Natasha Wing book giveaway!

‘Twas the night before my birthday…

Natasha Wing, author of The Night Before series and a friend to all of us here at Old Firehouse Books, is releasing the 17^th book (wow!) of her series for kids age 3-7. 

Her new book is titled, The Night Before My Birthday and is quite the party. Kids look forward to their birthdays almost as much as they do for holidays like Christmas. The excitement starts building from the very first day of your birthday month and reaches its peak the night before. Natasha Wing captures wonderfully the anticipation, excitement and joy that come along with the night before such a big event.

The book is written from the view of the birthday child. This is great, as it allows the child to really feel like they’re a part of the story, like their birthday is really tomorrow (and maybe it is!). This also allows the book to be gender neutral so it is perfect for any child!

The Night Before My Birthday will be available on January 16^th. 

 

To celebrate the release, Old Firehouse Books is hosting a giveaway! Natasha is donating 5 copies of her book to giveaway to our patrons. To enter just send an email to oldfirehousemarketing@gmail.com, with the subject line, “It’s my birthday!” Be sure to include your name and phone number. Entering this contest will also sign you up for the Old Firehouse Books e-newsletter (which is where the winners will be announced).

Natasha was also kind enough to answer a few questions about her inspirations and upcoming work. Enjoy!

1. What made you decide to start writing children's books?

I was working in advertising and wanted to do something more creative, not just writing copy for ads. And I loved children's books, so I decided to try it, and if I didn't sell any stories, I'd go back to advertising.

2.  What was your most memorable birthday party as a kid? Were there ever any ice cream emergencies?

I was most excited when the boy I had a crush came to my birthday party (maybe my 7th?) and gave me a silver dollar for a present. No ice cream emergencies that I remember. That would have been terrible for a family whose relatives were in the ice cream business! I do have a cat, though, but she hasn't shown any liking for ice cream, like the cat in the book.

3.  Do you have any ambitions to write books for older audiences, such as young adult or teen readers?

Yes! I have a middle grade novel being shopped around. I do like writing for that age group versus writing for teens. And maybe a novel for adults some day. I'm in the process of reissuing a self-published cook book I did ten years ago about pie bakers and their recipes. I'm enjoying revisiting the stories and redesigning it for e-book and on-demand printing. New challenges.

4.  What made you decide to write books in the style of The Night Before Christmas?

I liked that book as a kid so when I wanted to write an Easter book (Easter was another of my favorite holidays - I love bunnies!) I thought of how waiting for the Easter Bunny was a lot like anticipating Santa's visit. So I flashed on using that story structure to tell the Easter story.

5.  Can you give our readers a hint as to what to expect from you next?

The Night Before Hanukkah is being illustrated and will come out this year. I'm also tossing around ideas for new Night Befores - the dance recital? 4th of July? I also have a manuscript with editors to consider about the founders of the National Park Service. The 100th anniversary is in 2016 so the book-making process needs to start soon. Cross your fingers an editor wants to publish it!