Rebecca Kraft Rector is the author of the new children's picture book Little Red and the Big Bad Editor. Her many other books include Squish Squash Squished. Also a librarian, she has lived in Maryland, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia.
Q: What inspired you to write Little Red and the Big Bad Editor?
A: When my first picture book, Squish Squash Squished, came out, reviewers called it a modern take on an old tale. I hadn’t set out to do that. But I decided to play with folktales and see if I could come up with another modern take on an old tale.
I love wordplay and Little Red Writing Hood was the result. I knew right away that Red would write a thank you letter to Granny for the cape and the Big Bad Wolf would correct all her errors. All that was left was to write it!
Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says, in part, “In this funny riff on a much-parodied folktale, beginning writers and the read-aloud crowd are exposed to new words and lots of similes as they simultaneously learn the rudiments of proper letter writing.” What do you think of that description?
A: I love it! They thought it was funny, plus they recognized all the fun I had with similes. I’ve been surprised to hear how important letter writing skills are to parents and teachers, so mentioning that is a big plus.
Q: What do you think Shanda McCloskey's illustrations add to the story?
A: Shanda’s illustrations take the story up another billion levels. She adds so much color, sass, fun, and imagination to the story!
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: I hope kids will laugh and maybe learn a little about letter writing. And I know this is a stretch, but it would be wonderful if they can see that keeping cool and using your head might get you out of a difficult situation.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Right now, I’m revising a middle grade fantasy and working on several picture books. I especially love the wordplay twist I’ve come up with on an old folktale. Now I just need to make that story sing!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Everyone gets down. Everyone gets discouraged. Just keep going.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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