Q&A with Sue Fliess

 

 

Sue Fliess is the author of the new children's picture book How to Teach a Monster, the latest in her Magical Creatures and Crafts series. She lives in Northern Virginia.

 

Q: What inspired you to write How to Teach a Monster? 

 

A: My editor and I brainstormed many magical creatures for this 10th book and there were some monsters I loved in particular. Bigfoot, being one. In the end, we decided to go with a more generic monster that the illustrator could make her own.

 

We often think of monsters as bumbling or clumsy, so I thought it would be fun to have the key verb in the title be “teach.” The thought was that the kids teaching a monster something new may make him feel accomplished and perhaps a little less clumsy. 

 

Q: Why did you decide on baking as the skill the monster would learn? 

 

A: Baking takes a little bit of precision but also allows for being a little messy, so it seemed the perfect skill to teach a big monster.

 

Also, I wanted the skill to be something that kids can do mostly on their own (obviously dealing with an oven needs some adult oversight), so I wanted the skill to be relatable to kids.

 

Kids also learn units of measurement and following step-by-step instructions in school, and baking involves both naturally. 

 

Q: What do you think Simona Sanfilippo’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: I adore the monster Simona created. He's goofy but loveable and the first scene where he is wistfully thinking about what else he could be...she made him a real dreamer and I love that! 

 

Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?

 

A: That even if learning something new may seem scary, if you have good people or friends to support you and help you along the way, anything is possible.

 

The kids don't think twice about offering to help this monster who sought them out, and in the end, they all celebrate his success. Kids are generous in spirit like that, and think of others first. We can learn so much from the way children help and support each other. 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I'm working on two things. The first is an activity book based on this Magical Creatures and Crafts 10-book series. It's going to be so cute and chock full of fun activities for kids. Look for it next year.

 

I'm also writing the second in a lullaby board book series, which has a winter theme. More details soon!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Sue Fliess.