WELCOME OUR NEW CHILDREN’S AUTHOR-ANNETTE CLAYTON!

Hey Everyone! Happy Christmas in July! This seems like a great time to introduce to you a new author in our Little Lamb Books family, especially since this author’s book will be a Christmas title! Please help us welcome children’s author Annette M. Clayton and read on to get to know all about her and her debut holiday story, tentatively titled Hooray, It’s Three Kings Day!, which will debut Christmas 2021.

Annette grew up in a sleepy valley in Maryland, where she spent her childhood catching tadpoles and writing in her journal. One of her most cherished childhood memories is celebrating Three Kings Day, which was spent with her own Abuela, helping in the kitchen preparing traditional Puerto Rican meals.

Today, Annette indulges her artistic side after earning her master’s degree in writing for children and young adults. We are thrilled to have her join our Little Lamb Books family and can’t wait to share more about her and her favorite ways to celebrate. So, of course, we gave her a quick Q&A round to get to know her better.

Where do you currently call home? Middletown, MD, which is about one hour outside of Washington, D.C.

Describe your family. I’ve been married to my husband Marc for almost 12 years and we have twin girls!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Hiking and spending time with my family.

What has been your biggest inspiration for writing children’s literature? I gravitate towards kidlit because it’s magical! When adult life gets way too serious, it’s a fun world to venture into.

What is your favorite life quote? Oooh, this is my fav! “All our dreamscan come true, if we only have the courage to pursue them.” ~ Walt Disney

What is your picture book about? The birth of baby Jesus filled the Magis’ hearts with love, and they took that love with them, home to their faraway lands. When young Anna misses her faraway Abuela, they have to find a way to share their love over great distances too.

What do you think is the core messages of your book? A family’s love is there, even when the person isn’t. The same is true for God’s love, it’s something you hold in your heart, not in your hands.

[ You guys, I so love this! She nails it so well! God’s love is in your heart! 🙂 ]

What’s your favorite season? There’s so much to love about the fall, from pumpkin spice candles to apple cider donuts! But the best part…pumpkin patches! During the fall, it’s not uncommon for me to visit a pumpkin patch five or more times. I’m lucky enough to live in a more rural area and we have several great ones close by. Many have farm animals to pet, corn mazes, delicious farm fresh food, hayrides, and other fun activities! It’s a family favorite.

Where is your favorite place to write? On my couch or in my office.

Do you prefer coffee or tea (or both, or neither)? Coffee! I love latte’s so much! My favorite flavors are white chocolate, caramel, and pumpkin spice.

We are super happy to welcome Annette as a member of our author roster and hope you will visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter or follow her on social media, including Twitter. Christmas is such a special time and there are so many special pieces and parts that make up our memories as children and as adults. Thanks Annette for bringing us this terrific holiday story! Stay tuned for more information on Hooray, It’s Three Kings Day throughout the year by signing up for our monthly newsletter!