My First Book Story

Episode 13 – Lisa Wheeler

How did 225 rejections, manuscripts submitted by her mother, and a small rhyme about a mouse and a mole eventually lead to Lisa Wheeler's first book?

In this episode of My First Book Story, Meredith Davis talks with award-winning picture book author Lisa Wheeler about the path that led to her first published books, Wool Gathering: A Sheep Family Reunion and One Dark Night. Lisa shares how her mother secretly mailed her early stories to publishers back in 1987, how finding her people on an AOL message board and in SCBWI changed everything, and how 225 rejections, a persistent writer friend, and a rhyming manuscript she kept secret about a mouse and a mole finally led to a bidding war. Lisa generously shares her story with humor, honesty, and real encouragement for anyone wrestling with self-doubt.

Books mentioned

• Someone Builds the Dream (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Someone-Builds-Dream-Lisa-Wheeler/dp/1984814338)
• Wool Gathering: A Sheep Family Reunion (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Wool-Gathering-Sheep-Family-Reunion/dp/0689843690)
• One Dark Night (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/One-Dark-Night-Lisa-Wheeler/dp/0152023186)
• Farmer Dale's Red Pickup Truck (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Farmer-Dales-Red-Pickup-Truck/dp/0152059121)
• Sailor Moo: Cow at Sea (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Sailor-Moo-Cow-at-Sea/dp/0689842198)
• Castaway Cats (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Castaway-Cats-Lisa-Wheeler/dp/0689862326)
• The Christmas Boot (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Boot-Lisa-Wheeler/dp/0803741340)
• Dino-Hockey (Dino-Sports series) (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Dino-Hockey-Carolrhoda-Picture-Books-Dino-Sports/dp/0822561913)
• It Takes a Family to Serve (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Takes-Family-Serve-Military-Families/dp/0063283476)
• The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman, illus. Marla Frazee (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Silly-Eaters-Mary-Hoberman/dp/0152000968)
• The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/True-Story-Three-Little-Pigs/dp/0140544518)

Links

• Lisa Wheeler (https://www.lisawheelerbooks.com)
• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)
• Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)
• Harcourt / HMH Books for Young Readers (https://www.hmhbooks.com)
• Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids)
• HarperCollins Children's Books (https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/harpercollinschildrens)
• Episode Webpage (https://meredithdavis.substack.com/p/lisa-wheelers-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

Episode 12 – Donna Janell Bowman

It took Donna Janell Bowman nearly two decades, and a horse-crazy childhood, for her love of writing to manifest in her debut picture book, Step Right Up.

In this episode of My First Book Story, Meredith Davis talks with award-winning author Donna Janell Bowman about the road that led to her first published book, Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness. Donna shares how a childhood spent on a Central Texas ranch — surrounded by many animals including horses and a pet skunk named Stinky, and wide-open space — first sparked her love of storytelling, how she wrote and submitted “terrible picture books” for years before finding her footing as a nonfiction researcher, and how many small victories led to the story that became her debut. Donna shares her journey with candor, humor, and hard-won wisdom about craft, perseverance, and patience.

Books mentioned

• Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Step-Right-Up-Taught-Kindness/dp/1620141485)
• Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Wings-Eagle-Medal-Dreams-Billy/dp/0316373486)
• Where the Red Fern Grows (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Where-Fern-Grows-Wilson-Rawls/dp/0375806814)
• Old Yeller (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Old-Yeller-HarperClassics-Fred-Gipson/dp/0064403823)
• Black Beauty (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Black-Beauty-Anna-Sewell/dp/1774269376)
• My Friend Flicka (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Flicka-Mary-OHara/dp/0060809027)

Links

• Donna Janell Bowman (https://www.donnajanellbowman.com)
• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)
• San Gabriel Writers' League (https://sangabrielwriters.com)
• Writers' League of Texas (https://writersleague.org)
• Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)
• Vermont College of Fine Arts (https://vcfa.edu)
• Lee & Low Books (https://www.leeandlow.com)
• Capstone (https://www.capstonepub.com)
• Billy Mills / Running Strong for American Indian Youth (https://indianyouth.org)
• Episode Webpage (https://meredithdavis.substack.com/p/donna-janell-bowmans-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

Episode 11 – Cynthia Leitich Smith

How did a chance encounter with a picture book and the horrific Oklahoma bombing lead to a career change and debut picture book?

Find out in this episode of My First Book Story, where Meredith Davis talks with New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith about the winding path from law school clerk to publishing legend. Cynthia shares how a chance encounter with a picture book in a Chicago bookstore sparked her calling, how the Oklahoma City bombing gave her permission to follow it, and how a nervous email to a top literary agent launched a lifelong partnership. Cynthia shares her story with generosity, wisdom, and her signature warmth.

Books mentioned

• Jingle Dancer (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Jingle-Dancer-Cynthia-Leitich-Smith/dp/068816241X)
• Dancing with the Indians (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Indians-Angela-Shelf-Medearis/dp/0590459821)
• Indian Shoes (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Indian-Shoes-Cynthia-L-Smith/dp/0060295317)
• On a Wing and a Tear (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Wing-Tear-Cynthia-L-Smith/dp/0062870009)
• Here Come the Aunties! (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Here-Aunties-Cynthia-Leitich-Smith/dp/0063374692)

Links

• Cynthia Leitich Smith (https://cynthialeitichsmith.com)
• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)
• Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)
• Vermont College of Fine Arts (https://vcfa.edu)
• Heartdrum (https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/heartdrum-a-native-focused-imprint-of-harpercollins)
• Curtis Brown, Ltd. (https://curtisbrown.com)
• Episode Webpage (link https://meredithdavis.substack.com/p/cynthia-leitich-smiths-first-book)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

Episode 10 – Carolyn Leiloglou

When her picture book about libraries launched in May 2020, when not a single library was open, Carolyn Leiloglou didn’t give up.

In this episode of My First Book Story, Meredith Davis talks with award-winning middle grade fantasy author Carolyn Leiloglou about the long road to her first published book, Library’s Most Wanted. Carolyn shares how childhood dreams of writing went dormant until motherhood reignited them, how a COVID launch when libraries were closed made her fear her publishing career was over, and how finishing her first novel on her 40th birthday opened the door to her award-winning series, The Restorationists. Carolyn shares her journey with candor, warmth, and hard-won wisdom.

Books mentioned

• Library’s Most Wanted (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Librarys-Most-Wanted-Carolyn-Leiloglou/dp/1455625175)
• Beneath the Swirling Sky (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Swirling-Restorationists-Carolyn-Leiloglou/dp/0593579542)

Links

• Carolyn Leiloglou (https://www.carolynleiloglou.com)
• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)
• Sarah Pogue (https://www.sarahpogue.com)
• Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)
• 12x12 Picture Book Challenge (https://12x12challenge.com)
• Cricket Magazine (https://cricketmedia.com)
• Highlights Magazine (https://www.highlights.com)
• NaNoWriMo (https://nanowrimo.org)
• Read Aloud Revival (https://readaloudrevival.com)
• Waterbrook (https://waterbrookmultnomah.com)
• Episode Webpage (https://open.substack.com/pub/meredithdavis/p/carolyn-leiloglous-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

Episode 9 – Varsha Bajaj

How did a bedtime game with her son and a flyer at the public library spark Varsha Bajaj's path to becoming a bestselling children's author?

In this episode of My First Book Story, Meredith Davis talks with New York Times bestselling author Varsha Bajaj about the journey that led to her first published book, How Many Kisses Do You Want Tonight?. A sweet counting game with Varsha’s young son became the heart of her debut picture book. Varsha shares how she sold the manuscript without an agent at an SCBWI Editor’s Day in Houston, and how the years of doubt, rejection, and slow-building craft that followed shaped her commitment to writing the kinds of stories all kids deserve.

Books mentioned

• Thirst (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Thirst-Varsha-Bajaj/dp/0593354397)
• Count Me In (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Count-Me-Varsha-Bajaj/dp/0525517243)
• Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Abby-Spencer-Bollywood-Varsha-Bajaj/dp/0807563633)
• The Home Builders (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Home-Builders-Varsha-Bajaj/dp/0399166858)
• How Many Kisses Do You Want Tonight? (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/How-Many-Kisses-Want-Tonight/dp/0316067350)
• Goodnight Moon (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Moon-Margaret-Wise-Brown/dp/0064430170)
• T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Taj-Mahal-India-Alphabet-Discover/dp/1585365041)
• Roar (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Roar-Varsha-Bajaj/dp/059369905X)

Links

• Varsha Bajaj (https://www.varshabajaj.com)
• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)
• Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)
• Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (https://www.lbyr.com)
• Sleeping Bear Press (https://sleepingbearpress.com)
• Nancy Paulsen Books (https://www.penguin.com/nancy-paulsen-books-overview/)
• Episode Webpage (https://open.substack.com/pub/meredithdavis/p/varsha-bajajs-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

Episode 8 – Meghan Browne

How did signing up for the wrong class, and doing an interview in eighth-grade, lead Meghan Browne to her first published picture book?

Find out in this episode of My First Book Story, where Meredith Davis talks with award-winning Austin-based children’s book author Meghan P. Browne, who will soon add middle grade author to her resume with her debut novel The Edge of Forever. Meghan shares how nap time writing sessions as a stay-at-home mom, an accidental enrollment in a picture book intensive, and a long-ago eighth-grade interview with a Women Airforce Service Pilot collided to produce two book deals in 2018. She opens up about the four-year drought that followed her early success, the swimmer’s discipline that carried her through, and the tight-knit Austin kid lit community that kept her going. Meghan shares her story with warmth, candor, and deep gratitude.

Books mentioned

• The Edge of Forever (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Forever-Meghan-Browne/dp/1250410967)
• Indelible Ann (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Indelible-Ann-Larger-Than-Life-Governor-Richards/dp/0593173279)
• Dorothy the Brave (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Dorothy-Brave-Meghan-P-Browne/dp/0593116992)
• The Bees of Notre-Dame (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Bees-Notre-Dame-Meghan-P-Browne/dp/0593374568)
• Captain Whiz-Bang by Diane Stanley (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Captain-Whiz-Bang-Diane-Stanley/dp/0688062261)

Links

• Meghan P. Browne (https://meghanpbrowne.com)
• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)
• Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)
• The Writing Barn (https://www.writingbarn.com)
• Writing Class Radio (https://writingclassradio.com)
• Vermont College of Fine Arts (https://vcfa.edu)
• BookPeople (https://www.bookpeople.com)
• Austin Public Library (https://library.austintexas.gov)
• Episode Webpage (https://open.substack.com/pub/meredithdavis/p/meghan-brownes-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

Episode 7 – Claudia Rueda

How did a woman bent on changing the world make her way from law school and political cartoons to children's books?

In this episode of My First Book Story, Meredith Davis talks with New York Times bestselling Colombian author and illustrator Claudia Rueda—creator of over 30 picture books translated into 17 languages—about the path that led to her first published book. Claudia shares how a Zen-inspired story about a boy, his grandfather, and a runaway horse became her first published work (through an award in Mexico), and how a conversation with an art director at an SCBWI conference opened the door to her American publishing career. Claudia shares her story with warmth, wisdom, and a contagious love of playfulness and creativity.

Books mentioned

• La suerte de Ozu/Ozu’s Luck (https://claudiarueda.com/#/ozus-luck/— first published in Mexico, 2003)
• Let's Play in the Forest While the Wolf Is Not Around (https://claudiarueda.com/#/lets-play-in-the-forest/)
• My Little Polar Bear (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Little-Polar-Bear-Claudia-Rueda/dp/0545146003)
• Here Comes the Easter Cat (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Here-Comes-Easter-Deborah-Underwood/dp/0803739397)
• Here Comes Santa Cat (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Here-Comes-Santa-Deborah-Underwood/dp/0803741006)
• Here Comes Valentine Cat (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Here-Comes-Valentine-Deborah-Underwood/dp/0525429158)
• Here Comes the Tooth Fairy Cat (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Here-Comes-Tooth-Fairy-Cat/dp/0525427740)
• Meet the Smushkins (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Smushkins-Claudia-Rueda/dp/1536236586)
• The Smushkins: Colors (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Smushkins-Colors-Claudia-Rueda/dp/1536236594)
• The Smushkins: ABC Zoinks (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Smushkins-ABC-Zoinks-Claudia-Rueda/dp/1536236608)

Links

• Claudia Rueda (https://claudiarueda.com)
• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)
• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)
• Scholastic Press (https://www.scholastic.com)
• Penguin Random House (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com)
• Chronicle Books (https://www.chroniclebooks.com)
• Abrams Books (https://www.abramsbooks.com)
• Episode Webpage (https://meredithdavis.substack.com/p/claudia-ruedas-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

Episode 6 – Carmen Oliver

How did a magazine quiz, an episode of Oprah, and her daughter’s school reading buddy program set Carmen Oliver on the path to her first published book, Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies?

Find out in this episode of My First Book Story, where Meredith Davis talks with award-winning picture book author and founder of The Booking Biz, Carmen Oliver. They’ll trace the winding journey from stay-at-home mom to published author of the beloved Bears Make the Best Buddies series. Carmen shares how a magazine quiz and an Oprah episode first sparked her writing path, how years of volunteering with SCBWI built the community and mentorship that sustained her, and how research for one manuscript planted the seed for the book that would introduce her to readers worldwide. From a pivotal conference-floor conversation to a Christmastime phone call announcing her first deal, Carmen shares her story with warmth, faith, and hard-won encouragement for every writer still on the path.

Books mentioned

• Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Bears-Reading-Buddies-Fiction-Picture/dp/1484691415)
• Bears Make the Best Math Buddies (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Bears-Make-Best-Math-Buddies/dp/1684460794)
• Bears Make the Best Writing Buddies (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Bears-Make-Best-Writing-Buddies/dp/1684460816)
• Bears Make the Best Science Buddies (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Bears-Make-Best-Science-Buddies/dp/1684460832)
• A Voice for the Spirit Bears (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Spirit-Bears-Inspired-CitizenKid/dp/1771389796)
• Building an Orchestra of Hope (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Building-Orchestra-Hope-Chavez-Children/dp/0802854672)
• A Sock Is a Pocket for Your Toes by Liz Garton Scanlon (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Sock-Pocket-Your-Toes-Book/dp/0060295260)
• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Little-Engine-That-Could/dp/0448401010)

Links

• Carmen Oliver (https://carmenoliver.com)
• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)
• Institute of Children’s Literature (https://www.writingforchildren.com)
• Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)
• The Booking Biz (https://thebookingbiz.com)
• The Writing Barn (https://www.writingbarn.com)
• Highlights Foundation (https://www.highlightsfoundation.org)
• Texas Library Association (https://txla.org)
• Episode Webpage (https://meredithdavis.substack.com/p/carmen-olivers-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

Episode 5 - Bethany Hegedus

How did a 9/11 survival story and a bold email to Mahatma Gandhi's grandson lead to a first published picture book after two novels had been published?

Find out in this episode of My First Book Story, where Meredith Davis talks with bestselling author, educator, and founder of The Writing Barn Bethany Hegedus about the long chain of books that began with Between Us Baxters, her debut middle-grade novel. Bethany shares how shifting from acting to writing, butt-in-chair time at her "writing receptionist" job, craft studies at Vermont College, agent changes, and channeling post-9/11 healing into co-authoring Grandfather Gandhi (which sold after major revisions and market challenges) sparked her path. From surviving near-misses during the 2008 financial crisis to sticking to her vision amid feedback, Bethany generously shares her story with honesty, insight, and inspiration for turning pain into action.

Books mentioned

• Between Us Baxters (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Between-Us-Baxters-Bethany-Hegedus/dp/1934813028)

• Grandfather Gandhi (co-authored with Arun Gandhi) (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Grandfather-Gandhi-Arun/dp/144242365X)

• Truth with a Capital T: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Capital-T-Bethany-Hegedus/dp/0385738374

• A Thousand Never Evers by Shana Burg (referenced in conversation; https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Never-Evers-Shana-Burg/dp/0440422094

Links

• Bethany Hegedus[](https://www.bethanyhegedus.com)

• Meredith Davis[](https://meredithldavis.com)

• Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators[](https://www.scbwi.org)

• Episode Webpage (https://open.substack.com/pub/meredithdavis/p/bethany-hegeduss-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

Episode 4 - Chris Barton

How did a toddler, a smoke alarm and an obituary lead to Chris Barton’s first published book?

Find out in this episode of My First Book Story, where Meredith Davis talks with award-winning author Chris Barton about The Day-Glo Brothers, illustrated by Tony Persiani. Chris shares how his son’s interest in the story of how he installed a smoke alarm in their house, a story he requested over and over, sparked his writing journey. A newspaper obituary planted the seed for his debut nonfiction picture book that received 23 rejections until one crucial connection through SCBWI eventually led to publication. From cutting 4,000 words to learning how Day-Glo ink actually works, Chris generously shares his story with wit and wisdom.

Books mentioned

• The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Day-Glo-Brothers-Switzers-Bright-Brand-New/dp/157091673X)

• The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Dinosaurs-Waterhouse-Hawkins-Caldecott-Honor/dp/0439114942)

• Shark vs. Train (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Shark-vs-Train-Chris-Barton/dp/0316007625)

• Can I See Your I.D.?: True Stories of False Identities (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Can-See-Your-I-D-Identities/dp/0803733100)

Links

• Chris Barton (https://chrisbarton.info)

• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)

• Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)

• Episode Webpage (https://meredithdavis.substack.com/p/chris-bartons-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis