![]() ![]() Reynolds, brings a sentimental tear to my eye as it’s the quintessential reminder to enjoy every moment with my kids, while also letting them know how much I love them. The best picture books make me cry or laugh or say a-ha, or invite the reader to participate. In general, I’m inspired by books that harmoniously blend words and text, while also making me feel something. From my childhood, I loved There’s a Monster at the End of This Book. Interactive books have always been high on my list. What were some of your inspirations in picture books? Can you name a few? Samara Hardy is working on the illustrations as we speak-I can’t wait to see the finished book! Kiddos will interact with the story by waving to characters, blowing kisses, dancing, and more. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of friendship and love to go around for Dragon. Yes! Dragon will be starring in a new book in 2021, Who Loves the Dragon? I’m so excited! This time Dragon is wide-awake and preparing to celebrate one of the kingdom’s most important events of the year: the annual Friendship Festival! When the castle cooks are called away to cater to the Queen, and the knights must report for special duty in the Enchanted Forest, Dragon worries that this year’s Friendship Festival is doomed. What writing projects do you have in the works now? Another round of Dragon, perhaps taking the big red tyke out for a stroll? There are usually more revisions required, especially with picture books since the artwork and the words need to work seamlessly together. That is until the editor at the publishing house takes a look. I make any necessary revisions, repeat the last step as often as needed, and then voila. When I feel happy, I have a trusted set of people who read it, and I ask them to be highly critical. ![]() I make notes taking a pen to the paper and then head back to my computer. I print it out and read it aloud-I find reading aloud highlights phrasing that isn’t quite working. Once the concept feels solid, I take it to my computer and turn it into the story that I think it’s meant to be. But when one sticks and won’t leave me alone, I usually won’t fall asleep until I have a story idea from start to finish typed out in the notes app on my iPhone. The truth is, I think I must write like a mad professor! I have so many ideas. What is your writing process like? Do you work on several projects at once or focus on one at a time? I couldn’t be more thrilled with the way Samara’s artwork brings Don’t Wake the Dragon to life! I also love how Samara has infused humor with the addition of some bonus characters, namely a cat and some mice that help propel the page-turning. ![]() I think her translation of Dragon’s persona is spot on, and the particular red of Dragon makes her both lovable and fiery all at the same time. We collaborate via the editors at Clever Publishing. What was it like working with illustrator Samara Hardy? What’s your favorite part of her gorgeously detailed (and super fun!) illustrations? I had loads of fun turning real-life, frustrating parental moments into silly scenarios that both kids and parents could relate to. It took some time to settle him, so when he finally fell asleep in my arms, my husband told our other two: Don’t wake the dragon! While I held onto him for hours, cringing every time someone on the plane made a sound, I managed to find humor in my years of experience with reluctant sleepers. The idea specifically stemming from a five-hour airplane flight with my family in which my youngest, who was one at the time, was not feeling well. What inspired you to write DON’T WAKE THE DRAGON? Perhaps little dragons in your own home? □ĭon’t you know it! The inspiration came from my three little dragons (some of whom are not so little anymore). Of course, she remains asleep through all the cacophony of noise, but once the kingdom is silent and settled, Dragon wakes up. Children have to check in on the sleeping dragon as the castle cook drops his pots and pans and when the knights throw a loud birthday party. Since it takes a lot of cajoling and effort for Dragon to fall asleep, we want her to remain in a state of slumber. Let’s get started!Ĭan you tell us about DON’T WAKE THE DRAGON? Why don’t we want to wake the little dragon up?ĭon’t Wake the Dragon is an interactive bedtime story starring a sound-asleep dragon who, under no circumstances, is to be woken up! Dragon, like a lot of kids, is reluctant to go to bed. ![]() It’s so much fun to read, and we think children are going to love it, too. We’re so excited to get roaring along with your new book, out in stores on July 28, 2020. Welcome, Bianca! Congratulations on your picture book debut, DON’T WAKE THE DRAGON. ![]()
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