Mascot Blog

There are many names and faces here at Mascot Books and we are always growing. Today we wanted to share a closer look into all the various roles on our team and give more insight on the tasks and responsibilities of each one. Each position is unique and important to the process of helping authors share their books with the world. Acquisitions Editor“I’m an acquisitions editor, which means that I bring in books to publish. I review manuscript submissions and conversations with authors about our publishing process. My day is made up of emails, phone calls, and chats with the different … read more

The month of June is Pride Month, and to celebrate we’re rounding up all of our favorite LGBTQ- themed titles! Check out the full list below!-By Doug ReynoldsAn Actual Family tells the story of Agatha, an otter adopted by two penguin dads who starts to question whether or not she fits in. After being teased for being different than her parents, Agatha sets off with her best friend to find her “actual family.” On her journey, Agatha meets animals of every type, in families of every sort, and begins to re-think her idea of what a family must be. Perhaps … read more

By Michelle Webber Contributions by Marriya Schwarz Every month we feature a title we think really shines. This month’s featured title is and 

Check out these other titles releasing in June:    … read more

By Nelia Dashiell Contributions by Kelly Foster Summer is finally here, and there’s no better time to pick up a great book! It’s time to celebrate our newest releases, and there’s something for everybody this June from a touching YA romance to a personal finance guide to a children’s book about a regional cuisine. Check out the full list below! June’s Featured Title By Kristen BurnhamMerilee Hart has been doing her best to keep things together since her mother left, her art a welcome escape from her depressing new reality. But things seem to go even more awry the moment her next door … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerEvery month we feature a title we think really shines. This month’s featured title is by Brenda Farrington, available now!Why We Love Itis a tale like no other. From its unique illustration style courtesy of Penny Weber to the confidence that the bikini-clad reptilian protagonist exudes, we can’t help but love this adorably quirky book.Author Brenda Farrington shared the inspiration and creative process behind her beloved Swamp Diva. Check out her thoughts below!Creating Swamp DivaBy Brenda FarringtonThe character of Swamp Diva and her story was created twelve years ago. The wonderful illustrator, Penny Weber, portrayed her perfectly. … read more

Ready for your new favorite read? Our new list of releases has everything from a sassy crocodile with confidence in droves to incredible insights into the future of artificial intelligence. Check out the full list below!May’s Featured Titleby Brenda FarringtonTourists travel from miles around to see the trendiest gator in the bayou, but where could she be? Lounging in her chair, polishing her pointy claws, or reading the latest issue of Glamour Gator’s magazine?With a love for all things sparkly and bright, Swamp Diva yearns to be beautiful, like she thinks a queen should be. But will glamour and jewels … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerFreelancers are the backbone of the publishing world. We have an extensive network of freelance professionals who do fantastic work for our authors. This month, our featured freelance publishing professional is illustrator Vanessa Alexandre.How did you get in to illustrating books? What made you decide to pursue this career?I believe that from a very young age I had already decided to become an illustrator. My mother told me they had to stick a cardboard on the walls around my crib because I liked to draw on whatever was around me. It was very natural for me to become … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerHappy Earth Day! To celebrate our planet’s natural beauty and all the creatures who live here, we’re sharing a handful of our favorite nature-themed titles.Check out the full list below!By Melissa Rooney, Ph.D.This Dr. Seuss-inspired tale by Melissa Rooney follows one frog’s plight to escape its evaporating birth puddle in a setting plagued by drought. Richly illustrated and written with lyrical mastery, this heartfelt story emphasizes the importance of water resources and is sure to capture the imaginations of children and adults, alike.Why We Love ItMelissa Rooney thoughtfully explores the consequences of climate change in a style reminiscent … read more

Spring has officially sprung! Why not celebrate the longer, warmer days outside with a new favorite read? This month, we’re releasing a financial literacy guide to help your family flourish, children’s books perfect for any early reader, and fiction titles to take you on a new journey. Check out the full list of titles releasing below!April’s Featured Titleby Alan S. KolokWhen Iowa State University environmental science professor Alex Pendergraf reads about a horrific mass murder in Stockton, California, his scientific curiosity is piqued. Could the killer’s rage be somehow related to Alex’s research on prions, the misformed proteins that cause … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerEvery month we feature a title we think really shines. This month’s featured title is by Anthony C. Delauney, releasing April 2, 2019!Why We Love ItApril is Financial Literacy month, and Owning the Dash is full of information and best practices that will set your family’s feet on the path to financial fitness. It’s also a book with heart:  Anthony’s goal is to provide families with strong financial resources, giving them the best possible opportunities for success and happiness. But what really sets this book apart is its unique, heartfelt inspiration. Anthony tells it best himself.InspirationFrom the AuthorOn … read more