Q&A with Bianca Schulze

 

 

Bianca Schulze is the author of the new children's picture book Sharing Is Caring, Dragon. Her other books include the picture book Cattitude. 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 Sharing Is Caring, Dragon?

 

A: Having spent considerable time with children, observing their journey in learning to share and take turns, I was inspired by the magic of these moments, especially when kids realize that sharing can actually amplify joy rather than diminish it.

 

I chose Dragon and a knight as the characters to delve into this sometimes-challenging lesson, believing that their unique perspectives would bring a fresh and hopeful angle to the narrative.

 

Q: One of your characters’ favorite books is your book Cattitude! How did you come up with the idea of including it in this book?

 

A: Including Cattitude in the pages of this story was a playful nod to sharing a book within a book that could teach about attitudes and making good choices in a lighthearted way. With their reputation for independence, cats felt like the perfect subject for a story that ultimately brings characters together.

 

After all, I think most of us are drawn to books that can fulfill us in some way, and I think Dragon would see herself in Cleo, the cat from Cattitude.

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

 

A: Samara always brings such warmth and emotion to these characters. Dragon is expressive without being scary, and Sir Fiero has this wonderful mix of sternness and friendliness. The way she captured the cozy library atmosphere, and the magic of sharing stories elevated the whole story.

 

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

 

A: Beyond the apparent lesson about sharing, I hope children recognize that sometimes the best moments come from waiting their turn and experiencing things together. When Dragon and Sir Fiero finally share the book, they discover a joy bigger than reading alone.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I'm working on developing more stories in this world, exploring other social-emotional lessons through Dragon and her friends, and exploring a concept for a second Cattitude tale. As well as my work on thechildrensbookreview.com, of course!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: With its wealth of knowledge and sense of community, the library plays a significant role in Dragon and Sir Fiero's character growth and overall message—this book is really a love letter to the joy of reading together and the role libraries play in building community.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Bianca Schulze. Enter this giveaway for your chance to win one of three signed copies of Sharing is Caring, Dragon!, along with the board book edition of Who Loves the Dragon? and a set of Dragon Love Cards! This Q&A was conducted in partnership with The Children's Book Review.