Porcupine’s Pie
978-1-5064-3180-2, Beaming Books, Beamingbooks.com
Squirrel, Doe, Bear, and the friendliest, most generous Porcupine in the forest—what a lineup. What is it about these particular animals that was ideal for telling this story of kindness?
That’s a good question! The title came first. I loved the alliteration of Porcupine’s Pie. When I went about brainstorming a story to go with the title, Porcupine evolved into a nurturing, selfless character. The other animal friends came about as I tried to link appropriate baked goods with them!
Jennie Poh’s illustrations convey an extraordinary amount of emotion on the furry faces and the scenery is rich with fall color. What was your reaction on seeing Jennie’s illustrations?
I was excited to see Jennie’s interpretation of Porcupine and her friends. Creating a picture book is truly a collaboration. I loved the color palette Jennie chose and Porcupine’s cozy den felt so inviting. The characters were friends in my text, but Jennie’s illustrations made those relationships warm and believable. I am very grateful to Jennie for bringing my characters to life.
The Friendship Pie recipe at book’s end looks delicious. What inspired you to include a recipe in a book for children?
I thought a food-themed story lent itself nicely to a recipe. It extends the story by bringing the reader out of the pages and into the kitchen where she/he can start their own Fall Feast tradition!
As a debut author, what has been the most interesting or surprising thing about the process of getting published?
I have two elementary school-aged boys. They were excited when I told them Porcupine’s Pie was going to be a book, but publishing requires a lot of patience, so I didn’t expect their excitement to last the two years it took from book deal to publication. I was wrong! They proudly told strangers I was an author. They loved the digital sneak peek when the first proof was ready. And my youngest bragged, “You know the best thing about having a mommy who’s an author? She can sign my book as soon as it arrives!” They have been my biggest cheerleaders and I can’t wait to sign their books ‘With Love.’