RWYK Podcast Welcomes Anthony L. Manna & Donald Babisch, author and illustrator of “Loukas and the Game of Chance”
Hey RWYK Family!!
Join us as we welcome Anthony L. Manna, an author of picture books and a collection of folk tales and fairy tales. He is joining us to talk about his forthcoming book, Loukas and the Game of Chance. This book is about loss and the journey to recovery. Anthony is accompanied by Donald Babisch, illustrator of the book to talk about their inspiration for the book, and to share their experience working together as a team.
Anthony L. Manna is the award-winning author of Mr. Semolina-Semolinus: A Greek Folktale, The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece, and Greek Folktales: A Treasury of Delights. Loukas and the Game of Chance, a middle-grade fantasy, will be available in October 2019, wherever books are sold.
Be sure to tune in to get all the insights!
About the Author
Anthony L. Mannas first collaboration with Soula Mitakidou, Mr. Semolina-Semolinus: A Greek Folktale, illustrated by Giselle Potter, was an ALAALSC Notable Book, a Marion Vannett Ridgway Award winner, and a New York Public Library Best Book for Children. Another collaboration of theirs, The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece, illustrated by Giselle Potter, was a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of 2012. They also collaborated on the anthology, Folktales from Greece: A Treasury of Delights. Anthony has worked with children and teens in drama and storytelling; has been an actor, director of children’s theater, vehicle repossessor, and janitor; and has taught in schools and universities in Turkey, Greece, Albania, and the United States. He divides his time between Ohio and Arizona.
For more info on Anthony L. Manna and his book, visit
About the illustrator
Donald Babisch is an artist and art educator focusing primarily on fiber art and mixed media. His work was recently exhibited at the Ashton Gallery in California and at the crooked tree gallery in Michigan. Donald has also taught art at all grade levels in public schools. His articles have appeared in several art education journals And he wrote and illustrated Who Is That peeking In My Windows for beginning readers.
Learn more about “Loukas and the Game of Chance”
While Loukas is playing his flute at the seawall one day, he befriends a mysterious talking, dancing snake that rewards him with fortune and favor. Some years later, tempted by greed and pride, Loukas loses all his riches and his family. He must now set off on a treacherous journey through a frightening forest filled with suspense and strange creatures to find Destiny, her son Ilion, the Sun, and her daughter Luna, the Moon. These celestial guardians will surely allow him to reverse his misfortune, restore his honor, and win back all that he loves and treasures, won’t they?
A reimagined Greek folktale, Loukas and the Game of Chance is illuminated with dramatic and evocative pen and ink drawings that provide an ideal backdrop for the dark intrigue that fills this haunting story of human struggle, courage, and resilience.
Loukas and the Game of Chance will be available on October 1, 2019, on Amazon and wherever the books are sold!
In This Episode, We Discuss
- Introduction to Anthony L. Manna & Donald Babisch, author and illustrator of Loukas and the Game of Chance
- What inspired the story of Anthony’s book?
- How has Anthony’s teaching experience influenced his writing?
- How was it for Donald to create images for such an interesting story?
- What kind of conversation families can have if families are co reading Loukas and the Game of Chance?
- Donald shares how to encourage kids to show their creativity to the world
- Where can people find more information about Anthony & Donald?
A big Thank you to Anthony L. Manna & Donald Babischfor doing this Interview! We’re so cheerful to pass on their AMAZING book to all our listeners and we hope you’ll check out more of their books in the future!
If you haven’t already done so, listen to this episode & feel free to share it by using the social media buttons at the bottom of this page. We would LOVE if you could leave us a review on iTunes.
We’d also love to hear what you think about the podcast and any suggestions on what you’d like to hear in future episodes. Feel free to connect with us on our social media, or email us anytime by contacting us.
Have great Tuesday listeners!
