Mascot Blog

Freelancers 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 an illustrator, … 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

By Emily Evans-MillerHere at Mascot, we think it’s high time to recognize the unsung heroes of the publishing community: illustrators and editors. We have an extensive network of freelance professionals who do fantastic work for our authors. This month, our featured freelance publishing professional is editor Abby Mergenmeier.How did you get into editing books? What made you decide to pursue this career?I somewhat stumbled into the editing world, by way of journalism. I’d always wanted to be a journalist and began reporting for my hometown’s local newspaper in high school. I would often self-edit, attempting to perfect everything as much … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerThe latest season of The Bachelor may have ended a few weeks ago, but we’re still feeling the love from fan favorite contestants turned children’s book authors Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconetti. Their debut picture book is available today!Jared and Ashley took some time out of their busy wedding planning to chat with us about their adorable new children’s book, The Bachelor, and future plans. Check it out below!A children’s book is a big change of pace from the bright lights of The Bachelor franchise! What made you want to tell your story this way?Jared: Ashley and … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerMarch is National Reading Month, kicked off by Dr. Seuss’ birthday on the 2nd. In honor of such an important month for book lovers nationwide, we’ve decided to take it back to the titles that started our love for reading. Our staff has talked a lot about I didn’t have one favorite book—it was a collection of books—

, Toni Morrison: I return to this book over and over again… She instilled in me Black pride, gay pride, EVERYTHING, and loving who I am…“Here,” she said, “in this here place, we flesh; flesh that weeps, laughs; flesh that

… read more

By Emily Evans-MillerEvery month we feature a title we think really shines. This month’s featured title is by Matt Brown with Todd Civin, releasing March 12th!Why We Love ItLife can change in an instant—and no one knows that better than Matt Brown. His incredible story of courage, resilience, and overcoming adversity is a kind of inspiration we all need. Despite no longer being able to play the sport, Matt is still a die-hard hockey fan and took some time to share with us what the brotherhood of hockey means to him.The Unofficial Fraternity of HockeyBy Matt Brown and Todd CivinOn … read more

Happy March! With over forty new titles releasing this month, we know there’s something you’ll love. Perhaps you’re looking for an inspirational sports memoir, a new fiction title to sink your teeth into, or even an adorable new tale for the kids.Check out our full list of titles releasing this month below!March’s Featured TitleBy Matt Brown with Todd CivinMatt Brown was flying across the ice, just as his coach wanted. He gained speed as he chased the puck toward his defensive zone. The entire bench had their eyes trained on him, knowing something big was about to happen. And something … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerHere at Mascot, we think it’s high time to recognize the unsung heroes of the publishing community: illustrators and editors. We have an extensive network of freelance professionals who do fantastic work for our authors. This month, our featured freelance publishing professional is illustrator David Gnass.How did you get in to illustrating books? What made you decide to pursue this career?To my earliest childhood recognition, I have always drawn. In my teens I began to create characters and drawing fantasy style artwork, but after beginning a career outside of the art world, I soon stopped all attempts at … read more