Saturday, August 31, 2024

Q&A with Anna Desnitskaya

 


 

 

Anna Desnitskaya is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book A Star Shines Through. Her other books include On the Edge of the World.

 

Q: What was the inspiration behind your creation of A Star Shines Through?

 

A: In February 2022, my husband, children, and I left Russia. We had never wanted to emigrate and had not planned to, but after the war in Ukraine began, we realized that we could no longer stay in our country.

 

As it happened, we ended up in Israel. It was very difficult: a completely foreign and unfamiliar country, an unfamiliar language, unfamiliar holidays, and a small rented apartment.

 

One day, we went to the Israeli IKEA and bought a cardboard star — the same one we had in our window in Moscow. And when we put it in the window and lit it up, I saw that the world around us became a little more welcoming and understandable. And also that this could turn into a book.

 

Q: Did you work on the text first or the illustrations first—or both simultaneously?

 

A: The idea came first, then I wrote the text very quickly (right during a Hebrew lesson, in half an hour), and after that, I spent about six months working on the illustrations and layout.

 

Q: The Booklist review of the book says, “Encouraging empathy and understanding, this illuminating picture book offers a realistic account of finding oneself in a new place and shines a light on the healing power of hope.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: This quote resonates with me, and it’s roughly what I aimed to convey in my book.

 

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

 

A: I would like readers to understand that it’s okay to feel sad and lonely in a new place, and that it’s okay not to love it right away. Moving (even when it’s desired) is always a loss, and you need to grieve for it. But over time, the new place becomes closer and more understandable — you just need time.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Right now, I’m working on a book about bread! It’s a very joyful and pleasant project.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with Jenny Lynn Pease

 


 

 

Jenny Lynn Pease is the author of the new children's picture book I Love Harriet Kippley. She is also a mental health advocate and she worked as an early childhood educator.

 

Q: What inspired you to write I Love Harriet Kippley

 

A: Hi Deborah. Thanks so much for having Harriet and me on your blog.  

 

This book was actually inspired by one of my favorite songs, "Answer: Love Myself." The song talks about how important (and sometimes difficult) it is to love ourselves. I wanted to convey this message in a way that was fun and relatable to young children. 

 

After brainstorming for a while, I came up with the idea of having a young girl being given the task to draw a picture of something she loves. Of course, Harriet loves lots of things. She loves tubas, barbecue chip sundaes, and polka-dotted unicorns named Pattie.

 

However, these ideas are already taken. So, with a little help from her family, Harriet decides that the perfect thing to draw is herelf!

 

Q: What do you think Alessia Girasole’s illustrations add to the story?

 

A: I absolutely adore Alessia’s illustrations. I think she did a wonderful job of bringing out Harriet’s personality. I also love how much fun her illustrations add to the story. 

 

Q: Can you say more about how you created your character Harriet?

 

A: I think I created the idea for my story first. Then, Harriet and her personality just kind of flowed naturally into it. Once I knew I wanted to write a story about self-love, the idea of having a determined and quirky little girl trying to figure out what she loved just happened.  

 

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

 

A: It would make me so happy if this book encourages even one child to say “Hey, I love myself too!” 

 

Q: What are you working on now? 

 

A: I’m constantly working on many things. So it’s hard to talk about just one. Right now, I’m working on some social emotional picture books, some humorous ones, and even a nonfiction book!

 

Q: Anything else we should know? 

 

A: If you read I Love Harriet Kippley, I would love to know what you thought of it. Please feel free to leave a book review on Amazon, Goodreads, and or the Barnes & Noble website.

 

I also love receiving emails from readers and fellow writers. You can email me with any comments or questions at jenniferpease@authorjenniferp.com

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with Dante

 


 

 

Dante is the author of the new novel The Base. She also has written the book Sex, Death & Diane. In addition to writing, she is also a baker and a gardener.

 

Q: What inspired you to write The Base, and how did you create your cast of characters?

 

A: My first inspiration came to me while I was gardening and noticed a pill bug, the bug that has one hundred names – also known as a Roly poly, potato bug, berry bug and more. It is the tiny almost beetle-like bug that when you tap it turns into a perfect ball and rolls away. 

 

I looked up videos about it and was drawn into the universe of bug geeks which inspired the character “The Bug Man” from the book, who is an expert on insect anatomy in the military and designs weapons and more based on their structure. 

 

It doesn’t take too much imagination to see the similarities between a helicopter and a dragonfly; perhaps this is how he got his start. 

 

I had the idea of a super top-secret base where the military sends personnel that they have observed to have an extraordinary skill and expertise in a subject to work with other experts to complete projects that are far ahead of their time.

 

Q: How did you research the novel, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: I had tons of research to do for this book to make it as accurate and plausible as possible. I did most of it online and in the library and I was surprised to find that there are current research races happening now for some of the elements I had envisioned. 

 

The race to make artificial cartilage, which the scientist Cullen has as his specialty, is actively occurring now. Imagine a world where the knee replacement becomes irrelevant and we can repair ourselves with a simple injection. That world may be possible one day in the not-so-distant future.


Q: Did you know how the story would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?

 

A: This book woke me up at night – often. I would turn in for the evening to go to sleep and be awakened with more ideas.

 

My original path veered way off course but I think that helped very much in the character development. I needed more detail to paint a clearer picture of them and it helped define the story more precisely to the reader. I’m glad that I wasn’t afraid to rewrite and revise because I ended up with a stronger, more cohesive story.

 

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

 

A: A wish was fulfilled when some of the readers became really attached to The Bug Man and asked for a sequel. They didn’t want him or the story to end with Book 1. 

 

I also hope that readers will be more curious about the possibilities in science, and that they will read below the surface to find the good vs. evil thread in the book. 

 

We may envy the material things and the wealth of the super villains in the book but at the end of the day, I don’t think the reader would want to trade places with them, or live next door to them.

 

Q: As you mentioned, this is the first in a series—what’s next?

 

A: The sequel has been written, proofread and copyrighted. We had a photoshoot this weekend with actors portraying the book characters and two vintage Jeeps. The sequel is a great roller coaster ride on the framework of Book 1 with more characters and more challenges. 

 

I am working to place the series in film or television also. The cat and mouse game between the scientists and the spies is wildly entertaining and there are some very memorable characters there that actors would have a lot of fun bringing to life.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I am the “other” Dante who writes books. Spoiler alert! Dust devils happen on all seven continents and Mars! They are most often seen on baseball diamonds on hot days, and are universally thought of as a bad omen. 

 

You can get your copy of “The Base – Book 1” on Amazon. More news is available on the website https://www.danteterese.com/

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with Marc Asnin

 


 

 

Marc Asnin is the creator of the book Final Words: 578 Men and Women Executed on Texas Death Row. His other books include Uncle Charlie. He is a photographer and has taught at the International Center of Photography and the School of Visual Arts.

 

Q: What inspired you to create Final Words?

 

A: Working as a photographer in 1992 for the German magazine Stern, the assignment was a story on death row and the death penalty regarding Texas, Florida, Louisiana - that experience made me aware that this was dehumanization, not criminal justice. 

 

Q: What impact do you think the book has had since its publication, and what do you hope readers take away from it?

 

A: The impact is that these executed prisoners will never be forgotten and hoping the readers take away that they are no different from the executed -- we are all humans. 

 

Q: The lawyer and activist Kerry Kennedy said of the book, “Too often, we think of the death penalty as an abstraction. Final Words replaces statistics with voices, reminding us that each execution represents the end of a human life. This is an important and haunting book about a shameful practice.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: Kerry Kennedy's description gets directly to the human element and they are not statistics and these words reveal that. 

 

Q: How did you research the book?

 

A: Through public access works and through the Freedom of Information Act. 

 

Q: What are you working on now? 

 

A: I am working with a grant writer to obtain grant money to create exhibitions around the world of this work. Received a grant from The Warhol Foundation for an exhibition to be held at Queensborough Community College, Queens, New York,  in 2026 called We the People Confess, the intersection of white Christianity and the death penalty. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Check in with www.finalwordsdeathrow.com

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Aug. 31

 


 

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Aug. 31, 1916: Daniel Schorr born.

Friday, August 30, 2024

Q&A with Fiona Barton

 

 


 

Fiona Barton is the author of the new novel Talking to Strangers. Her other novels include The Widow. She has also worked as a journalist.

 

Q: Talking to Strangers is your second novel about your character Detective Inspector Elise King. How do you think she’s changed from one book to the next?

 

A: Elise is allowing herself to think about her future for the first time since her cancer diagnosis. She tells her family and friends she is perfectly happy on her own but privately, she longs for and is terrified of a new relationship.

 

It has meant exploring a different vulnerability in her character while she copes with the murder investigation and conceals the wisps of chemo fog that linger in corners of her brain.

 

Q: What inspired the plot of Talking to Strangers?

 

A: My mother said never talk to strangers. Drummed it into me. She meant the strangers of nightmares; the evil predators in dirty macs who tempted kids with sweeties or puppies before snatching and murdering them. But we all talk to strangers now that we live online.  People become our friends or followers in the click of a button. Or the swipe of a finger.

 

I became fascinated with the risks involved in online dating when a friend of a friend announced some years ago she had a date with a stranger on Salisbury Plain. “He’s sent me the map co-ordinates,” she said, ignoring he was clearly an axe murderer with a shovel in the boot of his car.

 

Meeting “The One” was clearly worth the risk. And she got a huge buzz from it.

 

Many of the women I know are happily doing this – it is the norm now – and some have fallen in love and had fairytale weddings. But not all.

 

As a writer, I loved the uncertainty, the room for deception, the danger people may put themselves in to find their happy ending.

 

Q: The Kirkus Review of the book called it a “compelling demonstration of the sad truth that there's no neutral way to conduct a murder investigation. Everybody pays.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I love it! Detectives and journalists are traditionally taught to be objective in their work – to stand back and observe - but we are human beings, not robots. And empathy allows us to stand in other people’s shoes; to feel what they feel and better understand them.

 

Two of my narrators – Detective Inspector Elise King and journalist Kiki Nunn – become personally involved in the murder investigation precisely because they recognise their own loneliness in the victim Karen’s search for love.

 

Q: Without giving anything away, did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?

 

A: I had an inkling but there were many sleepless nights and hair tearing sessions before I knew for sure. I have only written the ending at the outset once – for my debut, The Widow, but I had years to let it cook in my head before anyone else was aware the book existed.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Book Six is emerging from the miasma in my head and I have started writing and deleting…

 

Q: Anything else we should know

 

A: I’m considering having Why doesn’t it get any easier? tattooed on my arm.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with Emma R. Alban

 


 

 

Emma R. Alban is the author of the new novel You're the Problem, It's You. It's the second in her Mischief & Matchmaking series, following Don't Want You Like a Best Friend. She lives in Los Angeles.

 

Q: Did you know when you wrote Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend that you'd be writing a series about your characters?

 

A: I knew as soon as I wrote the epilogue for Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend that I wanted to tell Bobby and James’ story, and I had fleshed out a significant outline for their romance before we went on sub with Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend.

 

That said, I didn’t know if Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend would sell at the time, and whether, if it did, the publisher would want there to be more than one book.

 

I feel immensely lucky that Avon wanted to continue the Mischief & Matchmaking world, and that I was given the chance to give Bobby and James’ their proper story, and continue Beth and Gwen’s journey through it as well. It’s been marvelous to get to stay with these characters through two books; I’m very grateful. 

 

Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Bobby and James?

 

A: Bobby and James think they are total opposites, but are actually deeply similar. Their dynamic is enemies-to-lovers who should have immediately been friends, but can’t get out of their own way for a while.

 

They’re both striving to find a purpose in the world, and a place to belong, but their responsibilities to their families and society at large are very different.

 

The friction of “I should like you, but we keep fighting” was very fun to write, and I really enjoyed getting to show two perspectives on each messy interaction. 


Q: Do you think Beth and Gwen have changed at all from one book to the next?

 

A: I think we see a more settled version of Beth and Gwen in You’re the Problem, It’s You. They’re confident in their ability to be together, and enjoying figuring out what their life will look like together, protected by their family.

 

They’re still chaotic, and scheming, and messy, but they’ve got more stability, and it allows them to pursue wider goals (be they the promise of lavender marriages, or how to fill their time and do good in the world, or anything in between). 

 

Q: Did you know how the story would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?

 

A: I knew exactly what the epilogue for You’re the Problem, It’s You would be back when I was writing Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend. The journey to get there for Bobby and James changed while I was writing it, and how I incorporated all of the other characters shifted and changed throughout writing both books, but I always knew where I wanted them to end up. 

 

Q: What are you working on now? Will the series continue?

 

A: I’m currently working on my next queer historical romance, which I can share more about soon. It’s not part of the Mischief & Matchmaking world, but I’m really enjoying the process and can’t wait to share these new characters with readers.

 

That said, I have ideas and hope to get to write more books in the Mischief & Matchmaking world in the future! Beth, Gwen, Bobby, and James I think will always be close to my heart, and returning to their world will always be joyful. I’d love to spend more time there. 

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Emma R. Alban.

Q&A with Ye Guo

 


 

 

Ye Guo is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book It Is Okay. She is based in the UK.

 

Q: What inspired you to create It Is Okay?

 

A: The inspiration for this story comes from observing life. I have a good friend who is very different from me, but although we are different, we enjoy each other’s company very much. This friendship was in my mind as I developed this story.

 

However, there are lots of little inspirations that have filtered in from observing the friendships and relationships all around me. I enjoy observing the small details in daily life. If you look around you, the world is full of inspiration!

 

Q: Did you work on the text first or the illustrations first, or both simultaneously?

 

A: Simultaneously. Sometimes, I had images in my mind first, like pieces of a puzzle, but the rest was vague. Other times, the words led the way. The order of the text and images was very unclear at first but through continuously reworking the book, the images and words came together, and a meaning emerged. 

 

Q: The Kirkus review of the book called it a “stellar story of pals weathering ups and downs with aplomb.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I felt flattered to have such a glowing review from Kirkus, but I think the description is appropriate. This is a story about two friends coming together and using their differences to negotiate the little dramas of everyday life. I am glad that my words and pictures communicate that. 

 

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

 

A: I hope the story is not too didactic. For me, It Is Okay is a gentle rumination on friendship and how we are better together because we are all different. If children take away that being different is okay, that is great. But I also hope that children will take away whatever resonates with them. 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I have another project I am working on, but it is top secret! I hope it will be published soon. We will see.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I love chihuahuas, and one day I hope to have my own.  

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with Hannah Chung

 

Photo by Cat Laine

 

Hannah Chung is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book The Most Perfect Persimmon. Also an entrepreneur, she lives in Providence, Rhode Island, and in Seoul, South Korea.

 

Q: What inspired you to create The Most Perfect Persimmon?

 

A: Persimmons, especially hongshis – the most ripened persimmons – have a special place in my heart because of my grandmother. Hongshis are mushy, wrinkled, and juicy desserts. My favorite memory is enjoying them with her during Chuseok, the fall harvest festival.

 

A few years ago, I spent extended time in Korea with my grandmother, enjoying tea times, sharing stories, and going on many walks. I realized how much I longed for such experiences. Those moments and memories inspired me to create The Most Perfect Persimmon.

 

Q: Did you work on the text or the illustrations first--or both simultaneously?

 

A: I wrote a rough story synopsis first to capture the core of Joo Hong’s journey. I also doodled key moments like Joo Hong crying with her mushy persimmons in front of Grandma. These notes and drawings provided many ideas while writing the first draft.

 

Once the text was more developed, I began working on the illustrations by creating storyboards to develop a fuller art vision and figure out the pacing and rhythm of the story.

 

For the final art, I used the vibrant scarlet of the persimmons as my main color guide and chose other colors inspired by the fall season to bring the story to life.


Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says, “Little ones fixated on the idea of perfection will find a kindred spirit in Joo Hong... A delectable tale that will guide young readers to reexamine their own perceptions.” What do you think of that assessment?

 

A: I was delighted to see this review! It perfectly captures what I hoped the readers would take away from the story: It’s okay when things don’t go perfectly as planned, and the journey may take unexpected turns. While the outcome might not be what we envisioned, it can still bring us joy. It’s all about celebrating the journey and appreciating who we have become along the way!

 

Q: How did you develop your artistic style?

 

A: I’ve always loved drawing people and capturing their feelings. Back in 2016, I created a daily comic diary for two years using ink on paper. This experience showed me how much I enjoy finding humor in mundane moments and bringing a range of emotions into my art.

 

I later switched to digital art, mainly using Procreate on the iPad, which allowed me to add many textures, layers, and colors - almost like mixed media. You can see a lot of these experiments in Joo Hong’s emotions and the persimmon tree in the book.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m currently working on my second book with Astra Young Readers! While I can’t share too many details yet, I can say that it’s about celebrating memories with a food component and lots of emotions, just like The Most Perfect Persimmon.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: As a debut author-illustrator, I’m really excited to connect with future readers! Feel free to follow me on Instagram @_hchung to stay in touch and follow my journey. 😊

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Aug. 30

 


 

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Aug. 30, 1797: Mary Shelley born.

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Aug. 29

 


 

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Aug. 29, 1632: John Locke born.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Q&A with James Ponti

 

Photo by Elena Seibert Photography

 

 

James Ponti is the author of the new middle grade novel The Sherlock Society. His other books include the City Spies series. He lives in Orlando.

 

Q: How did you come up with the idea for The Sherlock Society, and for the Sherlock siblings and their friends?

 

A: There’s a lake near my house and I went for walk around it with the hope of coming up with a new book idea.

 

I set ground rules. There are benches around the lake and I had to sit at each one. When I did, I had to ask myself a question and couldn’t get up until answered it.

The Idea Lake

At the first bench, I started with something simple, I think it was “What type of story do you want to write?” I knew I wanted to do something of a traditional mystery. By the time I made it around the lake twice, I knew enough to get started.

 

Originally it was called the Sherlock Sisters. (I liked the sound of that, but then decided it would be more fun to writer a brother and sister.)

 

I wanted to set in in Florida (where I’ve lived for almost my entire life) but that created a problem. How would the characters get around? That’s what led to Grandpa, who I absolutely love. Once he was added to the mix, the story came alive for me.

 

Amazingly, I worked out an opening on that walk and it is almost word for word the opening of the book. “Maybe if our last name was Baker, we would’ve sold cupcakes. Or if it was Walker, we might’ve taken care of people’s dogs while they were on vacation. But, it’s Sherlock, so starting a detective agency just seemed like the thing to do.”

 

Q: How would you describe the kids’ relationship with their grandfather?

 

A: For the last five years of her life, my mother lived with us in a little apartment similar to the one in the book. I loved the dynamic she had with my kids. It was based on love with a little bit of rule-breaking mixed in.

 

That’s the dynamic Grandpa has with the kids in The Sherlock Society. It’s like bonus parenting. He’s there to show them a few things Mom and Dad might not have time for (or think is wise) and he’s totally on board for any adventure they want to undertake.

 

Q: Did you need to do any research for this novel, and if so, what did you learn that particularly intrigued you?

 

A: I did a ton of research. I started with interviews.

 

For example, Dad’s a marine biologist at the University of Miami, so I hung out with a marine biologist at the University of Miami to learn about his research and life. They get rescued by the Miami Police Department’s marine patrol, so I went for a little ride along with them through Key Biscayne.

With Christina Diaz Gonzalez and the Marine Patrol

Christina Diaz Gonzalez is an author friend who lives in Miami, so the two of us went all over town to every location in the book. We even visited the school the characters attend and had the principal show us around.

 

I was intrigued by Andrew Baker’s research into coral. He’s the marine biologist and it’s fascinating what he’s studying.

 

The most surprising discovery, though was when we went to Al Capone’s old house. It was more than a hundred years old and was a part of the book, until we got there as it was in the process of being torn down. It makes it a century, but can’t last a couple more years for my book, so I had to rewrite those chapters.

 

Al Capone's house

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

 

A: I always hope that readers have fun going along on the adventures in my books. I hope that it inspires them to look into things like the coral research or the Everglades.

 

But mostly, I hope they see an empowering version of themselves. I like writing kid mysteries because I like kids to read about people like them solving problems with brains, teamwork, and empathy.

 

Q: This is the start of a new series–can you tell us what's next?

 

A: I am so excited about book two. I am thrilled that people have responded to Grandpa like they have. He’s such a fun character and an aspect about book two that’s great is we get to see him when he was 12. There’s a flashback to the first mystery he came across and the one that turned him into who he is. And, even better, the team gets to help him finally solve it 60 years later.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I absolutely love my job. I get to make up stories and share them with readers. I get to hang out other writers who I adore.

 

But I also get to work with incredible people. Only my name is on the front of the book, but there are dozens of people who make major contributions. They include my editor, publisher, publicist, agent, marketing team, the list goes on.

 

They also include school librarians, booksellers, and the kids in my neighborhood who read my books as I work and give me incredible feedback and suggestions. I am very lucky to be surrounded by the people I am.  

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with James Ponti.

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Q&A with Bianca Schulze

 


 

 

Bianca Schulze is the author of the new children's picture book A New Friend for Dragon, the latest in her Dragon series. She is the founder and editor of The Children's Book Review and the host of the Growing Readers Podcast.

 

Q: What inspired you to write A New Friend for Dragon?

 

A: The inspiration for A New Friend for Dragon came from observing the world around us. With so much division and stereotyping happening globally, from political tensions to international conflicts, I wanted to create a story that challenges these preconceptions.

 

My biggest wish is for everyone to find common ground and friendship, regardless of their background or beliefs.

 

The idea of a dragon and a knight becoming friends felt like a perfect metaphor. In classic tales, they're often portrayed as enemies, so I thought it would be interesting to flip that narrative.

 

It's a gentle way to introduce young readers to the concept of looking beyond first impressions and challenging traditional stereotypes.

 

Q: What do you think Samara Hardy’s illustrations add to the story?

 

A: Samara Hardy's illustrations bring incredible warmth and vibrancy to the story. Her artwork beautifully captures the characters' emotions, from Dragon's eager friendliness to Sir Fiero's initial skepticism. The colorful, inviting visuals she creates help make the book's themes more accessible to young readers. Her illustrations also give children plenty to explore on each page.


Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Dragon and Sir Fiero?

 

A: The dynamic between Dragon and Sir Fiero is one of growth and transformation.

 

At first, we see a contrast between Dragon's open-hearted desire for friendship and Sir Fiero's reluctance based on preconceived notions. As the story progresses, we witness a journey from skepticism to trust, from assumption to appreciation.

 

Their relationship embodies the book's core message about the power of giving others a chance and looking beyond surface-level differences.

 

Q: Can you say more about what you hope kids take away from the story?

 

A: My biggest hope is that children will learn the value of open-mindedness and the joy of unexpected friendships. I want them to understand that it's okay to question stereotypes and that wonderful relationships can form in the most surprising places.

 

The story encourages kids to approach others with kindness and curiosity rather than judgment. Ultimately, I hope they'll carry this message into their own lives, becoming more inclusive and understanding individuals.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I'm currently preparing for the release of the next book in the Dragon series, Sharing is Caring, Dragon. Without giving too much away, I can say that it will continue to explore themes of friendship and personal growth, with some new, exciting challenges for Dragon to face.

 

I'm also working on an entirely new project that's still in its conceptual phase, but it's shaping up to be something that every family and educator will want in their social-emotional toolbox.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I'd like to express my gratitude to all the readers who have embraced Dragon and her adventures. The response to this series has been heartwarming, and it's incredibly fulfilling to see children connecting with these stories of friendship and self-discovery.

 

I'm also thankful to Clever Publishing for their continued support and belief in these books.

 

Lastly, I want to encourage parents and caregivers to use these stories as starting points for important conversations with children. Whether it's about making friends, challenging assumptions, or being open to new experiences, there's so much potential for meaningful dialogue inspired by Dragon's adventures.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Bianca Schulze. This Q&A is in partnership with The Children's Book Review. Enter a giveaway here to win a signed copy of A Friend for Dragon, two Hydro Flask cups (one for a child and one for an adult), and dragon stickers to decorate them.