Kids Ask Authors Answer: A Delightful Exploration of Children's Curiosity
Children's literature plays an essential role in early childhood development, sparking imagination, and inspiring creativity. In the latest episode of the charming podcast “Kids Ask Authors Answer,” we are introduced to some wonderful insights into the creation of children's books with Amy Doslich, Samantha Howard-Els, and special guest Rella B. Together, they explore a world where children's questions about books take center stage, fostering a conversation filled with laughter, curiosity, and education.
Meet the Authors
In this episode, the hosts Amy Doslich and Samantha Howard-Els introduce themselves and their respective book series. Amy, known for her Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series, and Sam, with the Tiny Boo Halloween book series, bring their expertise and engaging personalities to the table. They introduce their special guest, Rella B, an author and former flight attendant, well-known for her innovative Shape Series and other titles such as "Mama, I Got a Dollar."
The Spark of Inspiration
The Birth of a Unique Idea
When asked about the inspiration behind her Shape Series, Rella B shares a fascinating story. Her career as a flight attendant involved meeting diverse individuals and listening to various stories, which eventually sparked the idea for her series. Observing the different shapes, sizes, and colors of people, she decided to personify these traits in her characters, making them relatable and unique. This creative process highlights how real-life experiences can transform into captivating stories for children.
From Concept to Publication
Rella B provides insight into the journey from writing to publishing her book. Initially written on an iPad in 2019, If Shapes Could Talk underwent multiple revisions before its publication in October 2023. Her dedication and attention to detail ensured that the book resonated with its young audience, emphasizing that writing a children's book involves much more than the initial draft.
Engaging with Young Minds
In this episode, the interaction between the authors and the children from the Zebra class at Beecroft Academy in Bedford, UK, showcases the power of young readers' curiosity. The children, having read If Shapes Could Talk, posed a series of questions that were both thoughtful and imaginative.
Intriguing Questions and Honest Answers
One curious six-year-old, Lorna, asked why one of the characters, the purple diamond (rhombus), didn't have a name while her friend Maxine did. Rella B explained that initially, she wanted the characters to remain nameless so that anyone could identify with them. However, due to popular demand, the character now bears the name Rhonda Rhombus.
When Raphael, aged eight, inquired about Rella B’s favorite shape, she revealed her preference for circles. She fondly listed things like cakes, balloons, and bubbles, emphasizing the ubiquitous and joyous nature of circles.
The Creative Process Unveiled
Writing on an Adventure
The Zebra class from the UK had more questions about Rella B’s writing process. They wanted to know when and how she wrote her book. To their surprise, Rella B shared that she wrote the book during a flight, completing it in about two hours. However, the entire process, including editing and illustrations, took much longer, demonstrating the multi-faceted nature of creating a children's book.
Color Choices and Character Diversity
Another intriguing query from the Zebra class was about how the colors of the shapes were chosen. Rella B explained that she allowed her illustrator to pick the colors but had specific ideas based on the characters' personalities. For example, her mischievous character was initially purple, akin to Rhonda, but was later changed to red to better suit his naughty nature.
Rapid Fire Round: Shapes Galore
To keep the session lively, the hosts introduced a rapid-fire round where Rella B had to quickly associate shapes with various items or concepts within a minute. This segment added a fun and competitive spirit to the episode, highlighting Rella B’s familiarity with her characters and shapes. She impressively answered eleven questions correctly, earning the title of the new winner.
Addressing a Spectrum of Emotions and Experiences
Representing Diverse Family Structures
One poignant question came from seven-year-old Phoebe, who asked why one of the characters, Maxine, lost her parents. Rella B touched on the sensitive topic of loss and adoption, revealing that while Maxine would not find her biological parents, she would have a new family and a book dedicated to her story titled If Shapes Had Families. This response underscores the importance of representation and addressing real-life issues in children's literature.
Imagining Daily Life as an Author
A curious question about Rella B’s daily routine added a personal touch to the session. She described her day, which includes cuddling with her daughter, reading, writing, connecting with other authors, and organizing events. This response paints a vivid picture of an author's life beyond the pages, blending work with creative passion and parental duties.
Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors
Rella B excitedly shared details about her upcoming projects, including titles like Do Robots Run My Elementary School? and Is My Elementary School a Zoo? These creative and engaging books are expected to hit shelves this summer, promising more captivating stories for young readers. With plans to publish about ten books this year, Rella B remains an active and prolific voice in children's literature.
Final Thoughts and Connecting with the Authors
The episodic adventure wrapped up with the authors expressing gratitude for the engaging questions and delightful interaction with the children. Rella B also provided her contact information for young readers and parents to follow her work and keep up with upcoming releases and events. Her approachable nature and dedication to fostering a love for reading among children remain evident.
Overall, this episode of “Kids Ask Authors Answer” not only celebrated children’s limitless curiosity but also highlighted the intricate process behind creating engaging children’s literature. It provided valuable insights for aspiring authors, educators, and parents, emphasizing that every story, like every shape, has its unique place in the world of imagination.
Join Amy Doslich, Samantha Howard-Els, and Rella B as they continue to inspire young minds by nurturing their innate curiosity and love for storytelling.
