Q&A with Katie Evans

  

 

 

 

Katie Evans is the author of the new children's picture book Broccoli Is Trying to Kill Me. She also has written the Aunt Claire's Pet Care series. She is a former newspaper and magazine editor, and she lives in Phoenix, Arizona. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Broccoli Is Trying to Kill Me?

 

A: Exactly what you would expect! One night, my son didn't want to eat his vegetables and my husband said, "Eat your broccoli. It won't kill you." That was the day that book was born. I think the reason it has seen popularity is that getting kids to eat their vegetables is a universal experience for families. 

 

Q: What do you think Savannah Allen’s illustrations add to the story?

 

A: I truly think it was Savannah's incredible talent that made the book what it is. Her illustrations are incredible. I'm still amazed by the way she managed to make all of those vegetables look so menacing.

 

Q: The School Library Journal review of the book says, “This enthralling story will captivate and open readers’ minds to trying new vegetables.” What do you think of that description?  

 

A: I wouldn't have believed this before the book was released, but I think that is happening! I've gotten a lot of messages from readers that their kids are eating broccoli now and never did before.

 

My favorite response though, was from a retirement home. A gentleman who refused to eat vegetables was given the book by the staff and they contacted me to tell me how much fun they had reading it together, but he's still resisting broccoli! 

 

Q: Do you like broccoli?

 

A: I love it! My husband is an incredible cook and he makes delicious broccoli.  

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I am working on a number of things. I'm between agents so I'm focused on refining my work to submit, but I have a picture book, middle grade sci-fi, and young adult mystery that I'm working on as my schedule allows.

 

Q: Anything else we should know? 

 

A: I love to hear from readers, so please reach out to me via social media! (@kevans628 and @broccoliistryingtokillme on Instagram.)

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb