Wednesday, April 5, 2017

PBParty #24: BUFFALO WILD, Ownvoices, Fiction

Title: Buffalo Wild 
Genre: 
OWNVOICES PB Fiction
Word Count: 890

Query: 

Dear Michelle and Sharon,

I am a First Nation woman with a fictional picture book for ages 3-8 entitled, Buffalo Wild: a Cree boy who is wild about buffalo deliberately unleashes a buffalo apocalypse.

Declan’s grandmother is crazy in love with buffalo… and she’s spreading that passion to her grandson. Now Declan imagines bringing the majestic herds of the past back to live and graze in the prairie park across from his grandmother’s home. When his wish becomes reality and an onslaught of heavy-hoofed beasts storm from the heavens in a wild and wonderful buffalo apocalypse, Declan goes absolutely buffalo wild! Yet, sadly, he knows the animals must return home before his neighborhood gets completely trampled. But might it be possible for just a few to stay behind?

Conservation of and love for the buffalo is growing! In 1907, President Teddy Roosevelt helped form The American Bison Society. In May 2016, the bison was named National Mammal of the United States. Today, herds of bison thrive under the protection of many North American national parks. In 2017, Banff National Park will reintroduce bison back into their wilderness landscape through the initiative Bison Belong in Banff National Park 

I have been asked to take part in the celebration of the return of bison to Banff National Park by Marie-Eve Marchand organizer of the program. Marie-Eve has graciously extended to me the option of including as back matter, the official Buffalo Treaty signed by numerous First Nation groups. A fun fact page can also be included.

Recently I was awarded a We Need Diverse Books one-year mentorship with award-winning children’s author Nikki GrimesNikki has helped me structure this book. I sold my first book in 2003 to David C. Cook Publishing. Since then I have self-published a memoir and a non-fiction book series.

Books that are similar to mine include The Buffalo Are Back by Jean Craighead George, Dutton Juvenile; (May 13 2010), a non-fiction picture book that traces the decline of the bison and the beginning of the preservation movement. Teach Your Buffalo to Play Drums by Audrey Vernick, Balzer + Bray; (June 28 2011), a fictional picture book about a buffalo who unleashes his inner rock star. The Buffalo Storm by Katherine Applegate, HMH Books for Young Readers; (Oct. 7 2014), a fictional picture book about a girl who helps a young buffalo during a storm.

With passion for this fabulously gruff animal growing, this is the perfect time to introduce my spirited children’s book Buffalo Wild. I am always open to edits. I look forward to hearing from you.



BUFFALO WILD

Declan was always a fairly normal kid. But then one night… he went buffalo wild.
And perhaps, it is possible that what happened to him on this night was all his fault. But then again…
When Declan was born his grandmother hung a buffalo mobile over his crib…

3 comments:

  1. Hi! I'd love to see the query and the ms. in the body of the email. Please send to medwards@stonesong.com.

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  2. I'd love to see the manuscript! Please send the full as an attachment to LBiagi@jvnla.com, along with the pitch and bio in your email and PBParty in the subject line. Looking forward to reading! -Laura Biagi

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  3. This sounds adorable, I'd love to see more! Please send to query@psliterary.com with the query in the email + full MS attached and put #PBParty in the subject.

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