Q&A with Raven Howell

  

 

 

Raven Howell is the author of the new children's picture book A Day with the Dragons. Her other books include The Look Inside Book.  

 

Q: What inspired you to write A Day with the Dragons?

 

A: I was inspired by the majesty and magic of dragons. I also believe dragons have a wonderful sense of humor, so they were the perfect characters for my new kids’ book.

 

The story introduces two dragon brothers, Blue and Green. They love and respect each other but have completely different ideas on how to spend a fun day together. After many shenanigans, mishaps, and finally remorse over tricking each other, they follow their little brother’s advice, and a happy ending ensues.

 

Q: What do you think Alexander Santos's illustrations add to the story?

 

A: Alexander added depth to the dragon characters. His illustrations are like full-body visual text mirrors. The pages show children how the dragons, like humans, actually experience and express their feelings.

 

This is not art fluff. Alex and I spent lots of time crafting each sequence and if the feelings were illustrated even just a little off from the true intention, he went back to the drawing board.

 

Q: How would you describe the dynamic between the two brother dragons?

 

A: Blue and Green are like the flip sides of the same coin. Blue likes the ocean. Sailing, surfing and swimming are his happy activities. He begs Green to sail with him to the point of making up false claims.

 

Green is happy as an earth-bound dragon. Hiking boots on his big sturdy feet, he’ll climb the mountains and forge the valleys all day. Blue was none too happy to join him on a hike. Things went from bad to worse when Blue broke out in red spots, apparently allergic to dandelions!

 

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

 

A: In summary, A Day With the Dragons’ characters have non-negotiable preferences. The reader sees and experiences the collision with a touch of humor as well as a genuine crisis. With honest, detailed admission of what was done, why they did it, an apology isn’t just a “sorry,” but a true repair to love and joy.

 

Not only for kids, it’s a story about relationships that just about every adult has experienced.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I have a new release, a picture book titled The Look Inside Book, coming out in September! But for now, I’m busy in summer schools and book fairs with the dragons.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: These days the world can seem upside down, tumultuous. Books are a great way to stimulate positive feelings. Sharing books with the children in your life offers them the gift of believing in the magic that’s within themselves.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Raven Howell. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of five signed hardcover copies of A Day with the Dragons. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a cozy A Day with the Dragons throw pillow plus 10 of Raven Howell's bestselling children's books, spanning preschool through early reader favorites.