Q&A with K.M. Selvidge

 

 

 

K.M. Selvidge is the author of the new children's book Kloe's New Friendship. She also has written the book Kloe's New Start.  

 

Q: What inspired you to write Kloe’s New Friendship?  

 

A: The timing was right in terms of both the need for as well as the receptiveness to my message. Children today encounter more mental health challenges than ever before, partly due to social media and the Internet.

 

Emotional management is often overlooked, which can lead to serious issues. Teaching kids to manage emotions promotes wellbeing and reduces negative outcomes, fostering healthier relationships.

 

Q: How did you initially create your character Kloe, and do you think she’s changed from one book to the next?  

 

A: Kloe, the main character, is based on my childhood experiences. Through Kloe's character, I sought to portray authentic childhood experiences.

 

In the second book, Kloe matures emotionally by sharing her struggles more with friends, which deepens her self-awareness and relationships. Her journey underscores the significance of emotional development in youth.

 

Q: Why did you choose animals rather than humans as your characters? 

 

A: I chose to use animals as characters in my story because they have the unique ability to represent everyone, without being tied to any specific race, creed, or color. This universality allows all readers to relate to the characters, regardless of their background.

 

Additionally, animal characters make it easier to address serious topics with children; their "user-friendly" nature helps to present complex or sensitive issues in a way that feels safe and approachable for young readers.

 

Q: What do you think Kateryna Meleshchuk’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: Kateryna’s beautiful illustrations truly bring my characters to life. Her artwork not only captures their physical appearance but also conveys the depth of their emotions. Through her illustrations, readers can connect with the characters on a deeper level, experiencing their feelings and journeys visually as well as through the story itself.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I am currently in the process of completing the final chapters of my third book, Kloe’s New Year. This new installment continues to follow the established storyline of the beloved characters, while also introducing some new faces as the story progresses.

 

As the narrative unfolds, the characters encounter fresh challenges and issues, reflecting their ongoing growth and the evolving themes within the series.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: As I continue to develop the Kloe series, my central goal is to reach out to anyone who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness due to circumstances beyond their control.

 

Through Kloe’s journey and the stories I tell, I want readers who feel isolated to realize that they are not truly alone. The message is clear: isolation does not have to be permanent, and there is always hope for change.

 

For those who are facing challenges that seem overwhelming or hopeless, I hope the stories demonstrate that resilience is a powerful tool for overcoming adversity. By showing Kloe and her friends navigating difficult situations, I aim to encourage readers to find their own strength and perseverance.

 

Above all, my desire is that these stories offer both enjoyment and meaningful reflection. I hope that the adventures and emotional growth found in the Kloe series bring a sense of fun, while also inspiring introspection about how readers approach their own feelings and circumstances.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with K.M. Selvidge. Enter this giveaway for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of Kloe's New Friendship!