Fresh from the frying pan, DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS launches today—July 21! Launching a debut picture book is more exciting than having a whole PILE of doughnuts all for myself (although, LouAnn, the main character in the book, might disagree).

In the story, LouAnn is frying up a doughnut feast as a late-fall, pre-hibernation treat for herself. YUM! But just before she takes her first bite, the bell rings—ding-dong! Her friend Woodrow drops by. LouAnn is happy to share her doughnuts, but as soon as they sit down to eat—ding-dong! Clyde is at the door. One by one, LouAnn’s friends come over until it’s one big party. LouAnn makes batch after batch of doughnuts, always dividing them equally among her friends. (Yes, there’s some math involved.) But LouAnn makes one BIG miscalculation: She forgets to save any for herself!

Here's a quick video I made to share more about the book:

There are many firsts and surprises when launching a picture book. Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects, given the mental image we all have of a writer scribbling away alone in an attic somewhere, is how many people touch the book in some way, both pre- and post-publication. I have DOZENS of people to thank! In semi-chronological order . . .

First, my children, my husband, and my mother for both the inspiration and the time away from day-to-day responsibilities to pursue this dream of writing for children. THANK YOU!

Second, to my critique partners and groups — my International PBWriters, the Poets’ Garage, the Writers’ Loft and my local critique partners, the 12x12 Challenge group, and so many more who helped polish and shape the manuscript over the course of years. THANK YOU!

Third, to my agent, Linda Epstein, who kept asking, “What about that doughnut book? I like that one,” and then shepherded it masterfully through the submissions and acquisitions process. THANK YOU!

Fourth, to my editor, Stephanie Pitts, the art director, book designer, and the whole team at Putnam Books who have lavished their talent and attention on the book in ways that are clearly visible and in many ways that no one ever sees. THANK YOU!

Fifth, to illustrator Brianne Farley, who added the “picture” part to our picture book, and brought LouAnn, her friends, and world to life visually with skill and passion. THANK YOU!

Sixth, to my many writing friends and groups, especially the Soaring ’20s, who have helped launch the book with their good wishes, reviews, library requests, book purchases, and more. THANK YOU!

Seventh, to the book bloggers and podcasters who have invited me to share about the book’s journey on their sites, and to the kind reviewers who are singing the praises of the book much farther and wider than I can myself. THANK YOU!

Eighth, to the librarians and teachers who are purchasing the book to add to their libraries and share with their students (however that looks during the coming school year). THANK YOU!

Ninth, to the booksellers who are open in spirit, if not physically open right now, and who are stocking the book on their shelves and finding ways to help get the word out. THANK YOU!

Tenth, to my extended family and friends near and far who have sent their good wishes, and flooded my local bookstore with preorders that far exceeded my expectations. THANK YOU!

Eleventh, to Belmont Books, who is hosting, and to everyone who will join me for my launch party TONIGHT (see below for details). THANK YOU! 

Twelfth, to the READERS, who are willing to join me in this charming woodland world full of doughnuts and who will (I hope) enjoy reading the book as much as I enjoyed writing it. THANK YOU!

If you’re reading this, then YOU’RE INVITED to my virtual launch party and doughnut celebration which takes place TONIGHT at 6:30 pm Eastern. Please click here to register ASAP to get the link to the event:

I’ll read the book aloud, share some behind-the-scenes secrets, do some doughnut math, and answer your questions. BYOD (Bring Your Own Doughnut)!

And now for a giveaway:

Two months from today, on September 21, I’ll draw a winner from all my newsletter subscribers for a free signed copy of DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS. Just subscribe to my newsletter and you’ll be entered! Here’s the link to subscribe: https://www.carriefinison.com/newsletter

Carrie Finison writes picture books with humor and heart, including DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS and the forthcoming books DON'T HUG DOUG (2021) and HURRY, LITTLE TORTOISE (2022). She lives in the Boston area with her family. Connect with her online at www.carriefinison.com or on Twitter @CarrieFinison, Facebook at carrie.finison, or Instagram @carriefinison.