Episode 2 - Kari Lavelle

How did five years of rejection eventually lead to a ten-editor auction and a first book deal?

In this episode of My First Book Story, Meredith Davis talks with picture book author Kari Lavelle about the winding, emotional journey that led to her first published book, We Move the World. Kari shares how motherhood reignited her creativity, how years of revision and rejection shaped her voice, and how an unexpected auction launch changed her career trajectory. From imposter syndrome to breakthrough moments, this conversation offers an honest look at one woman’s story breaking into children’s publishing.

Books mentioned

• We Move the World (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/We-Move-World-Kari-Lavelle/dp/0062916858)

• Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Ode-Grapefruit-James-Jones-Found/dp/059337276X)

• Butt or Face? series (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWVTNT9Y?binding=hardcover&qid=1769308952)

Links

• Kari Lavelle (https://www.karilavelle.com)

• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)

• Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)

• The Log Line Substack (https://logline.substack.com)

• Episode Webpage (https://meredithdavis.substack.com/p/kari-lavelle-on-my-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

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