Q&A with Bianca Schulze

 

 

 

Bianca Schulze is the author of the new children's picture book A New Friend for Dragon, the latest in her Dragon series. She is the founder and editor of The Children's Book Review and the host of the Growing Readers Podcast.

 

Q: What inspired you to write A New Friend for Dragon?

 

A: The inspiration for A New Friend for Dragon came from observing the world around us. With so much division and stereotyping happening globally, from political tensions to international conflicts, I wanted to create a story that challenges these preconceptions.

 

My biggest wish is for everyone to find common ground and friendship, regardless of their background or beliefs.

 

The idea of a dragon and a knight becoming friends felt like a perfect metaphor. In classic tales, they're often portrayed as enemies, so I thought it would be interesting to flip that narrative.

 

It's a gentle way to introduce young readers to the concept of looking beyond first impressions and challenging traditional stereotypes.

 

Q: What do you think Samara Hardy’s illustrations add to the story?

 

A: Samara Hardy's illustrations bring incredible warmth and vibrancy to the story. Her artwork beautifully captures the characters' emotions, from Dragon's eager friendliness to Sir Fiero's initial skepticism. The colorful, inviting visuals she creates help make the book's themes more accessible to young readers. Her illustrations also give children plenty to explore on each page.

Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Dragon and Sir Fiero?

 

A: The dynamic between Dragon and Sir Fiero is one of growth and transformation.

 

At first, we see a contrast between Dragon's open-hearted desire for friendship and Sir Fiero's reluctance based on preconceived notions. As the story progresses, we witness a journey from skepticism to trust, from assumption to appreciation.

 

Their relationship embodies the book's core message about the power of giving others a chance and looking beyond surface-level differences.

 

Q: Can you say more about what you hope kids take away from the story?

 

A: My biggest hope is that children will learn the value of open-mindedness and the joy of unexpected friendships. I want them to understand that it's okay to question stereotypes and that wonderful relationships can form in the most surprising places.

 

The story encourages kids to approach others with kindness and curiosity rather than judgment. Ultimately, I hope they'll carry this message into their own lives, becoming more inclusive and understanding individuals.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I'm currently preparing for the release of the next book in the Dragon series, Sharing is Caring, Dragon. Without giving too much away, I can say that it will continue to explore themes of friendship and personal growth, with some new, exciting challenges for Dragon to face.

 

I'm also working on an entirely new project that's still in its conceptual phase, but it's shaping up to be something that every family and educator will want in their social-emotional toolbox.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I'd like to express my gratitude to all the readers who have embraced Dragon and her adventures. The response to this series has been heartwarming, and it's incredibly fulfilling to see children connecting with these stories of friendship and self-discovery.

 

I'm also thankful to Clever Publishing for their continued support and belief in these books.

 

Lastly, I want to encourage parents and caregivers to use these stories as starting points for important conversations with children. Whether it's about making friends, challenging assumptions, or being open to new experiences, there's so much potential for meaningful dialogue inspired by Dragon's adventures.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Bianca Schulze. This Q&A is in partnership with The Children's Book Review. Enter a giveaway here to win a signed copy of A Friend for Dragon, two Hydro Flask cups (one for a child and one for an adult), and dragon stickers to decorate them.