Because I teach 4th grade, and because the readers in my class have a voracious appetite for books, I love finding good middle grade books to share!
As mother and son writing a book together, how does your writing process work? Do you collaborate or work alone and then come together?
So I'm happy to be the next stop on a blog tour for an upcoming book called MY LIFE AS A CARTOONIST by Janet Tashjian and illustrated by Jake Tashjian (mom and son). It's the third installment in a middle grade series about a boy named Derek Fallon who does not enjoy reading at all. He draws, loves Calvin and Hobbes, and has a beloved dog named Bodi. Also, he and his parents serve as a foster family for a capuchin that's been trained to help people with physical challenges. As the narrator, Derek endears readers with his honesty and humor. I really enjoy these books! They will and DO appeal to young readers because of the interesting storylines, humor, and fun cartoons! In my opinion, they are also page-turners because I always want to know what Derek will do next!
MY LIFE AS A CARTOONIST by Janet Tashjian & illustrated by Jake Tashjian
Published by: MAC KIDS
Publication date: April 30, 2013
Pages: 272
On my blog today, I am thrilled about interviewing Janet and Jake about their series and the new book. Their replies are in blue!
As mother and son writing a book together, how does your writing process work? Do you collaborate or work alone and then come together?
Our process is that I (Janet) write the text first, highlighting words as I go that are age appropriate vocabulary words. Then my editor gives me feedback and I do any revisions that are needed. During this time, Jake starts illustrating the vocabulary words, usually about 250 drawings per book. Then HE goes through the process with my editor of revising his illustrations. In CARTOONIST, he had to redo about 40 of the drawings but I'm proud to say he redid them without complaint, like a true professional. He usually has his own take on the words; I love to watch him come up with a drawing that I never would've thought of in a hundred years.
What are your favorite children's books, Janet?
I love Lois Lowry; she's just amazing. For funny middle readers, Jack Gantos, Obert Skye, and Tommy Greenwald are hilarious. I've turned many a seven-year-old on to Nick Bruel's BAD KITTY - their parents always thank me for helping get their kids excited about books. I just bought several copies of Cecil Castellucci's ODD DUCK for birthday presents; it's a great early graphic novel that's fun for kids.
What are your favorite children's books, Jake?
What do you hope young readers will carry away with them after they've read your books?
It's really important for reluctant readers to read stories that also have some literary meat on their bones. Our books may be funny and have visual support but hopefully they also have the same kind of emotional resonance as my other novels do. (I agree!)
It's really important for reluctant readers to read stories that also have some literary meat on their bones. Our books may be funny and have visual support but hopefully they also have the same kind of emotional resonance as my other novels do. (I agree!)
Frank is a very interesting character in your books, and he definitely has a part in the story! Please tell me more about this character who is NOT a "pet"! ;-)
We loved the idea of a capuchin monkey in the house. When we lived in Boston, we visited Helping Hands, an organization like the one in the book that trains capuchin monkeys to be human companions. Check out some of their videos on YouTube - they're amazing! We thought a monkey would give us the opportunity for a lot of comedic scenes. Jake worked very hard on getting Super Frank to look just right.
We loved the idea of a capuchin monkey in the house. When we lived in Boston, we visited Helping Hands, an organization like the one in the book that trains capuchin monkeys to be human companions. Check out some of their videos on YouTube - they're amazing! We thought a monkey would give us the opportunity for a lot of comedic scenes. Jake worked very hard on getting Super Frank to look just right.
MY LIFE AS A CARTOONIST is the 3rd in the series. How have the books changed?
The first book was kind of a mystery, but the other two books are more focused on Derek's relationships with his friends. Also, CARTOONIST is the first of the series to have actual comic strips in the book in addition to the illustrations in the margins. Jake drew the comic strips too. I think he did a great job.
The first book was kind of a mystery, but the other two books are more focused on Derek's relationships with his friends. Also, CARTOONIST is the first of the series to have actual comic strips in the book in addition to the illustrations in the margins. Jake drew the comic strips too. I think he did a great job.
Finally, I am also a library school student, so I want to ask one final question: What are your thoughts on libraries?
Don't get us started on libraries - we LOVE them. We live just a few blocks from our local branch and walk there all the time. I've written many of my books in the quiet of a library; Jake has drawn hundreds of pictures there. We have library furniture in our house - roller carts, library tables, even an atlas stand. Whenever we're traveling, one of our first stops is always the local library - and not just for restrooms and internet! Libraries always make us feel at home.
I loved Janet's thoughts on libraries! )And I love the idea of owning library furniture!_
Janet wrote a post for the awesome Nerdy Book Club blog about libraries earlier this month and I was happy to read it!
Janet and Jake, thank you for answering my questions and for stopping by my blog today!
Don't get us started on libraries - we LOVE them. We live just a few blocks from our local branch and walk there all the time. I've written many of my books in the quiet of a library; Jake has drawn hundreds of pictures there. We have library furniture in our house - roller carts, library tables, even an atlas stand. Whenever we're traveling, one of our first stops is always the local library - and not just for restrooms and internet! Libraries always make us feel at home.
I loved Janet's thoughts on libraries! )And I love the idea of owning library furniture!_
Janet wrote a post for the awesome Nerdy Book Club blog about libraries earlier this month and I was happy to read it!
Janet and Jake, thank you for answering my questions and for stopping by my blog today!