Double Feature: Head Back to School with Cindy Williams Schrauben!

Hi, readers, writers, and school-lovers, too! SURPRISE - we have a double feature for you today. Many kids are headed back to school this month and need just a little bit of encouragement. There's no better way to celebrate and encourage young readers than with Cindy Williams Schrauben and her book, This Could Be You. Through lyrical rhymes and vibrant illustrations, This Could Be You empowers children of all abilities and backgrounds to not only believe in themselves but to be strong and resilient in the pursuit of their dreams - a fitting message for the new school year. Want to know more about Cindy and her sweet book, PLUS want a chance to win a 30-minute AMA Zoom Session with her? Read on...

Q: Hi, Cindy! Thanks so much for joining us! We’re thrilled to hear more about you and your book, This Could Be You! First, can you share a little about yourself and how you became a children’s author? What made you pursue writing for young readers?

A: THIS COULD BE YOU was published shortly after my 63rd birthday - It is NEVER too late to reach for your dreams! As an elementary/pre-school teacher and mom, sharing picture books with children gave me great joy. After I did a bit of writing/editing for a local magazine as a way to battle empty nest syndrome, I was hooked! It took me several years of studying hard, submitting, and starting over, but I finally accomplished my goal. I’m not quitting anytime soon.

What an AMAZING way to celebrate your birthday!

Q: Your book This Could Be You: Be Brave! Be True! Believe! Be You! Empowers young readers (or those young at heart) to believe in themselves and be brave and resilient - such an important message this time of year.  

Can you share more about your book and the inspiration behind it? 

A: My grandsons actually inspired this book. Watching them strive for their own goals made me more aware of the concept of growth mindset and how it can change lives. I studied up on the topic, especially the work of Dr. Carol Dweck, and started tweaking ideas. I now talk to kids and adults about having a growth mindset as well as the value of failure in the learning process. 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from your book? Why should your book be added to school libraries?

A: I am a firm believer that empowering kids with a growth mindset early on goes a long way toward ensuring their success and emotional well-being (another topic that is close to my heart). Dr. Dweck’s research supports this, as well. Teachers, librarians, and parents have told me that the refrain, It could be you! (which ends every spread) has become a mantra of sorts. How wonderful is that?

Q: What’s your favorite spread(s) from the book and why?

A: That is tough, but I suppose my favorite spread is the one that depicts a group of kids participating in a wheelchair race. I love the diversity that the illustrator, Julia Seal, gave this illustration. There are children with differing abilities and backgrounds. I also love the fact that their friends are on the sidelines cheering them on. Fun fact - when I was dummying out this spread I sketched a wheelchair basketball game. Julia clearly got my vision. 

Readers, you can see that spread and others here!

Q: What was it like working with Cardinal Rule Press?

A: My experience with Cardinal Rule Press (CRP) was nothing short of amazing. The team, including the founder Maria Dismondy, goes above and beyond to ensure that authors learn the business and have a fabulous experience. They provide lots of resources and support for marketing and beyond. Unlike most publishers CRP doesn’t drop your book into the market and forget about you. I couldn’t recommend them higher. 

Another fun fact is that the page below, depicting a child who wants to be an author, was illustrated using a photo of me as inspiration. That’s a fun extra that CRP offered. In addition, there is a poster on the back of the dust jacket and a special page at the end where kids can literally ‘see themselves’. 

That is SO adorable!

Q: BONUS QUESTION: What was your favorite part of heading back to school as a kid?

A: My favorite part was new school supplies. I have always (even now) loved cool folders, pencils, pens, big pink erasers, etc. I just bought myself a pink composition notebook today. I still can’t get enough!

My second book, HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART, will hit shelves in November of ‘25. It is illustrated by Sasha Richards and published by The Little Press and is available for pre-sale now.

Q: Would you like to leave a writing tip or a treat for our readers?

A: I'd like to leave a treat - a 30-minute AMA zoom session!

Wow - what an AMAZING Treat! Thanks so much for joining us today and for your generous gift. We loved connecting with you and getting to know you more. We can't wait to check out Hank's Change of Heart, too!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win Cindy’s giveaway, 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by. Back-to-School Gifs or pics are appreciated, too!

Giveaway winners will be drawn and announced on or about 08/20!

About Cindy William Schrauben:

Cindy Williams Schrauben lives in west Michigan where she writes books for children that range from the truly serious to the seriously silly. When not writing or sharing her books, this award-winning author might be found dissecting her grandsons’ shenanigans for story ideas, reading in a bookstore, or eating ice cream… ideally all at once. Her books, THIS COULD BE YOU (starred review from Kirkus) and HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART inspire kids to live their best lives.

You can connect with Cindy at:

www.cindyschrauben.com or www.direct.me/cindywilliamsschrauben 

You can BUY TCBY HERE: https://cardinalrulepress.com/collections/shop-all/products/this-could-be-you?variant=41198101463224

Or BUY HANK HERE:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/hank-s-change-of-heart-cindy-williams-schrauben/21345324?ean=9781956378313&next=t&affiliate=12317 

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