Madelyn Simon is the author of the new children's picture book Poppy's Sweet Sibling Story. It's the latest in her series about Poppy the Toucan.
Q: What inspired you to write Poppy’s Sweet Sibling Story?
A: While visiting a friend I had an interesting experience. One granddaughter (10-11 years old) was playing the piano magnificently. I asked the younger child sitting nearby if she played. She shrunk back in her seat and said no, I wouldn't be as good as my sister!
Q: How did you initially create your character Poppy, and did you know you’d be writing a series?
A: While doing an oil painting, I used the images of beautiful toucans and created a story about them. I had no idea that it would become a series.
Q: What do you think Michael Sherman’s illustrations add to the story?
A: I think the illustrations tell much of the story. Michael's illustrations are so wonderful and richly colored. They are frequently very funny and always charming, which adds to the story.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: I hope the children that read this book realize that the courage to try new things is important and encourages them to discover their own talents and strengths. Almost everyone gets better with practice.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am working on a new book about discarding negative feelings about characters they don't know and are maybe somewhat frightened of.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: These books are rated high in social skills, and we want children to have the benefit of wisdom and community in their lives.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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