Local children’s author Vanessa Cudmore is truly living out her writing dreams. After the whirlwind success of Lotta Pedal Catches Her Wave, Cudmore is eager to present the next installment to her bold and captivating series, Lotta Pedal Chases Buck Moon.
The process of publishing Lotta Pedal Catches Her Wave was a transformative experience, particularly in Cudmore’s travels upon the book’s release. She says, “The reception for Book One has been very exciting and rewarding on different levels.” Cudmore attended several bookstore events, including a book signing at the popular Los Angeles Barnes and Noble at The Grove location. She not only got to meet her readers but sought out creative ways to launch Book One. Cudmore became a sponsor for the Ocean Film Festival World Tour in Santa Cruz, which earned her a running ad for Lotta Pedal at their theater. Her book was featured in environmentally focused stores, including a floral shop in the historic Drake Hotel in Chicago. Cudmore even journeyed as far as Canada to share Lotta Pedal with new readers, all while balancing her day job and writing Book Two.
During this exhilarating experience, Cudmore was more than ready to dive into the publication process for Book Two. Lotta Pedal Chases Buck Moon continues to follow the adventures of young and spunky Lotta Pedal, who has a knack for baking, biking, and discovering nature’s wonders in her West Coast hometown. In this sequel, Lotta Pedal prepares to celebrate the first full moon of the summer. However, she finds herself on an unexpected nighttime outdoor adventure when a mysterious night owl steals one of her homemade orange creamsicle whoopie moon pies. The writing and illustration all took place during the launching of Book One, making it a true balancing act for Cudmore. She worked alongside the same team that helped bring her first book to life, including award-winning illustrator Antonio Caparo.
The writing process for this follow-up came to Cudmore instinctively. She explains, “I wanted the second book to define Lotta’s adventures for the remainder of the series. She’s still quick-witted, active, and independent, all while learning about ways to protect the planet a little more.” As for the setting, Cudmore used one of her personal favorite parks, Coyote Hills, as inspiration for Lotta’s local regional park. Together, Lotta and the reader learn about the significance of trail maintenance and other vital facets of nature that help to ensure wildlife has a safe and secure sanctuary to live in.
Lotta Pedal fans will be happy to learn that Cudmore has already mapped out a total of five stories in the series thus far. She shares, “There is so much more to tell. As the storyline evolves, it’s only natural that the characters do too.” Readers will be able to grow alongside Lotta Pedal and endure not only her successes but also her hardships, including her hopes in trying to stabilize the rocky dynamic she has with her two older brothers. The themes of family and friendship are still vital to shaping Lotta’s world as a whole. Environmental awareness is also a permanent fixture in the series. Cudmore says, “The tricky part is keeping everything energetic and fun, rather than sounding too much like a textbook.” Lotta’s special baking recipes will also continue to be featured.
As a writer, Cudmore’s journey has been a long but fulfilling one. Becoming comfortable in promoting herself as an author was in itself a defining and transformative moment. She was even recently featured on the KTVU Fox 2 “Voices For Change” show, which further amplified her conviction as a writer. “Diving headfirst and learning to be confident were skills I’ve had to
practice to put myself out there,” she shares. By breathing life into Lotta Pedal, not only has the trajectory of Cudmore’s own life changed but her belief in the power of using one’s imagination as a tool for growth and change. When giving words of wisdom to aspiring writers, Cudmore says, “There is no limit on the flow of creativity.” Extraordinaire Earth-saver Lotta Pedal proves to be a true testament to this.
To purchase the Lotta Pedal books, visit https://www.lottapedal.com/shop. Physical copies can also be found at Banter Bookshop in Fremont.
Lotta Pedal Book Event
Saturday, June 22
10:30 a.m.
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave. Ste. F, Fremont
