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About Heather Ayris Burnell
Heather has some things in common with Unicorn and Yeti. She has lived on a snowy mountaintop. She loves anything with rainbow sprinkles on it. And although she cannot do magic, she knows that reading is magical! Heather hopes that the Unicorn and Yeti books will inspire readers to be a friend to others, no matter how different they may be from themselves.
Sparkly New Friends was named a Best Children's Book of 2019 by Parents Magazine.
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Author Updates
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Blog postBook Joy Live happens every week and I love watching when I can. John Schu has so much enthusiasm for books and I always learn about some great new children's books when I watch. (And my heart wants them all!)
So, it is amazing to say that today, Hazel and I were on Book Joy Live with John Schu! It was a lot of fun talking all things Unicorn and Yeti with Hazel and John, plus we did a reader's theater-- we read aloud the first story from Fair and Square (around 18:00). And our Ed1 month ago Read more -
Blog postHey, hey, it's an exciting day! Unicorn and Yeti book 5, Fair and Square, is out into the world!
As you can see from the book cover, in Fair and Square Unicorn and Yeti take on painting! They also build a forest out of shapes, and Yeti makes a pie! Hazel Quintanilla's illustrations are so amazing, as usual, and bring such joy and wonder to the stories. I am so excited for kids to get to read it!
Looking at the completed book I can see a lot of my family in these stories. W1 month ago Read more -
Blog postThe Scholastic On Our Minds blog featured my Yeti craft. I feel so fancy! I hope that I get to see some of the Yetis that the kids make!https://oomscholasticblog.com/post/learn-how-make-your-own-craft-yeti-author-heather-ayris-burnellHeather Ayris Burnell, Children's Book Author11 months ago Read more
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Blog postHave you gone the agent submission route with your picture book, found no takers, and still want to give your manuscript a chance at publication? Do you have a niche picture book and submitting straight to publishers seems to be the best course of action? Do you just like submitting your work yourself? Or do you simply want to learn about picture book publishers and what they are looking for? Then I have some good news! I've finally completed a full update of the Monster List of Picture Book Pu12 months ago Read more
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Blog postIllustration by the amazing Hazel Quintanilla!Did you know that there is an International Unicorn Day? Isn't that fabulous?! Hearing about Unicorn Day gave me that fun, sparkly feeling and I was inspired to come up with some activities for kids to do during the quarantine. Yes, Unicorn Day has passed (It's on April 9th) but it seems to me that every day is Unicorn Day! And why not? Having fun and being kind is something we can do anytime!
My amazing webmaster (and daughter) put12 months ago Read more -
Blog postHello friends,
I hope that you are all being very careful and staying safe! I have some news I've been holding off on sharing. It feels strange to share happy news right now. But the more I think about it, the more I've come to realize that good things, no matter how small, are something we need, especially when times are hard. So I want to share... Unicorn and Yeti book 4 has a cover!
Hazel Quintanilla and the team at Scholastic have been working hard and they have done it again. Th1 year ago Read more -
Blog postAs a parent, librarian, and children's book author I absolutely love book-related crafts. They're a great way to extend a story (and the learning) plus they're just plain fun! I put together a Yeti craft that I totally adore. It doesn't take many supplies, is cheap, and can come out looking like Yeti who was designed by Hazel Quintanilla for our Unicorn and Yeti series. And, of course, it can be a unique creation with any face design and as much (or as little) fur as the maker wants!
1 year ago Read more -
Blog post"In the last few years I've noticed an explosion of unicorns—" is how the New York Public Library's new list of Books for Unicorn Lovers of All Ages starts off. And it is an explosion! A happy, sparkly one if you ask me.
I am completely thrilled that Unicorn and Yeti, Sparkly New Friends is on the list where it is in fabulous company amongst a selection of books featuring unicorn characters, from picture books to middle grade novels. Of course, I've read a lot of the1 year ago Read more -
Blog postI'm so excited! I now have an updated, professional-looking website! The one I build for myself was... fine. But my daughter (EllamaeRoseCreative) made one for me that is next level. It looks amazing and really reflects me and my writing so well. She used some Unicorn and Yeti illustrations by Hazel Quintanilla, put links to all my books, convinced me to write a longer bio, added a couple of videos and did a bunch of other cool stuff that I could not have possibly done, and I just LOVE it. If yo1 year ago Read more
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Blog postLogo by Dana CareyI've finally done something that is way past due. I have updated the Monster List of Picture Book Agents! It was fun to finally dig in and get it done. And things have definitely changed! Not only some of the agents and agencies but the way I put the list together.
I used to do a lot of research for the Monster List. I tracked down interviews and linked lists of all the different places you could go to research the listed agent. It was a lot of fun and the way I fe1 year ago Read more -
Blog postIt has been so much fun writing the first three Unicorn and Yeti books! Katie Carella at Scholastic is the best editor I could ever hope for. Hazel Quintanilla brings Unicorn and Yeti to life so fantastically with her fun illustrations. Sarah Dvojack designs the books! And so many other people at Scholastic do so many things that I don't even know about. It is amazing! I have gotten fan letters and photos and nice reviews. After many years of writing, it really has been a dream come tr2 years ago Read more
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Blog postUnicorn and Yeti book 3 releases today! Friends Rock makes the Unicorn and Yeti series a sparkly trio of books for kids who are learning to read (or just like fun stories!) Like the first two books, there are 3 stories in this third book. In Friends Rock, Unicorn and Yeti are learning to share… a swing, peaches and ice cream, and a sparkly rock, and of course they figure things out in their Unicorn and Yeti way.My agent, Sean McCarthy, is doing a giveaway of all three books in the series to cele2 years ago Read more
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Blog postUnicorn and Yeti Book 2 – A Good Team, is set to release in July and I am thrilled that Kirkus gave it a good review!“Quintanilla’s colorful, expressive art and Burnell’s infectiously whimsical tone make their own good team.”Kirkus ReviewsI could not ask for a better team than the one I have at Scholastic Acorn! I do so love this second book in the Unicorn and Yeti Series. Unicorn and Yeti play ball, have a race, figure out how to ice skate, and of course, they have some silly and magical fun. Y2 years ago Read more
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Blog postWoohoo! Unicorn and Yeti received a Kirkus review! It’s my first ever so I’m extra excited, and it’s a good one too. My favorite quote: “Sparkly, innocent, feel-good fun for readers needing just a bit of extra support before moving on to chapter books.” Indeed! You can read the full review here.I am so looking forward to this book making it out into the world. I love the characters. I love the way Hazel Quintanilla brought Unicorn and Yeti to life with her adorable illustrations.U2 years ago Read more
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Blog postI’m so excited to share the news! Scholastic is launching a brand new line and a book I wrote, UNICORN AND YETI: SPARKLY NEW FRIENDS is part of the launch! I can’t help but be thrilled to have a book publishing not only with Scholastic at a new imprint, but alongside amazing author/illustrators Jonathan Fenske, Norm Feuti, and Dav Pilkey. Illustrator Hazel Quintanilla has brought Unicorn and Yeti to life and it’s the perfect match. I just can’t imagine Unicorn and Yeti any other way.Read the Pub3 years ago Read more
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Blog postWhat has happened? I've unwittingly abandoned my little blog that I started so many years ago at the encouragement of my wonderful critique partners. It sure has been a fun journey. How things have changed from way back when I would shudder to post a word anywhere online. Now I blab all over the internet and moderate Sub It Club where I am just happy to be able to keep up in the chat room when I can.
'My' Library
photo courtesy of Zeke & TorstenThe thing is, now I'm a ful3 years ago Read more -
Blog postMy adorable puppy who I still love even though she eats everything just bit through my charging cord so I'm going to make this quick! There's a giveaway for Kick! Jump! Chop! The Adventures of the Ninjabread Man on Goodreads. Go enter! :)
Goodreads Book Giveaway Kick! Jump! Chop! The Adventures of the Ninjabread Man by Heather Ayris Burnell Giveaway ends December 21, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giv3 years ago Read more -
Blog postNot too long ago I followed someone on Twitter because she looked interesting. I found her because she entered the giveaway for my book, KICK! JUMP! CHOP! THE ADVENTURES OF THE NINJABREAD MAN, that was happening through Ninjas Read. Miss Gee, known as @MsGeeLvsBooks on Twitter, is a 2nd grade teacher and an aspiring teacher-librarian. Sounds just like my type of gal! When I followed Ms. Gee I had no idea I was entering a contest. And a really cool one at that! Not long after I received this3 years ago Read more
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Blog postToday's the day! KICK! JUMP! CHOP! THE ADVENTURES OF THE NINJABREAD MAN is out from Sterling Children's Books! Here's the back cover blurb: When sparring gets stale, Sensei whips up a new challenge--the Ninjabread Man. The mouthwatering martial artist may be fresh from the oven but his skills are sweet, spicy, and sure to bring some kick to the dojo.
The book is illustrated with cut paper illustration created by an artist team known as Bomboland. I want to show you more! You ca4 years ago Read more -
Blog postWell, here's something amazing. I've been going about life, writing, taking care of my kids, growing and shipping garlic, administrating Sub it Club... I've also got a new job as a Branch Librarian which is super fun. And now, all of a sudden I realize that I have a book coming out very soon. It's funny how fast it has come up. It's time I showed you lovely readers of my oft neglected blog my book cover!
This is a glimpse of the awesome YA section.
I'm still working on orderin4 years ago Read more -
Blog postIt has come to my attention that I have not written a post on this blog in a very long time...
Alright, I knew that but I've just been busy. Obviously. My family's garlic business has pretty much become a year round thing now instead of seasonal. I work at the library and have been working more and more since the head librarian is looking towards retirement. I've been writing when I can. Not always as much as I would like but I do try my best to look at it as a job now instead of si4 years ago Read more -
Blog postKidlit Summer School is starting soon, and if you haven't heard about it already, you will definitely want to check it out!
Kidlit Summer School is a fabulous free way to learn about writing for children. It is put on by a fabulous kidlit faculty. There will be daily lesson posts with writing exercises and more. You'll want to register because it comes with some great perks:eligible to win any giveaways or books, critiques, or other swag that they’ll be handing out during5 years ago Read more -
Blog postIt's pretty common when you're starting out writing picture books to have written a picture book and not know what to do next! I get questions about it all the time. So, here are some basics things you should do when you have written a children's book but are not quite sure how to go about getting it published:Get critiques. Just because you wrote a picture book doesn't mean it's ready to send out into the world. Once you've made the story the best you can make it find some other picture bo5 years ago Read more
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Blog postIn the Fall of last year I was excited. I told myself that over the winter I'd have lots of time to get writing done. Oh yes, I'd finish up a few of those picture books I've been working on. Maybe I'd even revisit that middle grade novel I have half way finished that is sitting in the file waiting for me. I had other big plans too but, ya know, they didn't quite happen as planned.
The thing is that writing something of quality always takes longer than I feel like it should5 years ago Read more
This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!
Unicorn has a horn and can do magic.
Yeti is big and furry and cannot do magic.
Yeti likes snowball fights.
Unicorn does not like snowball fights.
But Unicorn and Yeti both love sparkly things, magic rainbows, and -- most of all -- being best friends! These laugh-out-loud stories with full-color artwork and easy-to-read text throughout are perfect for new readers!
This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!
Unicorn has a gift for Yeti. Yeti does not have one to give to Unicorn. Yeti loves to crunch icicles. Unicorn wants to try crunching them, too! Yeti thinks the dark forest is pretty. Maybe Unicorn needs to see the forest from a different perspective? These sparkly, laugh-out-loud stories with full-color artwork and easy-to-read text throughout are perfect for new readers!
This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!
Yeti is good at kicking the ball.
Unicorn cannot kick the ball.
Unicorn is good at running races.
Yeti cannot run fast.
Unicorn and Yeti play ring toss, run a race, and go ice skating. These laugh-out-loud stories with full-color artwork and easy-to-read text throughout are perfect for new readers!
This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!
Yeti loves playing on the swing. Unicorn would like a turn.
Unicorn loves eating peaches. Yeti would like to try one.
Unicorn and Yeti find a sparkly rock. They would both like to take it home.
Can these magical friends discover how to share? These laugh-out-loud stories with full-color artwork and easy-to-read text throughout are perfect for new readers!
Unicorn has a gift for Yeti. Yeti does not have one to give to Unicorn. Yeti loves to crunch icicles. Unicorn wants to try crunching them, too! Yeti thinks the dark forest is pretty. Maybe Unicorn needs to see the forest from a different perspective? These sparkly, laugh-out-loud stories with full-color artwork and easy-to-read text throughout are perfect for new readers!
A Unicornio y a Yeti les gustan cosas diferentes, pero tienen algo en común: a ambos les gustan las cosas relucientes, como el chocolate caliente con chispas de arcoíris. Pero, sobre todo, ¡les gusta ser los mejores amigos!
Unicorn has a horn and can do magic.
Yeti is big and furry and cannot do magic.
Yeti likes snowball fights.
Unicorn does not like snowball fights.
But Unicorn and Yeti both love sparkly things, hot chocolate with rainbow sprinkles, and -- most of all -- being best friends! These laugh-out-loud stories with full-color artwork and easy-to-read text throughout are perfect for new readers!
A Unicornio le encantan los melocotones, y Yeti quisiera comer uno.
Unicornio y Yeti encuentran una piedra brillante. Ambos quisieran llevársela a casa.
¿Podrán estos amigos mágicos descubrir cómo compartir? ¡Estas divertidísimas historias con arte colorido y texto fácil de leer son perfectas para lectores principiantes!
Yeti loves playing on the swing. Unicorn would like a turn.
Unicorn loves eating peaches. Yeti would like to try one.
Unicorn and Yeti find a sparkly rock. They would both like to take it home.
Can these magical friends discover how to share? These laugh-out-loud stories with full-color artwork and easy-to-read text throughout are perfect for new readers!
Yeti es bueno pateando la pelota.
Unicornio no puede patear la pelota.
Unicornio es bueno corriendo.
Yeti no puede correr muy rápido.
Unicornio y Yeti juegan a lanzar aros, hacen carreras y van a patinar sobre el hielo. ¡Estas divertidas historias con dibujos a todo color y textos fáciles de leer son perfectas para lectores principiantes!
Yeti is good at kicking the ball.
Unicorn cannot kick the ball.
Unicorn is good at running races.
Yeti cannot run fast.
Unicorn and Yeti play ring toss, run a race, and go ice skating. These laugh-out-loud stories with full-color artwork and easy-to-read text throughout are perfect for new readers!
Pick a Book. Grow a Reader!
This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!
Unicorn and Yeti look up at the sky. Clouds take on all sorts of fun shapes! Unicorn wants to do everything Yeti does. Will Yeti have fun playing with a copycat? Unicorn wants to have a fancy tea party. But Yeti just wants to drink tea! Best friends Unicorn and Yeti have big imaginations, and they have lots of fun together. These laugh-out-loud stories with full-color artwork, speech bubbles, and easy-to-read text throughout are perfect for new readers!
This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!
Unicorn has a horn and can do magic.
Yeti is big and furry and cannot do magic.
Yeti likes snowball fights.
Unicorn does not like snowball fights.
But Unicorn and Yeti both love sparkly things, magic rainbows, and -- most of all -- being best friends! These laugh-out-loud stories with full-color artwork and easy-to-read text throughout are perfect for new readers!