Melanie Moore is the author of the new children's picture book Adventures with Allie and Friends: Chef Cherie's Cafe. She is also an educator.
Q: What inspired you to write Adventures with Allie and Friends: Chef Cherie’s Cafe?
A: Throughout my 20-year career as an educator, I was asked to write small social stories and create activities for various teachers and students. I realized I had a passion for using creativity to support both teachers and students. It was these teachers and students who helped me discover my passion for writing and creativity.
Q: What do you think Juan Diaz’s illustrations add to the book?
A: I love the bold coloring his illustrations add to the book because I feel like bold colors attract attention. His coloring reminds me of my favorite children’s book series, The Berenstain Bears.
Q: How did you create your character Allie?
A: I knew Allie should have a bubbly personality, but I wasn’t as picky with other details about her (like her skin tone, hair style, how she was dressed). I went with the first option Juan presented to me because of how friendly he illustrated her. She actually resembles a student I once had who also had a bubbly personality.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?
A: I want children to have fun with these books and enjoy the social interaction that comes from learning as they venture through Allie’s community.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I think Allie is planning on taking her readers to visit her grandfather at his supermarket.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Do you have good walking shoes? I hope so! Allie has big plans to take you all over her community over the next few years!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Melanie Moore. Enter this giveaway for the chance to win one of 10 hardcover copies of Adventures with Allie and Friends: Chef Cherie’s Cafe by Melanie Moore!
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