Meet Roxanne Troup, July Guest Guru!

Buy Happy Birthday America HERE

This month, we're shooting off the fireworks of excitement to have multi-published, award-winning picture book author, Rate Your Story Judge Roxanne Troup as our Guest Guru over at Rate Your Story's Kidlit Creators Forum.

Up to four 2026 Members will have the opportunity to get a feedback and rating from her. Members can request Roxanne as a Guru from Judy, Admin Assistant and In-box Coordinator (RateYourStory@gmail.com), and if there are available spots and your manuscript seems like a good fit, you will receive the benefit.

1. What do you LOVE about children’s books? 

The magic (and power) of words. I love how the picture book format–the perfect combination of words and images–allows for all sorts of stories to be told, information exchanged, or ideas (even abstract ones) expressed. I love the science behind reading acquisition and how chapter books scaffold that skill. And I love that middle grade provides kids with access to worlds (both fiction and non) they could never visit on their own.

2. What brought you to children’s books? 

My sister actually planted the idea of writing as a career in my mind. She was doing that successfully as a freelance copywriter and suggested I give it a whirl. I’d always been good at writing, but I wasn’t interested in the type of writing she did. Still, it got me thinking about what I could do as a stay-at-home mom. Since my educational background was teaching and my kiddos were little, children’s books just made sense. And the more I studied them, the more I loved them.

3. Name something you loved / enjoyed as a child?

Books. Imaginative, outdoor play. We didn’t have a lot, but we didn’t need a lot to entertain ourselves back then.

4. Please share a little bit about your latest book.

Happy Birthday, America! is a joyful picture book about the Fourth of July in which a family packs their car for an “unusual” celebration at the local park. There are games, music, food, and even a huge fireworks display. But the young child is confused. Whose birthday are they celebrating? 

Jennifer Doehring’s art is chaotic and bright (much like the holiday); while my text focuses on the sensory experiences of the day…leading up to one final interaction between parent and child that attempts to explain the purpose of Independence Day.

5. Do you have any other projects on the horizon?

I do have another book under contract with Albert Whitman, though it hasn’t been announced yet. I think I can say it is a story-forward SEL title with a deep kid POV. It moved me to write it, my daughter nearly cried reading it aloud, and my editor said, “I knew before I’d finished reading it that it was exactly the kind of sensitive and nuanced approach to [xxxx] I’ve been looking for.”

The illustrator has been signed and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does with it!

6. What do you look for in a project to make it a favorite, or if you are an Editor or Agent, to add a writer to your list?

• an engaging/unexpected premise

• a solid structure 

• lovely language

• kid-friendly POV

7. Share a story that you love and why, or if you are an Editor or an Agent, a book you simply had to acquire).

There’s just so many…though I don’t know if any beat my childhood favorite Socks for Supper by Jack Kent. Originally published in the 70s, this book still stands up against the competition. Simple storyline, sweet surprise (but earned) ending, unexpected depth, heartfelt takeaway.

8. What is a common issue with the submissions you receive? (Or, if you are not an editor or agent, but a Rate Your Story Judge or critiquer, common issues in manuscripts that don’t work). 

I see a lot of flat manuscripts. These stories lack tension; scenes don’t build, characters don’t compel you to turn the page. There is no emotional journey for the MC or the reader. The story just happens–no reason, no effort, and no reader response. No surprise. No need for reflection. No feeling whatsoever (except maybe confusion–as in What did I just read?). 

9. Please share a Submission tip with our Members. 

When submitting manuscripts for critique, consider your end goal and ask for what you need. Do you already know you need help with pacing? Ask for it. Are you just wanting to see if the idea has merit? Let your critiquer know and invite them to brainstorm with you. If you’re farther along in the process hoping for publication, remember that your critiquer wants to help you get there. Consider the feedback; give yourself the space necessary to see your manuscript as a reader instead of its author; and take the time to try something new. You may not keep their suggestions, but those suggestions just might help you find the perfect solution to your story problems.

10. Please share a Revision Tip for our Members. 

Mentor texts are writing/revision gold! If you’re struggling with PB pacing, find a mentor text that keeps you turning pages and type it out. Read the story aloud without referring to its published images. What do you notice? Read it again. Listen to its cadence. Then read your story. Does yours have a similar cadence? 

You can do something similar with every craft issue you face. Need ideas on how to write believable dialog? Find a published book that does that well. Need help structuring nonfiction information in a way that builds “tension”? Check out a bunch of recently published titles and see what they do. Lyrical language? Mentor text. Child-like POV? Mentor text. Fractured fairy tales? Mentor text. 

11. What type of subjects do you like / not like to read about (or, if you are an Editor or an Agent, see in your in-box)? 

I like fiction and nonfiction that makes me feel something—whether that is surprise, wonder, empathy, validation, or playful. I’m not a fan of potty humor or overly used puns. Nor do I care for heavy, message-driven manuscripts. But I love when authors experiment, especially when that experimentation grows out of a solid study of craft.

12. Share a fun fact about YOU! 

Completely non-writing related: I love interior design. I worked my way through college in a home interior store; graduated to using it in one of our small businesses flipping houses (before watching others fix up houses became mainstream entertainment); and still get asked for help from friends choosing colors, finishes, and furniture layouts. 

Award-winning picture book author, Roxanne Troup, writes heartfelt stories that celebrate wonder, belonging, and the magic of everyday moments. She is the author of My Grandpa, My Tree, and Me; Reaching for the Stars: A Mission to Space; and Happy Birthday, America!; along with many titles for the classroom. Her books invite young readers to discover, grow, and connect. A kidlit ghostwriter and developmental editor, she works with publishers and individuals to write picture books and chapter books for new and existing IP. When not writing, Roxanne loves hiking with her family through the mountains of Colorado and exploring the quiet magic of the natural world. Connect with her online at www.roxannetroup.com.