Mary Sue collaborated with a 10-year-old art student to create a children's book! What?!? Yes, that's right. The illustrator is 10-year-old Samantha Flynn,
and the author is Mary Sue!
The book's title is Friends in a Storm.
Blurb:
Squirrel is locked out of his house in a rainstorm. He's standing at his door as the rain pours down. His fur is soaked, and he is cold! So Owl takes him home to warm him up. Squirrel finds his key but stays with his friend for a while. Suggested age range for readers: 2-8.
In light of this wonderful collaboration, and on the verge of the second book, Pens and Peonies begged Mary Sue for an exclusive interview.
P&P: Hi, Mary Sue! So great of you to take time to answer some of our burning questions. We're excited to hear that you wrote a children's book. First question: What made you decide to write a children's book?
Mary Sue: I was teaching elementary school at the time right out of college and wrote it for my class.
P&P: So many authors have great call stories. Would you tell us a little about how your book came to be published with Guardian Angel Publishing?
Mary Sue: I met Lynda Burch at a writing conference in Kansas City 2 years ago. Told her I had some picture books I’d written way back in my teaching days, she asked to see a couple and bought them.
P&P: We're interested in hearing how you collaborated with a 10-year-old. Where did that idea develop?
Mary Sue: Samantha had some health issues at the time I asked her to illustrate the book. I knew how talented she was and thought it would be good for her. Her mom loved the idea! She did some of the illustrations 3, 4 and 5 times. What patience!
P&P: Are there any more books in the future for you?
Mary Sue: Yes, Where Will We Fly will be released soon but that will be illustrated by artist friend, Cheryl Spadaccini.
P&P: Okay, last question. Do you have any advice or words of wisdom you'd like to share with our readers?
Mary Sue: I wrote those books over 20 years ago! Never give up.
~~~
Isn't Mary Sue amazing?!? We're so glad she stopped by today. So... what do you have buried from 20 years ago?
The little ones in my life will love this book!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this!!! <3
ReplyDeleteVery cool, Mary Sue! I love that 10 yo Samantha illustrated!
ReplyDeleteA book written 20 years ago? Wow...I guess this just proves that a good story is timeless!
ReplyDeleteCarl
Great advice!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a wonderful story. Almost makes me wish I had a little one again. (Almost.)
How wonderful Mary Sue! I'll have to buy it for my first grandchild, who is due in Dec. Love the collaboration with the 10 year old.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you. I totally understand the 20 years ago thing! Mary Sue, you have so many facets--just like the diamond that you are!
ReplyDeleteInspirational story! Congratulations. :)
ReplyDelete