Thank you, Tara, for hosting the cover reveal for my debut picture book, LONE WOLF (Greenwillow/HarperCollins), which I both wrote and illustrated.
Maple the husky loves being the Parker family’s dog, but strangers always seem to think she’s a wolf! It’s true: Maple can hunt, she can howl, and she can dig, just like wolves can. Oh, no! What if she is a wolf and doesn’t belong with her family after all?
LONE WOLF hits the shelves in May 2020.
Without further ado, here is the cover:
The main character in LONE WOLF, Maple, is inspired by my childhood dog, a Siberian husky with loads of personality. Like Maple, my husky was playful and goofy and stubborn in all the best ways. She liked to hunker down on the couch, pull us on long walks, and chew up action figures and video game controllers. I kid you not, she once stole an unlit candle by the wick from a spindly glass candleholder without knocking it over. She had skills!
I also remember how people often compared her to a wolf. This last memory got me thinking. I imagined my husky wondering if maybe, just maybe, she was a wolf. And that’s where the story got its start. I think a lot of kids (and people of all ages, really) can relate to the way Maple feels when she starts questioning her identity. I know I can. This story is about family, self-acceptance, and belonging—plus, it’s pretty funny!
As for the cover, I knew what I wanted to do with it from fairly early on. Colors and details changed with the help of my editor and art director, but the concept remained the same: Maple peeking out, staring squarely at the reader, a look of confusion, surprise, or worry in her eyes. Here are two early sketches:
Elements on the final cover design, like the dotted line and hand lettered text, appear throughout the book. I can picture young readers tracing the dotted lines with their fingers as the lines meander and loop across the page. I initially hand lettered the title simply so I could visualize the cover as a whole for myself. It wasn’t until later in the process that I learned that my editor and art director were going to use it (at which point I cleaned it up a bit). I’d love to do more hand letting in the future.
And first and foremost on the cover is, of course, Maple herself. I never get tired of drawing stylized huskies, which is fortunate since I had to draw Maple so very many times. If you scroll back in my Instagram feed, you’ll see a few of my earliest husky doodles. Drawing dogs in general is such a pleasure for me. (If you need further evidence, be sure to check out the endpapers when the book comes out.)
I’m happy with how everything came together in the end, which is in large part thanks to my editor, Martha Mihalick; art director, Sylvie Le Floc’h; and agents, Rebecca Sherman and Allie Levick. As a publishing newbie, I learned a lot over these past few months. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed making it.
LONE WOLF will be published by Greenwillow/HarperCollins in May 2020. It’s currently available for pre-order.
Thanks, Sarah! Love your style!
Sarah is giving away a signed copy of LONE WOLF to be sent your way when it releases in May 2020.
Leave one comment below to be entered into the random drawing. A winner will be selected on January 1, 2020.
Good luck!
Sarah Kurpiel is a librarian and author/illustrator from the Midwest. Her stories are inspired by animals, nature, and everyday life. Sarah has been doodling in the margins of notebooks for as long as she can remember. She started drawing digitally in 2016 and never stopped. Sarah uses a power wheelchair and considers her disability an important part of her identity. LONE WOLF is her first book. Visit her at sarahkurpiel.com and follow her on Instagram @sarah.kurpiel.
99 comments
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November 20, 2019 at 9:10 am
Lisa
I would love this book for my classroom!! The cover is perfect!
November 21, 2019 at 12:22 am
Nancy Riley
Congratulations! This sounds so fun. I used to have a Siberian husky and I’m sure there were times she thought she was a wolf!
November 20, 2019 at 9:11 am
Lynne Marie
What a wonderful book! Thank you for sharing, Sarah and Tara!
November 20, 2019 at 9:15 am
pollyrenner
I love Maple already! Can’t wait to read your debut;) Congrats!!
November 20, 2019 at 9:21 am
Alli Brydon
What a stylish-looking book! And great concept. Can’t wait to read it, and congrats, Sarah!
November 20, 2019 at 9:28 am
Paige
Thank you for sharing your book! It looks wonderful. I can’t wait to read it. Congrats!
November 20, 2019 at 9:28 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Congratulations on a beautiful debut, Sarah!!
November 20, 2019 at 9:30 am
Shelly Hawley-Yan
I love the concept and the beautiful art! 💗
November 20, 2019 at 9:31 am
Judy Bryan
I’m looking forward to reading LONE WOLF, Sarah ~ Congratulations!
November 20, 2019 at 9:35 am
Mary Lou Johnson
I am so eager to read your book, Sarah, and to share it with my granddaughter, Berkley, who has 2 spunky husky puppies. Congratulations on your debut book!
November 20, 2019 at 9:37 am
Rebecca Guzinski
Amazing concept! Great Post!
November 20, 2019 at 9:47 am
Jennifer Johnson
My students love all animal books. I’d like to win this for my library.
November 20, 2019 at 9:48 am
kimpfenn
LOVE the idea of Maple questioning her identity! Writers definitely relate to this! Congratulations
November 20, 2019 at 9:55 am
Suzanne Lewis
Love how the concept is portrayed through a husky’s eyes!
November 20, 2019 at 9:57 am
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Thanks for hosting, Tara! I love the sound of this Sarah, I’ve always adored huskies too. Congrats on sich a lovely cover, I adore the peeking. Can’t wait to read this and hear about all the fun you’re going to have sharing itbwith kids, sounds like it will be especially special at your own library. Congrats on yur debut and thanks dor sharing with us
November 20, 2019 at 10:01 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congratulations Sarah! Looks like a great book. Love the concept!
November 20, 2019 at 10:07 am
Christina Shawn
I love hearing how you focused on one idea about your husky and developed into this book! I can’t wait to read it!
November 20, 2019 at 10:17 am
Mary McClellan
Congrats on your debut PB!! Can’t wait to read about Maple!
November 20, 2019 at 10:17 am
Peg e. Monley
Hi Sarah,
Awwe, we just lost our Siberian husky. She was often mistaken for a wolf. Your book rings totally true! I can not wait to get a copy for our family. Beautiful. I love your art. 🙂
Peg e.
November 20, 2019 at 10:18 am
judyro
As a PB lover and a dog lover, I can’t wait to read this book, Sarah. And your illustrations are beautiful!
November 20, 2019 at 10:21 am
ptnozell
Love that cover! Can’t wait to read this to my two pups!
November 20, 2019 at 10:24 am
colleen kosinski
Love the illustrations!
November 20, 2019 at 10:30 am
Janet Johnson
Love the cover, Sarah!! So excited for you and this book!
November 20, 2019 at 10:33 am
danielledufayet
This book sounds good on so many levels -love the cover, the characters, the theme – plus it’s funny! Bravo!
November 20, 2019 at 10:47 am
Angie
LOVE it! What an adorable Maple! And her personality/genetic crisis is perfect. Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!
November 20, 2019 at 11:08 am
katiemillsgiorgio
Oh I love the cover! Thanks for sharing!
November 20, 2019 at 11:13 am
Arlene Schenker
This story sounds great and the illustrations look beautiful. Can’t wait to read the book!
November 20, 2019 at 11:24 am
AnEducationInBooks
Really love that illustration style!
November 20, 2019 at 11:32 am
Cynthia Turski Kremer
I liked seeing the concept drawings and learning how the cover evolved over time as well as the analysis of Maple’s emotions. Very fun post.
November 20, 2019 at 11:39 am
Melissa Bailey
Thanks for sharing your FIRST book cover and sharing some insights about the process! Can’t wait to read your book!
November 20, 2019 at 11:53 am
June Sengpiehl
A beautiful and charming story.
November 20, 2019 at 11:56 am
cath jones
Congratulations. Looks lovely!
November 20, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Congrats, Sarah! Looks lovely.
November 20, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Elizabeth Harris
Terrific concept!
November 20, 2019 at 12:13 pm
kathydoherty1
A lovely book! The cover alone drew me in.
November 20, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Linda M.
You had me at a dog named MAPLE! loooooooooooooove
November 20, 2019 at 12:36 pm
rosecappelli
This looks like a book I will have to read! Thanks for sharing.
November 20, 2019 at 12:38 pm
tammisauer
So fierce. 🙂
November 20, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Kim Larson
Congratulations, Sarah! Sounds and looks wonderful!
November 20, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Laurie Young
Your nook “Lone Wolf” looks amazing. I have 3 children’s books of my own, published . I have 2 grandchildren and i read to them all the time. To win a copy of your book would be wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity.
November 20, 2019 at 12:53 pm
Kassy Keppol
I love the idea for this book. The premise could have so many applications.
November 20, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Linda
What a beautiful book! I love the painting style.
November 20, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
I LOVE this so much! I have an Alaskan Malamute and people (especially kids) sometimes mistake him for a wolf. This book is definitely going on my bookshelf!
November 20, 2019 at 1:25 pm
marty
Our daughter had a husky who penetrating eyes truly did remind me of a wolf. But he was a sweetheart and such a great protector. We loved him. Can’t wait to read this book! Congrats to you.
November 20, 2019 at 1:32 pm
rosihollinbeck
What a fun idea for a story. I love the cover and will be looking for this book. I sounds terrific. Thanks for the post.
November 20, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Abi
Awesome cover, Sarah! SO CUTE!! Congratulations!!
November 20, 2019 at 2:06 pm
wendymyersart
Looks and sounds like a fun book! I loved a Malamute when I was growing up who definitely looked like a very large wolf.
November 20, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Gabi Snyder
Congrats, Sarah! I love huskies and I can’t wait to read LONE WOLF!
November 20, 2019 at 2:42 pm
Michelle Andersen
Congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading it!
November 20, 2019 at 2:47 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This books so cute! Thanks for sharing!
November 20, 2019 at 3:09 pm
Pamela Harrison
I love the cover of your new book, Sarah! What a great story idea! Congratulations!
November 20, 2019 at 3:37 pm
Kristin L. Gray
That is one fantastic cover! Love!
November 20, 2019 at 4:33 pm
jeanjames926
Your book looks beautiful. Love the whole concept.
November 20, 2019 at 5:21 pm
caroliverson
Sarah,
Way to go! Congrats.
November 20, 2019 at 6:27 pm
Mary Warth
Congrats Sarah. i love the cover, especially the moon!
November 20, 2019 at 7:19 pm
Sheila Wipperman
Great story idea and wonderful cover! Would love to share this with the grandkids! Congrats, Sarah!
November 20, 2019 at 8:20 pm
phyllisharris50
LOVED reading about how the story came about and seeing the early cover sketches. Very fascinating! I would love to win this and/or get a copy for myself! Congrats!
November 20, 2019 at 8:24 pm
Jennie MacDonald
This is such a sweet and loving tribute to your childhood companion. Congratulations, Sarah!
November 20, 2019 at 8:33 pm
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
What a sweet cover. Congrats!
November 20, 2019 at 9:39 pm
Laurie Carmody
What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing your early drafts as well. Always nice to see process. Congratulations!
November 20, 2019 at 10:18 pm
Carole Calladine
Great hook for your story. I will look for it in May.
November 20, 2019 at 10:22 pm
Carole Calladine
Great hook. I look forward to reading the whole story in May. Thanks for sharing.
November 20, 2019 at 11:00 pm
Jennifer Phillips
Congratulations, Sarah, and thanks for sharing details!
November 20, 2019 at 11:36 pm
Shauntrell Leaks
I love that it’s inspired by your childhood dog. Thanks for the opportunity, my first graders love books about dogs.
November 21, 2019 at 1:09 pm
artist and illustrator
Me too 🙂
November 20, 2019 at 11:38 pm
Della
Maple sounds adorable! I look forward to reading!
November 21, 2019 at 7:17 am
ranessadoucet
Great interview! I can’t wait to read Lone Wolf!
November 21, 2019 at 7:34 am
58chilihed13
This sounds like a fun adventure! My grands had a part husky who was quite the entertainer. I look forward to getting this for them! Enjoyed your interview!
November 21, 2019 at 11:58 am
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Congratulations, Sarah! I love the cover and the story idea. Those big wolf-like breeds of dogs are often the sweetest. I look forward to reading your book when it debuts!
November 21, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Lisa Howie
Love the cover art and can’t wait to see the book in full. We have a husky/shepard mix and she’s pretty “wolfy” sometimes!
November 21, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Darcee Freier
How funny and appropriate for today. Great cover!
November 21, 2019 at 1:11 pm
artist and illustrator
I feel like a Lone Wolf myself most days, wonderful illustrations and story. 🙂 Congrats on your achievement.
November 21, 2019 at 2:18 pm
lisabilla
Congratulations! I love the cover and the concept, and can’t wait to read it! We had the fluffiest shepherd and often got “wolf” questions, and I knew a couple wonderful husky mixes who did have a wolf side.
November 21, 2019 at 5:06 pm
Sheri Radovich
Congratulations on your book and your art accepted by the publishing house. You get all the rewards. You have to make more dog books since you love the process and drawing the specific breeds.
November 21, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Eileen
Congratulations, Sarah! How exciting! I’m looking forward to reading the book with my grandkids. Much love and support!
November 21, 2019 at 5:50 pm
seschipper
Wow! Great cover and the story sounds amazing!! Haven’t met a dog I didn’t like! We have a Chesapeake Bay Retriever …not many people know what poor Hank is..often asked “what is he mixed with!! 🙂
November 21, 2019 at 10:32 pm
Lenora Biemans
I love this behind the scenes look. 🙂 Congratulations!
November 21, 2019 at 11:02 pm
claireannette1
Sarah, everything about Lone Wolf looks wonderful. Congratulations on your cover reveal! I’m looking forward to reading your book.
November 22, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Lori Ann
I had a husky, too! She was the best girl. Can’t wait til your book comes out.
November 22, 2019 at 4:44 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Congratulations, Sarah! And thanks for the behind the scenes look. I will be watching for Lone Wolf.
November 23, 2019 at 10:07 am
Dee Knabb
I can’t wait to read your book, Sarah. Congratulations!
November 23, 2019 at 11:27 am
kirabigwood
Absolutely adore your illustrations! My dog was a little mutt, but people would always stop us and say, “Excuse me, is that a Nova Scotian Duck Tolling Retriever?” 😂 Now I’m wondering what Winnie thought about that:) Can’t wait to read about Maple!
November 23, 2019 at 10:15 pm
Debbie
This looks like a wonderful book. Congratulations on your debut!
November 24, 2019 at 1:14 am
writersideup
Sarah, CONGRATS on your debut 🙂 Love the simplicity of the cover (and the snow in the “o”!). I’m SO curious…what was YOUR dog’s name? 😀
November 25, 2019 at 3:40 pm
Carrie Williford
I love the cover! Congrats on your book – I can’t wait to read it. I love dog books. 🙂
November 25, 2019 at 4:26 pm
Carol Grannick
Such an appealing, engaging way to give a sweet and heartfelt turn to the phrase, “lone wolf”! Can’t wait to read, then read again to young listeners. Congratulations!
November 27, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Natasha Wing
We had a husky too who lived to 17-1/2! She could pluck huckleberries off a bush with her gentle teeth. Such great dogs.
November 27, 2019 at 2:13 pm
Laura Renauld
Lone Wolf looks terrific. I already love your art style!
November 30, 2019 at 4:37 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Congratulations on your reveal and publishing! Poor Lone Wolf, I wonder how he copes.
December 2, 2019 at 3:18 pm
Lisa Riddiough
This looks like my kind of book. I love the simplicity of the art. Congratulations, Sarah.
December 3, 2019 at 10:01 am
Nancy Furstinger
I’m pre-ordering for my SPCA dog-walking pal, who adopted a lone wolf aka husky! Love that intriguing cover–congrats!
December 3, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Cindy S
Congratulations Sarah!
December 3, 2019 at 3:45 pm
Anne Johnson
Maple’s open face just drew me into her world. I use to be a Children’s Librarian and some picture books have stayed with me for years. I think this one will too. Congratulations, Sarah!
December 4, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Rebecca Van Slyke
Your husky group is so lovely! They look absolutely touchable. Have you considered doing them in clay?
December 6, 2019 at 7:45 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
My dog looks a little wolf-like, too. I look forward to reading about Maple!
December 20, 2019 at 2:16 pm
Sue (Susan Uhlig) (@susanuhlig)
Love!
December 22, 2019 at 12:01 am
threebookbags
Looking forward to Lone Wolf
February 5, 2020 at 1:03 pm
Lia
So lovely! Such a sweet sentiment, it seems
February 5, 2020 at 2:20 pm
regencyknitter
Looks great! Congrats, Sarah!