Q&A with G. Neri

  

 

 

G. Neri is the author of the new children's picture book My Bicentennial Summer. His other books include My Antarctica. He lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

 

Q: Why did you decide to write My Bicentennial Summer?

 

A: A few years ago, I came across some Polaroids I had taken on this trip, along with some souvenirs. It got me thinking: was it really as big a trip as I vaguely remembered it?

 

I started looking into it, trying to recreate our route and when things happened. And the more I laid it out, the more I started remembering.

 

And then I realized it was not only the makings for a great book, but a great vehicle to talk about the promise of America and what it means to be an American. That’s what the Bicentennial is all about. And what perfect timing to release in during our nation’s 250th birthday!

 

Q: What do you think Corban Wilkin’s illustrations, and the combination of graphics and old photos, add to the book?

 

A: Like its predecessor, My Antarctica, the combination of photos and drawings gives it a kind of scrapbook/travelogue feeling. In many ways, it helped me explore this country the way I explored Antarctica: from the curiosity of a kid.

 

Initially, it was hard to write about myself but seeing young me as a cartoon character really helped me think of it as an epic story of a family road trip…that just happened to be me! Plus Corban really captured our family dynamics at the time.

 

Q: The Kirkus Review of the book calls it an “indelible family adventure exploring all things American—the good, bad, and ugly.” What do you think of that description, and how did you try to balance the “good, bad, and ugly” in the book?

 

A: When you’re a kid who’s never been anywhere but California, everything outside of that is a shock, either in a surprising way (accents, food) or an amazing way (national parks and monuments) or a kind of bad way (tornados, bears, war). I think it’s an apt description of the journey.

 

What I love most is that as a kid, I get to ask some very simple but profound questions: How did the Grand Canyon get so big? Why did they kill president Kennedy? Was Billy the Kid real? Why was there a civil war? Can we take a raft down the Mississippi like Huck Finn? Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? If all men are created equal, what about women? Or Black people? Or Native Americans? If you threw a penny off the Empire State Building, what would happen? How come people talk different in the South and the East? What is a crawdaddy? Best schooling I ever got.

 

Q: How would you compare the U.S. of 1976 with that of today?

 

A: Back then, we were coming out of a down period of the country: Vietnam, Watergate, the end of the moon landings. So the Bicentennial was about reclaiming the ideals of America as seen in the eyes of the Founders. It was a huge celebration and restored some national pride, however misplaced.

 

Now is similar: the loss of human rights, equality and the destruction of many of the major foundations of this country, has rocked people’s lives. But like the revolution, we are rising up to defend democracy. Just in time for our 250th birthday!

 

Q: What are you working on now? 

 

A: I’ve just finished two huge books that have been many years in the making: We Are All Apollo about the Black history of the space program and how it affected our quest for equal rights, and Black Chrysalis, my first foray into horror-fantasy epic storytelling. Both have been incredible journeys into the unknown.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Making this book has helped restore my faith in people and how our differences is what really binds us together as well. We are a nation of immigrants and different cultures and that’s what makes us unique. Our divisions are manufactured by outside forces looking to divide us.

 

But I still think we are more united than we realize, once you start exploring the country in person. I’ve traveled to 48 of our 50 states and met amazing people across the board. We the People is a real thing once you get out there on the road.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with G. Neri. 

Q&A with Robin Becker

  

 

Robin Becker is the author of the new poetry collection Midsummer Count: New and Selected Poems. Her many other books include The Black Bear Inside Me. She is a liberal arts research professor emerita in English and women's studies at the Pennsylvania State University, and she lives in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire. 

 

Q: Over how long a period did you write the poems collected in Midsummer Count?

 

A: The poems in Midsummer Count span a 50-year period, forming a neat half-century.

 

I think of my first poems as emerging from the turbulence of the 1970s, especially the cultural shifts brought about by the women’s movement.

 

In a recent poem, the speaker refers to her mistrust of the current president and her fear of current government practices.

 

My first book, Personal Effects, came out in 1976 with Alice James Press.

 

Q: How was the collection’s title (also the title of one of the poems) chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: Midsummer, for me, is the richest and most gorgeous time of year, and I’ve cherished it since I was a child.

 

In the poem, the speaker recalls a group of childhood friends—girls, “changelings,” genderless creatures not yet boxed and categorized. Comparing these pre-pubescent girls to ponies and ducks and young vassals, the speaker imagines herself in “bright plumage,” starring in her own “Midsummer Count.” A love for and an identification with other living creatures infuses the poem with joy.

 

At the same time, the longest day of the year portends the inevitable shortening of days, an “accounting” that requires we pay attention to time in its many manifestations.

 

The actual “Midsummer Count” refers to organized bird counts that take place throughout the year in various places. The Audubon Society leads two major citizen-participation bird counts, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) and the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) in February. Others, organized by state (such as Connecticut) run summer bird counts.  

 

A “Midsummer Count” holds both glory and decline. It acknowledges the dualities and contradictions and inevitabilities within which we live our mortal lives. I thought it would make a good title for a New and Selected.   

 

Q: How did you choose the order in which the poems would appear in the book?

 

A: I thought about organizing the poems by theme but eventually decided to create a chronological collection, starting with the most recent poems. This choice emphasizes the book-by-book development, showcasing selected poems from each earlier collection.

 

As in every New and Selected,  this one does not include many poems that would contribute to a more “complete” picture, but space limitations required that I make hard decisions. A more “complete” picture will have to wait for another occasion!

 

Q: The poet Alicia Ostriker said of the book, “Robin Becker’s voice as a poet is unique. It is complex. There’s a rasp in it, but also a sweet viola.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I’m especially fond of Alicia Ostriker’s characterization of my voice here, and I’m grateful for the words “rasp” and “sweet viola.” Sometimes we want language that abrades or files or scrapes; and, sometimes we seek language that sings—delicious, fragrant, fresh. I like thinking that Alicia found complexity and a range of tones in this book.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Like many poets, I’m trying to find a way to respond to our current political climate, and I’m struggling to find the language to do so. Simultaneously, I want to write about this “new” stage of life; I’ll be 75 years old in March.

 

Oddly, when I start to write about being an older person, I end up recalling —and writing about—an important childhood event. I’m currently working on a poem that includes the young Black woman who left Georgia to work for my family in Philadelphia, caring for two white children while leaving her own son in the care of her mother.

 

I’m interested in the impact of the Great Migration on white, Jewish families like mine. All of my grandparents were born in Russia or what was called The Pale of Settlement.  

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Interviews, readings, and publications related to the book will take place throughout 2026. Please check my Amazon author page and my UNM Author page for information on readings around the country this year.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb 

Q&A with Eric Walters

  

 

 

Eric Walters is the author of the new young adult novel Julia and Romano. His many other books include The King of Jam Sandwiches. He lives in Guelph, Ontario. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Julia and Romano, and how do you see it relating to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?

 

A: I was in Campbell River, B.C., standing in front of an audience of 200 high school students. I had mentioned in my presentation that I am often inspired by the places I visit - a student asked, “What would you write about if you lived here?” 

 

I answered that I liked their community but it seemed like half of you are lumberjacks and the other half are tree huggers . . . you must get along wonderfully! I then gave the outline of the book while standing there.

 

Q: How would you describe the dynamic between your characters Jules and Cody?

 

A: Their relationship is based on caring, kindness and a deep connection.

 

I told my wife that when she reads this book she should hear my voice when Cody speaks. The dedication is: For Anita - my Juliette. Because of you every love story and love song makes sense. 

 

There is a first date scene in this book where Cody gives the worst first date line of all time . . . the exact line I said to my wife on our first date.

 

Q: Why did you decide to focus on environmental issues in the novel?

 

A: The whole conflict is built around environmental versus forestry issues. This is the foundation for the two families divided.

 

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

 

A: That love exists, that it's possible, that you should believe in it, seek it out, not settle for less.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: The story is called Playing By Ear about a boy who discovers his father after the death of his mother.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb 

Q&A with Shelley Rotner

  

 

 

Shelley Rotner is the author and photographer of the new children's picture book Let's Camp!. Her other books include Nature Spy Guide. 

 

Q: What inspired you to create Let’s Camp!?

 

A: My editor Carol Hinz asked if I would be interested in doing a book about camping. My previous book, Nature Spy Guide, was a book to encourage kids to explore and enjoy nature, so a book about camping would also be a way to do that. My favorite nearby swimming lake has a beautiful campground, so it seemed like a natural fit.

 

Q: How did you choose the photographs to include in the book?

 

A: The photos came after the text was finalized. I used verbs throughout to give life and energy to the activities and actions one might do while camping. Kids and families were engaged while I was exploring that campground and others too, so it made my job easy and fun!

 

Q: What are some of your favorite camping experiences?

 

A: Probably my most favorite was camping on a lake in Maine and waking up to the sound of loons and then seeing them fly and land. It was magical. I also loved the campfires when day turned to night. And, of course, having s’mores.

 

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

 

A: I want kids to have fun and witness the beauty of nature, whether fishing or finding salamanders and slowing down to notice and discover things. I also hope kids appreciate their camping communities and learn and show respect for nature and neighbors.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Hopefully another book with Carol about bullying.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I would encourage kids to keep journals, take photos if possible, and make their own personal book of their camping experience.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb 

March 21

 

 

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
March 21, 1905: Phyllis McGinley born.

Q&A with Aaron Reynolds

  

 

 

Aaron Reynolds is the author of the new kids' chapter book Unsettling Salad!, the second in his Jasper Rabbit's Creepy Tales! series. He lives in Chicago. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Unsettling Salad!, and how did you create your character Thaddeus Badger?

 

A: I love the creepy and ridiculous! I have been brewing on a story about a were-broccoli for some time now and this series just opened up the possibility for this idea. A lycanthropic broccoli that transforms into bushy-headed veggie doom when the moon is full. Ludicrous! I love it!

 

Q: How would you describe the relationship between Thaddeus Badger and Oliver Possum?

 

A: They have a fierce friendship, but their solutions are a bit misguided, just like the thinking of so many kids their age. And yet, they don't hesitate to perform their ill-advised escape plan in their quest for fun.

 

Q: What do you think Peter Brown’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: They don't just add to the book, they make the book. Peter always brings his full A-game to the Creepy universe, with all the weird lighting, strange camera angles and quirky retro-meets-spooky vibes that help to define the tone of the series.

 

Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says, “Tone is the true star of the show in this series; the mystery unspools thanks to the buildup of unnerving moments.” What do you think of that assessment?

 

A: I agree! Tone is everything! Ambiance and vibe are each characters in their own right and juxtaposing the unnerving against the farcical is essential in making these stories work.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: The kids and librarians have spoken: They want more Creepy! My attention is solidly on the creepy for a while. More Creepy chapter books are being brainstormed and more Creepy picture book goodness is not out of the question.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Stay tuned for the next installment in Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales. A new title is coming soon called Yarn Is Everything and it may be my favorite of these three. I won't spoil it, but I will say this... crochet is about to get weird.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Aaron Reynolds. 

Q&A with Chana Stiefel and Susan Gal

  

Chana Stiefel

 

 

Chana Stiefel is the author and Susan Gal is the illustrator of the new children's picture book Awe!. Their other books include The Tower of Life.  

 

Q: What inspired you to write Awe!?

 

CS: Since I was a child, I’ve always loved exploring nature, hiking in the wilderness, kayaking in mangroves, watching sunsets at the beach, and experiencing close encounters with wildlife. But I never could explain why I love those experiences so much.

 

In 2023, I listened to a podcast with Dr. Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at Berkeley who was talking about “the one emotion that might be the key to happiness.” And that’s AWE!

 

I was immediately drawn to the new research on awe and how it can change the way we think and feel. Experiencing awe can lessen our anxiety, make us more curious and creative, and connect us to other people. Which is exactly what we need right now! Whenever I get excited about a topic like awe, I know it’s time to write a new book.

Susan Gal, photo by Emilee Orton

 

Q: What do you think Susan Gal’s illustrations add to the book?

 

CS: I’m in awe of Susan’s stunning illustrations. Every spread is a masterpiece, which I hope will not only inspire awe in our readers, but also have the ripple effects that experiencing awe creates.

 

For example, take a look at the beautiful spread showing diverse people painting a gorgeous mural together. The swirling colors leap off the page. The text reads: “Awe wakes you, shakes you, calls you to create! In unity, community, so much to celebrate!”

 

My hope is that after readers see Susan’s AWEsome illustrations, they will be inspired to create their own works of art, maybe even together with friends, new and old.

 

What’s more, I recently read Awe! as a bedtime story to my very bouncy niece. I asked her how she felt afterward and she said, “Calm.” I can think of no greater compliment to Susan than saying that her artwork has a powerful, calming effect on children.

 

Q: How did you create the illustrations for the book?

 

SG: Chana mentioned that she had written a story with my illustrations in mind. When I read her manuscript for Awe! I was immediately taken with her language and the fantastic way she presented awe. When my head starts spinning with images while I’m reading a manuscript I know that that story is special.

 

I spent several weeks experimenting with paint, ink, and pencils, trying to capture those experiences of awe that Chana describes in the story.  I tried to not simply “paint” awe but really struggled to have the reader feel and understand awe.

 

It is my hope that our book will give a reader the vision and language to search and describe their own moments of awe. As we say in the book—awe is truly all around us.

 

Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says, “Countless picture books teach children to identify and explore feelings; this title stands out for its focus on one that few other stories have considered: awe.” What do you think of that description?

 

CS: I’m honored to help fill in this gap on bookshelves. If you’ve ever taken a walk with a toddler, you know that they stop to study every leaf and acorn. Everything is new to them, making them natural repositories of awe.

 

As they develop language skills, it’s important for children to have words to describe their feelings. So when kids see leaves, acorns, a beautiful butterfly, or rainbow and they say, “Ooh! Ahh! Whoa!” they can now describe that emotion as “awe.”

 

Also, with our busy lives and so much screen time, it’s important for families to take a break, slow down, and appreciate the awe surrounding us. By introducing the concept of awe in a picture book, we hope that children and their grownups will take “awe walks” or “awe-ventures” and make them part of their regular practice.

 

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

 

CS: I hope that children open their minds and hearts to experiencing awe every day, everywhere—in nature, art, music, architecture, spirituality, and most of all, in other people. The sources of awe (and their benefits) are endless.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

CS: I’m working on a follow-up book to Awe!, and I’m plotting (and plodding) away on my first historical fiction middle grade novel.

 

SG: I’m working on illustrating a delightful book with a dragon, a clever girl, and pirates—-I love designing zany characters and marvelous adventures.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

CS: Susan and I are both so grateful to have worked on this book together. Everyone is invited to celebrate with us at our launch party at Books of Wonder in NYC on Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m.

 

Also, I’ve worked with Sari Kopitnikoff, a wonderful educator, to create two educational guides to Awe!, available free for download from my website. They are packed with coloring pages, writing activities, and many additional resources. Click here and scroll down: https://chanastiefel.com/books/awe/

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb