Maisha Oso is the author of the new children's picture book It's Almost Time for... Halloween!. Her other books include Before the Ships. She lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, and in Atlanta.
Q: What inspired you to write It's Almost Time for... Halloween!?
A: The idea for It’s Almost Time for… Halloween! came from the wonderful team at Simon & Schuster, who envisioned a funny, rhyming series to help children get excited about upcoming holidays.
I’ve always loved writing in rhyme and celebrating the holidays with family and friends, so I jumped at the opportunity to write the series.
Q: What do you think Tom Knight’s illustrations add to the book?
A: Tom’s illustrations truly bring the story to life. They’re vibrant, full of humor, and sprinkled with Easter eggs that hint at the playful misdirection at the end of the book.
Q: Did you know how the story would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: Yes, I knew how the book would end before I began writing, but with rhyme, you’re constantly making tweaks to ensure the story truly sings. I comb through each line, word for word, looking for opportunities to elevate the poetic language while making sure the meter remains consistent throughout.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: I hope children laugh and are immersed in the magic of getting ready for Halloween. I also hope they have fun searching for the Easter eggs Tom has hidden throughout the spreads of the book.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: It’s Almost Time For… Halloween! is just the first book in the series. We have already announced four more titles that will follow this one. I also have a hilarious chapter book series and another picture book coming out next year, and I’m currently drafting a YA novel in verse.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: The It’s Almost Time for… series is perfect for read-alouds and will have children laughing out loud. By the second reading, they’ll be eager to point out the clever Easter eggs that Tom has hidden throughout the illustrations, turning story time into an interactive game you can play together.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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