It's Season's Readings with Ivan Taurisano!

Hi, readers, writers, and holiday enthusiasts like us! We're incredibly fortunate to have the amazing Ivan Taurisano, editor at Abrams Books, back with us today sharing his favs for a whole new season - winter! If you're looking for some cool industry insight, tips on writing holiday books, and more, you've come to the right place. This is definitely an interview you won’t want to miss! Want to know more about Ivan, his role at Abrams Books, PLUS want a chance to win either a first page of a MS or query letter critique? Read on...

Q: Hi, Ivan! Thanks so much for joining us over at #SeasonsOfKidLit. We’re thrilled to have you back and hear your thoughts about Christmas and holiday books. 

Readers, if you missed Ivan's Trick-or-Treat interview with us, click here.

First, can you share a little about how things are going for you. Any recent acquisitions or needs? Please share. 

A: I'm currently working on multiple exciting projects, ranging from board books to YA novels. Although I can't share many details at the moment, some exciting things are on the horizon! I don't have any specific needs right now, but I'm always on the lookout for a good book!

Q: For those of us looking to dive into writing holiday books, we'd love your insight! Please share your favorite classic Christmas book and share why you think it is still popular. 

A: The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. It’s magical, and it captures everything that makes Christmas and the holidays the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a captivating, mysterious, and adventurous journey that makes all of us wish we could board that train and set off into the night to meet Santa.

We love this book and couldn't agree more - thanks for sharing!

Q: Like us, you are a lover of holidays and celebrations and have a passion for Christmas. Please share some background on how you celebrated this holiday as a child in Italy and share what you are looking for in a holiday book. 

A: I love the holidays! It’s my favorite time of the year. Christmas has always been a massive celebration in my family! Even now, I eagerly look forward to coming home to celebrate Christmas. My dad decorates the entire house (every inch!) and puts up the grandest Christmas tree. I'll never forget Christmas Eve when my brother, sisters, and I couldn't fall asleep because we were too excited for the morning to come! I love a Christmas story that captures the anticipation, magic, and joy of the holiday season.

Q: What would you recommend to our readers who want to get a sense of your favorite Christmas books in the past few years?

A: My favorite Christmas picture books are 5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh, How to Catch Santa Claus, and the recent How the Grinch Lost Christmas!

Q: What advice do you have for those wishing to write a Christmas story?

A: Mesmerize! Capture the magic! Christmas stories, in my opinion, should be the most kid-centric possible. Go back to your childhood, remember what Christmas was like, and bring it to life on the page! There is a reason why the holiday season is so wonderful for children.

Q: What is it that you love most about Christmas? How will you be spending this Christmas Season? 

A: I love the magic, the songs, the decorations, the anticipation—I love everything! There is just something about Christmas that is inseparable from childhood. This year, like every year, I will be traveling back home to Rome to spend Christmas with my family. It’s the best time of the year for me!

Q: What is the best present you ever received for Christmas? Why?

A: When I moved to the US ten years ago, the first year was challenging for me. I didn't have any family here and, at the time, I didn't have many friends either. However, during my first Christmas back home, my parents gave me an envelope with two airplane tickets with their names. They came back with me to the US for two weeks, and I will never forget it. It meant so much to me.

That is the sweetest - thanks so much for sharing that with us!

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

A: Yes! I'd like to offer a giveaway to one winner: a first page of MS or query letter critique - their choice!

WOAH - thanks for such a sweet treat! And thanks again for stopping by - it was a blast having you with us.

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win Ivan's amazing giveaway, 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank him for stopping by - and let us know which treat you're interested in, too! Holiday-themed pictures and GIFs are 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 Ivan Taurisano

Ivan Taurisano was born in Rome, Italy, and moved to the United States almost ten years ago to pursue a children's book publishing career. He is an Associate Editor at Abrams, specializing in children's licenses and IP, including novelty books, board books, graphic novels, and select MG and YA titles. Ivan is particularly interested in kid-centric, humorous, action-packed stories with commercial appeal and compelling characters. The guiding principle of his work is that a child whose life is changed by a book will always be a step closer to becoming an adult who will change the world. Ivan’s all-time favorite book is James and the Giant Peach, and his best friend is a chihuahua named Bilbo. You can connect with him on X @IvanTaurisano and Instagram @ivantaurisanoeditor.

To check out Abram's amazing books, check out this link here.

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