Writer and Editor
I am so excited to announce that I now have an agent! I am thrilled to be represented by the very talented Abigail Samoun at Red Fox Literary. It is such a dream to be working with her and I am looking forward to making many children’s books together! More here: http://redfoxliterary.com/karenlatchana.html
Seriously had so much fun editing this delightfully gross poetry book about animals that suck for all kinds of reasons: Yuck, You Suck!: Poems about Animals That SIP, SLURP, SUCK.
Written by the uber-talented author duo of Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple and illustrated by the equally talented Eugenia Nobati, this book is full of energy, fun, and science facts that will make you go “ewwwwwwwwww!”
School Library Journal agrees that this book is a hit, and I’m so excited to see their *STARRED* review! They say it, “will be a hit in libraries or classrooms. A delightful book that amuses and educates.”
Read more here: https://www.slj.com/review/yuck-you-suck-poems-about-animals-that-sip-slurp-suck.
“Centered on the cover, five familiar Muppet characters welcome Sesame Street fans to an introductory book on homes around the world. From apartment buildings in Spain and duplexes in South Africa to yurts in Mongolia, underground homes in Australia, and houses on stilts in Guyana, the book shows a variety of dwellings while returning to the message that “home is where you’re loved.” A typical double-page spread features one or two large photos illustrating a few simple sentences, with a character adding a comment or two. The main text offers information on a very basic level, while speech balloons sometimes play toward the Muppet-loving audience. For instance, Ernie stands beside a houseboat and remarks, “Rubber Duckie likes this home.” Kids drawn to the book by familiar Muppet faces may leave with a somewhat larger view of how people’s homes vary in different locales. An appended page introduces the topic of homelessness and refers to a Sesame Street Communities website offering relevant videos and activities for young children. A colorful, global introduction to homes.“
— Carolyn Phelan, Booklist, 11/1/2020
School Library Journal, January 1, 2019
KENNEY, Karen Latchana. Extreme Longevity: Discovering Earth’s Oldest Organisms. 104p. bibliog. chron. diag. further reading. glossary. index. notes. photos. websites. Twenty-First Century. Oct. 2018. lib. ed. $37.32. ISBN 9781512483727.
Gr 7 Up–A fascinating study of some of the longest-living organisms on the planet. Although many books cover the life of various plants and animals, this particular approach is thought-provoking and awe-inspiring. If we think of a standard human lifespan and then lengthen it by 20 years, most people would consider those centenarians to be truly old. Readers learn that there are many mammals, fish, reptiles and other smaller organisms that make our human lives seem like drops in an eternal bucket. Simply to imagine a bowhead whale’s journey through icy Arctic waters, encountering whalers from the 1890s and then scientists from 2017, connects humans to our past as never before: human beings are merely one small component of time and Earth. The chapters are well written and succinct. Fascinating segments offer additional information, enhance the narrative, and will engross readers. Each chapter is a topic unto itself and offers scientific as well as anecdotal material. VERDICT An excellent addition to middle school and high school library collections.–Patricia Feriano, Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
Three of my books for Lerner Publishing were featured in a recent Booklist roundup on fashion and fashion designers. They’re in the What’s Your Style? series, including:
Check out the article here!
“Young aspiring pet owners looking for something a little out of the ordinary will find plenty of inspiration and realistic guidance in these entries in the You Have A Pet What?! series. . . . The adorable photos of fuzzy-nosed creatures in Miniature Donkey might catapult them to the top of pet wish lists, but be prudent: these animals require companionship and lots of room, and they can live for decades. Pygmy Goat emphasizes the playfulness of these pets as well as their extensive hygiene and space requirements. A note about being a good neighbor—goats are loud and smelly, after all—is particularly helpful. . . . Packed with practical, accessible information and lots of engaging photos, these titles might (rightly) dissuade some eager odd-animal lovers, but readers will come away with plenty of knowledge about each unique creature.”
—Sarah Hunter, Booklist April 2017
I love it when a final book is delivered by the publisher! The book process is lengthy, lasting a year or sometimes longer, but the fi
nal book is such a reward to receive. My latest book is titled Abraham Lincoln’s Presidency in the Presidential Powerhouses series by Lerner Publishing. I learned so much while researching the life of this powerful and inspiring leader. The book covers a bit of Lincoln’s personal life, but is mostly about his policies while in office and their lasting impacts in the United States. It’s coming out in the fall, so look out for this and other books in the Presidential Powerhouses series, of which School Library Journal wrote is “a worthy addition to student collections.”
Some of my new books just arrived! The 6-book Science in Action series for Abdo Publishing includes:
Each book is aligned to Common Core State Standards and includes an experiment linked to the book’s subject. The design is gorgeous (by Mighty Media), filled with vibrant and interesting infographics and images. I just love how they turned out and hope they will excite young science-loving readers as well!
My books in the You Have a Pet What?! series from Rourke Educational Media were recently reviewed in School Library Journal. Here’s what they had to say about this fun series, of which I wrote Rat and Sugar Glider:
“This collection of exotic pets introduces these animals, covering history, natural habitat, care, and characteristics both positive and negative. Restrictions on ownership and any special housing and health care requirements are carefully pointed out. The animals’ personalities are described, and information on bonding and communication is provided. a short list of “Things to Think about…” encapsulates all the issues and concludes each book. Supplementary material includes a nicely organized set of “Before & after Reading activities” and “Show What You Know” questions that can be used for reading comprehension instruction. Photos frequently incorporate humans along with the animals. Each volume includes a spread with a full-body shot of the animal with body parts and physical traits identified. “Fun Fact” and “Pet Pointer” boxes appear where needed. VERDICT: Well written, with a clean design, these titles will be useful for educators and popular with potential pet owners.”
Check out my books here:
Karen Latchana Kenney