Q&A with Susan Stockdale

 

 

 

Susan Stockdale is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book Don't Eat the Cleaners!. Her other books include Line Up!. She lives in Maryland.

 

Q: What inspired you to create Don’t Eat the Cleaners!?

 

A: An illustration in my previous book, Line Up! Animals in Remarkable Rows, sparked the idea for Don’t Eat the Cleaners!. It featured pufferfish lined up for a “cleaning session” by little fish, and I found the whole idea of animals cooperating in this way fun and fascinating. I thought children would be just as intrigued by this behavior.

 

Q: How did you research the book, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

A: I followed my usual research process - starting with books, articles, and websites to learn about the theme of symbiosis among ocean animals.

 

But the real gem of my process was consulting with ichthyologists at the National Aquarium and the Natural History Museum. Their input was invaluable in ensuring the accuracy of both my text and illustrations.

 

I was surprised to discover that ocean animals visit coral reef "cleaning stations" for a removal of pesky parasites by tiny cleaner fish more than 100 times a day!

 

Q: The Kirkus review of the book called it a “striking demonstration of cooperation in the natural world.” What do you think of that description?

A: I was happy with the review’s emphasis on the cooperation and teamwork between animals as it's a big part of what I wanted to convey. Of course, I also loved the word “striking”!

 

But I feel this Booklist review really captures the playful spirit of the book: "A lively book. Children can gather plenty of... enjoyment from Stockdale’s cheery explainer.”

Q: What do you hope kids (and adults) take away from the book?

 

A: I hope both kids and adults walk away with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world, especially when it comes to the unexpected partnerships that form in the ocean. The idea that creatures as big as sharks need help from smaller animals is a great reminder that teamwork is key.

 

I also hope my book ignites kids’ imaginations and – even better - inspires them to create their own picture books.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

A: I’m still in the brainstorming phase for my next book, but right now I’m enjoying creating some purely imaginative paintings. It’s a fun shift from the fact-driven work of my previous books.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: I feel incredibly lucky to be able to express my love of nature, art, and storytelling through picture books, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to connect with young readers in such a creative way.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Susan Stockdale.