Q&A with Stephanie Graegin

 

 

Stephanie Graegin is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book Everyday Bean. Her other books include The Long Ride Home. She lives in Brooklyn. 

 

Q: What inspired you to create Everyday Bean, and how did you come up with the idea for your character Bean?

 

A: Everyday Bean started out as just a writing exercise. I was attempting to write complete stories (or a complete arc) in just a few sentences, using one post-it note per sentence or per story panel.

 

I’d been drawing Bean or a version of Bean in my sketchbook for years, and she just kind of muscled her way into these stories. After doing these for a bit I started to see threads of narrative between these tiny stories; and together, they felt more interesting or impactful than a singular narrative.

 

Q: How would you describe the relationship between Bean and her grandma?

 

A: Grandma is Bean’s caretaker but they have a bit of a best friend/odd couple type relationship. They are always there for each other, but Grandma allows Bean the space to explore the world on her own if only to preserve her own sanity.

 

Q: The School Library Journal review of the book says, “With cozy illustrations reminiscent of Beatrix Potter, anthropomorphized garden critters go about their business.” What do you think of that comparison?

 

A: It’s an amazing honor to be compared to her. I love Beatrix Potter! Like a lot of others, she’s been a huge influence on my work. It’s hard to overstate how visionary she was. Ever since I was a Bean-sized child, I’ve been drawing anthropomorphized animals inspired by Beatrix Potter. Grandma definitely has a bit of a Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle vibe!

 

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

 

A: I hope they can relate, and find some kinship in Bean. I also hope they have a laugh about the situations Bean gets herself in.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m finishing up the final art for the second book in the Tiny Bean’s Big Adventure series. Bean Supreme will be out in Summer of 2026!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: There will actually be a third Tiny Bean book! I’m really fortunate that I get to continue to create these stories and spend some more time in Bean and Grandma’s world.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Stephanie Graegin.