Q&A with Latifa Kimberly Reeves, Mark Larson, and Lisa Hart

 

Latifa Kimberly Reeves, Mark Larson, and Lisa Hart are the authors of the new children's picture book Animals Are Great. They are the creators behind the children's website Tika Tika Time.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Animals Are Great, and how did you choose the animals to include?

 

A: We started off writing a children's album and this is the first song that we wrote. Kids love to make animal sounds and the animals we chose are so fun to imitate. The words in the book are actually the lyrics to the song.

 

There is a music video that comes with the book. You click on a QR code inside the cover of our book and it takes you to our Tika Tika Time YouTube Channel. This way they can read, listen, dance, and sing along.

 

Q: What do you think Ana Enache’s art adds to the book?

 

A: We love Ana Enache’s art. She has a special way of bringing the characters to life. They are whimsical, silly, and playful!

 

Q: How did you all collaborate on the writing?

 

A: We have an amazing synergy and our ideas flowed with ease. There is a playful energy we all embody when creating for children. We lean into having fun…lots of laughing and joy!

 

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

 

A: We hope it encourages them to use their body and their voice  as a way of expressing. Perhaps also they will explore more in the world and learn other animal sounds on their own. They can also play and explore different parts of their voices through animal sounds!

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: We are now completing our second book, I Love That Train, with companion video. Set in the World of Precious Nation, which will be a theme throughout all of our books and videos to come.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: We have a live show we can bring to schools, bookstores, libraries, and other venues. We are all real musicians. We love to perform, interact, and play with little kids and big kids alike!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was created in partnership with Expound Publicity. Enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Animals Are Great!