Ta-Dah

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Twelve years ago, I embarked on a journey that changed my writing life. Triggered by something my grandmother Lois Thomas Wright Brown said, I ended up writing a historical novel called Hattie Big Sky. That book reaped some lovely, amazing readers and awards. I was (and am) very proud of it. For my first published novel, I don’t think I did too badly. 
Imagine my surprise (and, honestly, irritation) when, after that book came out, readers began emailing and writing and asking “What’s next for Hattie?” In my mind, I’d finished her story. Done. Completed. However, several thousand of you disagreed.

So, a few summers back, I re-read Hattie Big Sky. Remembered how much I loved that stubborn, mistake-prone orphan. And decided I wouldn’t mind spending more time with her. It’s been another long journey, but the sequel is now complete. 

Vikki Sheatsley is the amazing art director at Delacorte who helped design the HBS cover; she’s hit another home run with this one, as well. She went back to Jonathan Barkat, Philadelphia photographer/artist who did his research on the post-WWI time period and sent us some possible costumes for his model to wear.
Loved this hat but thought it a bit too shi-shi for Hattie

Great details — the skirt pleats and jacket ruffles. I worked these into the text.

I knew this was the hat Hattie would pick. Straight-forward and practical!

And then he thought about the story’s setting and plot and came up with this cover:  
 
As much as I loved looking over Hattie’s shoulder into the future on that first cover, I love this perspective, too. (Just between us, here is the face I envision when I “see” Hattie): 
Lois Thomas Wright Brown, age 14

The book is set to be out in February 2013. I hope Hattie’s friends and fans like “what happened next.”

I know Hattie does!

No Responses to “Ta-Dah”

  5. kv

    GREAT NEWS, Kirby! Congratulations on another fabulous story. I can’t wait to walk with Hattie and friends and meet new characters:) The cover is breathtaking, a perfect match. Thanks for showing and telling how it came to be. Can’t wait!

  6. Emilie

    Congratulations, Kirby! A lovely cover for what is sure to be a lovely book. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

  7. Emilie

    Congratulations, Kirby! A lovely cover for what is sure to be a lovely book. Can’t wait to get my hands on it!

  12. Maria

    Congratulations BES teachers and students will be anxiously waiting. Love the cover.

  15. Anonymous

    Congratulations! I can’t wait for Hattie Ever After comes out!

  17. Bill

    Congrats, the cover looks great and after our Newbery Club discussion of over a year ago, I can’t wait to read it!

  18. Michelle

    The new cover is gorgeous! Love all the details that you thought about before the finished product. I have yet to read “Hattie Big Sky” but I’m on my way now to pick up a copy!

  19. Rosanne

    Congratulations Kirby! That Jonathon Barkat! He does a good job! 🙂 It’s beautiful. Can’t wait to read it!

  20. Rosanne

    Congratulations Kirby! That Jonathon Barkat! He does a good job! Can’t wait to read it.

  21. Anonymous

    I cannot wait to read this book. Love the new cover. Sure to be a winner!

  24. Ramona

    Gorgeous cover! Will it be out for Valentine’s Day? I want to reread Hattie Big Sky in preparation for the new book!

  27. Allison

    This is so exciting!! I love the title, and am so enchanted by the cover. The outfit and the pose are perfect. I look forward to reading this!