As fall approaches, we look forward to cooler days, brightly colored leaves, and of course, spooky stories! So I thought it would be fun to share a scary story hot off the presses, MOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE SCARES: A ZOMBIE TALE by Lynne Marie, illustrated by David Rodriguez Lorenzo.
This gorgeously illustrated tale tells the story of the three scares, Papa Scare, Mama Scare, and Baby Scare, and what happens when a zombie named Moldilocks comes to visit!
Author Lynne Marie joins us to share a few insights into her wonderful new picture book.
Q. Can you tell us about the inspiration for your new picture book, Moldilocks and the Three Scares which recently released from Sterling Publishing?
It was a “Monster Mash” in the true sense of the word. I had always wanted to do a Goldilocks retelling, and as part of my research, I either bought or borrowed from the library every Goldilocks retelling I could find. I made a list of which topics had been covered. There was a pairing with dinosaurs, Goldilocks as a rockstar (Goldie Rocks), Goldilocks as a Goat (Goatilocks), Curly Locks, Goldy Luck paired with three Pandas, and many plot variations. I thought of other perennial possibilities and realized there were no monsters!
From there, there were many inspirations, mostly from my child-hood, including Bobby Pickett’s The Monster Mash, The Addams Family sit-com, The Munsters sit-com, and even the Walking Dead series (which I have never watched, but heard of). And of coure there was that Scares was a good rhyme with bears, so the title would stay somewhat intact.
But I knew that just wasn’t enough. My book had to have heart and at least somewhat of a narrative arc. The narrative arc was a bit tough, based upon the actual constrictions of the fairy tale, so I decided to flip the story. Instead of an intruder, I made Moldilocks the answer to the Scares nightmares (prayers). I was able to develop small character arcs for all.
Papa Scare was a stay-at-home Dad and Chef who longed for another mouth to feed.
Mama Scare was the breadwinner — a Scientist who hoped for a daughter to follow in her footsteps.
Baby Scare was a kid that had no one to share chores or playtime with and who wanted sibling.
Moldilocks was a zombie who longed for a place to call home.
You will notice some flips of stereotypes, so you can tell I had fun playing around with this story.
So as you will see, I set this story up to facilitate my last inspiration – being a child who was adopted by a family.
Q. There are children’s books about monsters, how is your book different?
This book has a Halloween tie-in like many other monster books, certainly, but because of the fairy tale and blended family aspects, it has a perennial nature and heart. And puns in the text and art. I always consider puns a hook unless overdone. So it satisfied my formula to develop at least three good hooks for each book.
Q. Why a zombie?
Once I flipped the script and made Moldilocks NOT an intruder, I had to come up with a monster that *true to its nature* would be looking for a home. I thought of how zombies roam, and thought a little girl zombie might really facilitate the story direction. And then, thinking of that, the tentatively titled Goldilocks and the Three Scares became Moldilocks and the Three Scares.
Q. Tell me a little about David Rodriguez Lorenzo, the illustrator of this book:
David Rodriguez Lorenzo is a children’s illustrator and character designer who completed studies in art and illustration and currently lives in Ourense, Spain.
He did an amazing job capturing all the personalities portrayed in the book and the color palette is absolutely gorgeous. Sometimes I just open to a spread and stare at the art and my characters that he brought to life. Such awesomeness! And he even left in Moldilocks little sidekick Zom-bee (a maggot fly) who really wasn’t integral to the story. So that was sweet, as well.
We hadn’t ever spoken before the book was finished, but now we are long-distance friends and chat about our passion for K-Dramas and such. So it has been a fun *after-the-collaboration* friendship.
Lightning Round Questions:
1. If you were a monster, what kind would you be?
Hmmm…so hard to choose (LOL). I am somewhat drawn to vampires and bats, and I did love Bram Stoker’s Dracula as well as the Twilight Series, so I would have to say a Vampiress. Or Lily Munster. I thought Yvonne DeCarlo was a fabulous actress and played that part so well.
2. Your book shares that each of your characters want something in their life. What do you want?
Hmmm…I would have to say that right now, I really want more book contracts so more of my beloved characters will come to life. There’s Morty and Clay (Mummy Brothers from Tombmates), Harry (a Turkey Comedian from Fowl Humor), and so many more. It’s such a magical experience.
Lynne Marie is the author of Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten – illustrated by Anne Kennedy (Scholastic, 2011), Hedgehog’s 100th Day of School – illustrated by Lorna Hussey (Scholastic, January 2017), The Star of the Christmas Play — illustrated by Lorna Hussey (Beaming Books, 10/16/2018), Moldilocks and the 3 Scares — illustrated by David Rodriguez Lorenzo (Sterling, 2019) and her first non-fiction picture book, Let’s Eat! Mealtime Around the World — illustrated by Parwinder Singh (Beaming Books, 2019). You can learn more about her at www.LiterallyLynneMarie.com or connect on Twitter: @Literally_Lynne.
* * * * * * GIVEAWAY! * * * * * *
One lucky winner will be selected to receive a copy of Moldilocks and the Three Scares from those who leave a comment on this post!
Thank you for this interview! Congrats to Lynne! The book looks fantastic and perfect for the season.
Awww, thank you, dear Becky! So nice to see you here and appreciate your support!
I’m so excited about this book birthday. Lynne is a tremendously creative author. I’ve never been a fan of Halloween but Moldilocks and the Three Scares may change my mind completely!
Another friend I am so happy to see here! A New York Home Girl! Thanks so much for your generous comments and support, Pam!
Congrats! I love this, what a great story and the illustrations are fantastic.
Awww, thank you for your kind words about my story. I will pass along your sweet comments to my illustrator, as well.
Susanne, thanks so much for this interview. I adore how well thought out everything you do is, Lynne! So fun tl hear more about tje story, and you! You vampire, you!
So happy to see you here, Kaitlyn! It feels like a party! A Halloween party, which is my favorite 🙂 Thanks for your kind comments.
Thanks for sharing the thought and research processes that resulted on this book. It sounds like a lot of fun. And, the artwork and color palette looks so appealing.
Thank you for stopping by, Cindy and your sweet comments. I agree about the color palette. David did a wonderful job!
Scary zombies are pretty scary to me, but I’d love to look at all the delightful illustrations!
Thanks — but don’t be scared this zombie is cute and sweet! Hope you get a chance to enjoy this book!
Perfect timing! Fun twist on a classic. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Angie, for stopping by and sharing your terrific thoughts!
You create such great characters. Can’t wait to meet Morty, Clay, and Harry.
Awww, thanks, Ashley! I appreciate your kind words. So nice to see you here!
What a fun flip! I can’t wait to read this book!
Thanks, Deborah — it truly was a fun story to write. I hope that you enjoy it!
I can’t wait to see this one, Lynn! And I like your three hooks rule. I do notice that often the books I enjoy the most have three or more hooks.
Thanks David! And yes — they usually do — it’s great that you’ve noticed that. It will definitely help in your writing.
I love the word play and creativity in this book!
So nice to see you here my friend and CP. I appreciate y our kind comments, and you know I love your book as well! XO
Such a fun twist on a classic tale.
Thanks, Katie — it really was a fun book to write!
Thank you. Fun read.
So glad that you enjoyed it, Terri…thanks for stopping by!
What a fabulous book to read during the Halloween season. My students love Goldie Locks and would love this twist on a classic tale.
I hope they get a chance to check it out! And when you read it, you will see it is not even about Halloween, but something so much more — it just has a Halloween tie-in. Hope you (and they) like it! Please feel free to drop a line and let me know! [email protected] Or I can even read it to them!
What a great twist on the familiar fairytale. Loved how you gave an arc to each character and the puns!!! How fun!!!
Thanks, Vijaya! So nice to see you here. I appreciate your kind thoughts!
Congrats Lynne! It’s always fun to learn about a story’s development. Yours was really interesting especially with the creative flip! Best-
Yes! I agree. The story behind the story is one of my favorite parts of the story. Thanks for commenting, Mary Warth!
The wordplay in your book looks like so much fun. I can’t wait to read it!
Awww, thank you, Janet Sheets! I hope you enjoy it! If you do, please feel free to leave a review!
Congratulations, Lynne! Can’t wait to read it!!
Thanks, Lisa! I truly hope you find it a hauntingly good read! If you enjoy it, please feel free to leave a review! One can never be too rich or have too many positive reviews 🙂
I love fractured fairy tales and this one looks like a real winner!
Awww, thank you, Stacy D! I love (and collect) fractured fairy tales. I hope it gets a ribbon from you!
So fun to read about Lynne’s process, starting with all that Goldilocks research. Great idea! Congratulations, Lynne! Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Linda — so sweet of you. I really appreciate your enthusiastic comments!
Congrats, Lynn! This looks like a fun read.
What a FUNNY twist on Goldilocks! And the illustrations are so appealing!! Congrats, Lynn!
I can’t wait for more of your books, Lynne. Bring on the puns!