I can’t wait to read it.
I’m so glad I found this post–today–on Inauguration Day. I’ve needed constant reminders all day long about building bridges. Can’t wait to grab this for my local library. It looks gorgeous. <3
When I read,
“And that I thought, could be my contribution, a reminder that writers, like bridges, do more than connect
one place to another, they can bring people together. And no matter how much we know that our voices
matter, it’s always helpful to be reminded because sometimes the journey can get discouraging. ”
I had to pause and reread it a few times. It is not only true for the world right now, but for this adventure of writing we are all on. Thank you for the reminder that voices matter, and writing matters, and bridges build a better world.
Oh wow! Words cannot express how much I love this post. I’ve always believed in building bridges instead of walls (heaven knows we have too many of them already!) and you’re beautiful entry (and book) give me much needed hope and inspiration. I can’t wait to read your book. Thank you so much for this! <3
…oops! Not “you’re” beautiful entry, but “your”. 😉 xoxo
A very inspiring post , and not just for writers, but for everyone. I love bridges, even the scary white-knuckles ones that I’ve had to cross in my life. Sometimes they’re so tall that when I look down I think I might need to wear a parachute! Others are so old and rickety that I worry as I place each foot very carefully in front of me. But they are all good. All good. I really enjoyed this post and can’t wait to read your picture book… to myself and to my grandkids. Thank you for this post!
Cheryl, I love your metaphor with bridges, needed now more than ever. And I sincerely appreciate that you’re trying to put something good into the world–which you are! I’m excited to read your book when it comes out.
Love this: “We are so fortunate as writers that we can offer our words and pictures to help show others that those scary bridges we must cross from time to time can actually be swinging and swaying their way to beautiful places. We as writers and illustrators will always have something to contribute no matter how scared we might be about our own journey.”
I can’t wait to read your debut book! It sounds wonderful. When I taught creative writing, I used to have an assignment that required students to examine and integrate a) bridges and/or b) walls in their stories. We looked at lots of factual and fictional and metaphorical examples to build their ideas. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and vision–here and in your book. I’m flipping over to my library page to look up your book now!
Sounds like a fantastic book! We definitely need more bridges these days! 🙂
What an amazing insight you had, bridges connecting places and people. Lovely!
Can’t wait to read your book. Great post! Congratulations on your debut book!
What perfect timing for your book, post and positivity. Thank you for the reminder to keep marching forward, and that there is a place, and need, for our varying voices. Congratulations to YOU!
Cheryl – I absolutely love this book’s theme and your obvious concern for all of us who are in this world together. Thanks for introducing me to the bridge that got left out of your book. It’s hard to beat elephants crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, but the International Rail bridge between Brownsville, TX and Mexico is a hopeful symbol in these times we are living through.
I did not know about the bridge between Mexico and the U.S.! Thank you for sharing with us, and congratulations on your new book!
What a wonderful post. I can’t wait to read your book in February.
Thank you, Cheryl! We really need this message of hope right now. Looking forward to seeing your book in the library!
Your experience of the illustrator taking your text and making it “a bridge to something better” is a good reminder that we need to trust our illustrators! Leaving an illustrator the freedom to interpret the text in their way own opens the possibilities beyond what the author could imagine. For me, it’s this symbiosis that makes picture books special.
I look forward to reading your book, Cheryl. My boys literally love bridges, and I love them both literally and figuratively. 😉 Happy 2017!
Looking forward to reading your book, too, Cheryl! What a perfect way to “bridge” our journeys into 12 x 12.
Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing your experience–and your beautiful new book–with us. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy when it comes out next month.
A very timely book, Cheryl. I love the idea of bridges connecting everyone and everything, geographically and metaphorically. Teachers, kids and parents will love it.
Thank you Cheryl. Your book sounds like it promotes bridges on many levels. It comes to us at an important and difficult time in our country. I look forward to reading it.
I truly look forward to reading your debut picture book. How lovely to show a bridge connecting people, rather than a wall separating people. This will certainly be a book for now.
Can’t wait to read your book!
Great post Cheryl, and I love the premise of your story about building bridges and not walls! More important and relevant now than ever.
Just the post I needed to read as I prepare to get my voice out there with manuscript submissions today.
Great post – thank you!
I was on the fence about joining 12 x12. After I read your article I signed up! Your theme of building bridges inspired me to become part of such a supportive community. I look forward to reading your book.
We are all on a journey that brings us to certain crossings in our life. Choosing the right bridge is important.
What a timely book to have coming out, can’t wait to read it. Found your comments inspiring as I am just starting on this journey. Thank you!
Your inspiring comments encouraged me. I think diversity in picture books is important. Can’t wait to read your new book. Congratulations.
Wow! Can’t wait to read your book. It definitely sounds like one I would have purchased for my library with all the lovely layers. Congratulations!
What a lovely story and thank you for sharing your inspiring words of kindness.
Thanks for you well-written and inspiring comments. Look forward to reading your book. Crossing bridges is indeed a timely subject.
Congrats Cheryl! Your post made me reflect on my own journey. My debut picture book Happy Pants – Why is Mummy so Sad? came out in 2014. It’s about a kid trying to deal with his Mum’s post-partum depression. I feel sheepish telling people about it because it always gets back to telling my own mental health story and I don’t always want to do that – especially not in the context of my writing career where I’d prefer to be known as a sunny kid’s writer. But, as you say, it takes all of us in our diversity to make the world. My book generated so many conversations and touched people in a way that has made me proud. I hope yours does the same for you 🙂
Thank you for sharing the thoughtful and heartfelt underpinnings of your bridges. “Only connect”– the central aim of what we do, or try to. Congratulations on your book, which I will look for!
What a great kickoff to the 12x 12 challenge. I’m adding to my goals for the challenge to be a “bridger”, not a “divider”.
I made a comment yesterday. Did I have to wait until the check-in? I was on the fence about joining 12 x12. After I read your article I signed up! Your theme of building bridges inspired me to become part of such a supportive community. I look forward to reading your book.
Thank you for sharing this post! I found this to be so inspiring. I’m looking forward to reading your book next month. Congratulations!
Can’t wait to read your book! And how appropriate for such a time as this.
Thanks you again for sharing your writing experience with us.
Wonderful post! I had no idea about the elephants, what a cool story. I can’t wait to read your book!
This was an absolutely wonderful read–to start the day and to come back to across the challenging days ahead (as a writer and as a human!) Thank you for the positivity. And congratulations on your huge accomplishment–can’t wait to read it!
Cheryl, I look forward to reading and sharing your book with my read aloud groups. Thanks.
Your book looks fantastic. What a cool concept book!
Thanks for this heartfelt and encouraging post!
Great concept for a book! And I love the cover. I think this is such a timely topic and an interesting way to approach it. I hope you have a great book release!
I love the idea of bridges as a way to unite us. Congrats. The book looks amazing!
What a great book about connections during these tough times!
Beautiful post Cheryl. It calmed my spirit AND made me excited to find your book when it comes out. Congrats, btw! 🙂
Kudos, first of all, for taking that leap of faith and writing the article. What I’ve learned over the years is that this group, of creative writers and illustrators, are the most supportive and nonjudgmental of all the groups I’ve been involved in! We build bridges everyday with our words, our pictures, our willingness to share, and, most of all, our optimism that children are what will save our world.
As I move forward with next month’s challenge, I will keep the bridge image in my head. To remind myself that its only through ‘connection’ that we truly pull the reader into our stories. Thank you for sharing!
Bridges are so much better — and more necessary — in the world we all inhabit. Thank you, Cheryl, for your timely book and post.
Hi Cheryl,
What a wonderful themed book, and so timely too. As I read your post I thought of the quote “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Writers and their words do indeed make a difference. May your work soothe the divides and comfort children. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks. Nancy
Thank you for the post! Encouraging words for these times.
Congrats on the book. It sounds wonderful and timely. I love how you described writers as bridges above. What a heartening thought.
Thank you so much for being a featured author! As an aspiring author, it’s great to hear from a debut author-it gives me hope! Your book sounds fascinating and I’m excited to read it!
Congrats Cheryl on the amazing article and book. I can’t wait to read it. Children and adults will learn the current divisions are only part of the bigger picture because of books like yours. What matters most is that we stay connected and creating! Thank you for this beautiful reminder.
Congratulations! Your book sounds amazing. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Cheryl, This post meant a lot to me after what has been happening in our country this week. I have at times felt angry, lost, confused, and hurt. I love your use of bridges as a metaphor for bridging people. I look forward to reading your book…and congratulations!
I love your story of your study of bridges, and look forward to reading your debut book. Congratulations! What you wrote of, this ability to inspire and connect, is probably the strong thread that binds us Kiddielit writers, our need to be an uplifting influence in the lives of kids.
I love this group!
Thank you for the inspiration! I look forward to reading your book. 🙂
Thank you Cheryl. I love this post, and look forward to reading your book. It is the right time for books like this- we all need to do some bridge building…
I must say, reading and writing are my antidote to anxiety. Plus sharing stories with children- our future. It is the children who will grow up and make beautiful changes to our world, having read books such as yours…
#weneeddiverseboooks
Such great thoughts. Building bridges, literally and metaphorically, is such an important thing to keep in mind.
Very happy for you, Cheryl – can’t wait to read your book!
What an inspiring post, wow. I would have picked this book off the shelf just for the cool cover but now I’ll definitely go looking for it. I love the idea, it sounds like a fantastic book to add to a literary arsenal intent on bringing a little more love into the world. Thank you!
Lovely. Thank you for sharing your heart and your words.
AWESOME POST! Can’t wait to read the book! My daughter and I recently got lost in and around NYC so rather than get all stressed, we enjoyed all the bridges we saw that we would have missed taking the direct route! My ancestors were part of the crew that built the Verrazano Narrows Bridge so you could say its in my blood!
It never ceases to amaze me how often a message that germinated months or years ago finds its voice at the exact moment it needs to be heard the most. Your story idea undoubtedly came to you long before we had any idea what the world would like like right now in 2017. And it couldn’t be coming out at a better time. The message of connection is one we all need to hear and can offer us all some comfort. Thank you for sharing your story!
I can’t wait to read your book. I love the idea of bridges that connect a divide. It is such a timely book and much needed right now. Good luck with your release. I’m excited to see what you come up with next.
Thank you for taking the time to share your story and your heart with us. I thought I had commented earlier in the month, but I can’t seem to find it here – but please know your post was read and appreciated. I’m looking forward to reading your book!
I liked hearing your dreams for your book. We have images we hope to convey and some we must set aside, but it was fun to read about the concepts and images that persevered and made you grin.
Cheryl,
This is such an inspiration to read as a newbie. Thanks for sharing your insight and honesty with us. Since reading this post the first time, I’ve noticed that I’m keen to keep an eye out for bridges of all kinds. I love that Celia Krampien enhanced the ideas of your manuscript even beyond what you saw…we ARE better when we’re connected. 🙂
Sounds like a beautiful book, I look forward to reading it! Congratulations:)
Thank you for this inspiring post! Can’t wait to read the book. Congratulations!
What a wonderful and timely idea for a children’s book. I’m look forward to reading it.
LOVE THIS! Congrats on your debut…can’t wait to read it! I just posted your book on my fb page and hope it takes off. This is what we need as writers for inspiration, and as people in general. Let’s hope we get a glut of humanity this year! Well done!
This is a great concept for our troubled times! I much prefer bridges to walls. Thank you for telling a little of the story of your story!
What a lovely and timely post, Cheryl. Thank you, and congratulations on your beautiful new book!
Thank you for your thoughtful post. Can’t wait to check out your book!
I love hearing what the illustrator brought to your book! Picture books are collaborations–an example of people working together to create something wonderful. We need as much collaboration as we can get these days.
Thank you, Cheryl, for the important and timely thoughts.
Lovely post. Look forward to reading your book!
Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration, Cheryl. And congratulations on your lovely debut PB!
Congrats on your debut book! Can’t wait to read it. And what important words for today – and everyday.
This post is so beautiful, as I’m sure is your book. I just ordered it.
Thank you!
What a timely and inspiring post! Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing your story with us. May we all build bridges when the opportunity arises.
I used to be a die-hard fiction pb-er, but now I’m really falling in love with non-fiction. The reason is books like yours! I can already tell I’m gonna love this one and I can’t wait to read it. Thank you, Cheryl!
Cheryl-
I love the visual of bridges tying us all together. I just joined a new critique group and I feel like they are my bridge, helping me revise and improve my writing so I can cross over to the “published” side of the river.
Thanks, Cheryl. I love your bridge book concept and the hope it gives that we can be bound together despite divides. It’s funny how something so simple, so commonplace — a bridge — something we take for granted, can mean so much, especially now, a time when nothing can be taken for granted.
Looking forward to reading this with my children!
Thank you Cheryl. What a beautiful post. I will look for bridges in my own writing going forward, I promise that. Be well, and best of luck with you debut release!
Thank you for your lovely article!! Best of luck with your writing.
Lovin’ it, Cheryl! Made an instant connection with me! I look forward to walking with you in your book all about physical places and emotional/spiritual spaces; about the importance of individual steps and journeys, and the exploration of the concept of “getting there” with someone/to someone else. A gentle sway with a big and long lasting speak to one and all. Beautiful in so many ways! Kudos!
Congratulations! I love the analogy you create with structural bridges and the bridges we build between each other as humans. Beautiful! I can’t wait to get your book.
I’m excited to read your book. It looks beautiful, and I love the concept. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your thoughts!
A wonderful article and topic. Thank you for sharing your time and energy with us.
Thank you Cheryl for sharing your moment of doubt. We all get there, so it is encouraging to see someone who has faced it and moved beyond.
What a wonderful and timely theme for your debut picture books. Many congrats to you!
Simon and Garfunkel came into my head when I finished reading this post… thanks for the needed and timely thoughts Cheryl — and congrats on the book!
Cheryl,
Have not been able to stop thinking about your post. I can especially envision a child halfway across a bridge having gone too far to turn back but too anxious to continue. I have worked with so many children that found themselves in this place. That’s why caring adults are so important, to reach out, take a hand and help them to finish their journey.
Mark
Thank you, Cheryl, for a book that makes transitions less scary and less alone, for creating an experience that is about physical spaces and spiritual/emotional places, for reminding me every step I take is a bridge of some kind…and likewise with the people I meet. An informational lovely! A true companion.
Congratulations, Cheryl! How exciting! I look forward to reading your debut book, HERE TO THERE AND ME TO YOU.
Love the idea of building bridges. Congrats on your book baby❤
Thank you for your timely post, Cheryl. Your book sounds awesome and, being from Michigan, I love that it’s being published by Sleeping Bear Press.
Cheryl, your words and vision couldn’t have come at a better time. Thank you for being an inspiration. I’ll definitely be buying your book for my school library!
A lovely and timely post. A great way to start off 2017! Thanks. I look forward to reading your book!
Congrats to you and your journey! “We are all in it together, no matter where we live and how different we are.” This is so true and everyone needs to be reminded of this especially right now. Thank you for sharing!
What a lovely and positive message, congratulations on your debut!
Cheryl your book is an inspiration to all of us. Thank you.
Congratulations on the book launch. Such a wonderful topic to explore with kids, especially in these troubled time. I’m looking forward to sharing it with my family.
I love the topic you spoke of and write about in your book, Congrats on your success. I am going out to find it right now. You are a truly an interesting and inspiring writer.
Thank you for starting off the year with some wonderful inspiration Cheryl! I look forward to reading your book.
Wonderful post. I may have said this already before, but it’s so important in a time when we need bridges the most.
What a beautiful post Cheryl – thank you for sharing your book with us!
Congratulations Cheryl! What a powerful and timely concept. Now, more than ever, we need to build bridges, foster connections, and establish strong bonds. I look forward to reading this book with my children. The world is in need of books like yours, filled with hope and positive messages! Thank you.
Looking forward to crossing many bridges in 2017! Yeah for us!
Congrats on your book!
Great post, Cheryl. Word of the day for me was the BRIDGE.
I’m totally inspired.
Bridges of words (and art) are a lovely thought for this particular time in history, thank you.
Thank you for this lovely and inspiring post! I needed to read this. 🙂 Sometimes the anxiety about the world keeps me from writing. But it helps to see my writing as a way to put my voice out there and find the connections that I know are there. Congratulations on your book!
Congrats on your debut book! And thank you for the information about the West Rail Bypass International Bridge and all other information in this post. Great reminder that we (humans) are connected in many ways, and walls won’t stop us! 🙂
What a great premise for a book – I’ve been looking forward to this one.
Great Post!!! Congrats on your book!
Lovely post to start 2017. Look forward to reading your debut book.
What a beautiful book and thoughtful post! I can’t wait to read this! Congrats on a wonderful and timely debut!
What a wonderful and important topic for a picture book! Congratulations, Cheryl, I can’t wait to read it! Thank you for your encouraging post. Our voices do matter.
I love that you liken creating books to building bridges. I think we’d have a lot fewer problems in this world if we focused on what we had in common and not our differences. Thank you so much for such a lovely post.
Thank you for your thought on publishing. Bridges are always important, but it is sooooo timely now.
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your story with us! Can’t wait to read it.
Such a great post! I look forward to reading your book. Congratulations!
Your book sounds lovely, perfect for the current political climate. I’ll be looking for it.
Thanks Cheryl..I enjoyed reading your post. I think we are all looking and hoping to see bridges built right now in so many area of our lives….thanks for sharing your inspirations. I look forward to your book release…congratulations!
Congratulations on your book. It sounds wonderful, and yes, so timely in 2017.
Thank you for sharing your story, Cheryl!
Congrats Cheryl and Celia! Can’t wait to read the book!
The book looks great, thanks for sharing your inspiration with us.
Sweet sentiments and imagery. Congrats on your book!
I only got the read this today- the last day of January- and now I’m glad I was late. I needed this post today. Thank you.
Wonderful post – especially now. Bridges, bridges, more bridges. Thanks for the inspiration and the encouragement!
Thank you for this inspiring post! I do believe positive books like these make a difference.
Sometimes I agree that it would be easier to ‘just pull over to the side, stop and let the world go on without us.’ Your observations and warm reflections are heartfelt by many. Thank you!
thanks for the inspiration. Congratulations on your debut pb. I look forward to reading it!
I love your bridge connections.
I love your bridge connections. Congrats on your new book!
Congrats and thanks for a great post!
Great post, Cheryl! I’m looking forward to reading your new book!
Congrats! Thanks for sharing.
What a beautifully written post Cheryl. I cannot wait to get your book. Your choice of subject has really got me thinking about what Story Storm idea can translate into a book that builds bridges. Thank you!
Thank you Cheryl, building bridges and connections – such a positive and timely subject. I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on your book!
Can’t wait to read your book! Thanks for the great article.
Great post, Cheryl. I like the book title, too.
Great post, Cheryl. I really like the title too.
What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing!
Your bridges are perfectly timed right now. It’s just what we need as a country. I appreciate the reminder that as writers we can create these bridges. It was the kick in the pants I needed to get some work done on my PB draft!
What a great message in these anxious times. Looking forward to reading your book!
Wonderful post, Cheryl. I love bridges – I’m so happy to live close to one of the most iconic in the world (Golden Gate) and used to live close to another (Tower Bridge, London). Looking forward to reading your book, congratulations!
I absolutely Loved the idea of this book, and can’t wait to read it! I also love how perfect the idea of this book sounds for right our times, and everything our country is going through.
I grew up in western Pennsylvania and my grandparents lived in Queens, NY. I remember when the Verrazano Narrows Bridge opened and the first time we crossed it. It was the biggest bridge I had ever seen in my life! I’m looking forward to reading your book.
Thank you, Cheryl, for what looks to be a meaningful and beautiful book.
Love the many meanings of bridges in your book. They can be so magical like when I biked across the Golden Gate Bridge that was swathed in fog. The timing of your book is certainly serendipitous as the world needs a reminder of the invisible bridges that criss cross the globe.
This is a great post. Thank you Cheryl. I love the idea of your book and am eager to read it. The Sleeping Bear Press (originally from my home state of MI), always finds wonderful ideas to promote. Congratulations on your debut picture book and thank you for your heartfelt message.
Thank you for your thoughtful post, Cheryl. Earlier this week I asked people on Facebook (originally on my site) to post titles of picture books that would help our children to understand the issues we are all struggling with in light of current events. In particular I asked for books about government, social justice and the emotions of children. I love your book’s concept about combining actual bridges with the emotional connections between (different) people. It seems a timely addition to our libraries and I can’t wait to read it.
So timely & so impt, Cheryl! Can’t wait to read your book. Great post. Thank you!
Congratulations! Beautiful post. Thank you for the inspiration. Can’t wait to read your book.
Cheryl, great post, love the idea of this book starting in my block area at school and then sparking many more insightful conversations from there!!!
Thank you for this insightful, timely book!
I love the imagery of bridges! It seems technology has granted us instant access to each other, but without real-life bridges, we’re all still islands.
Best of luck in life and books!
Congratulations, Cheryl, on your debut picture book! It looks like such a beautiful book!
Great post! Congrats on your debut!
Thank you for this thoughtful post. I can relate to the feeling of not knowing what to say to a group, and I think you found a great way to reach us! I’m looking forward to seeing your book, great timing and the concept sounds really interesting!
Such a beautiful message Cheryl, I can’t wait to read it!
I loved reading about your new picture book! Congratulations! The idea for melding a story with teaching about bridges is a great one. I love historical fiction for the very reason that it teaches as well as entertains and delights. From the description given, your story does exactly that. Bravo! 🙂
Thank you, Cheryl, for your lovely thoughts on how important each voice is in building
bridges. Too often I, too, want to pull over, park, and give up on the journey. Your words
have given me great encouragement. Thank you. 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading this book! Thanks for sharing your insight.
Thanks for kicking off 2017, Cheryl! May countless readers connect with what looks to be such a beautiful book!
Thanks, Cheryl, for speaking so eloquently on so relevant a topic, especially now. The bridge is a powerful metaphor.
I simply cannot wait to read your book! An informative PB that also engages the reader emotionally is a rare gem. Congratulations!
I love the symbolism in your book. And perfect timing!
What a lovely post, Cheryl! I can’t wait to read your book! Congratulations!
Congratulations Cheryl! And thank you for sharing inspiration! Your book sounds awesome, and you are correct that the timing is perfect for our current state. Look forward to finding your book in the stores!
I want this book. I need this book. Congratulations!
You are such a beautiful writer, and the symbolism portrayed by your story about bridges is so needed right now. I, too, love that your illustrator chose to depict diverse children in your story. As an educator, this appeals to me a great deal and I am sure it enriches your book. Thank you for your inspiring post and beautiful book.
What a great time to read about people being connected via bridges and our humanity. Thanks, Cheryl.
I love the concept of your book! A perfect way to debut!
Thank you for this beautiful, heartfelt and inspirational post. I love the cover of your book and can’t wait to read it. We so badly need bridge-building these days!
Such an uplifting concept for a book, and so timely. I look forward to reading it!
I love the concept of your book. Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations and thank you for a great post. T
Thanks for sharing your inspirational message, Cheryl.
We do so need to build more bridges than walls. Thanks for reminding us that writing — and sharing your writing — does that!
This is outstanding. I don’t even have anything smart to add, just… this was something I needed to read this week. Thanks, Cheryl. I can’t wait to check out your book.
Thank you, Julie…your words are like a soothing balm on a wound…our country has an ‘owie’ and as picture book writers, we can help with our stories. Just like Cheryl mentioned…our books can be bridges. I was lucky enough to get a peek at the ARC for Cheryl’s book…it is beautiful!
Great perspectives shared. Congrats on your debut pb as well!
Congratulations on your book! I love the title and the beautiful artwork. I spent most of my childhood in 2 states with famous bridges: Florida and Michigan.
Congratulations on your book, Cheryl, and thank you for such a heartfelt post! I felt very emotional while I read and thought about how special it is that, through picture books, we can share those deep feelings and ideas and connect with children-not only those we love, but everywhere. Can;t wait to read your book. Best wishes!
This book is so timely! Thank you, Cheryl, for your lovely book and your words of inspiration and encouragement: “What we do matters, and our voices are always needed.” Congratulations on your debut picture book – I can’t wait to read it!
Beautiful and inspirational post! Thanks so much!
Cheryl, thank you so much for your words, your thoughts and your book. After reading this post, your book will have even more meaning for me. Looking forward to reading it. Thank you for writing it!
I love this post!!! It gave me such a feeling of hope, hope even in spite of all that’s going on. Thank you so much!!!
“What we do matters, and our voices are always needed. Because, really, as turbulent as the times seem now, it is always a time of uncertainty, anxiety, and searching for understanding and acceptance for someone, somewhere in the world.” Beautiful words, and so inspiring! Congratulations on your book! Such a unique concept, and its release couldn’t be more timely. I can’t wait to read it!
What a beautiful book with a timely message, Cheryl! Can’t wait to read it.
Hi Cheryl,
Congratulations, this looks like an amazing book. I love bridges! Thank you for such an inspirational post.
Wow-it’s amazing that your book is so relevant and timely….cannot wait to read it soon! Thank you.
Thanks for such a timely reminder of the need to be building bridges across the wide divides in our country. Congratulations on your book?
I always think of bridges as the shortest way to get to somewhere or something far away. Your ideas brought this to mind. Sometimes it seems scary to cross, but what is learned is monumental.
I remember reading this post earlier and being so impressed with your take on bridges–what a wonderful combination of social theory and engineering!
Thank you for a great post. I am looking forward to reading this book. Definitely need bridges, of all sorts, these days.
Hi Cheryl,
I love the idea of the bridge as a symbol for connection. I look forward to reading your book.
Danielle
Congratulations on a wonderful book!
I love your perspective of bridges and especially love that you wanted to include the bridge from Texas to Mexico during these challenging times. Thank you for the reminder that our voices matter. Congratulations on your book!
Congratulations! I look forward to reading your book!
Hello Anne. I know there are many Anne Youngs out in the world but you are the first one I have met. What fun!
This looks like a wonderful book! Thank you for sharing and Congrats on your debut!!!
Thank you so much for your inspiring words! It’s so neat that you wrote a book about connections to the world around us. Too many people are angry now days. I think it’s important kids know that it’s important to keep and open mind and keep going in the midst of all this adversity. That there is a way they can be safe. Tolerance is as important as ever if we, as a community want to have peace. Thank you for writing such an inspiring book. I look forward to it coming out.
Congratulations, Cheryl! And thank you for sharing your lovely story with us.
Cheryl, Thank you for this hopeful and inspiring post. I look forward to reading your book. Congratulations!
I’ve always been fascinated with bridges and the architecture in them. I love the concept of connecting worlds one bridge at a time. As far as technology? Well…it’s great when it works. LOL
Have a great inspiring year at 12 X 12!
I am inspired by your non-fiction book having so much ‘heart’. I am pondering a n-f myself and this has been very useful. I’m hoping to find your book in my local UK bookshop this afternoon.
What a great post, I look forward to reading your book… And how apt, I feel the same as you right now – on that rickety bridge hopefully to publication one day. Your story of success is an inspiration and one that helps lift the fog!!
I love this way of looking at my writing…bridges: simple and eloquent. Thanks for the great post!
Amazing where you find inspiration.
Wonderful post. Looking forward to reading your book!
This was beautifully said. I especially liked, “writers, like bridges, do more than connect one place to another, they can bring people together.”
Something I think I’ll post on my goal board to inspire me as I write this year!
Cheryl –
As I read the reasons you wrote Here to There and Me to You, I couldn’t help feeling the beauty and love inside you as a person.
I love the idea of bridges , but especially the one where we, as children’s book authors, build a bridge for children to make sense of the world around them. Thank you for your encouragement and congratulations on your book. I can’t wait to read it
Love the positivity of this post and your new book. Congratulations!
Congratulations! Great post!
Two bridges I have enjoyed riding on are the Tappen Zee and the Golden Gate.
Great post! Thank you for sharing. We all need to connect more and think of building bridges in different ways.
Cheryl, thank you for putting your words out there, in your debut PB & in this post. I love the idea of a bridge as metaphor for connection, and I look forward to reading your book.
Thank you for this delightful post, Cheryl!
I love hearing your thoughts on how your book can impact the world, one kid at a time. I love the idea of bridges as the physical and literal and also the metaphorical. This is a great learning point for kids without being too message-y. I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you for your honesty about how it feels to be a published, yet new author, and how you can still have some insecurities! Can’t wait to read your book!
I’m excited to get my hands on this book! I will be using it for my kid’s yoga classes for sure.
Thank you for sharing this! I can’t wait to read your book (it really looks beautiful)!
Thank you Cheryl, for your inspiring post. I can’t wait to read your book with my grandsons. I would also stop to see elephants parade across a bridge.
I love the idea of a bridge of words. Particularly as we critique each other’s work, we build our strength from each other and open new avenues forward. I cannot think of anything more appropriate to this time than to be in a group like 12×12. Thank you for your post—I can’t wait to see your book in the wild.
I love the idea of bridges connecting us.
It is inspiring to consider the way bridges bring people together. What a wonderful book idea – can’t wait to see it!
Wonderful! Congratulations!
Beautiful post! Thank you!
Thanks for the inspiring post. Thank goodness for books that can let us both escape the anxieties we may have about the world and imagine ways to improve the situation.
– Maureen
I love the idea of bridges for a picture book. My daughter loves them and built so many at summer camp last summer. Can’t wait to check your book out!
What a beautiful post during such an ugly time in our history. Thank you for the much needed glimmer of hope, and congrats on your book!
Loved this post. I can’t wait to read your book. I will see about getting copies for my local library and school.
Congratulations Cheryl! What an absolutely perfect way to begin this year and 12×12. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Love this- and it’s a big part of my personal philosophy… we are all connected XO
I love the theme and heart behind this story! So glad you were our January person!
Wonderful idea esp. for this day in age.
Great post. Emotions are the key and the heart is the key to emotions.
What a wonderful post! I can’t wait to read your book, Cheryl. More than ever we need to think about connections. Thank you.
Smiled in response to your honest opening and feelings of reluctance … “What could I possibly contribute?” Great post and inspiration. Fascinating info – can’t wait to read your book (with my grandsons).
Congratulations Cheryl! “Here to There” sounds like a wonderful book and I will look for it. I also loved learning about the bridge connecting Texas and Mexico. Perhaps now is a great time to write another book devoted solely to that bridge.
Congratulations, Cheryl!
What a heartfelt post. I appreciate your originality and look forward to reading your book soon.
Bridges…help to carry us forward….so we all need to keep keeping on! Thanks Cheryl.
Love the bridge idea. So creative and inspiring. It’s a good reminder that stories can make a difference.
Your new book looks wonderful! Thanks for the lovely post.
So happy for you Cheryl! Bridges are so symbolic in life. I so enjoyed reading your post! Wishing you every success!! Nancy 🙂
Thanks so much for the inspirational post, Cheryl!
Thank you for your post! It’s very inspiring.
I love the heart poured into your story! Thank you so much for sharing.
Congratulations, Cheryl. And thank you for your inspiring post. It’s true that communication between people bridges whatever divides them.
So inspiring and so moving. Thank you for what you do. We need this, especially right now.
Thank you <3
Congratulations Cheryl on your debut…what a wonderful post. Timely as well. My company’s mantra is to “Be the bridge” because we liaise between marketing and sales (two very disparate lingos). But ultimately we all share a common goal.
This is great and I love the elephant story! Your book looks terrific and I will surely purchase for my library!
Thanks Cheryl. I very much enjoyed reading your post.
Wow! What a timely topic. I can’t wait to read your book! Thank you!!
Thank you so much for sharing, Cheryl! The story behind why you wrote you book is so inspiring.
Thank you! As authors, the distance between an initially blank piece of paper and a finished book can seem long indeed. Thank you for reminding us that it’s because we’re building bridges. 🙂
Thank you so much for this insight on our beautiful jobs as children’s writers. ?
What a wonderful sounding story. Congratulations on getting published!
Great advice on our job as children’s writers! ?
Wonderful post! I can’t wait to read your book!
Here’s to making connections!
Thank you, Cheryl for your beautiful and inspiring words. I’m eager to read your book. The timing and theme are perfect. Congratulations.
Congratulations on your PB debut!!! Cant wait to read your book and thank you for the inspirational post.
Looking forward to reading this book!
What a lovely post! I often wonder how useful my writing has been or will be. But I believe that if it touches just a few young readers and they feel some pleasure or meaning from it, then the time has been well spent.
Great post, Cheryl. I’m so glad you said yes. You clearly have a LOT to contribute. I can’t wait to read your book! Thank you and congratulations
Thanks for your post, Cheryl, and congratulations, too! I love what you said about bridges and the importance of connecting with others. Beautifully said and sadly very timely.
Cheryl congratulations on your debut book. I can’t wait to read it. Your words really touched me and I want to work on building more bridges with others.
Love this! When I was a wee girl in Scotland my biggest thrill was taking a train ride over the Firth of Forth Bridge near Edinburgh. I think bridges have huge child appeal to kids all over the world. What a great connection between books and bridges that connect us to one another and to our deepest selves! Congratulations!
I like the interplay of literal and figurative bridges and look forward to reading this book.
Loved the use of bridges connecting and how we humans use our hearts to connect. Congrats on your debut of your picture book.
Great post and uncanny timing. Definitely need a few more bridges these days.
Thank you for your post. I love how the subject of your book is a perfect example of what we all must do now: connect, share, bridge differences. And what a great cover! I can’t wait to see the inside in a bookstore.
Every success story forms its own bridge for us hopeful writers. Congrats on a great story and pist!!!!
I am overjoyed to see such positive books being published! Bravo!
Thanks for sharing your story!
Cheryl, it took me by surprise when I realized something holding me back was balking at taking the bridge from one image of my life and career to a COMPLETELY different one. Thanks for the imagery that is moving me forward!
What a wonderful thought about writers being like a bridge. That just sticks with me. Thank you Cheryl for the insight.
Nina
What a wonderful thought about writers being like a bridge. That just sticks with me. Thank you Cheryl for the insight.
Nina
Maybe in the reprint, you can add some back matter about the bridge to Mexico.:)
Trying hard to look forward…
Wow! Great post and perfect timing for your story to be released. I can’t wait to read your book. Congratulations on your debut!
Enjoyed reading your post! Thinking about all the bridges I’ve crossed in my life, both physically, emotionally, poetically, etc. Wish you wouldn’t have had to have chosen between your last two bridges, what a mark in time that you chose the bridge between the US and Mexico; not sure in this world today though that neighborhood to neighborhood will become even more important as we travel this time in turmoil.
I can’t wait to read your book! Your post made me think about bridges in so many different ways. Congratulations on your book and thanks for your positive message.
Making bridges for our readers is what it’s all about. Connecting them to feelings, working things out, or just having fun–I love when that can happen!
Bridges is the perfect topic for today. We need bridges especially now that it is so easy to become isolated.
Congrats Cheryl! Sounds like a great book. Wishing you all the best, D.
I just reread your column and feel even more strongly than the first time I commented that, indeed, we need a reminder that bridges from each of us to others do indeed exist and help keep us connected.
I love the reminder than there should be bridges between neighborhoods. Thank you for an inspiring post.
This –> “We have so many voices and that diversity is our strength as writers and illustrators, as well as human beings. What matters most is that we keep putting our voices out there. ” THANK YOU.
Cheryl, your book sounds wonderful! Congratulations, how exciting to see your baby in print ?. Your bridge concept is beautiful. I’ll be keeping an eye out (or requesting it) at our local library.
A great concept for a book – love the connection between a physical bridge (the constructions of which are fascinating in themselves) and a bridge connecting people from different places – whether that be countries or sides of town. So amazingly timely.
Great book idea!
The wonderful thing about bridges is that they go both ways!
Looking forward to picking up your book!
Congratulations!
What an eloquent post, Cheryl! And a wonderful idea for a book!
“a reminder that writers, like bridges, do more than connect one place to another, they can bring people together” – this really resonated with me, as I realize more and more how much of my writing also is about distances, and more importantly, bridging them. Lovely post and book!
Look forward to reading this book.
We need bridges!
Thank you.
Cheryl,
I love the concept of this book and am so pleased for you at your success. I, too, am writing about compassion and am heartened to know that agents and publishers are interested in stories that help the world heal.
We all need a bridge. Look forward to reading this one. Thank you.
Congratulations Cheryl! And thanks for allowing us to connect with you through 12×12. Best wishes!
Congratulations, Cheryl! And thank you for an uplifting post filled with hope.
Thank you for your uplifting words, Cheryl. Kids need this kind of book to put diversity in a positive light to counteract all the garbage they are hearing on the news. I look forward to reading it.
The words of your post are inspirational. I look forward to reading your book.
In my elementary school each year, the fifth graders worked in cooperative groups to build bridges as an assignment for one of their science units. I could picture your book being used in the introduction or follow up to this assignment.
Congrats Cheryl! I love bridges, and was lucky enough to marry an engineer who is fascinated by them. We took our wedding pictures with the beautiful mid-hudson bridge in the background. I loved the idea of it signifying bridging two individual people and families together. I can’t wait to read your book!
Wow! I’ve needed to cross a huge bridge to post this! So many people thrilled by your book. Great book and great moment. Success to you.
Great reminder of the power Writer’s have! Looking forward to reading your book.
I am a bridge. And I want to do more “bridging.” I refuse to allow the negativity and the turmoil to stop me from being me, from making a difference, one act, one person, one problem at a time. I’m looking forward to reading your book, Cheryl.
I love the idea of bridges, especially right now and cannot wait to read this book with my kids!
Congratulations on your debut book, and thanks for your post. I am trying to keep positive in these scary times.
Such an important topic!! We need to build bridges more than ever! Thank you:)
This book is so fitting for the times we’re living in. We need more books like this!
I can’t wait to read your book and share it with my kids! I love bridges and all the connection they represent. Thank you for this post!
Very inspiring, especially for a new author.
The importance of a story about bridges cannot be overstated right now. Congrats!
Bridges both physical and personal are so important! Let’s keep building bridges (instead of walls). Thanks Cheryl for such a thoughtful and meaningful book.
How lovely! Such a beautiful idea for a book!
Thank you for such a thoughtful post and congratulations on your book! Can’t wait to read it.
Thank you for building and sharing bridges. May they lead everyone to new, inspiring places.
“We are so fortunate as writers that we can offer our words and pictures to help show others that those scary bridges we must cross from time to time can actually be swinging and swaying their way to beautiful places. We as writers and illustrators will always have something to contribute no matter how scared we might be about our own journey.
Such a good reminder that what we do, who we are is bridge-builders.
What a great topic for a picture book! I can just imagine the fantastic pictures. Can’t wait to see it!
Bridges with their metaphorical and literal significance could not be more important than right now. Well done, Cheryl.
Looks like a beautiful book. And we need bridge building today more than ever.
Thanks for the lovely post, Cheryl. What an appropriate time to be sending a book about bridges out into the world!
Your book sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing – such a lovely idea for a book.
Congratulations on your debut book! How exciting. I’m not there yet, but do have a beginning collection of “champagne” rejection letters. I believe that there is more that we all have in common than what separates us. Sounds like your book is a beautiful testament to that.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful imagery. Congratulations on your debut!
What a fantastic idea for a book, and what a great time for its birthing. Congratulations, Cheryl. And congratulations to your illustrator as well–the cover design is breath-taking.
A very inspiring post and an inspiring story — love the concept of bridges. I also love that you have a dog, cat and fish (and would really love to know what tricks you’re teaching to the fish!) I have 3 dogs, 3 cats, 3 betta fish (all in separate tanks of course!), and a 30 gallon tank with a variety of peaceful smaller fish.
Lovely, heartfelt post full of hope and inspiration ~ thank you! Congratulations on Here To There and Me To You.
Cheryl–
I’m glad you swallowed your fear and wrote a post for us. It’s inspiring to see a 12×12 member make it to print!
Man, that first bridge picture (Vietnam) is not a bridge I would cross! I’ll be curious to see if your story talks about bridges that see scary and why crossing is worth it.
It’s a very timely story and one worth telling in new ways over and over again for sure.
Congratulations!
Sandy
This is beautiful, Cheryl! Congratulations on your wonderful book. So needed! Can’t wait to read it.
Congratulations, Cheryl! They say timing is everything, but your book’s theme of togetherness will remain timely for a long time to come. I’m looking forward to reading it and embracing its message of unity rather than division.
I’m sorry I’m so late coming to this post. My laptop is now defunct. Just wanted to let you know, Cheryl, that I adore your book. 🙂
Thank you! The book looks great, can’t wait to read it.
I love bridges. I love taking pictures of them while my husband drives. I’m looking forward to your book. Sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
What a great timing to have your book published. Congratulations Cheryl! Your story inspired me to continue writing what I want to write.
What an awesome book idea! Looking forward to reading and sharing with my class and kids.
Thank you Cheryl for your wonderful post. I am looking to reading your book.
“What we do matters, and our voices are always needed.”
Thank you Cheryl for this quote… it’s a real pick-me-upp’er for those days when I have trouble getting started. 🙂
What a lovely post. So inspiring!
I wonder if the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan is in your book. It is one of the most beautiful!
Hi Sheila,
It is not. I had it in at one point as it is so beautiful, but it didn’t really fit with the book. It was hard selecting bridges — there’s so many cool ones out there!
Cheryl
What an inspiring post! Thank you so much for sharing…great book idea!
Beautiful, inspiring post. Thank you for sharing with us Cheryl.