Terri Lilga is the author of the new children's picture book There's a Hubbard in My Cupboard. She also has written the book Santa's Simon. A longtime educator, she lives in Hamburg, New York.
Q: What inspired you to write There’s a Hubbard in My Cupboard?
A: I am continually inspired by “everyday/ordinary” things. I can spontaneously “see” a children’s book everywhere. I maintain a notebook of new ideas as I get them.
Specifically, I was inspired to write There’s A Hubbard in My Cupboard during a Lilga family gathering when my husband’s cousin shared that her mother’s maiden name was “Hubbard” as we were talking about their family tree.
I typically write my children’s books in rhyme - so as soon as I heard the name - I thought “There’s a Hubbard in My Cupboard!” could be a cute children’s book! So I immediately jotted the idea down and here we are!
Q: What do you think Chau Pham’s illustrations add to the book?
A: Chau is an incredibly talented illustrator! (She also illustrated my first children’s book, Santa’s Simon.) I find her attention to detail and use of colors amazing. Chau also brought her own perception and vision to the illustrations while bringing my story to life. I’m very fortunate how she just “gets me” and the synergy we have working together.
Q: How did your experience as an educator affect the writing of the book?
A: As an elementary school educator who taught the reading and writing processes, I was immersed in children’s literature - including becoming familiar with an extensive variety of genres, authors, characters, settings, problems/resolutions, etc. I knew when I retired, I wanted to pursue taking a turn at writing children’s books professionally.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?
A: First and foremost, I hope kids enjoy and have fun with the story and the playful nature of my rhyme!
I’d also like kids to have opportunities to go “beyond the book” via discussions/activities that focus on the creative and critical thinking the boy and his dog use to try to solve the problem of the Hubbard - and how both creative and critical thinking might be applied to solving their own challenges.
I also hope my books inspire kids to want to write their own stories.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Next up I plan to collaborate with my husband on a book featuring our 4-year-old sweet, sassy, and smart mini-golden doodle, Sushi! She’s adorable and very entertaining!
I’d also like to wrap up a third book that’s written but needs some editing input.
And there’s always my ongoing list of “on the spot” ideas for future children’s books vying for my attention…
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I’m so grateful for my very rewarding 30-year career as an elementary educator - and that I acknowledged the inspiration and took the leap to pursue professional writing when I retired.
I have met and continue to meet some incredible people and am enjoying each of the new and fun experiences that have become mine via my books.
Thank you, Deborah, for this opportunity to share my thoughts about There’s A Hubbard in My Cupboard!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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