Andi Chitty's Avatar

Andi Chitty

@andichitty.bsky.social

Marveling at the magical world of #kidlit and creepy crawlies! Writer and backyard adventurer. Co-host of @StorytimeSprint.bsky.social https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1206704021/the-waga-laga-bugs-a-hardcover-picture-book

448 Followers  |  480 Following  |  171 Posts  |  Joined: 23.09.2023  |  1.9756

Latest posts by andichitty.bsky.social on Bluesky

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U.K. Creative Industries Call for an AI Regulatory Framework In a new report on the harm done to creative professionals by generative AI development, the Society of Authors and other trade associations are demanding new regulations to compel tech giants to…

In a new report on the harm done to creative professionals by generative AI development, the Society of Authors and other trade associations are demanding new regulations to compel tech giants to respect copyright and remunerate authors and artists.

31.01.2026 20:02 β€” πŸ‘ 41    πŸ” 15    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1

Check out the #publishingforminnesota auction: Books & book bundles, original art, virtual school visits, critiques, AMAs, ms and query reviews, etc. Purchases paid by proof of donation to MN orgs providing legal aid, emergency assistance, food, and community resources to those in urgent need.

29.01.2026 14:33 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Screenshot of an X.com post by The Associated Press (@AP) stating that dozens of immigrant families protested for better treatment behind fences at a Texas detention facility, where a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father were sent after being detained in Minnesota. Below is a video thumbnail showing a crowd gathered outdoors along a fenced walkway; many people wear bright blue or red outerwear, and some hold signs.

Screenshot of an X.com post by The Associated Press (@AP) stating that dozens of immigrant families protested for better treatment behind fences at a Texas detention facility, where a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father were sent after being detained in Minnesota. Below is a video thumbnail showing a crowd gathered outdoors along a fenced walkway; many people wear bright blue or red outerwear, and some hold signs.

After being held in two of them as a boy, I fought for decades urging America to never again build concentration camps and put human beings in them. It breaks my heart to watch this happen twice now in my own lifetime.

27.01.2026 21:30 β€” πŸ‘ 35846    πŸ” 12865    πŸ’¬ 638    πŸ“Œ 339
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Who says you can't do fun things when you self-publish?! Look at that shininess🀩

Illustrated by Sandra Attema-Welte

#kidlit #picturebook #specialcover

24.01.2026 23:38 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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The Waga-Laga Bugs: A Hardcover Picture Book A silly & educational tale for bug-loving kids ages 3-8! This book teaches real-life bug behavior and the importance of responsibility.

Today is the last day to get in on The Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter! All backers will get their books approximately 1.5 months BEFORE the general publicπŸ₯³

www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

23.01.2026 21:08 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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The Waga-Laga Bugs: A Hardcover Picture Book A silly & educational tale for bug-loving kids ages 3-8! This book teaches real-life bug behavior and the importance of responsibility.

Today is the last day to get in on The Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter! All backers will get their books approximately 1.5 months BEFORE the general publicπŸ₯³

www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

23.01.2026 21:08 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
6 Days Left to preorder through the Waga-Laga Bug Kickstarter

6 Days Left to preorder through the Waga-Laga Bug Kickstarter

I have to unexpectedly cover a shift at work this morning, so I'm repurposing yesterday's post🫣

Only 6 days left to preorder "The Waga-Laga Bugs" through Kickstarter! All books will arrive in April (just in time for BUG SEASON)!πŸ¦‹πŸžπŸœπŸ›πŸ

www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

#picturebook #educational

17.01.2026 13:08 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
One week left for the Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter

One week left for the Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter

7 days left!πŸ₯³ You've heard the backstory, watched the printing process, celebrated a Kirkus Star with me, and more. With one week left to get your preorder in, time is ticking (but only if you want a copy- no pressure. Pressure tactics make me uncomfortable.)

www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

16.01.2026 14:35 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Thank you so much!!❀️

15.01.2026 11:51 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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The news is dire, but books uplift. I’m giving away these PBs and MG books- some new ARCs and some older gems.

To enter, L + RP and leave a comment for an extra entry. US only, ends 1/21.

14.01.2026 22:37 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1

Thank you so much, Carrie!❀️ (Also, "Dozens of Donuts" is a favorite in our house, we're eagerly looking forward to "Plenty of Pancakes"!)

14.01.2026 21:33 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
"The Waga-Laga Bugs" Kirkus Starred Review

"The Waga-Laga Bugs" Kirkus Starred Review

We got a KIRKUS STAR⭐️! Of all the books Kirkus reviews, only 10% receive a star (that includes traditionally published books, too)!

Oh! And don't forget... only 9 days left to get in on The Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter!

www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

#kirkus #tradereviews #picturebook

14.01.2026 21:27 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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Day 8/19: Evolution of a Children's Book Cover
There is so much to consider when creating a cover (font, title placement, etc). I love how it turned out!

Illustrated by Sandra Attema-Welte

Kickstarter Link: www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

#childrensbook #picturebook #kidlit

12.01.2026 17:09 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
BOOM page

BOOM page

BOOM page

BOOM page

BOOM page

BOOM page

BOOM page

BOOM page

Day 5/19: My 5-year-olds Favorite Page!

It's day 5 of "The Waga-Laga Bugs" Kickstarter, so I thought I'd share my 5yo's favorite page! The page turn here is a kid-favorite (this is also my toddlers favorite- he yells "BOOM"!).

Kickstarter link: www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

09.01.2026 12:34 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Interior Page

Interior Page

Interior Page

Interior Page

Interior Page

Interior Page

Interior Page

Interior Page

Day 4/19: My Favorite Spread!
We're 4 days into my Kickstarter for "The Waga-Laga Bugs" , so I think it's time to share my favorite spread!
Sandra took my text and ran (flew?) with it🐝

Check out the Kickstarter here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

#honeybees #picturebooks #kidlit

08.01.2026 21:20 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Do you love watching the printing process? Me, too😊

It's day 3, and "The Waga-Laga Bugs" Kickstarter goal was met on day 2. I'm blown away by the support! Thank you❀️

Our Kickstarter ends on the 23rd, so there's still time to check it out!

#howitsmade #picturebooks

07.01.2026 19:57 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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The Waga-Laga Bugs: A Hardcover Picture Book A silly and educational story for bug-loving kids ages 3-8! This book teaches real-life bug behaviors and the power of helping others.

Thank you to EVERYONE for all the encouragement, kind words, and support yesterday as I launched my first ever Kickstarter! We're halfway funded in just one day, which is AMAZING! I'm blown awayπŸ₯Ή

www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

Illustrated by Sandra Attema
#halfwaythere #childrensbooks #kidlit

06.01.2026 14:29 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Thank you, you as well!πŸ₯³

06.01.2026 01:52 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Absolutely!

06.01.2026 00:59 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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The Waga-Laga Bugs: A Hardcover Picture Book A silly and educational story for bug-loving kids ages 3-8! This book teaches real-life bug behaviors and the power of helping others.

This bug book has had a long journey, but every setback brought us to where we are now😍

Check out "The Waga-Laga Bugs" Kickstarter for sneak peeks at the interior, the backstory, and more!

www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

05.01.2026 14:39 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Interior pic from "The Waga-Laga Bugs"

Interior pic from "The Waga-Laga Bugs"

Why does December 31st feel so far away from January?!

2026 is starting off with a bang for me as I prepare to launch my first ever Kickstarter🫣 My campaign will have some sneak-peeks at the interior pages! I'm so excited to show you all!!

#kickstarter #childrensbooks #publishing

02.01.2026 13:51 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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I started this writing journey in 2021, but 2025 was the year I finally felt like an author. It was a year for the books (literally), and I am SO EXCITED for 2026... the year of The Waga-Laga Bugs!

I hope 2026 brings good things to you on this crazy author journey, no matter which path you choose❀️

31.12.2025 22:54 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Storystorm Participant Badge

Storystorm Participant Badge

With #Storystorm on the 1st, my Waga-Laga Bugs Kickstarter launching on the 5th, and the kids starting school again, January is going to be a BUSY month!

I highly recommend you check out @taralazar.bsky.social blog and sign up for this year's Storystorm!

#kidlit #childrensauthors #busyjanuary

27.12.2025 13:05 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Recording this sing-along was SO much fun, and I'm so excited for little Yoto users to read and sing along to "Bananas in the Bath"!

If you have a Yoto Player, be sure to check it out in the Open Mic sectionπŸŽ‰

Composed by: @nitashajackson

#yoto #yotoplayer #boardbook

12.12.2025 01:06 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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🌟It's Happening🌟

"The Waga-Laga Bugs" will be launching on Kickstarter this month! Visit the link, and be sure to click "Notify Me On Launch" if you'd like to receive an email when the campaign begins❀️

Illustrations by Sandra Attema

#picturebook #Bugs

www.kickstarter.com/projects/120...

01.12.2025 15:26 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Thanks, Sheri! I was so touchedπŸ₯Ήβ€οΈ

13.11.2025 12:27 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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I went 2 weeks with no sales (or so I thought), then BAM!
-I sold out at one location,
-another wants 10 more books
-and someone ordered a book bundle from my website!
BONUS: someone let me know their kid carries their copy around AND sleeps with it
#boardbooks #childrensbooks #kidlit #publishing

12.11.2025 19:27 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Large text reads β€œKidLit & YA Book Launches Nov. 3-9, 2025.” Smaller text says β€œIs your book launching this week? Reply to this thread with info and a link to your Bluesky post.” Bottom line reads β€œBluesky launch thread 2025-Wk45 created by @debbieohi.com #KidLit #PublicationDay #BookBirthday.” Bright graphic background shows confetti, ribbons, and candies.

Large text reads β€œKidLit & YA Book Launches Nov. 3-9, 2025.” Smaller text says β€œIs your book launching this week? Reply to this thread with info and a link to your Bluesky post.” Bottom line reads β€œBluesky launch thread 2025-Wk45 created by @debbieohi.com #KidLit #PublicationDay #BookBirthday.” Bright graphic background shows confetti, ribbons, and candies.

Do you have a #KidLit or #YALit book launching this wk? Or do you want to help boost someone else's #PublicationDay #BookBirthday?

Reply below with info + link to the post.

Only for books launching Nov.3-9, 2025 #2025-Wk45.

03.11.2025 13:53 β€” πŸ‘ 21    πŸ” 12    πŸ’¬ 5    πŸ“Œ 1

Congratulations, Carrie!!!

04.11.2025 14:09 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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It's a Bananas in the Bath SING-ALONG! Well, a teaser at leastπŸ˜† This video took a bit of time to put together, so I'm sharing a sneak-peek before I dive into the rest of the book!

ENJOY!!

#singalong #childrensbooks #boardbooks #toddlers #preschoolers #childrenssong

01.11.2025 17:30 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

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