We are excited to have author and poet Susan Johnston Taylor here at GRP with her debut picture book, Animals in Surprising Shades (previously "Colorful Creatures: Poems About Animals in Surprising Shades").

GRP: Welcome, Susan! What makes this collection extra-special for you as a creative?

SJT: It combines my love of poetry and my curiosity about the natural world.

GRP: You have packed this collection full of information about both. It is sure to be a hit with readers who enjoy a creative blending of art and science. What are you most excited about on the publishing journey ahead?

SJT: I’m most excited about holding the finished book in my hands! I know Annie Bakst’s illustrations are going to add so much, and I’m excited to see the combination of art and text in book form.

GRP: We are excited to be working with Annie, too (and now everyone knows who will be illustrating this colorful work – hooray)! It is truly amazing to see how an author’s words can be further transformed at the hands of a talented artist. When COLORFUL CREATURES is complete, what is something you hope readers can take away from reading it

SJT: Animals (including humans) don’t all look the same, and our differences are worth celebrating.

GRP: We can’t wait to celebrate with you, Susan, when this book releases in the spring of 2023. Thanks for stopping by to share more about it!