Q&A with Cindy Miller

 

Cindy Miller is the author of the new children's picture book Alli the Alligator. She lives in Columbus, Georgia.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Alli the Alligator, and how did you create your character Alli?

 

A: Creating a character like Alli, a stand-up alligator who does not fit into the world around her especially with human children, became one of the most meaningful parts of writing Alli’s story.

 

Alli is more than a plain gator…she is whimsical and kind and thoughtful. She looks different, acts different, and struggles to belong even on her first day.

 

As I developed the character, I realized that Alli represents something deeply human…the universal feeling of being different from the norm and wondering if WE ARE ENOUGH!

 

I did not want Alli to be perfect. I wanted her to feel real emotion, even though she is an alligator standing upright in a classroom of children. She simply struggles to belong.

 

Q: What do you think the story says about friendship?

 

A: Friendship is at the heart of Alli the Alligator.  Alli’s story shows that friendship is not about being the same, it is about accepting and loving people for who they truly are. 

 

Even though Alli looks different from everyone around her, she still longs for what every person wants….kindness, belonging, and friends that understand her. Even one friend can make a huge difference in someone' life!

 

Throughout the story, Alli experiences hurtful moments that make her feel alone and excluded…especially when she has to sit alone at lunch eating her sardines. But those moments can also reveal how powerful friendship can be…just one kind act can change everything.

Q: What do you think Joan Coleman’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: One of the most magical parts of bringing Alli to life was working with my talented and incredible illustrator, Joan Coleman. After my husband and I chose Joan, we knew God had put her in our lives. 

 

She clearly understood the heart of Alli’s story and transformed the book into artwork. That was truly far beyond anything we could ever imagine. Her illustrations burst with life, color, emotions, and personalities. 

 

Joan’s artwork is so warm with amazing illustrations. We would go back and forth adding this and that, and she would make changes joyfully. As a first-time author, seeing my words transformed in Joan Coleman’s whimsical illustrations was one of the most emotional and rewarding parts of Alli’s journey.

 

The first time I saw Alli the Alligator in print, I burst into tears. Joan’s artwork made Alli’s message stand out more than anything I could have ever imagined. She is the heart of Alli the Alligator.

 

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

 

A: With Alli, kindness changes everything! The story tells children that even though they look different, they are still very loved and treasured. Children just want to be seen, heard, loved, and respected. School is hard enough. 

 

Alli teaches (at the end of the book) that we were all made for a great purpose and to be kind to everyone and make others feel included and accepted.

 

Just because a child wears different clothes, talks in a different language, or has a disability, there is no reason to be unkind. A child needs to be safe and loved and totally accepted by others. 

 

I hope children and adults learn this lifelong message from Alli. God made each one of us special and unique. We were all created in His image, and we can do small acts of kindness with great love. 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: As of right now, I am dedicating this year to Alli. I want this message to go far and wide and let people know that kindness is truly the key to life.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” --Maya Angelou

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Cindy Miller and The Children's Book Review. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Alli the Alligator by Cindy Miller—a heartwarming story about courage, kindness, and belonging to add to their bookshelf.