Welcome Backstory readers to a special COVER REVEAL edition!!!
I met Erika Lynne Jones back in 2023 when she and Jenna Beatrice joined The Backstory to share all about their wonderful picture book, The Loud Librarian.
Today, Erika is back for the cover reveal of her author and illustrator debut, which I am so excited for! Her new book, ZARA IN THE MIDDLE (HarperCollins) hits shelves on July 8 and we can’t wait for you to get a peek of the cover.
So let's not wait any longer!
Keep scrolling for your first look at ZARA IN THE MIDDLE.
How amazing is that?! I LOVE the vibrant colors, the patterns, and textures. This book is going to POP on the shelf. And I especially love Zara's expression. Right from the cover image we have a pretty good idea of how Zara is going to be feeling and it just makes me want to read it even more.
Now that we have had the chance to enjoy the cover, let's jump into a little conversation with Erika to learn more about ZARA IN THE MIDDLE.
Can you tell us a little about the book?
The main character, Zara, loves living next door to her Grandma Jane and Granny Gladys, but sometimes it’s tough being stuck in the middle of them! Both her grandmas think they know what’s best for her, and Zara is too worried she might upset them if she says what she really wants.
You have captured such a universal childhood feeling with this premise. Between trying to keep others happy, finding our own voice, and the very real worries that exist for kids, you have nailed it. Kids are going to immediately relate to Zara.
What is the backstory? How did this story/idea come to be?
Well the story is layered and it came together in layers. Since childhood, I struggled expressing my opinions and desires because I wanted others to be happy with me and around me. In other words I was a practicing people pleaser. What I couldn’t see then is that it often meant not pleasing myself. I now know that what’s best for me is usually best for everyone involved. So the story is one that I wish I had growing up. The idea of Zara having two grandmothers with different approaches to planning and problem solving was actually inspired by years of learning to appreciate the beautiful differences in how my mother and mother-in-law did things. So I guess you could say the story was decades in the making.
I love these inspirations and how well they work together to make this story what it is. Just like you needed it, so many children will benefit from seeing Zara handle this situation and be able to find their voice sooner.
How can readers purchase and learn more about Zara in the Middle?
The book is available for Preorder today at major book retailers. I also invite everyone to join my newsletter, Joyful Noise, because I’ll have some exciting giveaways, peaks into my creative process for the art, plus Zara In the Middle Activity Kits to share with you all soon!
Hooray! I can't wait to get my preorder in and I hope many readers will join in as well. And readers, while you are at it, don't forget to sign up for Erika's newsletter and connect with her on social media at the links below, so you don't miss a bit of her wonderful publishing news!
Erika, thank you for letting me and The Backstory be a part of spreading the word about your author and illustrator debut. I am so excited to bring this book into my home and my classroom and to share Zara's story!
Preorder links
Erika social media links
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