Q & A with the Author & the Illustrator of THE MEMORY QUILT + A Teen Review + A Giveaway

To follow up on Georgie Bartlett's review of THE MEMORY QUILT, (Monarch Educational Services, 2024) here are author and illustrator interviews, a teen review, PLUS more!

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR LORI KEATING

CAROL: What were your hopes for this The Memory Quilt?

LORI:  I see The Memory Quilt as a catalyst that sparks deep conversations about death with children. My hope is that it will engulf them in a world where vivid colors interweave, where soft whispers and tearful laughter coexist harmoniously. Along this journey, they will experience the bittersweet fragrance of memories lingering in the air and feel the comforting warmth and hope that can emerge from the depths of grief.

CAROL: What was your inspiration for writing The Memory Quilt?

LORI: During a dinner with friends, we heard about their son's passing and how his brother repurposed his clothes as memory quilts for the family, which he gave as Christmas presents. This touching story stayed with me for years until I finally wrote The Memory Quilt. 

CAROL: Did you know of a young child who died?

LORI: Sadly, I have known multiple children who have passed away at very young ages.

CAROL: Why did you not mention why Jason died?

LORI: To connect with individuals who have experienced the loss of a child, I deliberately omitted Jason's cause of death. Regardless of the circumstances, grief is a universal experience that we must all navigate.

CAROL: Are the children based on anyone you know?

LORI: Grace and Jason are inspired by children who have gone through a difficult experience of loss. However, the two characters are not based on any specific individuals.

CAROL: Can you tell us about your publishing journey? How long did you work on it and how did you find Monarch?

LORI: It took several revisions and ample feedback from critique partners before The Memory Quilt was ready for submission. It wasn't my first attempt at breaking into the publishing industry. It all began with my debut novel, Butterfly Ink, which is scheduled for release in June 2024. Despite facing initial rejections from various agents, I finally discovered Monarch Press through a fellow critique partner who had recently signed with them. After submitting my manuscript, Jen Lowry, the publisher requested a full manuscript and then offered me a publication deal. Two months later, I found out that Jen was starting a new imprint, Caterpillar Books, which specializes in picture and chapter books. After I submitted several stories, Jen ultimately selected The Memory Quilt.

Becoming the first Caterpillar author is an exceptional honor, and the journey of collaborating alongside Jen has been an incredible privilege.

CAROL: What was your experience working with the Alyssa?

LORI: Alyssa is a skilled digital artist and a joy to work with. She even conceived the cover idea that portrays Grace reminiscing about her moments with Jason, clutching the quilt. Her stunning illustrations brought the story to life.

CAROL: How did your Christian faith influence this story?

LORI: My faith plays a significant role in shaping the stories I create. All my stories are designed to meet the needs of children, whether it's to help them deal with grief, provide a moment of levity, impart new knowledge, or allow them to see themselves in a story that relates specifically to their unique experiences.

                                    🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

INTERVIEW WITH ILLUSTRATOR ALYSSA GRIZENKO

CAROL: Can you describe the process of creating the illustrations?

ALYSSA: I created the illustrations from both the written words of the story and from some notes that Lori had written about how she imagined the scene. Then I worked up the rough drafts and began the process of completing full illustrations for each page. Sometimes I would have a different idea for a scene than what was written in Lori's illustration notes, so I would run the idea by Lori to see which direction the illustration should go.

CAROL: Was the subject matter personal to you or difficult in any way?

ALYSSA: I loved the concept of a memory quilt to celebrate and remember the life of a loved one. My grandma was a quilter and I found myself thinking of her as I worked on the illustrations.

CAROL: As you worked on the illustrations, what were your hopes for the children who will read this book?

ALYSSA: My hope is that children experiencing loss would recognize that they are not alone in their grief. One of my favorite parts of Lori's story is that Grace's mom actively helps her daughter to process these painful emotions.

A TEEN REVIEW

The Memory Quilt is a story about loss.

We live in an age where loss, hurt, war, and general inhumanity are prevalent and on the rise. Because of this, wouldn’t it be wise to acquaint children - the next generation - with these weighty topics? We want them to be prepared.

Lori Keating’s book puts forth the topics of death and loss gently in the character Grace, who makes a quilt out of her deceased friend Jason’s old clothes. She makes the quilt as a gift for his grieving parents.

As Grace makes the quilt, she’s forced to remember the times she had with him, which makes her sad, but she learns to look to the future with hope and joy (giving the gift to his parents).

Overall, the illustrations fit nicely with the book. They are clear and easy to understand and support the story. Thank you, Lori Keating for this book! -Janelle Ekpo

THE TRAILER 

THE GIVEAWAY

If you are interested in winning this book, please leave a comment by December 18 along with your email address if you are new to my blog. If you share this on social media or sign up for my blog, I'll give you an extra chance to win. U.S. addresses only.

Congratulations to Gail Hurlburt who won The Double Crossing from my last giveaway. 

THE MEMORY QUILT by Lori Keating: A Picture Book Review by Guest Blogger, Georgie Bartlett

 Today I am happy to bring you a forthcoming book from Monarch Educational Services. Lori Keating's debut picture book, THE MEMORY QUILT sensitively deals with a child's grief. But I want Georgie to tell you about it, not me.

REVIEW

The Memory Quilt is a meaningful, beautifully written picture book by Lori Keating, and Illustrated by the talented Alyssa Grizenko. This book focuses on the compassionate Grace, and her desire to gift something special to her neighbors, the parents of her late best friend. 

 

Grace loved her neighbor Jason. He was like a big brother to her, and they made many fun memories together. 

They were best friends, but after Jason’s sudden passing, Grace and his parents miss him terribly. Grace sees that Mr. and Mrs. Davidson haven’t smiled and laughed like they used to since their son’s death. She wishes she could think of something very special to do for the Davidsons to make them feel better—and to honor Jason. She has a few ideas and is considering getting them a beautiful bouquet of flowers or making them a card. Nothing seems quite right, though. One day at school, during show and tell, a classmate proudly displays a memory quilt her grandmother made for her out of her old baby clothes. Grace suddenly has an idea.

 

‘That’s it! I will make them a memory quilt using Jason’s clothes,’ Grace decides. There’s only one problem. Grace doesn’t know how to make a quilt.

 

She tells her mom her idea, and they decide to get out the old sewing machine. With mom’s help, the quilt is soon finished. Grace packages it up and gives it to the Davidsons. They are so grateful, and thank her for this special gift. She knows they will love and cherish it just like she did her friend.

 

“Grace knows it isn’t perfect, but her heart is in it. So are all the memories captured in every stitch. But Grace can’t say all that with the lump in her throat. She feels her friendship like a comforting embrace, radiating warmth like the sun.”

A SPECIAL BOOK FOR CHILDREN

There are so many admirable qualities about The Memory Quilt. I especially enjoyed the friendship of Grace and Jason, and how compassionate Grace was towards his parents after his passing. It is a gentle and thought-provoking picture book for kids that tackles tough subject matter with respect and sensitivity. It also boasts beautiful illustrations that engage young readers and capture the sense of love and kindness in Lori Keating’s words perfectly. I thought the pacing was perfect for a younger audience and would hold their attention. The ending was delightful and heartwarming. 

 

Grace is a great role model for readers! Every one of the characters in this book had realistic struggles and emotions. Children who may have been in a similar situation will relate to Grace’s sorrow and find solace in the pages. Grace grieves for her friend and remembers many special moments she spent with Jason and his parents. Much can be learned from this wholesome, unique picture book, and it’s sure to touch readers' hearts. 

GIVEAWAY

If you are interested in winning this book, please leave a comment with your email address if you are new to my blog. If you prefer, you can email me. Since the book is coming out on January 9, the winner will receive her copy after that date. The giveaway ends on October 18. REMEMBER! Pre-orders help authors. 

Congratulations to Danielle Hammelef who won the LULLABY FOR THE KING.