Sol Regwan is the author of the new children's picture book Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project, the first in a series that also includes Geraldine and the Space Bees. An optometrist, he lives in Los Angeles.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for Geraldine and the
Most Spectacular Science Project?
A: I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be
writing children's books. I started writing roughly four years ago when I would
read my children bedtime stories every night. After reading two-to-three books
every night to my kids, I started coming up with many stories that were not
like the cookie cutter books that I read.
After a while I decided that I could do this. I started
writing and came up with the idea of Geraldine. I was very lucky to have my
amazing publisher, Schiffer Publishing, believe in Geraldine and have
that vision to go forth with it.
As a dad to a 5-year-old daughter, I was asked, "Could
girls go to Mars one day?" "How come all the presidents of the U.S.
are boys?" So I decided to write about a girl who was a bit misunderstood
and a bit of a troublemaker yet loved science and inventing things using her
gadgets and gizmos. A daydreamer who believed that she could do anything she
set her mind to.
Q: What do you think Denise Muzzio's illustrations add to
the story?
A: Denise Muzzio's illustrations adds tons to the book. Her
eye-catching style and beautiful colors bring the book to life. I can't imagine
the book being what it is without her talent. Most parents, teachers and
children are attracted to the illustrations and cover before they read the
book, so Denise's illustrations help bring that to life.
I am eternally grateful to her and am lucky to have her
illustrate the entire Geraldine Gizmo Girl series.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: I would hope to convey the message to children to pursue
their passions and dreams and not let anyone or anything stand in their way. I
would love for young girls to feel empowered and be the scientists and
astronauts that can one day change the world.
Q: As an optometrist and a writer, how do the two coexist
for you?
A: Having a science background and being a practicing
optometrist, it helps me connect the stories with a STEM theme. Every book of
the series has a scientific invention using Geraldine's gadgets and gizmos.
In the first book of the series, Geraldine and the Most
Spectacular Science Project, Geraldine creates a binocular telescope that could
see Mars. I tried to use my knowledge of optics and lens making in the creation
of the telescope in the story.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am working on the fourth book of the Geraldine series.
The first two books, Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project and
Geraldine and the Space Bees, just came out. The third book will be released
early next year. I am also working on a chapter book, actually a cross between
a chapter book and graphic novel. I am hoping for that to be a series as
well.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Aside from doing my part to help inspire children to
think outside the box and believe in themselves and follow their passions, I
would love for the Geraldine series to be part of the elementary school
curriculum. We need more girl scientists and inventors now more than ever. I am
hoping that young girls can have someone they could relate to and be inspired
to one day change the world!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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