Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Q&A with Rebecca Kraft Rector

 


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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