Jennifer K. Mann is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book The Riding Lesson. Her other books include The Camping Trip. She lives on an island near Seattle.
Q: What inspired you to create The Riding Lesson, and how did you create your characters Frances and Mae?
A: I grew up riding horses, and my Candlewick editor Kate Fletcher is an avid horsewoman, so we’ve talked about doing a horse book for years!
I wanted to write a book about riding horses that would feel accessible to all kids, even those who aren’t sure they love horses, or who have never had a chance to be near a horse. No matter how you happen to spend time in the presence of horses, it is always a privilege.
My very first riding lesson was on a round white pony named Snowball. I don’t remember if I was excited or scared to ride before that first time, but I do remember that Snowball had a mind of her own, puffed up her belly when I tightened the girth, and exited the ring we were in when I lost control of the reins.
All ended well, but my nerve-racking Snowball experience stayed with me and definitely was the genesis of this book.
Frances and Mae are made entirely of me, my dear friend Polly who was my childhood horse-shenanigans pal (and still operates in the world of hoses) and every kid who has ever found that reality does not exactly match their dreams. Sometimes reality is even better.
Q: The Booklist review of the book says, “The gently humorous and emotionally tactful plot packs in helpful horse-care information that’s visually supported by cartoonish mixed-media illustrations....it will better equip eager hippophiles anticipating their own riding lessons.” What do you think of that description?
A: It made me chuckle! Fortunately I didn’t have to look up the word hippophile because I was able to deduce its definition from the context!
But also, I feel like Booklist got it. For this book, I wanted to create a good story with an emotional punch combined with practical, fun, and funny information about horses and riding. This is a book for me—because I adore all things horse, and I miss the many years I spent in their magnificent company.
But more importantly, this is a book for kids who love horses, those who aren’t sure they love horses, and especially those who may not have had a chance to be anywhere near a horse.
Q: How would you compare this book with your book The Camping Trip, which we talked about in a previous interview?
A: The Riding Lesson is sort of a companion to The Camping Trip, in that it is the same trim size and comic format, with new characters in a new adventure.
Like The Camping Trip, it’s a story about trying new things, even when the reality of the experience does not match one’s expectations. Both books are also about not giving up when things are a little scary or challenging. And like The Camping Trip, this is a story about the value of a supportive and empathic friend.
I intentionally used some of the same devices found in The Camping Trip to tell this story and share helpful information: lists, how-tos and details of what it really can be like when having that very first riding lesson.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?
A: I hope that kids find this story fun and funny, and informational. I hope they find it to be a window into a world they may be unfamiliar with, but one that can be available to all. I hope they will be inspired to try something new, even when it’s smelly, messy, or challenging.
And I hope they come away with a little bit of tenderness for a round, stubborn, dirty pony named Snowball.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I recently finished the artwork for a picture book by Maya Meyers that comes out from Neal Porter Books/Holiday House next spring. It’s called Good Morning, Morning! and I love it.
It was a privilege to illustrate this love poem to dawn, nature, and the joy of a child experiencing the magic of an early morning, alone, except for trees, fungii, birds, squirrels, rabbits, and perhaps even fairies.
This summer I have been refilling my creative well with some experimental art and writing, and I am working hard on a couple new picture books that are secret projects at the moment.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I was recently lucky enough to celebrate the publication of The Riding Lesson at a really wonderful horse rescue called Toni’s Ponies Horse Rescue. At Toni’s Ponies they lovingly care for 27 rescued horses in various stages of their lives.
The work they do is therapeutic for the horses, and for the humans lucky enough to spend time around these beautiful animals. Check out their beautiful website at https://www.tonisponies.org/size.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Jennifer K. Mann.
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