Q&A with Camille Andros

Camille Andros is the author of the new children's picture book biography From a Small Seed: The Story of Eliza Hamilton. Her other books include Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure. She lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Q: Why did you decide to write a children's picture book about Eliza Hamilton?

A: There is a lot of information about our founding fathers but not much about our founding mothers. Eliza Hamilton did so much that helped shape our country and her example of love, acceptance, and compassion are all character traits we can learn from today. 

Q: Why did you choose a theme of seeds and trees for this book?

A: I love the energy of nature and the growth that accompanies it. We each start as a small seed with great potential to become a strong tree with deep roots and I loved having this imagery in Eliza's story. 

Q: How much do you think kids will know about Eliza and Alexander Hamilton before coming to this book?

A: Before I started researching Eliza's life for this book, I knew very little about her, so I expect many of the facts about Eliza's life included in the book will be new information for children.

The Hamilton musical has certainly helped to shine a light on Eliza, but it's still a musical about Alexander Hamilton. I'm excited to get to share Eliza's story with children. 

Q: What do you think Tessa Blackham's illustrations add to the book?

A: Tessa visited the Schuyler mansion where Eliza grew up and was very careful and authentic in her representation of Eliza and her family. I love the stamp she made to create the wallpaper in the book based on the wallpaper that hung in Eliza's room as a child.

The design, color palette, and delicate detail of the art perfectly complement the feeling of the text and invite children into the story in such an accessible way. 

Q: What are you working on now?

A: I'm working on several exciting projects that haven't been announced yet and can't wait to share them with you!

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: Thank you so much for your help and support in sharing From a Small Seed: The Story of Eliza Hamilton with readers! 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb