Q&A with Laura Gehl

 

 

Laura Gehl is the author of the new children's picture book Orson and the World's Loudest Library. Her many other books include Apple and Magnolia. She lives in Maryland. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Orson and the World’s Loudest Library, and how did you create your character Orson?

 

A: It’s easy to say what inspired me to write this book: the many libraries I’ve visited over the past few years, including my own local library! From a library bunny to puzzle tables to book clubs to science demonstrations, everything under the sun is happening in libraries these days! And I love that!

 

On the other hand, I am someone who needs intense quiet when I am working—even having my husband “silently” working nearby irks me (Ack! He is typing! And breathing! How is that silent???).

 

I also adore being alone in my house, with absolutely nobody to disturb me when I’m reading or writing. So my own passion for quiet was the beginning of Orson’s character.

 

Q: What do you think Stephanie Roth Sisson’s illustrations add to the story?

 

A: Stephanie’s illustrations are incredibly warm and loving. Her art helps readers see from the beginning what a wonderful, welcoming space the library is…long before Orson can see it himself.

 

Q: The Kirkus Review of the book calls it a “sweet tale that emphasizes the value of open-mindedness and community.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I think that’s a great description. Libraries build community in innumerable ways, and that’s a huge part of what I wanted to say with this story. And Orson’s journey from stuck in his ways to embracing what the library can offer beyond books is definitely a reminder of the value of open-mindedness.

 

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

 

A: Libraries can connect book lovers with books, but they can also connect book lovers with one another!

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I just had a meeting with my editor for a book called Women of the Wind, which is the true story of an all-female sailing team that raced around the world. Now that the manuscript is finalized, I’m excited to see how the illustrator brings the story to life. There’s so much water in the story, and I always enjoy seeing how water is illustrated in picture books.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: My daughter made a book trailer for Orson, which your readers can check out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNR8T5Zn1PE

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Laura Gehl.