BONUS Interview: It's Season's Readings with Editor Anna Sargeant!

Hi, readers, writers, and reindeer lovers, too! We have a heartfelt treat for you today. Editor Anna Sargeant from Sourcebooks is with us talking about The Reindeer Remainders - a book she acquired from the beloved and deeply missed author Katey Howes. Katey's book follows a class of a dozen reindeer who are preparing for the big showcase night event when a new student arrives. This isn't a big deal until everyone is asked to divide in groups and there happens to be a leftover reindeer. Can the class put their heads together to make sure everyone feels included? Want to know more about Anna and this charming book that's a perfect read for the season, PLUS want a chance to win an Ask Me Anything Session with her? Read on...

Q: Hi, Anna! Thanks so much for joining us today. We all love Katey’s work and miss her presence in our community, so we are grateful to you for your willingness to celebrate her work and remember her this holiday season. 

Although we can clearly see why you made an offer on this clever and sweet book, can you share how you came across it and your feelings when you read it? 

A: This was one of the first books I acquired as a children’s editor at Sourcebooks. I immediately fell in love with the big-picture concept and the layers of the manuscript -- how Katey had constructed a “math story with plenty of heart” through rhyming text. I knew children would be drawn to this book because we all have a desire to belong and not be left out, and reindeer are such unique, gorgeous animals.  

Q: Can you share a little bit about the book’s path to publication? Were there many developmental edits and/or revisions? What was the timeframe from submission to publication? 

A: Katey went through six rounds of text revisions in an effort to get the story arc and rhyme exactly right. Then, at the illustration stage, we realized that the text was not enough to communicate the story. For example, Katey did not want the same reindeer to be left out each time, as that would likely not occur in real life. Plus, by having multiple reindeer be excluded, Katey could show different emotional reactions to being left out. To make this obvious to the reader, how would the illustrations differentiate the leftover reindeer? Marie gave each one a distinct bandana and antler shape! 

At the same time, the book was also about math, primarily division and prime numbers. Marie did a brilliant job of hinting at the conclusion, the Prime Showcase, throughout the book. That way, when the big reveal happens and all the reindeer are together in one group, they gather next to the other prime groupings they’ve prepared along the way. Marie came up with that. This book really was a group effort! 

Q: As editor, what do you hope young readers will take away from the story, no matter their background or what they celebrate?

A: The reindeer in this book are curious and creative. I love how, in learning about division and prime numbers, the class comes together to create a solution allowing every reindeer to be part of the group. Through this story, I hope young readers develop empathy toward those who feel left out and use problem-solving and teamwork skills to help others in need. And I hope any child who gets left out of a group feels empowered to talk about their experiences, rather than suppressing their thoughts and emotions.    

Q: Was the manuscript, to your recollection, submitted with page numbers and art notes? If so, please describe. Can you share some of your favorite spreads? Why are they your favorites? 

A: The original manuscript was written as a lovely poem with art notes. Katey and I discussed the pagination together and added additional art direction to make pieces of the storytelling and characterization more clear. 

It’s hard to pick favorite spreads, but I love the first, the last, and the one where the sweet reindeer’s eyes are sad and wet. 

Q: Was this book submitted with backmatter? If so, how did it evolve? If no, how did the backmatter come about?

A: The original manuscript was not submitted with back matter. But because Katey’s agent had described the manuscript as reinforcing an understanding of division and remainders while providing a message of inclusion and appreciation, Katey was happy to include supplemental information about such topics! 

Q:  What’s one question you wish we would have asked – about you, Katey or the book?

A: I always love talking about what it was like to work with Katey, as she was highly communicative and collaborative. Katey was a brilliant professional artist. She met her deadlines or sent things in early. She would provide multiple options for each revised stanza with reasoning behind each one. Katey had a clear vision for her book, so when I made a suggestion that didn’t align with that vision, she pushed back calmly and confidently and worked collaboratively to arrive at a solution. Katey was a beautiful combination of a brilliant mind, a humble spirit, and a generous heart. I miss her and am so thankful her books remain with us as a reminder of who she is and what she stood for.  

Thanks so much for joining us and sharing this beautiful book and your experience working with Katey, Anna. We greatly appreciate it!

Readers, would you like to know what we thought of Katey's book (and other amazing titles from Sourcebooks)? You can find our reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Q: Would you like to leave a stocking stuffer for our readers?

A: Yes - I'm leaving a tip and a treat!

Tip: Know what work your book is doing in the world and stand by that work no matter who doubts you.

Treat: As a treat, I'm offering a 20-minute Ask-Me-Anything Zoom session to one winner!

WOW - thanks for an awesome tip and treat!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win Anna's amazing giveaway, 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by! Holiday and reindeer or math-themed pictures and GIFs are always welcomed and appreciated.

BONUS: Those who leave a comment on and share all posts on social media, tagging Heather Macht and Lynne Marie, will be eligible to win their choice of either (1) of (3) SpeedPasses from RYS or critiques from Heather or Lynne Marie.

Heather Macht Tags: X: @AuthorHMacht, IG/Threads: @heatherauthormacht, Bluesky: @authorhmacht.bsky.social

Lynne Marie Tags: X: @Literally_Lynne, IG/Threads: @literally.lynne.marie, Bluesky: @

@literallylynne.bsky.social

Giveaway winners will be drawn on or about 12/15!

Books will be shipped in the US only.

About Anna Sargeant:

Anna Sargeant is currently an editor with Sourcebooks eXplore. She has a degree in PreK-8 education from California State University, Long Beach, with a concentration in mathematics. Prior to book publishing, Anna worked in schools, non-profits, and freelance. As an elementary school teacher, she fell in love with children’s literature, and she studied writing for children under Liz Garton Scanlon (All the World). Anna teaches and critiques through various writing organizations, such as SCBWI, the Writing Barn, and Inked Voices. Anna grew up in Southern California, lived for a short stint in Tennessee, and has spent most of her adult life in Austin, Texas. When she’s not at her desk, you might find her at the barre studio, at the theater, on a plane, on the couch, or at a local restaurant, hopefully eating chips and guacamole.

For more about Anna and Sourcebooks, check out the below handles:

IG: @acsargeant

IG: @sourcebookskids

Please also check out the illustrator's amazing work on IG at: @mariehermanssonillustration

To purchase The Reindeer Remainders on Amazon, or to leave a review for it, click here.

---