How would you like to win a copy of this just released picture book?
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In her book . . .
Monster friends learn about the body (eardrum, tonsils), symptoms (fever, laryngitis), and treatments (cast, x-ray), while playing baseball, off on field trips, sunning at the beach, at home, and more!
Perfect for those days when parents get an unexpected call from a school or day care provider about a sudden fever, illness, or playground mishap.
The vivid and whimsical illustrations depict young, active monsters tackling everything from allergies, hiccups and nose bleeds to broken bones, immunizations and diabetes.
She took time to answer a few questions for me.
Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that idea?
I have four children and it’s rare when everyone is fully fine. Usually there is someone who has a smashed thumb or allergies or something.
I have four children and it’s rare when everyone is fully fine. Usually there is someone who has a smashed thumb or allergies or something.
When I started AP, I imagined creating a story that
would lessen the stress of illness and medical treatment for children. At first
I pictured robots as the main characters, since I love robots, but then I
realized that monsters would serve the story better. Monsters are often seen as
big and scary by children. I started wondering what would scare a monster. Would
they be scared of shots or getting a nosebleed? What would a monster do if he
got laryngitis and lost his voice? Did monsters get hiccups or diabetes?
Did you get any rejections on this book before it was accepted?
An agent told me when I first pitched the idea at a conference that combining medical terms in a picture book wouldn’t work. I thought it would. Comments like that just make me want to work harder. I also benefited from a beta test of the text (before there were illustrations) with three classes of students, grades 2-4th. The teachers recorded the students comments and let me know what worked and what didn’t.
An agent told me when I first pitched the idea at a conference that combining medical terms in a picture book wouldn’t work. I thought it would. Comments like that just make me want to work harder. I also benefited from a beta test of the text (before there were illustrations) with three classes of students, grades 2-4th. The teachers recorded the students comments and let me know what worked and what didn’t.
Are you working on anything else?
I have a number of stories in various stages of completion. Plus a few stories that are close, but no contract yet.
I have a number of stories in various stages of completion. Plus a few stories that are close, but no contract yet.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
I know everyone says this, but don’t give up. I read a long time ago that most “instant successes” worked at their chosen project for 10 years before it was recognized.
I know everyone says this, but don’t give up. I read a long time ago that most “instant successes” worked at their chosen project for 10 years before it was recognized.
And last, but not least. Where can we buy your book?
The print copy is available through all the major book sellers. The ebook version is just coming out on Kindle, Nook, and iPad.
The print copy is available through all the major book sellers. The ebook version is just coming out on Kindle, Nook, and iPad.
Here is a link to the book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcloNv3v6nY
It is really neat, be sure and check it out.
Find Alphabet Puke at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Remember, comment for your chance to win. If you post about it, tweet it or share on your Facebook, let me know and you will get extra entries for each one. I will have the drawing for the winner next Wednesday, check back to see if you have won!
Remember, comment for your chance to win. If you post about it, tweet it or share on your Facebook, let me know and you will get extra entries for each one. I will have the drawing for the winner next Wednesday, check back to see if you have won!
CONTEST CLOSED!
