Carolyn Crimi is the author of the new children's picture book Jayden Noticed. Her many other books include Just One Owl. She lives in Evanston, Illinois.
Q: What inspired you to write Jayden Noticed, and how did you create your character Jayden?
A: During the pandemic I watched a lot of webinars. In one of them, the writing coach asked everyone to create a list of themes or memories they’d like to explore.
After coming up with a list I circled “wishing,” which was big in my house growing up. My mom had me wishing on everything—eyelashes, four-leaf clovers, first blueberries of the season, first strawberries of the season, first corn on the cob of the season. If I accidentally wore something inside out, I had to make a wish. If I found a penny, I had to make a wish.
I spent a lot of my time as a child wishing.
Wishing seemed like a good place to start a story. Initially, the manuscript was sort of a whimsical “how to” about collecting wishing rocks. My editor asked if I would consider making it more of a story about a kid who collected rocks, so of course I said yes. Once I started revising, I realized my main character loved nature and was noticing things that others might miss.
Q: What do you think Shamar Knight-Justice’s illustrations add to the story?
A: Shamar adds a touch of magic to every illustration he creates. I especially love the illustration of Jayden finding his new wishing rock. Although I’ve never met him, I’m convinced Shamar is a Noticer.
Q: The Publishers Weekly review of the book says, “Sensitive storytelling empathically captures Jayden’s experiences, yielding a supportive story about finding rock-solid stability amid life change.” What do you think of that description?
A: That reviewer captured the essence of the book perfectly. Before writing Jayden Noticed I had made a difficult move. I was definitely looking for “rock-solid stability amid life change.” Many of my books stem from struggles that I’ve faced. It’s cheap therapy.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?
A: Hope, always hope. That things will get better. That they can do hard things. That they will find a friend.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m tinkering with a few unfinished manuscripts. I can’t seem to decide which one to focus on right now.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Rock collecting is such an easy, inexpensive hobby. All you need is an empty mayonnaise jar. I’m hoping kids will try it after reading the book.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
No comments:
Post a Comment