November 20, 2019 9:04 am
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.
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: Picture Books
Tags: LONE WOLF, Sarah Kurpiel
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I would love this book for my classroom!! The cover is perfect!
By Lisa on November 20, 2019 at 9:10 am
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!
By Nancy Riley on November 21, 2019 at 12:22 am
What a wonderful book! Thank you for sharing, Sarah and Tara!
By Lynne Marie on November 20, 2019 at 9:11 am
I love Maple already! Can’t wait to read your debut;) Congrats!!
By pollyrenner on November 20, 2019 at 9:15 am
What a stylish-looking book! And great concept. Can’t wait to read it, and congrats, Sarah!
By Alli Brydon on November 20, 2019 at 9:21 am
Thank you for sharing your book! It looks wonderful. I can’t wait to read it. Congrats!
By Paige on November 20, 2019 at 9:28 am
Congratulations on a beautiful debut, Sarah!!
By Andria Rosenbaum on November 20, 2019 at 9:28 am
I love the concept and the beautiful art! 💗
By Shelly Hawley-Yan on November 20, 2019 at 9:30 am
I’m looking forward to reading LONE WOLF, Sarah ~ Congratulations!
By Judy Bryan on November 20, 2019 at 9:31 am
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!
By Mary Lou Johnson on November 20, 2019 at 9:35 am
Amazing concept! Great Post!
By Rebecca Guzinski on November 20, 2019 at 9:37 am
My students love all animal books. I’d like to win this for my library.
By Jennifer Johnson on November 20, 2019 at 9:47 am
LOVE the idea of Maple questioning her identity! Writers definitely relate to this! Congratulations
By kimpfenn on November 20, 2019 at 9:48 am
Love how the concept is portrayed through a husky’s eyes!
By Suzanne Lewis on November 20, 2019 at 9:55 am
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
By Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez on November 20, 2019 at 9:57 am
Congratulations Sarah! Looks like a great book. Love the concept!
By Sylvia Mary Grech on November 20, 2019 at 10:01 am
I love hearing how you focused on one idea about your husky and developed into this book! I can’t wait to read it!
By Christina Shawn on November 20, 2019 at 10:07 am
Congrats on your debut PB!! Can’t wait to read about Maple!
By Mary McClellan on November 20, 2019 at 10:17 am
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.
By Peg e. Monley on November 20, 2019 at 10:17 am
As a PB lover and a dog lover, I can’t wait to read this book, Sarah. And your illustrations are beautiful!
By judyro on November 20, 2019 at 10:18 am
Love that cover! Can’t wait to read this to my two pups!
By ptnozell on November 20, 2019 at 10:21 am
Love the illustrations!
By colleen kosinski on November 20, 2019 at 10:24 am
Love the cover, Sarah!! So excited for you and this book!
By Janet Johnson on November 20, 2019 at 10:30 am
This book sounds good on so many levels -love the cover, the characters, the theme – plus it’s funny! Bravo!
By danielledufayet on November 20, 2019 at 10:33 am
LOVE it! What an adorable Maple! And her personality/genetic crisis is perfect. Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!
By Angie on November 20, 2019 at 10:47 am
Oh I love the cover! Thanks for sharing!
By katiemillsgiorgio on November 20, 2019 at 11:08 am
This story sounds great and the illustrations look beautiful. Can’t wait to read the book!
By Arlene Schenker on November 20, 2019 at 11:13 am
Really love that illustration style!
By AnEducationInBooks on November 20, 2019 at 11:24 am
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.
By Cynthia Turski Kremer on November 20, 2019 at 11:32 am
Thanks for sharing your FIRST book cover and sharing some insights about the process! Can’t wait to read your book!
By Melissa Bailey on November 20, 2019 at 11:39 am
A beautiful and charming story.
By June Sengpiehl on November 20, 2019 at 11:53 am
Congratulations. Looks lovely!
By cath jones on November 20, 2019 at 11:56 am
Congrats, Sarah! Looks lovely.
By Susan Johnston Taylor on November 20, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Terrific concept!
By Elizabeth Harris on November 20, 2019 at 12:09 pm
A lovely book! The cover alone drew me in.
By kathydoherty1 on November 20, 2019 at 12:13 pm
You had me at a dog named MAPLE! loooooooooooooove
By Linda M. on November 20, 2019 at 12:16 pm
This looks like a book I will have to read! Thanks for sharing.
By rosecappelli on November 20, 2019 at 12:36 pm
So fierce. 🙂
By tammisauer on November 20, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Congratulations, Sarah! Sounds and looks wonderful!
By Kim Larson on November 20, 2019 at 12:51 pm
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.
By Laurie Young on November 20, 2019 at 12:51 pm
I love the idea for this book. The premise could have so many applications.
By Kassy Keppol on November 20, 2019 at 12:53 pm
What a beautiful book! I love the painting style.
By Linda on November 20, 2019 at 1:07 pm
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!
By Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon) on November 20, 2019 at 1:19 pm
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.
By marty on November 20, 2019 at 1:25 pm
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.
By rosihollinbeck on November 20, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Awesome cover, Sarah! SO CUTE!! Congratulations!!
By Abi on November 20, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Looks and sounds like a fun book! I loved a Malamute when I was growing up who definitely looked like a very large wolf.
By wendymyersart on November 20, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Congrats, Sarah! I love huskies and I can’t wait to read LONE WOLF!
By Gabi Snyder on November 20, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading it!
By Michelle Andersen on November 20, 2019 at 2:42 pm
This books so cute! Thanks for sharing!
By Ashley Bankhead on November 20, 2019 at 2:47 pm
I love the cover of your new book, Sarah! What a great story idea! Congratulations!
By Pamela Harrison on November 20, 2019 at 3:09 pm
That is one fantastic cover! Love!
By Kristin L. Gray on November 20, 2019 at 3:37 pm
Your book looks beautiful. Love the whole concept.
By jeanjames926 on November 20, 2019 at 4:33 pm
Sarah,
Way to go! Congrats.
By caroliverson on November 20, 2019 at 5:21 pm
Congrats Sarah. i love the cover, especially the moon!
By Mary Warth on November 20, 2019 at 6:27 pm
Great story idea and wonderful cover! Would love to share this with the grandkids! Congrats, Sarah!
By Sheila Wipperman on November 20, 2019 at 7:19 pm
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!
By phyllisharris50 on November 20, 2019 at 8:20 pm
This is such a sweet and loving tribute to your childhood companion. Congratulations, Sarah!
By Jennie MacDonald on November 20, 2019 at 8:24 pm
What a sweet cover. Congrats!
By Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon) on November 20, 2019 at 8:33 pm
What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing your early drafts as well. Always nice to see process. Congratulations!
By Laurie Carmody on November 20, 2019 at 9:39 pm
Great hook for your story. I will look for it in May.
By Carole Calladine on November 20, 2019 at 10:18 pm
Great hook. I look forward to reading the whole story in May. Thanks for sharing.
By Carole Calladine on November 20, 2019 at 10:22 pm
Congratulations, Sarah, and thanks for sharing details!
By Jennifer Phillips on November 20, 2019 at 11:00 pm
I love that it’s inspired by your childhood dog. Thanks for the opportunity, my first graders love books about dogs.
By Shauntrell Leaks on November 20, 2019 at 11:36 pm
Me too 🙂
By artist and illustrator on November 21, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Maple sounds adorable! I look forward to reading!
By Della on November 20, 2019 at 11:38 pm
Great interview! I can’t wait to read Lone Wolf!
By ranessadoucet on November 21, 2019 at 7:17 am
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!
By 58chilihed13 on November 21, 2019 at 7:34 am
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!
By Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg) on November 21, 2019 at 11:58 am
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!
By Lisa Howie on November 21, 2019 at 12:04 pm
How funny and appropriate for today. Great cover!
By Darcee Freier on November 21, 2019 at 12:38 pm
I feel like a Lone Wolf myself most days, wonderful illustrations and story. 🙂 Congrats on your achievement.
By artist and illustrator on November 21, 2019 at 1:11 pm
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.
By lisabilla on November 21, 2019 at 2:18 pm
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.
By Sheri Radovich on November 21, 2019 at 5:06 pm
Congratulations, Sarah! How exciting! I’m looking forward to reading the book with my grandkids. Much love and support!
By Eileen on November 21, 2019 at 5:35 pm
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!! 🙂
By seschipper on November 21, 2019 at 5:50 pm
I love this behind the scenes look. 🙂 Congratulations!
By Lenora Biemans on November 21, 2019 at 10:32 pm
Sarah, everything about Lone Wolf looks wonderful. Congratulations on your cover reveal! I’m looking forward to reading your book.
By claireannette1 on November 21, 2019 at 11:02 pm
I had a husky, too! She was the best girl. Can’t wait til your book comes out.
By Lori Ann on November 22, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Congratulations, Sarah! And thanks for the behind the scenes look. I will be watching for Lone Wolf.
By LeeAnn Rizzuti on November 22, 2019 at 4:44 pm
I can’t wait to read your book, Sarah. Congratulations!
By Dee Knabb on November 23, 2019 at 10:07 am
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!
By kirabigwood on November 23, 2019 at 11:27 am
This looks like a wonderful book. Congratulations on your debut!
By Debbie on November 23, 2019 at 10:15 pm
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? 😀
By writersideup on November 24, 2019 at 1:14 am
I love the cover! Congrats on your book – I can’t wait to read it. I love dog books. 🙂
By Carrie Williford on November 25, 2019 at 3:40 pm
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!
By Carol Grannick on November 25, 2019 at 4:26 pm
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.
By Natasha Wing on November 27, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Lone Wolf looks terrific. I already love your art style!
By Laura Renauld on November 27, 2019 at 2:13 pm
Congratulations on your reveal and publishing! Poor Lone Wolf, I wonder how he copes.
By Nancy Ferguson on November 30, 2019 at 4:37 pm
This looks like my kind of book. I love the simplicity of the art. Congratulations, Sarah.
By Lisa Riddiough on December 2, 2019 at 3:18 pm
I’m pre-ordering for my SPCA dog-walking pal, who adopted a lone wolf aka husky! Love that intriguing cover–congrats!
By Nancy Furstinger on December 3, 2019 at 10:01 am
Congratulations Sarah!
By Cindy S on December 3, 2019 at 12:01 pm
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!
By Anne Johnson on December 3, 2019 at 3:45 pm
Your husky group is so lovely! They look absolutely touchable. Have you considered doing them in clay?
By Rebecca Van Slyke on December 4, 2019 at 12:08 pm
My dog looks a little wolf-like, too. I look forward to reading about Maple!
By Janet Frenck Sheets on December 6, 2019 at 7:45 pm
Love!
By Sue (Susan Uhlig) (@susanuhlig) on December 20, 2019 at 2:16 pm
Looking forward to Lone Wolf
By threebookbags on December 22, 2019 at 12:01 am
So lovely! Such a sweet sentiment, it seems
By Lia on February 5, 2020 at 1:03 pm
Looks great! Congrats, Sarah!
By regencyknitter on February 5, 2020 at 2:20 pm