Hello, Picture Book Builders people.
I wrote a book called Truck, Truck, Goose! which was illustrated by Zoe Waring. I also very much enjoyed a book called Duck, Duck, Moose! which was written by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones.
Today, though, I want to highlight another book that fits into the mix–Duck Duck Taco Truck written by Laura Lavoie and illustrated by Teresa Martinez.
Description:
It’s a summer showdown at the beach as two taco-slinging ducks see their turf taken over by an enterprising goose.
This clever, high-energy, taco tale, packed with bright art featuring kids’ favorite foods, shows young readers how cooperation and teamwork can overcome conflict. It’s a superbly silly summer story, the perfect pick for taco and truck fans.
Feast your eyes on these reviews:
“A tasty treat that encourages everyone to forgive and lend a wing.”—Kirkus
“The jaunty rhyme is a surefire hit in storytime. . . . Pair this with the classic Dragons Love Tacos for a taco-tastic time.”—The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books
Delicious, right?
Today, Laura Lavoie is with us at Picture Book Builders. Let’s ask her some questions, shall we?
TS: Laura! Welcome to Picture Book Builders. What sparked the idea for this story? Was it a particularly delicious taco or perhaps a personal encounter with an entrepreneurial goose?
LL: Thanks for having me, Tammi! The idea for this story came from watching my daughters play some creative variations of Duck, Duck, Goose in our backyard. It got me wondering if I could come up with a fun book title related to the game. They had also recently set up their first lemonade stand, and the title Duck Duck Taco Truck popped into my head—as in, what would happen if two ducks owned a taco truck and were trying to save their pennies to buy something they really wanted? Of course, then I had to think of what the ducks might want (a boat!) and what could get in their way… in this case, a goose who swoops in and steals their customers.
TS: Let’s taco-bout the fact that Duck Duck Taco Truck is written in rhyme. What was it like to write your first rhymer?
LL: It was hard! The story felt like it had to be a rhymer, though, so I decided to give it a shot. I was intentional about keeping the rhyme structure simple for my first go. The first draft actually came pretty quickly. Once I had the idea, I immediately grabbed a notebook, sat down at our picnic table, and started writing. I think I finished the first draft that same afternoon, but then I had to go through and check meter, look for duplicate words, and try to push myself to make the story the best it could be. One of my critique partners, Jen Broedel, is a rhyming whiz. She went over the manuscript with me and pointed out spots I needed to work on. It was a huge help!
TS: Holy guacamole, the art in this book is so engaging and fun! Tell us about your favorite spread.
LL: My favorite spread is the one that shows the line to Goose’s food truck. I think it’s hilarious that the line backs all the way up to boats coming ashore! I also love all the fun food that Teresa Martinez, who illustrated the book, included in the art… especially the endpapers! I’ve had colored endpapers in my previous books, so seeing all the fun food on the ones in Duck Duck Taco Truck was a real (ahem) treat!
TS: If you could share one tasty morsel of advice with the picture book-writing crowd, what would it be?
LL: My best advice is that coming up with a strong concept is half the battle. For probably 80% of the picture books I write, brainstorming a catchy title is my first step. I always want my titles to stand out on shelves and be eye-catching to potential readers.
After that—before I start writing—I do an internet search for my title ideas, along with similar titles, plus read recent rights reports and try to see if there’s anything that feels similar out there, either recently published or on the way. This helps me vet what might feel fresh to editors.
TS: Scoop time! What’s next?
LL: I have two books coming out in 2025. The first is another picture book that will be out in May. It’s called Cousins!: A Big Family Story, and it celebrates extended family gatherings and the special relationships between cousins. There’s a fair amount of food in that story, too!
The second is my debut middle grade novel, a spooky Gothic mystery called The Thirteen Doors of Black House. It follows twelve-year-old Maya, who writes for her school paper and wants to be an investigative journalist when she grows up. She convinces her family to visit her (deceased) favorite author’s seaside mansion, where she’s on the hunt for a mystery. Maya spends a week at Black House with her extended family, including a fun bunch of cousins. While not intentional, my 2025 releases definitely have a “cousins” theme!
TS: Okay. Now I’m extra excited for 2025. There were 14 kids in my mom’s family, so I have cousins on top of cousins! Thanks so much for joining us today, Laura!
BIO:
Laura Lavoie writes picture books and middle grade novels. Some of her books are silly, some are spooky, and some are a little bit of both. In addition to writing stories, Laura can also tap dance, tell terribly cheesy jokes, and bake a mean chocolate chip cookie.
When Laura isn’t writing or reading books, you can usually find her playing outside: hiking, kayaking, or hanging around in trees. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, daughters, two irritable cats, one hyper dog, and several sagging bookshelves.
GIVEAWAY:
Laura is giving away a signed copy of Duck Duck Taco Truck. For a chance to win, leave a comment. For a bonus chance to win share the post on Twitter (YESSSS TWITTER) and tag @SauerTammi and @llavoieauthor.
WINNER:
Congratulations, CJ Penko! You are the winner of the The Adventures of Penguin and Panda (books 1 and 2) by Brenda Maier and illustrated by Fanni Mézes.
What a great concept and fun idea!
The concept for this is fantastic – so many fun and clever layers, plus the importance of cooperation. And the title! Can’t wait to read this.
Even the title makes me smile! Sounds like another great addition to my sagging bookshelf!
This is toooooo delicious!!! Tammi and Laura, thank you for this fun interview. We love taco trucks. They’re the best!
You had me at the title!
I love this clever premise based on a kid’s game! The illustrations are really fun, too! Congratulations Laura and Teresa!
I love it! Tacos and ducks, at the beach! This sounds amazing! Congratulations, Laura, on all of your books!
Great concept. Who hasn’t played Duck Duck Goose before…and who doesn’t live tacos??!!? It’s a perfectly silly combination for a picture book. I think my niece will enjoy this book.
Congratulations, Laura! I love your book. Our library carries it. I shared this on Twitter.
So fun! Thanks for sharing a behind-the-scenes look into what makes a great picture book!
I loved reading this post, thank you! Duck Duck Taco Truck looks like a fun book I’d enjoy reading with my daughter!
I can’t pass up tacos! This book will be so much fun to read as the beach is my happy place. Thank you for sharing!
Rhyming is amazing! I’m in awe. The concepts in my head sound golden – now to get them on the page . . . The food trucks in HI were the best! The ducks should go there (I happily shared on Tw)
Sounds yummy! Love learning the backstory & that this is your first rhyming picture book. Congratulations!
You had me at the title! 😁
Congratulations, Laura! I borrowed this from my library and it’s one of my favorites of the summer- such a perfect meal of a PB! Shared on Twitter.
How fun! Thanks for sharing!
What a fun-tastic book! I’m a food truck fan and can’t wait to read your book.
Love the title and love a good taco truck! This looks so fun and can’t wait to read it!
Great interview! I can’t wait to read this fun book.
Cute cover! I love Kirkus’s review. Congratulations!
This looks like a really fun story!!! I love all the colorful and charming illustrations!
I enjoyed the interview.
Congratulations!
Can’t wait for this!
Such a fun title! Look forward to your two cousins books as well.
Great interview 😊
I cannot wait to share this book with my kids. Our school theme is recipe for success.
So interesting that the title came first–Congratulations on what looks like a super-fun book!
I com up with titles first, too, and until I read this post, Laura and Tammi, I thought that was a bad thing! Thanks for sharing your inspirations and for this great interview. Can’t wait to read Duck, Duck, Taco Truck.
Fun interview. Thaks for sharing our origin story.
Congratulations, what a fun book! Such a great idea to feature ducks and tacos. (shared on Twitter)
I like that you can feel rhythm in the title. Looks and sounds fun!
I love hearing the backstory of how you came up with this idea. Just another reminder to me to always pay attention.
Did someone say “Taco Truck?” I’m in! Can’t wait to read this one.
Great rhyming and fun art—I’m hungry for more!
Love the book and the good advice!
I had so much fun reading your post that I can’t wait to read the book! Duck Duck Taco Truck – what a great title. Thanks for sharing.