Rajani LaRocca

Award-winning Children's Book Author

News

Check out what’s been happening!

A Book Riot List of Feel-Good Middle Grade Books!

In these days of social distancing and staying at home, I was thrilled to see MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM on this Book Riot list of Feel-Good Middle Grade Books! The list includes some 2019 and 2020 debuts as well as some older books. As the article says, "these feel-good middle grade books are full of heart … [Read more...]

The Soaring20s Take Over The Children’s Book Podcast!

From April 27-May 1, 2020, creators from my debut picture book group, The Soaring20s PB, "took over" The Children's Book Podcast with Matthew Winner! Click the links below to hear my fellow members and me talking about various aspects of our debut picture books, including experiences that inspired … [Read more...]

The Story Seeds Podcast!

Last September, I met with 12 year-old Liyana and wrote a story inspired by the idea she gave me! You can hear some of our conversation at Pippin Vintage Home and hear the story (which involves magic and food, of course) that came from that "seed" by clicking below. Check out more photos and … [Read more...]

My Webinar on Writing Picture Books with the Highlights Foundation!

I was honored to give a free webinar through the Highlights Foundation on writing picture books—a topic that is very near and dear to my heart! I hope to inspire both new and experienced picture book writers with my presentation, "So You Want to Write a Picture Book?" You can watch the whole … [Read more...]

Long List for the Massachusetts Book Award!

I'm honored that the Massachusetts Center for the Book has selected MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM for the long list for the 2020 Massachusetts Book Award for MG/YA Literature! There are so many incredible MA authors, and I'm so thrilled to be one of twelve "Must-Reads" on this list with the likes of Susan Tan, … [Read more...]

A Big Birthday Giveaway!!

Today is my birthday. It’s a BIG birthday. Today, I turn 50! Unfortunately, I’m not celebrating it the way I thought I would. The world is dealing with a pandemic. We’re being socially distant. Schools are closed, people are working from home, the streets are empty, and we’re not sure how … [Read more...]

Celebrating Math Picture Books on ReFoReMo!

If you want to write picture books, you need to read picture books — lots of them! Reading For Research Month, or ReFoReMo, is a fantastic resource for learning about all kinds of recent picture books. This year, I wrote a guest post featuring recent picture books that celebrate math! Check out the … [Read more...]

SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS Cover Reveal and Interview with Mr. Schu!

I am overjoyed to share the cover of my debut picture book, SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS, which will release this year from Lee & Low Books, gorgeously illustrated by the incredible Archana Sreenivasan, on Mr. Schu's blog! The brilliant cover is below, and you can read my interview with Mr. Schu here! … [Read more...]

WhirliKids Book Fest!!

I loved visiting beautiful McIntyre's Books, just south of Chapel Hill, NC this past weekend for the WhirliKids Book Fest! I got to catch up with friends (including my Pitch Wars 2019 mentee!), make new ones, appear on a panel of wonderful authors, and sign copies of MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM! A wonderful … [Read more...]

School Visit at Indian Springs School!

I had the wonderful privilege of visiting with 150+ 4th and 5th graders at Indian Springs Elementary School in Columbus, OH! After an "assembly-style" large presentation and Q & A, I got to run two writing workshops with smaller groups of students! This school is filled with book … [Read more...]

Cover to Cover Books in Columbus, OH!

I got to visit Cover to Cover Books in Columbus, OH, once of the loveliest bookstores I've ever seen! I got to dish with kids and fellow writers about MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM, read an excerpt from the book, hold a challenging smelling contest, and share some freshly-baked cookies with everyone! I … [Read more...]

“Leap Into Publishing” with SCBWI Central-South Ohio!

I was honored to be asked by SCBWI Central-South Ohio to be faculty for their day-long workshop, "Leap Into Publishing," at the Columbus Main Public Library on February 29, 2020! I was joined by my fantastic agent, Brent Taylor, and another client of his, L. Philips. Brent gave an informative … [Read more...]

MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM Featured by Middle Grade at Heart!

I was honored to have MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM chosen as the January 2020 book club selection for Middle Grade at Heart! Check out the January newsletter for a Q & A, cool recipes, a writing activity, and artistic activity! Subscribe to the Middle Grade at Heart newsletter to find more awesome MG … [Read more...]

Cover Reveal: GIRL VERSUS SQUIRREL by Hayley Barrett, Illustrated by Renée Andriani

Today, on National Squirrel Appreciation Day, I'm thrilled to reveal the cover of the latest picture book by my dear friend and critique partner, Hayley Barrett! Hayley is the author of BABYMOON, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, and WHAT MISS MITCHELL SAW, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. Her next … [Read more...]

My Storystorm 2020 Post on Summoning the Subconscious

Every writer needs ideas. And every January, I participate in Tara Lazar's Storystorm to inspire me to start the year off coming up with story ideas. This year, I got to be a Storystorm 2020 contributer, and I wrote a post about accessing the subconscious mind. I hope it helps you tap into your … [Read more...]

My Interview on The Children’s Book Podcast!

This week I had the incredible opportunity to speak with marvelous Matthew Winner on The Children's Book Podcast! I'm a huge fan of Matthew, a fantastic children's librarian who does superlative work spreading book love. We chatted about MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM and what it means to me, my favorite line … [Read more...]

Another Best of List on Librarian’s Quest!

I was honored to find MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM featured on Librarian's Quest, a fantastic blog by librarian Margie Myers-Culver. Not only does she list the titles, cover images, and descriptions of these extraordinary 2019 middle grade books, she also posts links for more info, and quotes from the books! … [Read more...]

Sign Up

Sign-Up For Updates
First
Last

Top