Mike Boldt and I have a new book entering the world TODAY.
The flap copy sums it up beautifully…
GOOD NEWS! Your mom’s hatching a baby!
BAD NEWS! Babies take their sweet time.
And when they finally do hatch?
They don’t even know how to be a dinosaur.
That’s where you come in.
You can teach the baby everything.
Silly humor and sincere moments make this hilarious and useful “guide” a must for every big brother and big sister to-be.
Great fun for family reading too!
————
We’ve enjoyed a couple of nice reviews. Publishers Weekly calls the book “Fresh . . . Adorable . . . Funny.” And, according to Kirkus: “Esbaum and Boldt [hit] the serious, the horrific, and the hysterical—and tenderly portray the growing bond between the two children.”
Whew. Mike and I thought it might be fun to have a chat and give you a glimpse of the interior.
JILL:
Writers who cannot illustrate have no choice but to hope their works end up with an illustrator (and editor and art director) who “get” them, who will nurture our babies all along the way, making sure they get a great cover and interior art that feels exactly right. Sometimes the final result leaves us a little disappointed. Other times, we are happy-dance stunned. Your art for HOW TO GROW A DINOSAUR not only feels exactly right, but will likely have readers thinking we collaborated all along the way. (Readers, we did not.)
So when you got this manuscript and started imagining the characters and their world…could you talk about that?
MIKE:
Thank you, Jill. So far I’ve not had to experience that side of the creative process where you trust someone with creating the visual side of your story, but it’s definitely something I try to imagine. After I accept a MS to illustrate, I feel a great responsibility to not only do the best work I can, but to do so in a way that complements the story without trying to take it over. The other thing, which is even more important to me before I take on a job, is that I hope to connect with the story. My favourite projects have been the ones where as I’m reading it for the first time, I’m smiling at all the potential images popping into my imagination. HOW TO GROW A DINOSAUR was definitely one of those stories. I immediately replied to my agent with a “YES! I’d love to do this one.”
Speaking of creative mergers, I’d love to know, Jill, while this is a story about siblings, what made you decide to make this about humanized dinosaurs rather than humans?
JILL:
Actually, my original vision was to use humans. But that seemed so…mundane. There wasn’t much zip to the story. Then I thought about using dinosaurs, writing a nonfiction manuscript set in a realistic prehistoric world. But there are so many unknowns . . . . Anyway, all that messing around led me to an idea to combine the two in a playful, “good news, bad news” presentation.
Was it ever a problem that my dino world also had realistic human elements?
MIKE:
It wasn’t a problem for me! Maybe I watched The Muppets too much as a kid, but I love those worlds and playing with the elements in them to make them relatable to humans, and yet still trying to add the Dinosaur elements to them – such as the action figures and sports teams that might exist there. Even though many of those things aren’t explained in the story, or even that important, I feel they can really help build the world that you created in this book and hopefully add to the reader’s experience.
JILL:
Those unexpected elements are delightful. Some of my favorites…
–The main character’s tee shirt, if you can’t quite make it out, readers, is emblazoned with his favorite team’s logo: A great big A superimposed over an asteroid. Hahaha.
–Throughout the book are scattered picture books with titles that play on books of Mike’s or mine. Watch for I AM REX, HEAR ME ROAR!, I HATCHED!, and I DON’T WANT TO BE A STEGOSAURUS!
–The end papers! The front ones show the big brother trying in vain to engage in various kinds of play with … a stationary spotted egg. The back papers show him actually playing with that long-awaited sibling.
And man, how I love that back cover. You’ve told me that wasn’t your idea, Mike. Could you explain how it came about?
MIKE:
Well, one of the most understated elements in the creation process is the editor/art director team that we work with. In our case, we had the privilege of working with a really incredible team of Jessica Garrison and Jennifer Kelly. I didn’t really have much going for sketches for the back cover, and then one day, Jennifer sent me this layout with the spot illustrations that acted like directions – truly a great idea that I knew complemented the title perfectly. I just rearranged them a bit and added the hand letters, but the credit definitely goes to our great team at Dial.
Was there a part of the story that Jessica came along side with a suggestion that gave you that feeling that she just “got” the story you were trying to tell?
JILL:
Yes. I originally planned for every dino spread to be followed by a wordless and parallel human spread. For instance, on the “BAD NEWS. Babies don’t know what’s dangerous. STOP, BABY, STOP!” spread, we’d see a dino kiddo hurrying to stop his baby sibling as it toddles cluelessly toward a cliff, and the next spread would show a human kiddo hurrying to stop his baby sibling from toddling off the top of a staircase. Editor Jessica suggested dropping the human element. That was the right move. Readers didn’t need me hitting them over the head to understand that the book’s a metaphor. I love the end result, a cool combination of dino and human. Outdoors, smoking volcanoes. Indoors, a comfy and recognizable human world.
Editor Jessica ALWAYS gets my humor, but this particular suggestion told me that she saw more in this story’s possibilities than even I did.
MIKE:
Since we’re already talking about editors and edits, was there any part to this story that you really needed to roll your sleeves up for, to work and re-work it until it felt right?
JILL:
As you know, the baby was originally a brother. Just before the book reached the too-late-to-change-anything stage, the Dial team wondered if readers might better relate if the baby were simply referred to as “Baby.” That way, families could imagine it as a boy OR a girl. Gulp. But those suggestions are always worth a try, because you never know…they might make it better, right? So yeah, that took a lot of working and reworking before it flowed to my satisfaction. Happily, that no-sex Baby eventually grew on me.
Which spread did you have the most trouble feeling satisfied with?
MIKE:
I’ll be honest. There weren’t too many spreads that were giving me trouble on this book, Jill. Generally that’s another sign of how much I’m enjoying illustrating the story! I’d say the BAD NEWS page where baby doesn’t know what’s dangerous, had me struggle a bit more than the rest. Initially I had an idea for baby walking into a giant dinosaur’s mouth, but it felt a bit too scary. Then when I thought a bit more about the “Stop, baby, stop!”, I figured a cliff or edge would be better suited to that text. Then the tricky part became figuring out the layout to make sure the text was read in the right order still. I just hope the final works haha!
JILL: This process looks SO daunting! But the final product gives me the best kind of goosebumps. Thanks, Mike! And thanks, readers, for sticking with this long post!
GOOD NEWS! Dial has generously allowed us three copies to give away. To be eligible, simply comment below. I’ll draw three names on Friday, February 9th, and I’ll contact you personally if I can find your contact info online. Winners will be announced here in my next post on Tuesday, February 13th.
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Meanwhile, winners of Leslie Helakoski’s HOOT & HONK Just Can’t Sleep are: Quinette Cook, Shutta Crum, and Sondra Soderberg. Sondra, I’m having trouble finding an email address for you. Please contact me through my website to claim your prize.
And you can still enter to win a copy of Pat’s new book, BE KIND.
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WHAT a fun premise for a story!! And I loved getting a peek at the creative process for both author and illustrator. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Lindsey! Thanks for stopping by.
Oh, my! This book looks hilarious! The clever text and fun illustrations work perfectly together. I’m so excited to read this. 🙂
Hope you like it, Becky!
How cool to get a sneak peek of the whole process! Thanks for sharing your success and your struggles with us!
Glad you enjoyed it, Jennifer! I love hearing these process stories myself. 🙂
This looks adorable! I can’t wait to share this with my little dinos 🙂
And they get to ROAR. 🙂
Congratulations on your new book. This looks super fun and I love hearing the back story of how it came together from both the writer and illustrator side of things. Can’t wait to read the whole story! Thanks.
🙂
Love learning about process, and the book looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome. Thanks for commenting, Rose!
Thanks for sharing your process! I love how Jill’s words inspired Mike’s entertaining illustrations.
Better than I could have hoped for, Manju!
I’ve been waiting for this one! What a fantastic duo you two make! Congrats! Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Judy!
Sounds like such a fun read! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Maybe you’ll win one! 😉
Thanks for giving us a peak behind the scenes at the interplay between writing and illustrating!
oops … I meant to type peek
The process continues to fascinate me, Jennifer. 🙂 Guess that’s why I’m hooked on picture books!
You’re very welcome, Jennifer. 🙂
Enjoyed hearing from an illustrator. That sounds so intimidating. You did a fabulous job!
Illustrators have an overwhelming job, I think. I’ve been lucky to work with some great ones.
I LOVE this interview!! And the book looks fantastic! Thanks, guys, and congratulations!!!!
Thanks, Linda!
Jill, your books are so clever. I love your humor. And nice to hear from the collaboration between author illustrator. Looks like this will be a good one!
Aw, so sweet of you, Becky. I appreciate it!
Yay, Yay, YAYYYYY! What a great interview by a terrific team! Congratulations to both of you, can’t wait to read/see it!!!!!!!
Thanks, Jennifer!
Jill and Mike,
What a great post about your process in what looks to be an adorable book! I can already think of 3 families expecting to add a sibling
Ooh, this would be perfect for them, Mary!
Thanks for this insightful interview and reveal about how a picture book really gets “built!”
Always a wonder, to me, how picture books begin from one little spark of an idea. Thanks for reading, Lori.
Such fun to learn about the process — Can’t wait to read this one!
Hope you like it, Paulette!
Fascinating to get a glimpse into your process, from the early, rough drawings to the final book. Wow! I love this book. What a fun way to present to kids a monumental shift in their life! Thank you!
Seeing an illustrator’s process always fascinates me, Sharon…and makes me wish I’d stuck with art, back in school. 🙂
This book looks so funny . . . and with great illustrations to boot! I can’t wait to read this!
Hope so, Stacy!
Pretty sure there is no such thing as watching the Muppets too much!
The kitty’s expression made me chortle! Fun peek into the book and its fab creators’ process!
Me, too, Cathy! That’s one of my favorite illustrations….
This looks delightful! Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks, Sheri!
This behind the scenes post is so interesting! It’s fun to see how each creator had his and her own concerns and joyful moments. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Carrie! We don’t usually get to ask our illustrators things like these. I love hearing about their thought processes.
LOVED reading about How To Grow A Dinosaur was created. Can’t wait to read it! Congratulations Jill and Mike!!!
Thanks, Judy! 🙂
I lov d seeing how you “worked together” to bring this book to life. I can’t wait to get my hands on it! Congratulations!
Thank you, Julie. It should be everywhere soon….
You know I’m a sucker for a dinosaur book 🙂
And dinosaurs everywhere love you for it. 😉
It’s always interesting to hear about the process. Thanks for including the editor/art director. We don’t often hear much about their part in getting a picture book out. Looks like a wonderful book. Love the humor and the art.
I know! I love that Mike included them. NOTHING would happen without their input/approval. They are truly gifted and sooo creative.
This looks so fun! And I enjoyed hearing from all the wonderful creators who put the book together!
Thanks, Jennifer! 🙂
What a delightful book! Very clever! I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Danielle!
I love this, Jill! Thanks for your perspective, Mike!
P.S. I had the pleasure of hearing you speak at the Wild, Wild Midwest conference in 2016, Jill :-).
I LOVE that conference, Amanda! Looking forward to next year’s. 🙂
How adorable, Jill and Mike! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Wonderful interview!
Thank you! 🙂
Love this conversation with Jill and Mike. So fun to see how authors and illustrators do their separate jobs to produce a joint effort. And it’s always great to give a few kudos to the team behind the scenes who make it all possible.
I agree, Kathy. Those behind-the-scenes people are amazing!
You certainly can’t go wrong with a book about both babies AND dinosaurs! Can’t wait to have this for our patrons.
Fingers crossed, Janet. 🙂
It’s reassuring to know even well-published writers run through many variations before coming upon the right one. Thanks for the backstory.
ALWAYS, Susan. At least that’s how it usually works for me. Sometimes I never find the right presentation. Struggling with one right now that just. isn’t. working. But it’s one I won’t give up on. Sooner or later….
Jill and Mike, this looks like such a fun book. Congratulations to both of you!
Thanks for reading about it, Cathy!
Congrats on the book. It looks adorable. I think it would be perfect for two little boys I just happen to know. 😉
Ooh, I hope they like it, Q! I shared it with my almost 2-year-old grandson, who has become very picky with books lately. He doesn’t understand that Grammy had anything to do with this one, of course, so it was enormously gratifying that he wanted it read repeatedly. The fact that the little dino had TOOLS exactly like his own had nothing to do with it. “Wook! He have hammah! He have wench!” Haha.
This sounds like a great one. I just requested it from my library. Thanks for sharing a little of what went into the making of your book!
Fingers crossed, Heather. Thanks for reading!
What a cute book! Love the illustrations!
Boy, ME TOO!
I love how the words tell half the story, and the illustrations, the other half. So delightful and well-done! Bravo!
Mike’s illustration MAKE this book, Kathy!
What a delightful read today!
Thanks, Lori!
Great backstory, it makes me want to read and share the book even more! Kudos, Jill and Mike!
Thanks, Sue! 🙂
What a great match of text and illustration! Love this story and look forward to reading it with my own not-so-little dinos. Thanks for sharing some of the creative process.
Thanks, Lisa, and you’re welcome! I feel like I really lucked out with this one. 🙂
I really appreciate the sneak peak behind the makings of this book. It looks so fun!
Thanks!
Learning about process is something I always enjoy, too. Thanks for reading, Mary!
Loved hearing the process. Thanks for including super rough dummy sketches!
Aren’t those COOL, Lynn?! They remind me of my super-sloppy attempts to paginate, when I need to gauge a story’s flow…except my sketches are pretty horrifying.
This looks so cute!
Thanks, Rachel. Mike made it that way!
Fun interview! I look forward to reading the book.
Thanks, Barb. 🙂
Thanks for sharing the process.
You’re very welcome, Cindy. Getting a story right is never a straight line.
Jill and Mike,
Congratulations!
I laughed out loud when I saw your illustrations and text on the page.
I can’t wait to get a copy!
Me, too, Mark! So many funny little details to discover in these illustrations….
Oh my gosh, Jill. This looks adorably funny. Congratulations on another terrific picture book 🙂
Thank you, Terry!
Happy book birthday, Jill & congrats! It looks adorable. Can’t wait to read it 🙂
Hi, Maria! Thanks…hope you like it!
Thank you for sharing your author and illustrator perspectives, Fascinating!
You’re very welcome, Brenda. Thanks for reading!
Love this concept! Congrats, you two!
Thank you, Lori! 🙂
This back and forth between writer and illustrator is really interesting. Thanks for sharing, both of you!
Thanks for reading, Beth!
I love having this peek at your collaboration, Jill and Mike. Picture books are a true collaboration that works magic. Can’t wait to get my own copy of HOW TO GROW A DINOSAUR.
That’s so true, Patty. Maybe you’ll win a copy. 🙂
Great insight and what a fun twist!
Thank you, Charlotte.
It’s great to see the creative process and collaboration efforts involved in a successful (and delightful) picture book. Thanks so much for the insights!
Reading other peoples’ processes always cheers me up, Tanya, and makes me think mine isn’t so weird, after all. Haha. Of course, it’s also different for every book!
Jill! This is wonderful. What day does it come out? I’d like to highlight it on my site for you. And I LOVE this back and forth between you and the illustrator. Congrats.
Thanks so much, Shutta. I came out yesterday (Tues, the 23rd).
Rather, IT came out. 🙂
Such fun to hear about the process for both the author and illustrator. This book looks fabulous!
Fingers crossed as it goes out into the world, Laura. 🙂
Love this post, and I really want to read this book!
Maybe you’ll win, Ashley!
This book looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing the process of what it takes to bring the words and pictures together!
Thanks, Cindy! I love hearing about process, too. Every book has its own backstory. 🙂
I love behind-the-scenes skinny! Great interview. ?
Thanks, Tammi!
Thank you for this insight into the book’s process!
You’re very welcome, Linda.
I love when interviews include both the author and the illustrator. And in this case it sounds like a perfect match. Congrats to both of you on the new book. I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks for reading, Linda.
Thanks for sharing your collaboration, Jill and Mike. Can’t wait to track down a copy.
Thanks for reading this long post, LeeAnn! I promise the book is lots shorter. 🙂
Congratulations, what a great book and thanks so much for sharing the process (and for the giveaway)!
You’re very welcome, Marcia. You’re entered! Good luck!
What a clever book – perfect combination of text and illustrations. I can’t wait to gift this to little ones waiting for a new sibling.
That’s the perfect audience for it, Claire. Thanks for entering!
Thanks for letting us in “behind the scenes.” Can’t wait to see this book! Your book often have such a delightful sense of humor running through them that makes me smile.
Aw, thanks, Colleen! Hope to see you in April!
Obviously, I meant “books” in the third sentence, not “book.” : )