Q&A with Tanya Harvey

 

 

 

 

Tanya Harvey is the author of the children's picture book 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas.  

 

Q: What inspired you to write 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas?

 

A: 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas was born out of a moment of joy in a family group chat. It was springtime, I had my corporate job had just come to an end, and it happened to be our turn to host Christmas.

 

As the messages poured in, I started jotting down all the little traditions we do every year — the often-forgotten (yet iconic) things like shoveling, untangling lights, or that annual one gift for you, one for me shopping trip.

 

I followed the spark, and the full first draft came together that very afternoon. What began as a playful list turned into a heartfelt, relatable Christmas story celebrating the real magic behind the holidays: the joyful chaos that brings families closer together.

 

Q: What do you think Chelsea Peters’ illustrations add to the book?

 

A: Chelsea Peters brought this story to life in the most magical way. I came into the process with a lot of ideas (possibly too many!), and she gently taught me that illustrations shouldn’t just mirror the words, they should expand the storytelling.

 

She layered in visual details that spark curiosity on every page and keep kids engaged with each reread. There are moments she captured that still make me tear up, and families tell me their children discover something new every time! That’s the kind of timeless quality I dreamed of.

 

Q: What are some of your other favorite holiday stories?

 

A: My girls love a good sing-along, so classics like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer are on repeat at our house. But my personal favourite is Barbara Reid’s version of The Night Before Christmas. Her plasticine artwork is sculptural magic! Every page is a masterpiece I get lost in.

 

I love that her work reminds kids that creativity can take any form. It’s the perfect blend of classic storytelling and imaginative visual art that inspires children to bust out the Play-Doh with a new perspective.

 

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

 

A: I hope they feel that Christmas isn’t just about the big day — it’s about the whole season of togetherness. It’s the little rituals families repeat each year that become the memories we hold onto.

 

If kids can get involved in the preparations and find joy in each step along the way, then they’ll understand that the getting ready is just as special as Christmas morning.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: This is definitely my busiest season yet! I’m currently doing author signings, driving books to indie bookstores and toy stores, and shipping orders from my dining room like a very determined Christmas elf. Seeing this story land in the hands of families around the world has been magical.

 

Next, I’ll be animating my other children’s book, I’m Not Pooping — a humorous, supportive story for little ones struggling with potty training. I also have a few new picture book ideas drafted, and I’m excited to choose which two to bring to life next year.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Yes — the cat! The mischievous cat in the book is named Tyler, and he actually came with our house when we moved in. He’s grumpy, opinionated, and has very specific daily routines… and let’s just say he’s already inspiring ideas for a future children’s book of his own.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Tanya Harvey. Enter this giveaway for a chance to win a festive prize package that includes a copy of 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas, a $100 gift card to your favorite bookstore, and a charming star treehopper to add some holiday sparkle to your home.