I mean, I’m not gonna lie. Between you and me and the lamppost, there are times these days in my life—and I bet in yours, too—when thankfulness feels in awful short supply. But I suppose that the times you have to dig most deeply for gratitude are the times when it’s most needed. And we do, truly, have so much to be thankful for.

. . . Not least of which is this *wonderful*, dream-come-true of a picture book debut from Elaine Vickers – author of the delightful (and perfect to read during lockdown) MG novels, LIKE MAGIC and PAPER CHAINS.

Here is the deal announcement with more info for ya:

Sylvie Frank at S&S/Paula Wiseman Books has acquired World rights to LIKE MAGIC author Elaine Vickers’s picture book debut, with Samantha Cotterill signed on to illustrate. THANKFUL is a lyrical and joyous celebration of family, togetherness, and everyday pleasures, based on a tradition from the author’s own family of writing “thankful” moments on slips of paper and linking them to form chains. The deal was managed by Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency for the author, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions for the illustrator. Publication is slated for Fall 2021.

What could be better? A story that draws from family; a story direct from the heart; a story that is exactly what we need right now.

Congratulations, Elaine! This one’s a winner already.

--Joan