Trick or Treat with Ivan Taurisano!

Hi, readers, writers, and children's book enthusiasts like us! If you're looking for fun industry insight - you've come to the right place. We're SO excited to have the incredible Ivan Taurisano, editor at Abrams Books, joining us today. Ivan is sharing his path to becoming an editor, some of his favorite children’s books, tips on writing holiday books, and more! This is definitely an interview you won’t want to miss! Want to know more about Ivan, his role at Abrams Books, PLUS want to know what tricks or treats are in store? Read on if you dare...

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

First, can you share a little about how you came to be a children’s book editor? 

A: As a child, I was captivated by books, and I always knew that I wanted to "create books" in some way. Learning that many of the books I adored were translations, I became determined to learn English so that I could move to the United States and create books for children. Almost ten years ago, I took the leap and moved to the United States to pursue my dream. I studied and continued to learn until I began my career in children’s editorial in 2022.

Q: Please share how your job or what you are looking for has changed since you shifted from Sourcebooks to Abrams. 

A: My preferences and interests haven't changed, but I'm currently prioritizing licenses and IP, so I'm not acquiring as much as I used to. I'm particularly interested in commercial, interactive, and fun books for young children.

Q: Like us, you are a lover of holidays and celebrations and have a passion for Halloween. 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: When I was a child, Halloween wasn't a big deal in Italy like it is in the US. But we still had our own Halloween party, and I absolutely loved dressing up in costumes. Vampires have always been my favorite, so I rocked that look every year! There are so many Halloween books for kids out there, but it's rare to find a truly unique and exciting story. I'm all about action-packed adventures with strong characters, so I'm always on the lookout for fresh, rule-breaking protagonists in Halloween tales! 

Q:   What would you recommend to our readers who want to get a sense of your favorite Halloween books?

A:  I love humorous and commercial Halloween books like How to Catch a Monster, Grumpy Monkey Don’t Be Scared, There’s a Witch in Your Book, and I am eagerly anticipating Jimmy Fallon’s 5 More Sleeps ‘til Halloween.

Thanks for sharing! We can't wait to check this list out!

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

A: Read the most popular Halloween picture books that are talked about every season. Then, consider a fresh approach to these stories. What hasn't been explored yet?

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

A: I absolutely love Halloween because it allows us to embrace our inner child and have fun like we did when we were kids. The excitement in the air as Halloween approaches is one of the best feelings, just like re-reading a favorite book! I'm so excited for Halloween! This year, I can't wait to revisit Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown while indulging in a bucket of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!

Bonus question: What candy pairs best represent you or your style?

A: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!

Thanks again for celebrating Halloween with us today! It was a true treat having you.

Q: Would you like to leave a Trick or a Treat for our readers?

A: A TREAT! I'd love to giveaway the first page of a MS critique or query letter critique.

Wow, thanks for such a FANG-tastic treat!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win this sweet treat 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank Ivan for stopping by! Halloween-themed GIFs are totally encouraged.

Winners for the Trick-or-Treat event will be drawn on or about 10/22!

*Books will be shipped in the US only.*

Note: Those who leave a comment on all posts will be eligible to win one (1) of ten (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes, perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Agent Mentee Lynne Marie & Author Heather Macht.

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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A special thanks to David Rodriguez Lorenzo for the amazing custom-signatures!