Catherine Ann Velasco
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cat4.bsky.social
Catherine Ann Velasco
@cat4.bsky.social
330 followers 450 following 63 posts
Children's Book Author of BEHIND THE SCENES OF PRO BASEBALL ⚾️ and BEHIND THE SCENES OF PRO BASKETBALL 🏀.

Assistant Regional Advisor for #SCBWI- IL
Koi Latina Mama
National Parks Super Fan
Children's Library Volunteer Guru
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
socalledyalife.bsky.social
so for #MSWL I am really looking for more commercial, character driven, humorous picture book stories. These are a good sampling of what I am looking for on my list.
Selection of picture books including WE ARE DEFINITELY HUMAN, GRANDPA GRUMPS, DON'T TRUST FISH, and THE TACO KNIGHT.
September 3, 2025 at 5:52 PM
cat4.bsky.social
Behind the Scenes of Being a Literary Agent
open.substack.com/pub/vickyweb...
Behind the Scenes of Being a Literary Agent
When people hear that I’m a literary agent, they usually imagine two things:
open.substack.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
borahaze91.bsky.social
begging for more picture book submissions #mswl
January 13, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
aobriencarelli.bsky.social
Writers -- share this wonderful event!
manuscriptwishlist.bsky.social Manuscript Wish List® @manuscriptwishlist.bsky.social · Jan 16
Hello Writing Community! We are delighted to announce our First Official Bluesky *** #MSWL Day *** February 12, 2025. 🎉🎉🎉

Agents + editors can post what they ✨wish✨ they had in their inboxes; writers can find their next best fit for querying.

Learn more here: manuscriptwishlist.com/the-next-off...
The Next Official #MSWL Day: February 12, 2025 – The Official Manuscript Wish List Website
manuscriptwishlist.com
January 27, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
elisehoward.bsky.social
Bidding in the @kidlitforla.bsky.social auction is extended to 1/28. I’m offering a 30-minute AMA. Want to talk about your writing, the current market, how agents work, Big 5 v. indie publishing, the time I drove Kevin Henkes in a circle instead of to his signing? Truly, you can ask me anything.
elisehoward.bsky.social Elise Howard @elisehoward.bsky.social · Jan 21
I'm a literary agent; former #kidlit publisher; editor of Newbery Medal and Edgar Award winners, New York Times bestsellers, and notable flops; published author; and enthusiastic talker; and I'm offering a 30-minute AMA in the #kidlitforla auction! www.32auctions.com/organization...
Kidlit For Los Angeles
Silent auction 'Kidlit For Los Angeles' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
January 26, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
kaitlynleann17.bsky.social
Helping to raise funds for those dealing with the fires in LA. www.32auctions.com/organization...
Check out all the awesome #kidlit things up for auction and please share!
PB Critique or AMA with Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez
Auction item 'PB Critique or AMA with Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
January 20, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
garwuprivacypublications.com
'TWAS THE NIGHT OF SANTA'S PRIVACY PROBLEM
Santa Claus Myth x The Little Trailblazer
With the help of Mrs. Claus, Santa rethinks how he operates. Can he fix his Privacy Problem & stay off the Naughty List to save Christmas?
🎅 Santa Claus Retelling
👩‍🔬STEM lessons in witty rhyme
#2025Pit #PB #Kidlit
Mint background. Title at the top reads: "Agent's Guide to 'Twas the Night of Santa's Privacy Problem”. The text reads: “It's almost Christmas and Santa has a problem. A big problem. Apparently, kids (and government regulators) take issue with how he collects, uses, and keeps his Christmas intel. If he can't change his ways, Christmas may not happen all together. Through the wise advice of Mrs. Claus, Santa learns how to build and deliver Christmas without invading the Privacy of kids (and adults) around the world. This story was inspired by the authors' own concern that telling the story of Santa claus would teach their children to be complacent with surveillance and bad privacy practices. The story uses witty yet informative rhyme to give adults and children alike a new way to talk about Santa Claus.” Mint background. Title at the top reads: “COMPS for 'Twas the Night of Santa's Privacy Problem”. There is a bulleted list of 3 works. The Little Trailblazer, by Joan Holub (author) and Daniel Roode (September 5, 2017) Baby Loves Electrical Engineering on Christmas, By Ruth Spiro (Author) and Irene Chan (Illustrator) (August 24, 2021) THE Little Cyber Engineer by Amber Devilbiss (Author, Illustrator) (July 17, 2022) Underneath the list comes the cover images of each of the books. On the right, the image is of a book with a navy cover. Its title is The Little Cyber Engineer is the title in yellow text. The image is of a little girl in all black looking like a ninja or hacker. She's carrying a sack full of money. The author and illustrator is listed in the bottom right hand corner in white and yellow text. Mint background. Title at the top reads: “Tropes in 'Twas the Night Before Santa's Privacy Problem”. Then there is a list of 5 tropes. Sparkle emoji. Retelling of the Santa Claus Myth, Santa head emoji. female scientist emoji. STEM lessons in witty rhyme wolf emoji. No real villains supervillain emoji. Redemption arcs superhero emoji. open laptop emoji. Digital messages in (mostly) analog format. old style dial telephone emoji. At the bottom of the slide, are two concept sketches. On the left Mrs Claus stands in front of an easel as if teaching Santa. She has a lightbulb over her head and she points to the easel reading: “Christmas Model” with the bullets “privacy,” “optional opt-out,” “consent,” and “notice.” Next to her, Santa smiles on his computer. In the second sketch, Santa sits at his computer looking stressed. Both he and his computer have marks above them indicating confusion and concern. In both Santa is wearing his traditional red and white costume. He has a blue mug that appears to have steam coming out of it. The confusion marks coming from his head appear in yellow. The desk is a dark brown. The background is a grayish-lavendar. There is text on the slide that states: “Re-telling and updating of the Santa Claus mythology utilizing core privacy concepts like consent and data minimization” on the bottom right under the outlined person. Text at the bottom left reads: “Art by Giana Molinari” This slide is a mood board w/ light green background. There are 3 rows of boxes with either text or images. 1st row, from L to R - 1st box has black text on a white background reading “He spies. He collects data in bulk. He never deletes. Really, he's breaking the law.” The 2nd image is a black image with light blue lines and dots and numbers. 3rd image is the image of an elf doll hanging onto a Christmas tree decorated with tinsel. 4th box Has an image of an opulent library. A little Christmas tree made of books with a blue ribbon on top. The image has text crediting the image to Alea Garbagnati. 2nd row, from L to R - 1st box is an image with a white background. There are two hands with white writing on them saying “Yes” and “No.” 2nd box has an image of Santa Claus set against a white background. He is standing with one finger up & as if he were saying “Ho ho ho.” On the ground is a red velvet that looks full. 3rd box is black text set against a white background reading “Santa is bad at Privacy.” Underneath that text reads: “Unless otherwise noted, concept art created or collected from Canva or other publicly available resources” in small text in the bottom left. The Last box is an image of hands holding a tablet computer . In the screen of the tablet computer is a blue graphic with a lock and the word “PRIVACY.” In the final row, from L to R - 1st box is a blurred street video photo. In the foreground of the photo is a giant eyeball. The eye is looking at a series of binary code (1s and 0s) and the code is reflected in the eye. 2nd box is black text set against a white background. The text reads “Can Santa change his ways and embrace privacy-by-design?” In the third image set against a red background are two red elf dolls playing with a red box with numbers 1 to 24 (and Advent calendar box). There are green decorative trees with light snow dusting next to the box. In the final box is an image of a woman and boy set against a white background.
January 27, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
pbrisingstars.bsky.social
🍦✨ Calling all aspiring picture book authors and illustrators! Join us for our Third Annual Virtual Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, January 28th from 8-9:30 PM Eastern!

Connect with the co-directors, meet past mentees, get insider tips on applying to the program + more!

Register at pbrisingstars.com
January 3, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
pbrisingstars.bsky.social
🌟But since we can’t wait…we’re hosting a social media GIVEAWAY! 🎁 You could win ONE MONTH FREE of Ebony Lynn Mudd’s PB courses at The PB Retreat!

How to enter:
1. Follow us
2. Repost!
3. Tag a friend in the comments!

A winner will be chosen on Friday, 1/10! Enter on IG too to DOUBLE your chances!
January 3, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
kidlitforla.bsky.social
We are a group of #kidlit creators heartbroken by the devastating scenes in Los Angeles. We aim to raise desperately-needed funds for wildfire relief with an auction taking place Jan 20th - Jan 26th.

Stay tuned for more details!
Follow IG: @kidlitforlosangeles

Logo by @sydhanson.bsky.social
Cartoon bear wearing a construction hat and vest walking with pen, pencil, and paintbrush across a background sketch of the LA skyline with palm trees. Handwritten text surrounding the image says: "Kid Lit for Los Angeles" Typewritten words: Kidlit Auction Jan 20th - Jan 26th Raising funds for Los Angeles wildfire relief. Graphic with these words "About Kidlit For Los Angeles - We are a group of kidlit creators who have been heartbroken by the apocalyptic scenes in Los Angeles. Some of us are proud Angelenos, with friends and family members who have suffered crushing losses. We are looking to help raise desperately needed funds for wildfire relief efforts in the many communities that have been impacted." Graphic that reads: "How will the auction work? Donations will be listed on our auction page (link coming soon!) Winners will show proof of donation to one of the auction’s four charities as payment for their item(s). These receipts will be reviewed, and winners will be connected with donors after verification. The auction will go live on January 20th (9am Pacific Standard Time) and run through January 26th (9pm PST)." Graphic that reads: "How Can I Help? Follow us here on @kidlitforlosangeles. We will be sharing some sneek peeks of our amazing auction items so please follow along! Spread the word! Share to your Instagram stories, on your social media pages, and in any groups you are in (both kidlit-related and not!) Mark your calendars! The auction will go live on January 20th (9am Pacific Standard Time) and run through January 26th (9pm PST). Thank you in advance for your support!"
January 16, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
vivianeelbee.bsky.social
If you’re looking for #picturebook gifts, I Want My Book Back is currently on sale for under $12 on Amazon - www.amazon.com/I-Want-My-Bo...
I Want My Book Back: Elbee, Viviane, Miles, Nicole: 9781499811742: Amazon.com: Books
I Want My Book Back [Elbee, Viviane, Miles, Nicole] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. I Want My Book Back
www.amazon.com
November 15, 2024 at 2:09 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
valeriebolling.bsky.social
The first #12x12pb webinar is Wednesday with @writeloudly! If you join today, you won't miss it.

@12x12challenge.bsky.social is a wonderful community of #PB writers at all phases of their publication journey. I've been a member for five years!

Find out more here: www.12x12challenge.com

Join us!
January 27, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
blovewrites.bsky.social
17 is hard, but when you're set to take over presidency from your father, survive a ☠️ attempt, are betrayed by the two you love & learn your role is to maintain peace by keeping 200yo lies & manipulating the public or start the biggest war in centuries, 17 is REALLY hard.

#2025Pit #Q #YA #SF #LGBTQ
January 27, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
gingerburke.bsky.social
Hooray for this #kidlit auction raising funds for LA wildfire relief. There are some AMAZING options in here! www.32auctions.com/kidlitforlos...
Kidlit For Los Angeles
Silent auction 'Kidlit For Los Angeles' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
January 20, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
gingerburke.bsky.social
buried under snow
patiently waiting for spring
my garden and I

#haikusaturday #gardening
January 18, 2025 at 2:59 PM
cat4.bsky.social
Catalina longs for a koi for her new pond, but Abuelito will first test her perseverance. Can she outsmart a school of fish to get her own koi?
KOI JOY features splashy fish, a koi legend and Spanish glossary. Perfect for inquisitive fans of HOW TO EAT A MANGO and THE GIRL WHO LOVES BUGS. #2025pit
January 27, 2025 at 4:51 PM
cat4.bsky.social
#skypitch It’s the night before Christmas, and the Sugar Plum Fairies are quitting. They no longer want to dance in kids’ heads. One wants to be Santa’s co-pilot. Another, a frog vet. What will Queen Plumbottom do when SUGAR PLUM FAIRIES WON’T DANCE? #dis #bilingual
October 24, 2024 at 1:45 AM
cat4.bsky.social
#skypitch Catalina longs for a koi for her new pond, however, Abuelito will first test her perseverance. Can she outsmart a school of fish to get her own koi? KOI JOY features splashy fish, a koi legend and a Spanish glossary. Perfect for fans of HOW TO EAT A MANGO and THE GIRL WHO LOVES BUGS. #dis
October 24, 2024 at 1:37 AM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
debbieohi.com
Woohoo! Sent in final art for my solo picture bk w/Simon & Schuster, I WANT TO READ *ALL* THE BOOKS. In celebration, I'm giving away original art!

POLL: Do YOU want to read all the books? #CommunityPolls

To enter the giveaway, share this post. Randomly picked winner announced Thu. Jan. 25th.
Photo of art whose text reads "I want to read all the books" with illustration of woman with long flowing blue hair reading a book. Also in the photo, we see a black Pentel Pocket brush and two Caran D'Ache colored pencils.
January 12, 2024 at 3:34 PM
cat4.bsky.social
Marking my calendar!
November 28, 2023 at 6:30 AM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
taylornewc.bsky.social
Thank you for this, @chuckwendig.bsky.social. Needed to read it.
November 28, 2023 at 1:57 AM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
juliannahelt.bsky.social
September 30, 2023 at 5:52 PM
cat4.bsky.social
Happiness is Koi journals in case creators at SCBWI conference in Illinois don't know what koi are. Prairie Writers & Illustrators Day is next month.
October 22, 2023 at 1:10 AM
Reposted by Catherine Ann Velasco
arianapadronart.bsky.social
Still one of my favorite pieces I've ever done 🥰

#kidlit #kidlitart #illustration #kidlitartist
October 20, 2023 at 8:14 PM