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Berrie Torgan-Randall

Berrie Torgan-Randall

October 11, 2023</a></p><p>Today it is my pleasure to feature a new book for early readers by author/illustrator Berrie Torgan-Randall titled <strong>BELLA & BLUE: BELLA MEETS BLUE.</strong></p><p> </p><p>Here is my review:</p><p><em>Grandma and a therapy dog named Blue help calm Bella’s feelings and anxiety in a gentle and affirming way. Told in a graphic novel format with only a few words per page makes it perfect for beginning readers.  The story hits just the right tone for helping young readers with big feelings learn that they do not have to be alone.</em></p><p><strong>Bella & Blue: Bella meets Blue </strong>is a sweet story of a girl and her dog companion that kids will totally relate to. How did the characters come about?</p><p>Originally, my publisher wanted me to write and illustrate an early reader about a young girl and her pet monkey. I didn’t agree with this plan. Mainly because I had heard too many real life disaster stories of owning a pet monkey! So I suggested to my publisher that I would come up with a story about a girl and her dog. The publisher emphasized that the book series should be a social/emotional story so I created my character, Bella, who is a spunky 8-year-old who suffers from anxiety. My character, Blue, is a dog who helps calm Bella’s anxiety by jumping up on her lap and giving her a high five.</p><p>What comes first for you…story or illustrations? Tell us about your process.</p><p>I set a timer for six minutes and write down as many ideas as I can in my sketchbook. I choose one or two of the ideas and then sketch very loose thumbnails on a storyboard. I write a script to go along with the thumbnails so that my editor can figure out the sketchy thumbnails. Once the script and thumbnails are approved, I start working on the character sketches and tighten up my thumbnail sketches.</p><p>How did you decide the format for the story?</p><p>The publisher decided that <strong>Bella & Blue</strong> would be written as an early reader graphic novel much like the format for the series <em>Unicorn and Yeti</em> to appeal to newly independent readers.</p><p>What do you hope young readers will take away from the story? What do you want readers to know?</p><p>Many kids, including my own daughter, suffer from anxiety. Bella & Blue reflects an anxious child’s personality with humor and heart and helps kids see how having a supportive family and pet can help them cope with their anxiety. Bella also takes the lead and figures out how to solve problems that occur during the story.</p><p>What’s next in Bella & Blue’s adventures?</p><p>I am kicking around ideas of what adventures and challenges would be fun to write about and be appealing to young readers. The next book is dedicated to my son Kellen, so I am going to try to weave in his interest including board games, trying out different sports, and camping into this new adventure.</p><p>Advertisements</p><p> </p><p>REPORT THIS AD</p><p><strong>Berrie has generously agreed to give away a signed copy of her book to one lucky reader chosen at random. To enter, please leave a comment  below and share this post on social media. The winner will be announced later this month. USA only please.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Berrie’s Bio</strong>: I have been passionate about children’s literature since I was a little girl and have fed my desire by becoming a children’s librarian and by pursuing a career as an illustrator and writer of children’s books. I majored in art as an undergraduate and later pursued a Master’s Degree in Information Studies which enabled me to become familiar with current trends in publication related to children’s literature. It also confirmed my desire to write and illustrate books for children. My illustrations have appeared in <em>Ladybug Magazine </em>(May/June 2022 and Nov/Dec 2022), and <em>Bella & Blue: Bella Meets Blue</em>, my debut early reader graphic novel, was released on October 1, 2022 by The Little Press.</p><p>Bella & Blue – Early Reader Graphic Novel</p><p><a href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://childrensbookworld.net/torgan-randall-bella-and-blue/">Order here</a></p><p><a href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://littlepresspublishing.com/">Blue Bronco Books Jr. </a></p><p>Berrie Torgan-Randall <em>Illustrator/Author</em> 610-308-9253</p><p><a href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"http://www.berrietr.com/">http://www.berrietr.com/
blue.berrie #bellaandbluebook</p><p>Twitter: <a href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://twitter.com/berrietr">@berrietr

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Berrie Torgan-Randall</a> to our blog today. She not only wrote the words to her debut graphic novel for early readers, but she also created all the illustrations. This first book in a new series for children 5-9 years old was released by Blue Bronco Books, an imprint of <a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://littlepresspublishing.com/">The Little Press</a>, on October 1, 2022. The series “celebrates life’s everyday struggles, silliness, and surprises.”</p><p>First I’ll share my review of <em><a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://littlepresspublishing.com/bellaandblue">Bella & Blue</a></em>:</p><blockquote><p>Bella and Blue are a lovable pair of friends in this delightful new series. This first book is where 8-year-old Bella meets Blue, an energetic puppy who knows just how to make Bella feel better when she’s feeling sad or nervous, whether it’s with a game of patty-cake or just a hug. Bella goes from a lonely, anxious young girl to someone who has found herself and her own unique talents. There are three short chapters and the back matter page is super fun. Other wonderful characters include Bella’s father and grandmother. At 75 pages, the size and format of <em>Bella & Blue</em> is perfect for young readers, very unintimidating, making it a great stepping stone for later more in-depth chapter books and novels, whether graphic or otherwise. Berrie Torgan-Randall did a great job in creating these characters who will jump off the page and into the hearts of children everywhere.</p></blockquote><p>OK, let’s get right to our interview with Berrie:</p><p><strong>Marcia Strykowski:</strong> <strong>Congratulations on your debut graphic early reader and welcome to Writers’ Rumpus! Could you tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved in children’s books? Were there any particular hurdles to overcome in getting your work published?</strong></p><p><strong>Berrie Torgan-Randall:</strong> I was a very shy child and found school to be challenging except for art class. I loved everything about art class – the burlap and glue collages, the linoleum prints, and the smell of the Tempera paint. In pursuit of this passion, I went to art school where I took multiple and varied fine arts classes. I loved being in the art room, and there was one other special place where I loved to be—the school library. After working odd jobs after art school that weren’t very gratifying, I reconsidered my career options and remembered the joy of my time spent in the school library. I went to grad school to become an elementary school librarian.  </p><p>Being a librarian is my bread and butter, a profession that I love. However, my true passion is illustrating and writing children’s books.  It wasn’t until later, after my kids went to school, I finally pursued my dream of writing and illustrating for children. The biggest hurdle I faced was having confidence in my art. With hope in my heart, I started attending conferences to achieve my dream of illustrating books for children. These conferences inspired me to use my imagination and be creative. When I began, I would shyly present my portfolio. The other illustrators’ portfolios intimidated me. They were published and had beautiful artwork and websites! The harsh but realistic criticism of the conference presenters reminded me of the difficult years of critiques in art school. Despite my own fears and hesitation, my family encouraged me to continue, and my husband suggested that I be inspired, not intimidated. It took a few conferences to get over the intimidation and the desire to crawl under a rock.</p><p><strong>MS</strong>: <strong>Have you always wanted to write and illustrate graphic novels or was this a newer interest when they became so popular?</strong></p><p><strong>BTR</strong>: Originally, my publisher wanted me to write and illustrate an early reader about a young girl and her pet monkey. I didn’t agree with this plan. Mainly because I had heard too many real life disaster stories of owning a pet monkey. So I suggested to my publisher that I would come up with a story about a girl and her dog. The publisher emphasized that the book series should be a social/emotional story so I created my character Bella who is a spunky eight-year-old who suffers from anxiety. Blue is a shelter dog adopted by Bella who helps calm Bella’s anxiety by jumping up on her lap and giving her a high five. Michele McAvoy from The Little Press suggested that the book be an early reader graphic novel much like the popular <em>Unicorn and Yeti</em> series written and illustrated by Heather Ayris Burnell.</p><p><strong>MS: What inspired you to create <em>Bella & Blue </em>and which came first, the writing or the pictures?</strong></p><p><strong>BTR</strong>:<em> Bella & Blue</em> was written to help kids with anxiety. One of my children suffers from anxiety and our dog Chase was helpful in calming her down. When I wrote this book, I hoped that children would see themselves reflected in Bella’s story and seek help or comfort from a four-legged friend or two-legged parent, teacher, or friend. Another reason I wrote the book was to try to convince my husband to adopt another dog–unfortunately this hasn’t happened yet. Our beloved dog Chase crossed the rainbow bridge several years ago.</p><p><strong>MS: What do you feel is the most difficult part of creating a graphic novel? Could you briefly share your process with us?</strong></p><p><strong>BTR</strong>: I begin with really rough thumbnail sketches to get my ideas on paper. I then write out the story like a script with art notes so that my editor can get a sense of what the story is about. My final story is much different from the original thumbnails. It’s a long process of sketching, rewriting, new sketches, rewriting, to final art and manuscript. In my “Ballet Blues” chapter, I drew several ballerinas with distinctive personalities. During the process, I felt as if I made 100 ballerinas from rough sketch to final.</p><p><strong>MS: Do you write or draw every day or have any kind of schedule?</strong></p><p><strong>BTR</strong>: I don’t draw every day, but I do draw at least four times a week. In addition, I do try to be creative every day. My creativity doesn’t necessarily mean putting pen to paper but could include other creative outlets like home cooking, decorating, knitting, or gardening.</p><p><strong>MS: Good to hear I’m not the only one whose other creative outlets can sometimes take over and that it’s not always a bad thing! What do you hope young readers will take away from reading <em>Bella & Blue</em>?</strong></p><p><strong>BTR</strong>: This book can act as a mirror for anxious kids. They can see themselves reflected in Bella, and it helps readers talk about their own anxieties. Bella’s anxiety is illustrated like a tornado that comes on all of a sudden and escalates. Kids can talk about how they feel when they have anxiety and talk about what or who makes them feel better.</p><p><strong>MS: Great illustration! Bella is such a fun character and I’m so happy this will be a series. Can you share a little about what’s next for <em>Bella & Blue</em>?</strong></p><p><strong>BTR</strong>: I am kicking around ideas of what adventures and challenges would be fun to write about and be appealing to young readers. The next book is dedicated to my son Kellen, so I am going to try to weave in his interest including board games, trying out different sports, and camping into this new adventure.</p><p><strong>MS: Do you have any advice for authors about surviving rejections, managing success, or anything else?</strong></p><p><strong>BTR</strong>: I continue to work diligently on my portfolio (it’s a lifelong passion) and continue to attend conferences to learn more about the publishing business (there is a lot to learn). The business of writing and illustrating for children is not easy and it can wear on your ego. During a writing conference, Heidi Stemple and Jane Yolen pointed out that writing for children is about the three Ps (Passion, Perseverance, and Patience). It’s the third P (Patience) that I work on daily. In the meantime, while waiting for that all important “yes–let’s talk.” I suggest that writers and illustrators join and volunteer for organizations like <a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://www.scbwi.org/">SCBWI (Society for Children’s Writers and Illustrators) and 12×12, and most of all to enjoy the process.</p><p><strong>MS: Any other news or artwork you’d like to share? Where can people follow you online?</strong></p><p><strong>BTR</strong>: I’ll start writing and illustrating Bella & Blue’s next adventure; the final version of the book takes about a year with all the rough drafts, sketches, final script, and illustrations. I’m also getting ready to submit an illustrated chapter book which features a young girl and her purple cat (PURRple Cat Stories). I have a thing for pets who are a plethora of colors against the norm. I post on my <a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://www.instagram.com/blue.berrie/?hl=en%22>Instagram%c2%a0page: #blue.berrie and on <a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://www.pinterest.com/btorganrandall/">Pinterest I also send out a seasonal newsletter. If you are interested, drop me a line <a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"mailto:berrietr@gmail.com">berrietr@gmail.com and I’ll put you on my newsletter list.</p><p><strong>MS: Great, thanks for joining us, Berrie and best wishes for continued success!</strong></p><p> </p>">
Blue Bronco Books</a> Jr. to write and illustrate a series of early reader graphic novels <em>Bella & Blue</em> is a graphic novel early reader series following 8-year-old Bella and her little dog, Blue. Bella & Blue celebrates life's everyday struggles, silliness, and surprises. In addition, Berrie is the Illustrator Coordinator for the Eastern PA SCBWI. She is looking forward to making connections with professionals while organizing events for illustrators who are on a similar journey of creating beautiful and meaningful picture books. <a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://www.berrietr.com/">https://www.berrietr.com

Thank you so much for joining us Berrie. To begin, what inspired you to write <em>Bella & Blue</em>? </strong></p><p> </p><p>Every week, I make myself participate in a self-imposed ritual of “Marketing Monday” where I spend at least one morning researching agents, editors, and publishers to send submissions of my dummy books and portfolio samples. While researching, I came across a publisher who promotes creatives from New Jersey. I grew up in a small NJ town across the river from Philadelphia, so I thought I would give it a shot and write a query letter with a link to my portfolio. A couple months later an email came, then a phone call, and then a contract!</p><p> </p><p>Originally, my publisher wanted me to write and illustrate an early reader about a young girl and her pet monkey. I didn’t agree with this plan. Mainly because I had heard too many real life disaster stories of owning a pet monkey! So I suggested to my publisher that I would come up with a story about a girl and her dog. The publisher emphasized that the book series should be a social/emotional story so I created my character, Bella, who is a spunky 8-year-old who suffers from anxiety. My character, Blue, is a dog who helps calm Bella’s anxiety by jumping up on her lap and giving her a high five.</p><p> </p><p><strong>I love that you weren't afraid to voice your suggestions to help make the book better, switching from a pet monkey to a dog.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>As you are both author and illustrator, what was the process like for you? Did you start with an image or text? </strong></p><p> </p><p>I begin with really rough thumbnail sketches to get my ideas on paper. I then write out the story like a script with art notes so that my editor can get what the story is about. My final story is much different from the original thumbnails. It’s a long process of sketching, rewriting, new sketches, rewriting, to final art and manuscript. I signed my contract in 2020, and the first of the series comes out in October 2022!</p><p> </p><p><strong>We can't wait to get our hands on it! Do you have a scene in the first book that is your favorite? </strong></p><p> </p><p>Yes! Bella loves to dance so she imitates ballet dancers she sees on tv and almost knocks over Gigi’s (her grandmother) prized plant. The next day, Bella begins a ballet lesson and has an anxiety attack because there are too many ballet rules. While at Gigi’s house, Bella is sad about the class so Gigi tells Bella to slip a tape in her boom box. Gigi teaches Bella and Blue her dance moves – Disco, Boogie Woogie, and The Bump. Bella is excited to show off her dance moves in ballet class and causes a domino of dancers during the floor exercises while showing off “The Bump!”</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>You mentioned earlier that this book has a social emotional focus. Why do you think this series is important for kids to have on the shelves?</strong></p><p> </p><p>Many kids, including my own daughter, suffer from anxiety. <em>Bella & Blue </em>reflects an anxious child’s personality with humor and heart and helps kids see how having a supportive family and pet can help them cope with their anxiety. Bella also takes the lead and figures out how to solve problems that occur during the story.</p><p> </p><p><strong>How do you think parents, teachers, or counselors could use <em>Bella & Blue </em>to engage in deeper conversations with kids?</strong></p><p> </p><p>This book is a mirror for anxious kids. They can see themselves reflected in Bella, and it helps readers talk about their own anxieties. Bella’s anxiety is illustrated like a tornado that comes on all of a sudden and escalates. Kids can talk about how they feel when they have anxiety and talk about what or who makes them feel better.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Do you have any advice for authors who want to write about tough topics for kids?</strong></p><p> </p><p>Be real and be honest. Kids don’t want you to fluff over the hard stuff. You can talk about hard stuff and still make kids laugh along with the characters in your book. If you have a book inside you write it down (it’s very therapeutic). Join organizations like SCBWI (Society for Children’s Writers and Illustrators) and 12x12 to learn how to write for children and hang in there.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Thank you so much Berrie for taking the time to connect with us here! </strong></p><p> </p><p>To follow Berrie or learn more about her work you can find her on Instagram at <a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://www.instagram.com/blue.berrie/">blue.berrie, Twitter at<a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://twitter.com/berrietr"> berrietr</a>, or her website www.berrietr.com<a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"http://www.berrietr.com/">www.berrietr.com. Be on the lookout for Bella & Blue coming to the world October 2022!</p>">

You can enjoy more of Berrie's work here!</a></p><p> </p><p>What a sweet pair!</p><p><br /><strong>Q: Your new early reader chapter book, <em><a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://littlepresspublishing.com/bellaandblue">Bella & Blue</a></em>, just released this fall! <em>(How exciting! Congratulations!)</em> Give us the full scoop on this adorable new children’s book—from inspiration to words & pictures to publication.</strong><br /><br />A: Every Monday (sometimes Tuesday) I participate in a day of portfolio and dummy book marketing. Oftentimes I get a polite, <em>“After careful review, your submission has not been selected...”</em> or something along those lines. Then one day at the beginning of the pandemic, I got a <em>“yes! I love your portfolio and let’s talk some more.”</em></p><p> </p><p>Originally my editor, Michele McAvoy at Blue Bronco Books Jr., wanted me to write a story about a girl and her pet monkey. I don’t want to encourage kids to have monkeys as pets, so I proposed a story about a girl and a dog. Since this publisher is geared toward social emotional books, my character Bella suffers from anxiety. Her dog Blue and her grandmother Gigi, help her get through her most anxious times with love and humor. At first, Michele wanted me to use only black and white illustrations for this early reader graphic novel, but knowing kids like to have color in their books I convinced her to add a pop of blue. I chose a “Tiffany Box” blue because good things come in blue boxes from Tiffanys. <br /><br />The story has changed a lot for the better with editing and brainstorming with my editor’s help. We made Bella’s grandmother more lively with her love of anything French and hats, made Bella get anxious then calms down with Blue’s help (he plays patty cake with her when she is sad), and made Bella come up with her own fun solutions when things don’t always go as planned.</p><p> </p><p><em>(Psst! You can order your very own copy here:)</em></p><p> </p><p><a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bella-blue-berrie-torgan-randall/1141444587?ean=9781956378078%22>Barnes & Noble</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781956378078">Independent Booksellers</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The story begin!</p><p><br /><strong>Q: You are a professional children’s librarian! <em>(Fun fact: my mom was, too!)</em> Dish with us a bit about how your experiences as a librarian have influenced your path to writing and illustrating children’s books.</strong><br /><br />A: My mom, who is also a librarian, would take my sisters and me to the library in Riverton, NJ at least once a week. In the library I would admire the illustrations and read about distant worlds. The books I enjoyed took me along the banks of the Charles River to ride a swan boat and through a magic wardrobe to meet a talking lion named Aslan. After working odd jobs after art school that weren’t very gratifying, I reconsidered my career options and remembered the joy of my time spent in the library. I went to grad school to become a librarian. <br /><br />I love being a librarian, however, my true passion is illustrating and writing children’s books. With hope in my heart, I started attending conferences to achieve my dream of illustrating books for children. When I began, I would shyly present my portfolio. The other illustrators intimidated me. They were published and had beautiful portfolios and websites!  Despite my own fears, my family encouraged me to continue, and my husband suggested that I be inspired, not intimidated. Also an artist friend told me after receiving many rejections that every time you get a rejection it is only that person’s opinion and to keep trying because art is subjective.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Dance party! Hooray!</p><p> </p><p><strong>Q: What are your top 3 most beloved children’s books? Why?</strong><br /><br />A: If I can only choose three…<br /><br />Growing up I really enjoyed <em>Harry and the Dirty Dog</em> books by Gene Zion and Illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham. Harry was so funny and relatable. I loved how Harry doesn’t want to take a bath—a situation very similar to a kid’s perspective and that the family didn’t recognize Harry when he was dirty. The kicker comes at the end when Harry is seen burying the scrub brush so he never has to take another bath. <br /><br /><em>The Invisible Boy</em> by Trudy Ludwig and Illustrated by Patrice Barton is a book that really got to me. Even though I was tall for my age (5’8” by sixth grade) I felt invisible. I had a hard time fitting in at school because I was not one of the super smart kids or athletic and was super shy. But like Brian in the story, I had a wild imagination and I could express my feelings through my drawings. Patrice’s illustrations of black and white invisible Brian are stark and stunning then turn colorful and lively when he finds friends.  <br /><br />I really love all the <em>Mother Bruce</em> stories by Ryan T. Higgins. Bruce the Bear would rather be left alone and eat eggs until one day his goose eggs hatch and the goslings think he is their mother. I know a few friends and family members like Bruce who didn’t appreciate children until they met a child or children who changed their minds about being parents. Ryan’s illustrations are rich and expressive and also have a cartoony style that is very relatable to kids and their adult readers.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Getting creative & crafty together!</p><p><br /><strong>Q: From your perspective as both a librarian and as an author-illustrator, what advice would you give fellow kid lit creators about: A) doing book events with libraries, B) how to engage with their community, and C) how to create a must-buy book for the library market.</strong><br /><br />A: Librarians are very knowledgeable about their collections and want to be asked, <em>“Can you help me find a book about…”</em> Librarians would love for you to come and read to a group of children—it’s a great way to practice for school visits. It’s important to reach out to librarians and libraries to let them know about your book. If you are enthusiastic about your book, that enthusiasm can be contagious motivating librarians to recommend your book to other libraries and patrons. Many libraries have book fairs, and you know how much work it took to make your book, so go promote it so that you can share it with the world. I’m happily busy attending many book fairs this fall.<br /><br /><strong>Q: What adventures are next for Bella & Blue?</strong><br /><br />A: The plan with <em>Bella & Blue</em> is to make it into a series so there are more adventures to come for these adorable characters.<br /><br /><strong>Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.</strong><br /><br />A: Going on a hike with my family during the fall or winter months. I love the cool crisp air during these seasons. Coming home to a home-cooked meal and warming my toes by the fire while I’m wrapped in a down comforter and reading a good book. Oh, and something chocolate for dessert.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Thank you, Berrie, for chatting it up with us here at Bird Meets Worm! Congratulations on <em>Bella & Blue</em>!</strong></p>">
www.berrietr.com or follow her on social media:</p><p><a href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://twitter.com/berrietr">Twitter | <a href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://www.instagram.com/blue.berrie/">Instagram

ORDER THIS BOOK</strong> To order a copy of BELLA & BLUE: BELLA MEETS BLUE, click <a href=https://childrensillustrators.com/berrietr/"https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781956378078">here.

WIN A COPY!</strong> Want to win a copy of BELLA & BLUE?! <strong>Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 13th! </strong><em>US addresses only please.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p>">

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