When you Breathe, with Diana Farid

Eager and worthy readers! 

We are all going through a lot of stress, uncertainty, anxiety and a whole host of upsetting experiences these days, sometimes its hard to remember to breathe and step back and appreciate the fact that we can breathe and see, sense, and experience our breath mindfully and its flow through our consciousness and bodies! Even if our breathing is through masks! I recently interviewed author, physician and busy, busy, busy mom Diana Farid MD, we spoke of her picture book gem When You Breathe!

Buy the book here:

 https://www.booksinc.net/book/9781944903930

 Here is my interview with Diana Farid

1. Please introduce yourself to our readers in your own words. What do you do besides write?

Hi everyone. I’m so excited to be able to be featured on Drew’s blog. Well what do I do besides write? Mainly I am a mom. I have four kids. They’re all in school, so right now as some of you are experiencing, they are all home. These days I spend a lot of my time getting snacks and meals ready, finding that science supply that went missing, the workbook under the pile of papers and being the IT expert for connecting online. When not being a mommy, I also work as a doctor, at the Stanford Vaden Health Center, taking care of Stanford University students. As a clinical assistant professor in Stanford’s department of medicine, I also work with medical students and the medical faculty integrating the arts and story into learning about medicine and promoting health concepts to the general public, especially through film. 

 

Author and mom Diana Farid

2. Introduce your picture book when you Breathe in your own words? 

When You Breathe follows the magical journey of a breath from air to deep within the lungs of a little girl as she prepares to sing. It uses an upside down tree as a metaphor for imparting human biology concepts about the respiratory system and breathing. It uses poetry to ignite the imagination. It’s a testament to the power of breath and our connection to each other and the world. It’s science + poetry. And it’s gorgeously illustrated by fine artist Billy Renkl.

3. Please explain the motivation and the writing process for this book for you? 

After the birth of my daughter, my first child, I remember feeling her breath touch my neck as I held her - that made me acutely aware of breath, the power of her future voice and my desire to teach her as much as I could about the wonder of our body’s workings. At the same time, while working as a physician, I noticed that my patients knew very little about how their bodies worked. For my youngest patients who could understand, especially ones who were having respiratory symptoms, I’d tell them the upside - down tree analogy/story and describe where their breath travelled to when they breathed. I found that it helped them understand their symptoms, feel more comfortable about what they were experiencing, my care and it helped them understand any treatments that I was recommending. About 10 years ago I started writing the poem that eventually became the book When You Breathe. It came out in bits and pieces as I took walks, watched my kids play in the yard, and thought about how I wanted to share the magic of breathing with children. After working on it for a number of years, it became what you see in When You Breathe.

4. When you Breathe is the most precious picture book collection of poems that tells a narrative story of mindful breathing with purpose. The pictures are stellar and add new dimensions to the text. You told me that you have a professional friendship with the illustrator, how did this happen? 

Thank you so much for that generous description of the book. I feel the same about the illustrations. I didn’t know the illustrator, Billy Renkl, until recently. The publishing company, Cameron Kids, found him when they first noticed the art that he did for his sister’s adult non-fiction book. Billy and I got to meet this last winter at a children’s book writers and illustrators conference. We hit it off, especially connecting over our mutual awe with the science of human biology and how that overlaps with the wonder that art inspires. Since then, we’ve been able to support work around When You Breathe with a lovely collaborative spirit.

5. The book is clearly crucial as a gentle reminder to take time to breathe and collect air to reconnect to our ever living, ever shifting universe. What made you choose few words to connect readers to mindful breathing as the vessel for such an important lesson for all ages? 

My intention was to impart to children that they are all wondrous, worthy,made of the same stuff as the stars (literally - here’s cool article about that: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/01/150128-big-bang-universe-supernova-astrophysics-health-space-ngbooktalk/) and that we are all inextricably connected. I also know that human biology concepts are largely missing in early public education and I know that an entertaining introduction would be the most effective way of imparting the magic of breathing to young children- through the power of story, art and poetry. As a poet, I am fond of the least amount of words making a large impact, which drove the sparse text of the book.

6. What are some of your favorite picture books and why?

The Dot by Peter Reynolds - I love the way it shows that if one stops judging one’s own art and lets it flow, truthfully, the process and result can be wonderful. I also love how it shows the potential power of supporting a child and valuing their expression.

Forever or a Day by Sarah Jacoby - It’s beautifully illustrated. I love how it is a thoughtful and poetic celebration of time - what can’t be seen or touched - but is still felt in so many ways.

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson - This is a vital picture book for all of us, folding poetry with Black history untold or denied with unstoppable illustrations. I hear a song , a hymn, when I read it. It begs to be read aloud, it celebrates what has risen from every attempt to subdue black lives, that there is more rising to come - and in the face of persistent attempts to defeat the recognition of one human family,  rising will persist.

7. How can readers of all ages make this poetic meditation on breathing into more than just a brilliant story time and bedtime book? 

Oh, that’s a great question. One thing that’s great about the book is that there’s a glossary in the back that contains simple, digestible definitions of words that are related to our respiratory biology, air, and breathing. They offer a great gateway to exploring more about what each word means, how they relate to what we’re made of and how we live in the world. 

Even the first three lines that start the book are invitations for a reader to explore science concepts. For example: One could ask “What exactly is happening when the tree leaves sway? How does air actually move something? Or how does the leaf get energy from air? In the phrase about a bird flying, we could explore how flight takes place, how air moves around a wing to create lift. What is the structure of a bird wing? And then in that final phrase about music moving through air, we could explore concepts of sound waves with young children and hearing.There’s so much exploration that can springboard just from that spread alone. That’s really exciting to me. The book is a great cultivator of curiosity which can last well beyond while it’s read. For younger children the publisher and I have also created a few printable activity sheets that are a fun supplement to the book, which can be found on my website at dianafarid.com. 

In addition, fundamentally, the book sparks a wonder for breathing, the amazing things that take place in the seconds that we take a breath, the energy that we get from that breath, the pumping of our heart without us even thinking about it, moving that energy throughout our body and allowing us to do all the things that we want to do and be with all of the people and things that we love. So a reader can make more than just a good story time read by becoming more aware of their breathing. They can practice deep breathing a few times a day (I have a video about how to do this on my Youtube channel Diana Farid). They can also take action to be stewards of our environment, the air, and each other.

8. Whats next for you as an author? Whats next for you professionally?

 Right now, I am revising a middle grave novel written in verse. I’m also working on drafts for potential follow up picture books to When You Breathe such as When You Sleep and When You See. I plan to also continue making films that bring audiences entertaining stories about health topics, right now these are available at my YouTube channel: Diana Farid.

9. Do you have your own mindful connection practice? What is it? 

Some days I’m better at this than others. Sitting in silence, in a quiet space, and taking deep slow breaths, even if it’s just for a few minutes, can be powerfully centering for me. When I can’t do that, I find connecting to a piece of music that I really love, reading a poem or words of a spiritual teacher and meditating on its meaning, and being in nature, especially if it’s at an ocean shore or on a freshly snowed on mountain , reminds me of the things that I truly value in life. To me, being reminded of what’s important is the most powerful outcome of a mindfulness practice. I also shouldn’t forget to mention that a big source, before the pandemic, of mindful connection for me, was going to a music concert and connecting wholly to a song and the listeners around me - all being on the same amazing acoustic ride together. 

10.  When you Breathe is an anchor, a foundational book for connection especially now during COVID.  Any parting words to our readers? Advice? Encouragement? 

There’s beauty in the workings of your breath and all the amazing functions of your body. I encourage readers to be curious about how their bodies work, to explore that curiosity with their children. Because when we all know more about the truth of our workings, we will be more prepared to keep ourselves whole and healthy, and able to critically evaluate what others might claim can keep us and our world beating. I hope the book can encourage us to see and celebrate each other’s light. And I hope it encourages us to recognize that like science, poetry and art should be embraced as fundamental ways to explore truth.

Please purchase the book here!!

Thank you to (with new window links)

Diana Farid,

Cameron Kids

Abrams Kids publishing,

Books Inc,

and all of my Worthy and Eager readers! Thank you all!

Ryan the Tiny Rex and the Tiny Team

Welcome back Eager  and worthy readers!  This post is dedicated to Ryan Thomas Durham, my son who turns 1 on Saturday! His party theme is Dinosaurs so I decided to interview the author and illustrator of the first two dinosaur books he ever had. Tiny T-Rex and the Impossible Hug and Tiny T Rex and the Very Very Dark!! I recently interviewed the T Rex creative team of illustrator Jay Fleck and author Jonathan Stutzman! Enjoy!

1. Please introduce yourself in your own words. 

Jay: Hi, my name is Jay Fleck and I make picture books!  I’ve illustrated about 15 books over the past 15 years and also wrote one!

Jonathan: Hey everyone! My name is Jonathan and I write books for children. I’ve written a bunch of picture books and my first graphic novel series for young readers comes out next year!

Tiny T Rex and his mom and dad, Original print by Jay Fleck 

2. Please explain how Tiny T. Rex came to be, especially how you chose the characters and how they came to life in words and art? Especially Tiny and his family? How about Pointy?

Jay: I think I came up with the name "Tiny T. Rex" before I even first drew the character.   I took out a pencil and drew a little t-rex with a big head and eyes, with a little body and of course tiny arms.  I tried to keep the shapes pretty simple with nice, pleasing lines and gave Tiny an endearing look that would make people smile.  Then I took that initial pencil sketch and refined it digitally.  The first full image was actually a big group of tiny t-rexes with little backpacks parachuting from the sky. 

Original Art by Jay Fleck

Jonathan: I felt so lucky to get a chance to write a story for Tiny! I loved Jay’s work and Tiny T. Rex is so cute! This was the first character that I wrote a story for that I had artwork FIRST before coming up with an idea, so I was working off of Jay’s art and trying to create a story that fit our big-hearted, small-armed dino. I think Jay, Chronicle, and I all felt that Tiny’s character (and size) would make a great jumping off point for telling stories about a dinosaur who faces a world much bigger than him with confidence, persistence, and most of all, kindness. So I felt trying to hug his best friend, Pointy (who is feeling down), would be a great way to introduce the character to encapsulate Tiny’s struggles and personality traits. We wanted to also have a life in the world for Tiny, so I wrote family and a best friend into the story, and Jay brought them to life wonderfully. The fun thing about a series is... the world of Tiny can keep growing!

Tiny T-Rex Book 1, The Impossible Hug

3. What was the inspiration for Tiny specifically for each book? 

Jay:  With each book I’m sent the text from the publisher once it’s gone through multiple drafts and they and Jonathan are both satisfied.  Obviously as the illustrator I use that as my inspiration along with any notes for visual ideas that Jonathan might have.  

Jonathan: Essentially for each book we set a problem in front of Tiny and the humor and fun comes from seeing how Tiny uses his creativity and kindness to figure out how to overcome it. 

Tiny T Rex book 2 The Very Dark Dark

4. Was any of the creative processes different for the Impossible Hug and The Very Very Dark? What inspired each story?

Jonathan: For me, sequels are a little more difficult to write. Because it’s a series, the books have to feel similar in tone, but I try my best to keep them fresh and surprising. Much of the fun of reading is about discovering, finding little surprises and wonders along the way even with characters and worlds we already know and love. 

Yours Drewly and Tiny Tex book 2 Tiny T Rex and the Very Dark Dark

5. Explain how you collaborated on Tiny and his series? How did Tiny become a series? Any favorite behind the scenes moments or best outtakes?

Jay:  Tiny was actually developed from the start as a series.  Chronicle really liked the character and felt Jonathan and I would make a great team.  So we both signed on for a couple of books and went from there.  I really don’t have many outtakes.  The sketches for the three TINY books I’ve done so far are actually pretty close to the final versions, which isn’t true for most books I’ve worked on.  For some reason I’ve had a pretty clear idea for what I wanted to do with each book in this series from the start.   That’s probably a combination of Jonathan’s great work on the text and notes along with already having a pretty clear vision of the character in my own head.

Jonathan: It’s been so fun working with Jay! One of the best parts of making picture books is collaborating. I can write a page with something in my mind, but it really only comes alive when Jay illustrates it. It is a bit magical getting the art back and seeing Tiny, Pointy, and Auntie Junip (one of my favorites) all running around looking adorable in this world we created together. It’s so fun! I feel very grateful that I get to help create it with Jay, that Chronicle is letting us create it, and that it has found its way into the hearts of so many children. 

6. Jay's Illustrations are cute, cartoony, artsy and perfect for Jonathan’s words. Explore how your mix of words and art make Tiny one of the best and most relatable Dinosaurs ever for kids of all ages and parents? 

Jay:  I can’t speak for Jonathan but my goal for Tiny was always to make him seem very lovable and approachable- just a kind, sweet character.  He has a big head and a small body and arms, and an array of endearing expressions.  He also has big ideas and is very determined, so not only can his cuteness make you smile but hopefully he also provides a little inspiration.  

Jonathan: The great thing with Jay’s art is that everything he mentions above about the character, Tiny’s sweetness and kindness, you can see on the page. For me, kindness was essential for not only Tiny’s look but his character. So that is definitely the core of Tiny. I think it was important to write a character that is both kind and had agency. I wanted Tiny to face those big obstacles headon with courage, perseverance, and intelligence. 

Tiny T Rex series creative team Jonathan Stutzman and Jay Fleck

7. What do you want Tiny T Rex’s legacy to be? What would he tell today's readers both adults and kids? 

Jay: Simply put- I want TINY to help spread good vibes.  He’s a cute, compassionate little guy, we could all use a little more of that.  And while I don’t know what Jonathan has on the horizon story-wise, I'd like to flesh out his world and the other characters that surround him.

Jonathan: I definitely want children to be encouraged and empowered. It doesn’t matter how small a child is or what physical limitation they may have, they have agency. They can learn, try, be brave, and most of all, be kind.

8. What are your relationships to Independent Bookstores? 

Jay:  I’ve done events with local bookstores and visit every local bookstore I can find when I’m travelling.  I love independent bookstores and was a little scared with everything happening that we might lose some.

Jonathan: Independent bookstores are incredible. I feel so blessed to have some close to my home, and to have so many indie booksellers support our Tiny series as well as my other books. Personally, indie bookstores are one of my favorite spaces to pop into. The books, the people, the smell of old and new stories… magic! I’ve definitely missed going in person during the quarantine. 

author Jonathan Stutzman and yours Drewly at Books Inc Palo Alto

9. What keeps you creating gems of creativity for kids books despite all the evil, germs, apocalyptic elements and deadlines? 

Jay:  Illustration is escapism for me, when I put my head down and deep in work I’m not thinking about anything else.   And I hope that work brings a little positivity and light into the world.  If I can make a sweet, cute image and post it to social media and that makes even one person smile, it’s a good thing, especially now.

Jonathan: It’s definitely been difficult for me personally, but stories are one of those things that rise above everyday problems. You can see that with the lasting power of the stories that we’ve known since we were children. Stories are very human and essential to our DNA. I love the John Steinbeck quote, “But I have a new love for that glittering instrument, the human soul. It is a lovely and unique thing in the universe. It is always attacked and never destroyed”. I feel like that soul is also embedded in our stories, art, music... and how we share them with each other. It’s one of the things that keeps us hopeful and resilient even in the darkest times. 

10. What other projects have you worked on together? Any collaborations currently scheduled? 

Jay:  TINY T-REX AND THE PERFECT VALENTINE comes out at the end of the year.  And then we have a couple more Tiny books that we’ll eventually work on.  After that, who knows what the future holds for Tiny!

Jonathan: Definitely more Tiny T. Rex!

Tiny T. Rex book 1 and 2 being devoured by Ryan Thomas Durham

11. What’s next for you professionally as individuals?

Jay:  I will be making books for as long as I can!  Drawing cute pictures is probably the greatest job in the world.

Jonathan: I agree with Jay. I love writing and making books for children and I don’t ever want to stop. I feel incredibly grateful to be doing this and that children around the world can read these stories, find some joy and hope.

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Big appreciation and gratitude to (with embeded links) Thank you to Jay Fleck, Jonathan Stutzman, Books Inc, Chronicle Books, Chronicle Kids Books, Hachette publishing, Books Inc Palo Alto and Kelly Costello Durham and of course Ryan Thomas Durham!

Dan Unmasking heros in our midst today and always

Eager and worthy readers!!


Its been a while since I had an kids book author on here for a real heartfelt interview. Chris Negron is a debut author of Dan Unmasked a gem of a middle reader about friendship, super powers, daily unsung  heroism, baseball,  loss, comics and so so much more! I had the thrill and honor of interviewing him after i called him on the phone to tell him he was an honoree of the Indies Introduce new voices panel for summer fall 2020 for middle reader and YA. 

His answers are in bold my questions aren't. 

Dan Unmasked comes out Tuesday July 28th!  Get your copy here:    

Thank you Harper Collins and ABA for all of your brilliance with introducing me to this book and getting the word out!

PLEASE ORDER Dan Unmasked on this website through Books Inc! 

https://www.booksinc.net/book/9780062943057

Chris Negron, welcome to the blog! Please introduce yourself in your own words! 

I've always wanted to be a writer, but it wasn't until Dan Unmasked that I understood how much I've always wanted to be a middle grade
author specifically. It's strange how you fall into a thing seemingly out of nowhere, because you find you might have the right voice for it, then look back to realize you were heading in that direction the whole time. So
many of the movies and stories I love are about bands of kids coming together to solve big problems, it's a wonder I didn't see it before, but I'm so happy I'm here now, trying to add what I can to the middle grade canon.

 Chris Negron, debut author of Dan Unmasked 

1. Explain what it was like to record or that call from me about your debut book Dan Unmasked being listed as an Indies Introduce Summer/Fall 2020 winner? 


 Recording the session for the Children’s Institute was awesome, if a little nerve wracking, but oh, that call from you! I was so floored! My editor had emailed me that a call would be coming in, so I knew something was up, but not exactly what. I worked really hard to stay by the phone all day, and don’t you know as soon as I walked away from it, you called and I missed it! But you left a great voice mail, and I got back to you as soon as I could. Then, when it became clear that you weren’t just a dedicated bookseller on a panel who happened to select my book for an honor, but that Dan Unmasked really meant a great deal to you personally, I confess I got a little emotional. Even if you probably didn’t realize it because it was our first interaction – I was really working hard to hold it together! 

I had a tiny piece of paper by my side and attempted to jot down every little detail while we talked but still messed up some of it. Oh my gosh, I think I got your name wrong in my first follow up email! After we hung up, I ran to my wife with that little sheet of hasty notes and told her everything. Drew, I really don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough for that conversation, for my book meaning so much to you, and for your part in it being honored as an Indies Introduce pick for Summer / Fall 2020. Now meeting you in person and making a visit to Books Inc. Palo Alto has become a new reason to make it through this pandemic. I sincerely hope you’re a hugger! 



 2. There will be a later Worthy Reader interview that will expand on this one and the one linked here https://www.bookweb.org/news/indies-introduce-qa-chris-negron-577871 about the Dan Unmasked specifically which will be released the day Dan Unmasked is launched (details below). Why do you think debut books are so important to read and review? 


Authors actually talk about this amongst ourselves quite often. Our books are kind of like our kids, and I have friends who have published many now, and I know they try not to have favorites, just like one would never pick a favorite child. But honestly and maybe a little secretly, a lot of us will always think most fondly of our debuts. I think maybe it’s because these are the books we slave over for years to get just right. Often they’re the ones that convince agents to finally sign us, and by definition as our debuts, of course they’re also the first ones to sell to a publisher. They have meaning as milestones on our overall journeys as writers, but I think it’s even more than that. If you ask me, they represent us the most. I know for me it felt like I finally learned to be a writer for real during Dan Unmasked’s evolution. 

Ryan Thomas Durham of #rhymerreads loves Dan Unmasked, to devour it and as a family story time! 

This book was my fifth completed manuscript, but my first one written for a middle grade readership. It (and the people who worked with me on it) taught me how to revise and edit. It taught me how to write endings. It taught me how to mine my inner self, my feelings and emotions, the mental and physical matter around me, to reach for something that is truly meaningful to me and, if your reaction is any indication, hopefully resonates with readers as well. That’s not to say that subsequent works won’t be as great (I mean, come on, all my books are going to be great, right?) – or, in the case of some writers who really hit their stride as the books mount – even better than their debuts. 

But there’s definitely something special about those first books. In my opinion, debuts establish us as authors - our voices, for sure – but even beyond that, they lay the groundwork for the important themes and big questions that we keep coming back to again and again in our subsequent projects. Most of us have little niggling ideas or concepts that won’t leave us alone. As each book passes, we find ourselves tackling those questions in new and interesting ways, or from different angles. Identity is super important in life and also in novels, and I think our debuts are usually the best ways for readers to glimpse the first seeds of our identities as authors being planted. That’s probably why they might get a little extra attention from critics and readers, and I actually think that additional scrutiny is totally merited and, in fact, critical to sending us steaming down the tracks our core ideas tend to lay out before us.

 3. Your responses on this post are priceless https://www.bookweb.org/news/kids-indies-introduce-authors-being-chosen-program-577793 To follow up on your response, what is your personal relationship with independent bookstores? 

What’s your professional relationship with independent bookstores? When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up to be a pharmacist. Is that a weird way to start this answer? It probably is, but bear with me here. Every Sunday my mom would take me and my sisters to church, and afterward she pretty much always needed something at the local town pharmacy. I actually don’t know quite what she or my sisters got up to while we were in there, but for me it was all about the newsstand section. Specifically, the row of comics at the bottom of that section, barely visible unless you bent low to find them. I’d sit cross-legged in front of those random issues and flip through as many as I could before I was finally dragged out. Once in a while I’d look up from this comic or that one long enough to eye the pharmacist behind his counter, filling orders, and I’d think, “My gosh, on his breaks, he only has to walk about ten feet to read all the comics he wants!” Career goal conclusion? You got it, pharmacist. 


As the years went on, those Sunday pharmacy visits changed to Saturday mornings at the giant Walden Flea Market with my dad (which, sadly, no longer exists but even so gets a brief mention in Dan Unmasked). While he hunted for auto supplies or whatever else one buys at a flea market, I spent all my time sifting through old comics boxes at several favorite vendors. Then came trips to my small but wonderful local town library, and the discovery of the fabled comics shop. I’ve frequented so many of those, I couldn’t possibly begin to name them all. Soon followed by college, where I had a secret desk (at least, I thought of it as my desk) up in the stacks of Yale’s Sterling Memorial Library. It gave me comfort, I think, to write my papers and probably a lot of pseudo-code surrounded by those musty old books, as if someday maybe I’d even be a writer. (Imagine!) But it wasn’t until adulthood, after our move to Atlanta, that I turned this constant seeking out of books and literature and stories, from comics to fantasy novels, from horror tomes to the classics, into a discovery of the glory of the independent bookstore. 

This city has so many great ones, from Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, to Read it Again Books in Johns Creek, to the one hosting my launch party on July 28th, Foxtale Book Shoppe in Woodstock. I could fill paragraphs with countless others I’ve encountered since diving into writing, including of course yours, Books Inc. Though I don’t live in the area and haven’t had the pleasure of visiting yet, I can tell from afar that your store has the same characteristics that made me fall in love with visiting these others – a wonderful, friendly staff with a penchant for literature and reading and readers. Not only that, of course, but a yearning to support us authors by lifting us and our work up through events and interviews like this one. Had he been more exposed to them, my younger self would’ve adored independent bookstores because they would’ve surrounded me with books in the same way I worked so hard to surround myself with them. Likewise, my older, author-self is amazed by independent bookstores because they and the people who own and work at them strive so tirelessly to do just that – introduce readers young and old to the power of books and the stories that live inside them. 

Chris Negrons debut book Dan Unmasked 

 4. In your experience what role do independent bookstores play in our current world? 

I think of a couple of specific images when I ponder the role of indies in today’s reading world. The first pictures that come to my mind are from the many awesome literary festivals we have here in the Atlanta area. From huge ones like Decatur Book Festival, where each location or stage has a different bookstore just outside, waiting to connect the books authored by the latest speaker with the inspired readers walking out of the session, to smaller ones like Dahlonega Literary Festival, where Foxtale is always around to do the very same thing. 


As I said earlier, independent bookstores are more often than not the ones who “introduce” the right readers to the right books in so many different ways, and for me those festivals, where sometimes the crush of people makes me wonder how in the world the indie folks are keeping track of it all, are a great example of that generosity of time and energy. It’s a little sad for me this year, with my book coming out during a pandemic, that those festivals aren’t happening, at least not in their usual format. I would’ve loved to have seen my book at one of them, in the hands of a harried-appearing but actually completely organized indie bookseller who had agreed to spend that entire day not being able to enjoy the sessions as any passionate reader probably would like to, but by hand-selling the right books to the right readers. The willingness to break away from the store model like that always makes my jaw drop a little as I watch them rush around. Introducing books to readers is a key symbol revealed by that image, I think. I always marvel at those types of people at parties, don’t you? The ones who simply must introduce person A to person B. 

There’s usually nothing in it for these matchmakers other than being able to stand back and witness a new friendship blossom. The right book in the right hands is kind of like that. A new friendship, which is particularly important to me, since Dan Unmasked ends up being so much about friendship. These same types of personal sacrifices of time and energy and urges to connect and introduce are wrapped up in the second image my mind conjures when I think about the role of indie bookstores in today’s reading world – you and your fellow ABA Indies Introduce panelists reading and reviewing so many books over what must’ve seemed like a relatively short period of time, just to be able to narrow the list and present to your community of peers – and your other community, the readers in your local areas – the debuts you decided to “introduce” to them. You guys are just like those matchmakers at random parties, actually. How much fun it must be to step back and watch new friendships between books and readers develop! 

Chris and Drew's segment of Indies Introduce
presentation at ABA's Virtual Children's Institute.

 5. What makes a book worthy of being read? What makes a debut book worth reading? Especially a middle reader book? 

 Wow, that’s a tough one. Books are so different from each other, and there are so many different genres with different goals and readerships, I don’t think there’s a single, all-knowing answer here. What makes one book worth one reader’s time and another book worth another reader’s time? It’s so subjective. I can only say what I hoped to do with Dan Unmasked, and maybe leave it at that. First and foremost, I wanted to tell a thrilling story featuring elements I love – comics and baseball – that was also heartfelt. As writers, sometimes we’re processing through things in our real lives via our work, which may sound a bit familiar to readers of my book, and I can say for sure that I was asking myself several key questions as I wrote this story. What does it mean to love things? What happens when we explore why? Why is it so important to be able to lean on our teams, to keep them together through the tough times? What happens when we blame ourselves for something out of our control? Even worse, when we hold inside how much we’re struggling with the emotions stirred up by that guilt and grief? So I don’t think I can answer what makes any book worth reading, middle grade or not, but I hope the exploration of those key questions through a story that’s also filled with plenty of action and a little bit of mystery, too, makes Dan Unmasked a book readers are happy they cracked the cover open when they turn the final page and slap it closed again.

PLEASE ORDER Dan Unmasked on this website through Books Inc! 

https://www.booksinc.net/book/9780062943057

 6. What are you working on now? What’s next for you as a writer? What do you do now that you are sure to blow readers away with your stellar debut book Dan Unmasked which is a book for all ages coming out Tuesday July 28th? 


Ha, thank you! Blowing readers away would be wonderful, but I think I’ll be just as satisfied if they’re simply entertained, and find something in Dan’s story that carries meaning for them. My second book, tentatively scheduled for July 2021, is The Last Super Chef. It’s in copy edits now, so we’re nearly to the finish line! It’s about an eleven-year-old named Curtis who’s not only a mega fan of the most popular cooking show on TV, “The Super Chef”, but is quite an accomplished junior chef himself. He also has a secret: the Super Chef is his long-absent father. When an opportunity opens for kids to compete in the last televised contest the Super Chef will ever host, Curtis decides he must make the list. But when he gets to New York, Curtis learns the Super Chef has some secrets of his own. He also finds even stiffer competition to win than he expected. He’ll have to cook his heart out if he wants to go home with the big cash prize – and maybe even more importantly, the truth. So that’s what’s next for me as far as books, but as a writer? Interesting question. 

I definitely have a lot more of these middle grade stories in me, and I love writing in this genre. Writing kid lit makes me feel like I’m reaching the readers I want to reach, the minds and hearts I’m hoping to touch. I’ve been spending a lot of time conceptualizing what I suppose we can call book three. Very little writing – though I have written a chapter one that I’m pretty sure is getting tossed (this may disappoint a critique partner or two who’s read it) – but a lot of thinking about what the next thing I have to say is, what the next question I want to raise and explore is. Once I have it straight in my head and the underpinnings of the right plot all laid out, I’ll start to write it and see where it goes. That’s always the fun part.


Thank you to The American Bookseller Association, Books Inc, Books Inc Palo Alto, HarperCollins publisher and HarperCollins Children's Publishing

Books Inc Adventures in Learning pilot interview with Hannah

Eager and Worthy Readers,

Its been a long long time since I posted anything so I am thrilled to present a brand new interview with Hannah Walcher, a colleague and work friend from Books Inc, who is piloting a new subscription box service for 0 to 13 year old's, called Adventures In learning, a new service focused on helping parents, caregivers, grandparents, families and kids! A great deal for any age! Support Books Inc and get four teachable books for discounted pricing!

1. Please share what have been some of your more memorable  professional experiences with me?

            We’ve worked together so many times over the three and a half years you've worked for Books Inc! You’re always a joy to work with and really appreciate how hands-on you want to be, whether it’s during events, book clubs, or just working with customers . There is no doubt that you love books and supporting the authors that write them and the bookstores that sell them!

2. Please explain your current role with Books Inc?  

            I’m the Book Fair and Children’s events manager. I have the pleasure of working with many Bay Area schools to put together book fairs on their campus and bring authors to their schools. I also schedule children’s events and story times in our stores.

Hannah Walcher

3. How did Books Inc respond to COVID 19?

              Books Inc. has followed the guidelines and suggestions of our counties from the very beginning. We shut our doors immediately and focused on taking care of our employees as best we could during the difficult and confusing time. We were also lucky to have so many book lovers shop on our website while our stores were closed. Now that our counties are allowing businesses to open, we’re taking our time to bring our stores back up to standard, by again following our counties guidelines and suggestions, and focusing on the safety of our staff and of our communities. We are working hard to do our part to stop the spread of covid-19 and remain a responsible and enriching member of our communities.

 4. How did customers respond to Books Inc changes?

              Book lovers are the best. From the start, we received so much support on our website when our doors were closed. It was amazing! We had so many lovely and positive emails in support throughout the shut down. Now that we’re open, our customers continue to support us and have been adaptive and understanding to all of the changes. We’re in this together, after all.

5. What is the plan for Books Inc author's events? 

              Like most things in life these days, we’re looking to the internet. Since we’re not sure when we’ll be able to have large numbers of people in our stores at once, and lets be fair, that’s always the goal, we’ll be focusing our energy on virtual events for the time being. So if you aren’t already, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so you can stay up to date with our virtual events.

6. I am excited by Books Inc's new subscription box service! Explain the inspiration for the Adventures In Learning Subscription box?

              The inspiration came from many small conversations we’ve had with parents in our communities. We know there is a huge concern for what this upcoming school year will look like and a lot of unknowns, so Books Inc. created the Adventures in Learning subscription box to help families who are facing the possibility of home-schooling their children, full time or part time. We can only imagine how hard teachers and educators are working to create a flexible curriculum that will translate well and serve their students, so the subscription boxes are not a replacement for schooling, obviously, but a fun way to supplement your child’s learning and foster a love of reading at home.

7. What are the details? What is the website link? 

            You can find all of the details on our website here: https://www.booksinc.net/adventures%20in%20learning-subscription-box

But the basics is that each month, Books Inc. will curate four age appropriate boxes, ranging from ages 0-12, featuring four titles per box focusing on STEAM, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and of course, fiction and non-fiction. Customers have the option of purchasing an individual box for $40 +tax or signing up for a 3 month or 6 month subscription. This is a fledgling program and we are looking for feedback to help us provide the best service possible, so if this sounds like something you might like to try, we hope you sign up and give it a shot!

8. Is it better to order Adventures in learning boxes online or in store? How will tracking information be available?

              You can sign up online instantly or go into our stores and fill out a form. No way is better, it’s just your preference. All boxes will be packed and shipped out within the first week of the month, and customers will have their tracking numbers sent to them via email as soon as the box ships.

9. How can customers gift a subscription box to family or friends?

              When you sign up for the box, just provide us with the name of the recipient and their shipping address.

10. What is the website for online shopping at Books Inc?

            You can shop online at www.booksinc.net for all your book needs!

11. How can customers stay updated about Books Inc?

            Again, follow us on our social media accounts and/or sign up for our newsletters here: https://www.booksinc.net/newsletter/signup

12. Where are all the current books Inc locations?

              We have locations all over the Bay Area. Look for our neighborhood stores in Berkeley, Alameda, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Campbell, and San Francisco. We have three San Francisco locations: Opera Plaza, Laurel Village, and Chestnut!

13. What are all of the current ways customers support Books Inc?

              Right now, all of our neighborhood stores are open for browsing AND curbside pick up. You can also continue to shop online and have books shipped directly to you. We have free 7-10 day shipping for all orders $25 or more before tax.

Thank you for your time and your unstoppable amazing service to Books Inc!

Thank YOU.