I’d love to visit your school!

Have a date in mind? Check my availability calendar HERE.

Bring me to your school!

Bonnie Clark (author - SEL) Canton, GA

McCall Hoyle (author - beloved middle grade dog stories), Gainesville, GA

Shelli Johannes (author - STEM, STEAM, farm, picture books-YA) Atlanta, GA

Cyndi Harvell (illustrator) Tucker, GA

Chris Barton (author - beloved fiction and non-fiction picture books), TX

Jannie Ho (author-illustrator - picture books and early graphic novels), MA

Shannon Anderson (author - great for kids or professional development), Indiana

David Biedrzycki (author-illustrator)

Eliza Kinks (the silliest, coolest author-illustrator you’ll ever meet), TX

All my best! - Shanda

In the 2025-2026 school year, I visited 30 schools in 4 different states, and I LOVED it all!

Come See Me Saturday!

THIS Saturday, I’ll be reading my new illustrated book, Lilibet Makes A Friend, at Read It Again Books in Suwanee, GA! After storytime, kids can decorate their own idea notebooks (just like Lilibet), and if you purchase a copy of the book at the event, you can get a FREE caricature drawn on-site by Brush & Bean!

Bring the COOLEST illustration exhibit to YOUR school hallways!

Want your WHOLE school to be talking about art and books? THIS large, eye-catching, print-on-your-own exhibit is just the thing to make it happen!!

There are many, many different ways that illustrators approach kids’ book art, and these display posters highlight the creative processes of over 20 talented illustrators from the GA/AL/FL region. The only cost involved is that of printing.

It’s SO easy:

1. Get in touch

2. Print the poster files

3. Hang and ENJOY!

4. Recycle the posters by passing them to another school when you are finished :)

Learn more here

Contact Jime Wimmer
(Southern-Breeze-ic@scbwi.org)
to get it going!

As always, thank you for reading my newsletter!

Love, Shanda

Pencil Pusher fall issue has been sent out!

You should be receiving your copies soon if you signed up again to be on the new list. If not, you can sign up here. Below is a link to the PDF to get you by until the spring!

Thanks for reading ALL the way to the end! You get 10,000 brownie points!

What is the Pencil Pusher?

Please vote for the outline you prefer to see in the art of PUNK ROCK, a young graphic novel intended for ages 6-10? Here are the options below…

Thanks for helping me figure this out!

–Shanda

Ta-da! Just a quick little note here to show you the final cover for my next illustrated book, LILIBET MAKES A FRIEND by Kersten Hamilton, illustrated by me, and it’s 25% off (for premium rewards members) at Barnes & Noble through July 11th with code “PREORDER25”.

But you can preorder anywhere! Maybe you have a favorite little bookshop you like to support, or maybe you prefer the convenience of Amazon. Either way, I’m sincerely grateful for all who preorder–these sales can really boost a book!

A Starred Review and 25% OFF!

I’m so proud of this star from a really tough cookie … Kirkus! And it’s a fantastic time to pre-order it. These early orders are super helpful to bookmakers like me. THANK YOU to all who order it or tell someone about it!

A “Delicious” Book For Teachers! - Giveaway!

Shannon Anderson, a seasoned teacher, author, and long-time writer friend, just released this incredible resource for teachers! Just a few pages in and I’m already salivating…

I highlighted this part because I’ve volunteered in my kid’s writing classes and tried to bring some extra excitement to the class writing assignment at hand. I’m not really sure if I did though. It’s tough to teach this stuff. Heck, I’m still learning it! But I do know that I need AN AUDIENCE THAT CARES ABOUT WHAT I HAVE TO SAY to get to the finish line whether that be in my writing or my art. I’m not the kind of person who makes art for my own pleasure. For me, it’s got to have a purpose, or it’s a no go.

Yes! Show them your strange process, imperfections, and writing struggles!

Sometimes, I still can’t believe I am an author … I have no business writing for a living … Wait! Yes, I do! I have great ideas. Though it may take me more time than others to string the sentences together, I am just as much of a writer as anyone. I don’t care how scholarly you are. Writing is a heart muscle.

Comment on this post for a chance to win this copy of WRITING FROM SCRATCH: Lesson Plans to Boost Your Classroom Writing Instruction by Shannon Anderson!

My calendar “said” it was impossible, but each day I gave myself something small to accomplish. And those little accomplishments felt good. They created momentum and an unintimidating path to the next (small) thing I could check off the list. This minimalist calendar helped me :)

Last Monday, I turned in the final illustrations for Lilibet Makes a Friend (by Kersten Hamilton, illustrated by me) which comes out next year with Disney Hyperion! I’m sure there will be some tweaks I’ll need to fix, but all in all, I’m DONE!!

To celebrate, I’d like to share peeks at some of my favorite moments in the book …

This story is about a girl, Lilibet, who longs for a friend. She sets out to (literally) make one since she can practically build anything she puts her mind to. But when a boy named Peanut insists on helping her, the results get real.

Lilibet has her own pet Punk Rock there on a shelf - a nod to my upcoming graphic novel :)

I’ll post more about Lilibet Makes a Friend as it gets closer to its publication in 2026. Till then, thanks for reading and cheering me on!

Next Pencil Pusher goes out in Feb!

The Spring 2025 issue of The Pencil Pusher will be all about dogs :)… how I used one as a catalyst in a story and how I’ve illustrated my own dogs to “live forever” in several of my books. And, of course, there will be some kind of “hairy” drawing activity!

Here’s an example (above) of how my boy (Ace) makes an appearance in my new non-fiction book SMASH, CRASH, TOPPLE, ROLL! (which is available for pre-order).

If you are a librarian, teacher, or parent, you can learn more and subscribe your student(s) to The Pencil Pusher HERE. If you are already subscribed and you’d like to make changes to your subscription, go here.

One accomplishment of mine over the past year is I put a screenshot (on iPhone Notes) of every book I read, and tonight, I made a “quilt” by putting them together in one lovely rectangle:

Looking at this reading record reminds me that my co-writer husband and I completed our first contracted graphic novel script earlier this year! (PUNK ROCK, Abrams Fanfare 2026). Such a BIG moment for us that holds much hope and thrill for us. And as you can see, I was reading LOTS of graphic novels to see how the stories progressed from panel to panel, page to page, and chapter to chapter.

Keeping a reading log isn’t an impressive accomplishment, but I’m happy I did it! It’s a window into my months-earlier mind.

Happy New Year, er’body!

So, I’ll follow the lead and give extra love and attention to gritty pencil marks, painterly brush strokes, and stacks on stacks of layered color :)

The right amount of textural touches gives art that … “chef’s kiss.” Your eye moves around it, and it delights you at every angle. Sometimes fast. Sometimes slow. What’s the “right” amount of texture you ask? Beats me! For now, I have to rely on my taste and intuition because I can’t quite articulate/measure it. When I’ve gone too far and over-complicated an image, I get a feeling of overwhelm. The “right” amount of visual busyness is exhilarating yet manageable to take in.

I’m especially drawn to Brian Biggs’ work right now. In my opinion, he’s a texture expert! He appears to have loads of fun doing his work, too. Brian has made over 75 books, but honestly, he’s just now truly on my radar. His art is distinctive and playful yet educated and calculated. The guy knows what he’s doing. He’s honed his craft for years and pivoted when things felt stale (which I learned from this podcast).

From afar, Brian Biggs inspires me to keep going and keep learning. Hey, it might take me 75 books to make my mark in this industry and figure out who I am exactly.  If so, I’m 7 books in, 68 to go.

Kids Meet Authors (replay and next event)

Jannie Ho, Bethanie Murguia, and I had a lovely time answering real kids’ questions about reading and creating graphic novels. Enjoy the replay below!

The next event is on November 1st, all about STEM stories! Sign up to join live or to get a replay link.

2 Events for Kids THIS Saturday in person!

I’ll be doing two kids’ events at Alpharetta Public Library this Saturday, Oct. 26th ! Books will be available for purchase/signing after each session.

• 11 am - 12 pm, I’m presenting about Rad Robots, reading my STEM-friendly picture book, DOLL-E 1.0, and teaching kids to draw the robot from the story!

• 2 - 3 pm, I’m presenting Words + Pictures = MAGIC, reading my STEM-friendly picture book, DOLL-E 1.0, and teaching kids to draw like an illustrator!

CT and Surrounding Areas School Visit Opportunity!

I’m visiting a school in Wilton, CT, on January 27, 2025. If you are somewhat close to this area (or are on my way back home to North GA) and would like to have me visit your school while I’m on the road, please contact me at theshanda@yahoo.com! (Possibilities include CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, NJ, NY, PA, DE, MD, VA, WV, KY, TN, NC, and SC). I’d LOVE to fill up my week with visits and give you a great price for working within my timeframe!

Giveaway Time!

Two of my super-cool author and illustrator friends just released new books, and they are adorable!!!! Just comment on this post for a chance to win both books :)

Hi Mrs.McCloskey!

I have a few questions, if that’s okay. You spoke at our Young Georgia Authors ceremony recently in Habersham, GA, and I was lucky enough to be a part of it! You had said we could reach out if we were serious about writing and had questions, so here it is!

A friend and I are planning on writing and illustrating a children’s book, but we don’t know any publishers or how to find them. We don’t actually know how to get it published, either. We also wanted to ask about how to get our book copyrighted if and when we do end up publishing it.

Any other pointers or advice is welcome, and thank you so much for taking the time to read this!

-A.P. :)

Answer:

Hi A.P.,

Thanks for reaching out! It's exciting to embark on a book project with a friend.

Your publishing opportunities are limited until you are 18, but I would encourage you to make the book anyway for joy and experience right now. Then, get it printed! It would not be officially "published" but it's still super cool to see your work as a real book and it enables you to share your physical book with others, sell them, or give them as gifts. I like this company/product for printing a book for fun which I've done several times: https://www.socialprintstudio.com/softcover-photobook/

If you enjoy the process, do it again and again. You'll improve big time, each time. And by the time you are 18, you'll be more than ready to pursue the real deal and join SCBWI.org (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) which is how I learned everything I know about the business and craft of children's books!

Keep in touch and let me know how your first book turns out :)

Your fellow author-illustrator friend,

Shanda McCloskey

Announcing my first graphic novel, PUNK ROCK!

I’m so pumped to announce my debut young graphic novel series, PUNK ROCK, co-written with my real-life punk rocker husband, Ben :)

This series will explore the question: What can we do with anger, disappointment, and other big emotions?

My first Junior Library Guild Book!

Smash, Crash, Topple, Roll!: The Inventive Rube Goldberg―A Life in Comics, Contraptions, and Six Simple Machines was awarded the Gold Standard by the Junior Library Guild. I couldn’t be happier about that because it means more libraries, more schools, and ultimately, more kids will have access to this really fun biography/STEM book.

Preorder here

Your class in conversation with real authors and illustrators!

I’ve joined up with some amazing kidlit creators to form Kids Meet Authors, offering a FREE online event each month for your classroom to help reinforce what you are already teaching about writing! We are open for registration and questions to answer live! Here are the first 3 sessions:

Sign your class up here!

In-person Events:

Exhibition- Art of the Picture Book: Illustrators are Your Neighbors

​Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, including artists Mark Braught, R. Gregory Christie, Laura Freeman, Ebony Glenn, Shamar Knight-Justice, Jime Wimmer, Mike Wimmer, Michael Allen Austin, Bill Mayer, Frank Morrison, Mike Lowery, Shanda McCloskey

• The exhibit will be on display from Oct. 2 - Nov. 20

• The Gallery Reception for the Exhibition, Alpharetta Arts Center Nov. 2, 5 – 7 pm  

More info

I’ll be doing two kids’ events at the Alpharetta Library! Books will be available for purchase/signing afterward.

• 11:00 am, I’m presenting about robots, reading my STEM-friendly picture book, DOLL-E 1.0, and teaching kids to draw the robot from the story!

• 2:00 pm, I’m presenting how words + pictures = MAGIC, reading my STEM-friendly picture book, DOLL-E 1.0, and teaching kids to draw like an illustrator!

What I’ve been up to lately…

• My favorite way to volunteer at my daughter’s elementary school is by helping to make the set of the school musical. This is my 5th year doing so, and I’m proud that the program now involves a group of students and parents. Many hands really do make light work :)
  
  The backdrop(s) for these productions are important to me, so that’s where I put most of my energy. My husband (and friends) built a wood frame to stretch a large printed “billboard” image onto. I painted the image on my iPad/Procreate at a very large dpi and then had it printed the size of 14' x 24’ at Billboards, etc.. It comes folded so we laid it in the sun for 2 days, but we had to fold it again to transport it to the school. We stretched/smoothed it as much as possible when we installed it hoping gravity and time will take care of the rest.
  
  Here’s the backdrop for the 2025 production of “Finding Nemo Jr.” and my kiddo (in yellow) and her bestie. They both share the role of Dori :)

• For work, I’ve been reworking sketches for the upcoming book, Lilibet Makes A Friend, by Kersten Hamilton.

• Preparing the next issue of The Pencil Pusher (a kids’ creative newspaper) to hit mailboxes in late September / early October.

• Our family has been attending LOTS of football games. My oldest is on the high school Colorguard team, and my youngest is a cheerleader. Go Grizzlies!

Giveaway time!

This month, I’m giving away a copy of Little Red and the Big Bad Editor, all about the fine art of letter writing (and outsmarting hungry wolves who have an obsession with grammar). Just like and comment on this post for a chance to win!

Here’s what filled my summer days:

• Oversaw my teen’s first big art/mural gig. Harv and Sam have skills! I think they even surprised themselves. I scheduled it, gathered supplies, did pickups, drop-offs, and some problem management :)

• 3 weeks of family church activities/camps

• 6 weeks of online summer school for my oldest to knock out PE/Health classes early (I had to be her cheerleader a bit)

• My family grew corn, sunflowers, roses, and peaches

• 2 weeks of band camp for color guard (drop offs, pick ups, packed lunches, supplies, helping). It’s SO different compared to my color guard days.

• First script turned in for my first graphic novel project (which I’ll talk about soon :)

• Cover and all final illustrations due for my first non-fiction illustration project (a book about Rube Goldberg and simple machines), SMASH CRASH TOPPLE ROLL (Chronicle 2025)

• A summer school author visit in South Carolina

• Sent out the summer edition of the Pencil Pusher newspaper with stickers!

• Jed Dearybury interviewed me at the Carly and Adam STEM Teacher’s Summit

• A rad visit from my sister

• A sweet visit from my mother-in-law

• A back injury and lots of helpful chiropractic appointments

• Both kids’ birthdays/parties (and Ace, the dog, turned 3)

• Remodel of youngest kid’s room

• A list point for all the random fun and other stuff I forgot here

Whew! It was fast and fun. Now I’m ready to turn the page to a slightly more predictable routine and with kid-free work time :)

Kids’ Art!

In June, I sent out the first-ever summer edition of the Pencil Pusher newspaper for kids, including a sticker sheet with an art prompt: What did the Pencil People do this Summer?

Here’s what 7 creative, cool kids came up with:

Skyla, 8

Joei, 9

Sydney, 14

Kate, 8

Isabelle, 8

Layla, 7

Isla, 8

I will choose two of these masterpieces to be published in the next issue of the Pencil Pusher newspaper! How will I ever decide??

News!

• SMASH, CRASH, TOPPLE, ROLL! (Chronicle, 2025) will be translated into simple Chinese.

• A librarian (and friend) tattooed my pencil drawing on her arm forever!

• I’m scheduling author visits for the 2024-25 school year, and I’d love to visit your school! More information can be found here.

3 Books + Stickers Giveaway!

My friend, Bethanie Murguia, just released this graphic novel for kids ages 6-10. My 10-year-old and I enjoyed this book so much! It made us want to go hug our furry friend immediately. And when I got to the end of the book, I saw that Bethanie had listed me in her acknowledgments page! It made me want to go hug Bethanie immediately too, but she lives on the other side of the country so … how about this fun giveaway instead?

Like or comment on this newsletter/post for a chance to win! Three winners will receive 1 book and 2 stickers to match :)

Leave a comment

My summer selections:

I’m diving into the deep end of graphic novels, stellar storytelling, and unique characters!

My 14-year-old’s summer picks:

This is teen girl bliss :)

My 10-year-old’s Summer stack:

She’s definitely into a certain type of book these days, and I love it!

Come June, I’ll be mailing out the Summer 2024 Issue of The Pencil Pusher to kids who receive it at their homes with several surprise vinyl stickers and an art contest!

The summer issue doesn’t get mailed to schools or classrooms (obviously), BUT I included a PDF of it below in hopes that you teachers/librarians can use it for some end-of-year fun with your students.

It’s a book-related personality QUIZ (a throwback to those magazine quizzes we all used to do for fun) called: “What Kind of Summer Reader Are YOU?” I had a lot of fun creating it and hope it helps start great, no-pressure conversations about maybe enjoying a book over summer break. I mean who doesn’t love a silly personality quiz, right?

Your students can also enter the contest by printing, cutting, and pasting these Pencil People to create a summer scene! Teachers/parents can submit the art to the contest at ShandaMc.com/PencilPusher.

Did you take the quiz yourself?

What kind of summer reader are YOU?

This post was originally published on my blog at ShandaMc.com.