I am quite fond of Time for a Hug, a cheerful and comforting picture book for children in the 3-6 age range, and decided to contact author Phillis Gershator regarding her work on the book and as an author. Phillis was quick to respond and I was able to post her interview in less than 24 hours. Here are her comments. At the end of the interview is a photograph of Phillis at her dining room table, which is also her favorite place to write. Thank you, Phillis, interviewing you was a delight.
Q. You were always an avid reader. When you decided to become a writer yourself, why did you decide to write for children?
A. As a children’s librarian and constant reader from the time I learned to read, I was immersed in children’s literature and fantasized that I might become part of that world one day as storyteller and versifier. There were also gaps I hoped to fill when I started writing for children–retelling tales and inventing new stories that would speak to the cultures off the kids I worked with in Brooklyn and the Virgin Islands.
Q. You took a year off from work to try to establish yourself as a children’s book writer. Tell us how you spent that year. Did you get any rejection letters before your first story was sold? Please elaborate.
A. Alas, everybody gets rejections! That’s part of learning how to accept criticism and self-edit–and grow stronger, too. My first book was accepted quickly, but it was several years before I tried again and really focused on submitting work. During my personal post-Hurricane Hugo ”sabbatical” I sold three stories, which gave me the confidence to keep writing and submitting manuscripts.
Q. I love your new book, Time for a Hug. Perfect for the 3-5 age range, it reminds children that love and reassurance are only a hug away. How did you get the idea for this rhyming story?
A. Thanks! You would have loved my mom, too. She was the world’s champion hugger. In her big cozy embrace, the lucky huggee experienced the unconditional love and reassurance you describe.
My mom had the idea for this book years ago and created an illustrated dummy for it. We worked on the script together. Later I added the teaching time element–which I’m hoping doesn’t become a lost “art” as we depend more and more on digital clocks! I also have another little agenda–that folks might get a few ideas about ways to spend non-electronic quality time with a child.
Q. The illustrations in the book are so cheerful and warm. Did you have any ideas regarding the artwork prior to submitting the story for publication? Did you have any input on the final illustrations?
A. My mom and I first imagined the protagonists as cat and kitten. Our wonderful editor, Allison Brydon first saw the protagonists as bears, which then became bunnies. Maybe because David Walker’s bunnies are so incredibly cute? I did get to see the sketches and then the final art. I could only say terrific. I mean, how much more adorable and appealing can illustrations be? I’m obviously a David Walker fan.
Q. Please tell us what you are working on now. Do you have any other picture books slotted for publication?
A. This week I’ve been revising a chapter book set in St. Thomas.
The next picture book, coming in the spring, is WHO’S IN THE FARMYARD? a peek-a-boo board book illustrated by Jill MacDonald.
Please add any other information or comments you would like. Thank you for your participation.
Here’s a pix of me at work. I write longhand on a yellow pad first, at the dining room table, then do a computer file and print out, revising from that–repeatedly. My husband’s a writer, too, so the table is always full of papers and books. If company comes, it’s a mad dash to try and make order and clear everything off the table so we can eat. Then all the stuff has to find another home on another surface–we call it creative chaos as opposed to sloppy housekeeping.
Check out our February 14th post for complete details regarding the PictureBookReviews.blog.com Love it! Award for Picture Book Excellence 2012 Contest
This blog was created to promote the love of picture books and reading aloud to children. The honest reviews will help you choose the books that are best for little readers and listeners. Regarding our reviews, our ratings are based on the book experience overall, but we look for good conflicts, unexpected endings and outstanding artwork. We are particularly fond of author/illustrators, stories with a bit of truth and books that are long enough to get comfortable with but not too long to read before bed. We prefer classic writing styles to contemporary language. Naturally, some books may be immune to our usual preferences. And since everyone appreciates something different, we encourage you to use the call-outs to the right of the titles to share your own comments. Sincerely, Jule and Tree
The mission of this blog is to bolster waning picture book popularity by helping parents and teachers recognize their entertainment, educational, and confidence building qualities while simultaneously encouraging family time. At a point in time when kids are pushed into chapter books at an early age, we support the integration, not the elimination, of picture books into the advancing book experiences of children. “Parents are saying, ‘My kid doesn’t need books with pictures anymore,” said Justin Chanda, the publisher of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. “There’s a real push with parents and schools to have kids start reading big-kid books earlier. We’ve accelerated the graduation rate out of picture books.”
But there is a strong argument in favor of picture books. They have entertainment and educational value and remain an excellent way to introduce topics or teach valuable lessons. Picture books are a great way to boost a young person's confidence in their reading skills since, for many young readers, too much text and not enough pictures may be intimidating. In summary, picture books are fun, educational confidence boosters that provide comfort, routine and valuable time with a parent or loved one all while steeping in and promoting the love of books.
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