I’m so excited to celebrate the book birthday of the adorable rhymer, PIGS DIG A ROAD, written by Carrie Finison and illustrated by Brian Biggs! WhooHoo!
My sons would have absolutely LOVED this book when they were little as they were OBSESSED with construction equipment and trucks.
(Side note: for anyone with little kids who are obsessed with trucks and construction, definitely plan a visit to Diggerland in West Berlin, NJ, a bit outside Philadelphia, if you can. It’s an amusement park where most rides include riding REAL construction trucks! It was HEAVEN for my boys! https://diggerlandusa.com)
But I digress….
As anyone who knows me knows, I like to say I’m allergic to plot. I much prefer writing picture books that are essentially long poems or concept books. For me, creating believable and interesting characters, following a narrative arc, AND making sure my rhyme and meter is on point is a bit like patting my stomach and head at the same time. Carrie, however, is a MASTER at it and does it effortlessly (the writing part, not the stomach/head-patting part. Although she may be master at that as well…hmmm?!)
Okay, enough silliness… here’s my interview with the incomparable Carrie Finison….
RGL: Carrie, thanks so much for joining us at Picture Book Builders and HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY! So, tell me, what was the inspiration for this book? Did you also have truck-obsessed children like I did? Or were you/are you yourself obsessed with construction equipment and/or pigs?
CF: Thank you for having me! I’m so excited to share Pigs Dig a Road with readers, and I’m thrilled that it is out in the world TODAY!
My kids were not what I would call “obsessed” with trucks but like most kids they definitely had strong interest. My daughter could always be relied upon to call the family’s attention to any construction sites we happened upon. I think she was as impressed by the giant piles of dirt as she was by the trucks. Whenever we passed one on the highway she would say, “Big dirt!” and point to whatever mound the trucks had left behind – and to this day we still point them out that way on family car trips. I mean, it’s impressive, right?
My own interest from childhood was equally strong. One of my favorite books was Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. I loved the idea of Mary Ann, the steam shovel, racing against the clock to dig a huge pit in one day. Talk about “big dirt”! I also had a green Tonka dump truck that I really liked to play with. I still remember how you could push a little lever on the side to make the dump truck part spring up and spill its dirt everywhere. So satisfying! Hmmm. Now that I write this, I think the interest in trucks might come mostly from me!
I do have to give my dad credit for the pigs, though. He’s always been a fan!
RGL: As everyone here knows by now, I’m a sucker for a great rhymer. Your meter, as always, is perfect and you use some fabulous and surprising rhymes (“hammer”/“clamor,” “compactor/distracts her,” and “rake/mistake,” are my personal faves!). But beyond that, you also bring out your WHOLE lyrical tool box (pun intended!), including alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, etc. I particularly love the line: “She shakes awake her snoozing crew” and the use of the word “KERSPLAT!” As a fellow writer, I KNOW that this manuscript did not come out of you in one shot and this must gone though many revisions both in getting the story down and the rhyme/meter/word choices just perfect. Please, tell us a bit about your writing process and the journey you took in making this book.
CF: The tricky thing about constructing (pun ALSO intended) a rhyming manuscript is there are so many elements to consider. Rhythm, rhyme, word choice, tone, when to repeat and when NOT to repeat words, phrases, or rhyming pairs. Just like a building project, you can’t simply change one little part. There are always bigger implications for the manuscript as a whole.
As many manuscripts do, this book started life as a completely different story. Originally it was a parody/twist on the familiar children’s song, “Five Little Ducks.” Just to give you an idea of how drastically the manuscript changed from start to finish, here are the opening lines of the first draft as compared with the opening lines of the final book:
First Draft (Five Little Trucks)
Five little trucks woke up one day
Ready to work, they’re on their way
Dozer chugged and rolled away
Over the hills and far away*
The foreman honked beep beep beep beep
But four little trucks went back to sleep
* please don’t judge the day/way/away/away “rhyme” – it’s a rough draft!
Final Draft (Pigs Dig a Road)
In her workshop, late one night,
Rosie plans by hardhat light—
a brand-new road from here to there
to reach the Hamshire County fair.
She outlines,
calculates,
and yawns—
and prints her plans as daylight dawns.
For me, the process is usually about being open to making HUGE changes. I sometimes think that I haven’t done enough revising if there are any words left from the first draft in the final.
In order to make those big changes, I need a few things:
- Critique partners who will tell me the truth about my writing (luckily I have those!).
- Lots of time in between drafts so that I can adjust my thinking and go back to the story with fresh eyes.
- Excitement about the story or topic that will carry me through necessary changes. It’s always about making the story better, not being so in love with my own words or ideas that they can’t change.
- Chocolate.
Writing in rhyme, in particular, requires being able to think inventively about your story, and the words and pictures that will tell it. Revising can trigger a lot of frustration and cursing, but it can also truly be a joy. There’s nothing more satisfying than coming up with the perfect phrasing after days of struggle.
RGL: Oh, I definitely hear you on THAT!
So, I’m going on a limb and assuming this is a work of fiction (although I would wager there’s probably somewhere in the world where pigs are doing construction! It’s a crazy world out there!). That said, you have huge amount of detail in the story about how a road is built and the types of equipment used for each step of the process. Did you do a lot of research to make sure all of this was accurate? Consult any construction workers?
CF: Yes, at some point during the writing of the story, I realized that I didn’t know diddly squat about actually building a road, which trucks do what, and how the process works. Even worse, I knew that at some point a FOUR YEAR OLD who DID know all about it would be bitterly disappointed if they discovered that the details in the book weren’t accurate. And then I might have to answer their questions and criticisms. In public. In front of a bunch of other four year olds. When there’s that kind of pressure, you want to make darn sure you know what you’re talking about!
Luckily, since many kids ARE so obsessed with road building and construction vehicles, there are lots of books about the topic written at a child’s level, as well as educational videos (thanks, YouTube!). I spent quite a long time becoming an armchair expert on the subject!
RGL: I think you said somewhere that you imagined this story being illustrated with a Richard Scarry vibe. Brian Biggs absolutely succeeds in providing that here — his art is amazing (and LOOK AT THOSE ENDPAPERS!)! How did this vision come together so perfectly? Did you share your Richard Scarry concept with your editor early on or was this some amazing magical coincidence? How much say did you have in the illustrator selection and how much feedback did you have in the illustrations along the way?
CF: I’ve always loved Richard Scarry’s work, especially his book What Do People Do All Day. I loved the busy, active illustrations full of funny characters and mishaps.
Usually when I write, I visualize the story in terms of the action that I see happening on each page, but I don’t have a strong visual sense of what that actually looks like in terms of the character design, style, and so on. I think it’s important to be open to different artists’ interpretations – that’s where a lot of the magic happens.
However, with Pigs Dig a Road, I DID have Richard Scarry’s work in the back of my mind the whole time I was writing, and I mentioned that to the book’s editor (the fabulous Stephanie Pitts at Putnam). She put together a list of 3-4 illustrators that she thought could do a good job with the story and asked for my feedback. They were all wonderful, but looking at Brian’s online portfolio, I could tell that he would be able to depict all the different trucks clearly, plus add a level of goofy humor to the characters and scenes that would invoke Richard Scarry’s work, while still feeling like something new and different. I was very happy when he said yes to the project and I think he knocked it out of the park!
After that, the illustration process didn’t involve me all that much. I got a chance to look at character sketches and give feedback, and then a pass on rough sketches of the full book. That’s the point at which I try to give feedback on EVERYTHING that I see because later on when things are more finalized it’s much more difficult to change anything. I also got to see early sketches/concepts for the cover, which is always fun.
RGL: Lastly, my favorite question to ask my guests: What is one question no one has yet to ask you about the making of this book that you would love to answer? (And what’s the answer?!)
CF: Fun! One question no one has asked me yet is WHY is there a county fair at the end of the book.
I’ve always loved going to fairs and carnivals, and when I was a kid we sometimes attended the Three County Fair, which takes place in late summer in Northampton, Massachusetts…which is in HAMPSHIRE county. Since the story features pigs, I could not resist the play on words with Hampshire and ‘ham’ and so the Hamshire County Fair was born. I hope those hard-working pigs had fun riding all the rides, winning prizes, and eating candied apples. They deserve it!
RGL: Love it! Thank you so much, Carrie, for sharing more about your journey making PIGS DIG A ROAD! Available everywhere books are sold TODAY!
But wait, there’s more! Carrie is generously giving away a picture book manuscript critique (under 1000 words, rhyming or non-rhyming, fiction or nonfiction). To enter, simply comment on this post. I will announce the winner on my next blog post, scheduled for Oct. 8.
And now its time to announce the WINNER of last month’s GIVEAWAY, a picture book critique (non-rhyming, fiction or nonfiction, up to 1,000 words) from Danielle Sharkan, author of Sharing Shalom! And the winner is…
**Angie Quantrell**
Congrats Angie! Please email me at [email protected] to claim your prize!
Carrie’s Bio:
Carrie Finison writes children’s books with humor and heart, including Dozens of Doughnuts; Lulu & Zoey: A Sister Story; Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School; and Don’t Hug Doug, which was named an ALA Notable Children’s Book in 2022. Her newest book is Pigs Dig a Road, a humorous story about road construction and teamwork. She lives in the Boston area. Visit her online at www.carriefinison.com, or follow her on social media @CarrieFinison.
Great interview, Ladies! Congratulations, Carrie!! Your book is fabulous! I love county fairs too, and how cool that you live in HAMPSHIRE county!!
Thank you! I don’t actually live there butt my grandparents did at the time, so I was a frequent visitor. 🙂 It really is a great county fair.
This was really helpful to read about your process. Thanks for sharing this interview. I hope you choose me for a manuscript assessment. Thank you!
Looking forward to reading this book. Congratulations, Carrie!
Thank you, Sarah!
Looks great!
Thanks, Cindy!
I can’t wait to get my trotters on this book! I’m heartened to hear that Carrie’s success came from much revision and research. Big fan of Brian Biggs! Terrific post! Congrats to all!
Trotters! LOL. Let the pig puns commence…
My oldest was in the truck obsessed group! We have a video of JBL (I think?) construction trucks that he would ask for over and over again. I am truly amazed by your revision that was really a re-envisioning of the story, Carrie. Add in the rhyme factor and I’m gobsmacked! This looks adorable!!
The rhyme always kicks up the difficulty of revision by several notches, but I do like a challenge! 🙂
Congratulations! I like the draft comparisons, and the description of how you and your editor researched an appropriate illustrator.
Thank you, Sherry!
These colla-boar-ating pigs are amazing! As is Carrie’s thorough research and revision process and Brian’s fun, detailed illustrations. Hooray for Rosie, Curly, Pinky, and Stinky!
Colla-boar-ating — LOVE IT! That is next level punning. Thanks, Cathy!
This looks fabulous! Pigs and construction! Awesome! Congratulations!!
And yay! Thanks for the critique to come, Danielle!
Thanks, Angie, and congrats on your win!
Writing in rhyme can be a challenge. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Carrie.
All the best with PIGS DIG IN THE ROAD written by you and illustrated by Brian Biggs..
Everything about this screams FUN! Can’t wait to read it, and kids will surely adore it. Congrats!!
Thank you so much, Claire! I hope kids will love it.
Thank you Carrie and Rebecca for sharing all the insights about the long road to making this adorable pig-ture book! 🐷📚💛
Especially cool to see all the creative detours taken on journey from first draft to final destination. Plus “Biggs’ Pigs” perfectly embody the busy fun of Carrie’s characters! (Ooh: “Carrie-cters!”😜)
LOL, I can’t with these puns!! Too perfect. Thank you for reading and replying! 🙂
Thank you so much, Rebecca, for the great interview questions and for celebrating the book and this launch day with me. I appreciate it!
This looks so fun! It takes me back to when my son LOVED trucks (I’m still a fan). Can’t wait to read it!
My boys are going to love this book! My husband works for Caterpillar, and the kids are obsessed with all heavy equipment. And let’s be honest, I’m getting really tired of reading Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site. Congratulations on a book that is sure to be a huge hit – we certainly love Dozens of Doughnuts! And thank you for helping me justify using chocolate as a resource to become a better writer.
Enjoyed the post! Thanks Rebecca and Carrie. I have 3-Great Nephews, one of which is obsessed with BIG EQUIPMENT. I see this book getting into their home library~soon!
Love that the foreperson is female! Can’t wait to read it!
How fun!
Wonderful, Carrie! Congratulations! 📘🎂🎉🎉🎉💕
How fun! Looks like another winner! Can’t wait to read it.
A great interview! It is always interesting to be able to gain insight into the minds of creative writers
This looks like such a fun book and one my son would have absolutely loved when he was younger! I really enjoyed this interview and seeing some of the original manuscript. Congratulations, Carrie! And Rebecca, yes, Diggerland is amazing. My 15-year-old still sometimes says he’d like to return:-)
This is a book my kids would have loved when they were young. And I will enjoy it without them… Congratulations, Carrie!
Carrie, thank you for such a candid interview. Yes, I agree that tossing a lot of initial drafts is so much of the process, as is cursing and chocolate! This looks adorable and funny. Well done, and congrats!
OMG! This is so adorable! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the great interview and for sharing your early drafts, Carrie. My grandkids will love this book! I was always a big Richard Scarry fan, and I think Brian nailed his style.
Wonderful interview!
I love this book, and I haven’t even read it yet! 🙂
Thanks for a great interview, Carrie and Rebecca! What a fun story- the illustrations capture the Richard Scarry vibe perfectly. The fair setting is inspired, the rhyme is amazing, and I’d give this book a Best in Show!
This looks like a fun book! I enjoyed reading about your writing process! The illustrations are adorable! Congratulations!
I ❤️❤️❤️ a great rhyming story with beautifully created artwork to complement the plot.
Congrats on another winning picture book!
Adorable story and I think the Richard Scarry vibe was spot on. Thanks Carrie and Rebecca for an interesting interview. Carrie’s books are so clever and well written. Good mentor texts for this poet.
Such a great interview! And I love all of Carrie’s books.
A big YAY for Carrie, Brian, pigs, and teamwork.
Rebecca and Carrie, thank you for a wonderful interview. What a fun book! And yes, construction-obsessed kids (mine were) will appreciate all the work you did. Only the best for children!!! Congratulations!!!
Great interview! I loved seeing how the words changed from first to last drafts. Thanks Rebecca and Carrie! And Richard Scarry is just timeless!
Congratulations Carrie 🙂 wish you all the very best for your book 🙂 Would love to be considered for a critique giveaway 😊
Excellent interview. Thanks for sharing. Happy to see that my library has a copy of your book.
What a great interview! I am so excited about Pigs Dig a Road. Kids (and their adults are going to love this book! I’ll be giving this one as gifts to the children in my life.
Great interview–thanks! I absolutely love your books, and I can’t wait to read this one. (Dozens of Donuts is MY favorite!)
I love your books, Carrie! Can’t wait to get a copy of Pigs Dig!
Another fabulous book, Carrie. Congratulations to you and Brian! I’ve already my copy several times! My son loved trucks when he was young. I think I played with his battery powered dump truck set as much as he did.
My son was fascinated by construction equipment, so we read lots of machine-themed picture books. Confession: I usually found them boring. This is the type of book we both would have enjoyed!
I’m looking forward to reading this book! I know lots of readers who will enjoy it and I have to admit, I love the Richard Scarry vibes. It will be perfect to pair with the vintage Busy Town play set that I have in our media center.
Such a fun book, chock-full of action!
What a fun book! Sounds like you nailed it on the rhyme. I look forward to reading it.
Great interview! Love this story, Carrie. Congrats!
I LOVE Carrie’s key ingredients for rhyming success, especially this one: “Excitement about the story or topic that will carry me through necessary changes. It’s always about making the story better, not being so in love with my own words or ideas that they can’t change.” So true! It is very hard to let go of words we love…
This book looks like a ton of fun! Best of luck, Carrie. And thanks for a great interview, Rebecca.
As a Pre-K teacher, Richard Scary fan and PB author, I adore this book preview and interview! I cannot wait to purchase a copy of the book for my classroom; we do a whole week on construction. Also, I lived in Western Massachusetts for many years and worked as a journalist for a local daily newspaper there. I wondered if you were referring to the Hampshire County Fair!
What a great interview. As a fellow Richard Scarry fan, I have to say Brian’s illustrations totally measure up. They’re fantastic! And any book of Carrie’s is one I want to read. Each one seems to get better.
I can’t wait to read this with my boys. My youngest was obsessed with Richard Scarry’s books for a long time. I love how his work inspired these illustrations. Thank you!
This sounds amazing! I love the Richard Scarry vibes. The illustrations are perfect for this story. I have a daughter who was obsessed with how lines came to be on the roads, so we watched YouTube videos about that!