Can you tell us a little about King Cybee?
King Cybee is the beloved Yorkie and the main character
in the children's book, 'King Cybee The Baba Cheech.' He rules over a hidden
mouse village beneath the deck and embarks on exciting adventures with his
nieces and nephews. Together, they explore the magical world of the backyard
kingdom, fostering friendship and courage along the way.
What motivated you to write the book?
A: The inspiration behind 'King Cybee The Baba Cheech' came
from my own experiences with our treasured Yorkie, Cy. Starting many years ago,
he would just sit on the deck like he heard something that we didn’t. He showed
a lot of concern as he sniffed around any opening. I joked with my wife about
his loyal subjects under the deck. First, it was frogs. Then it was moles. It
ended up being mice. I said, “This would make a good children’s story someday”.
And here it is.
What age group did you write the book for?
'King Cybee The Baba Cheech' is written for children of
all ages, but primarily targets the 1-8 age group and their parents who will
enjoy reading this to their young ones as a bedtime story. The whimsical story
and captivating illustrations make it an engaging and delightful read for young
readers and their families. It captures the enchantment of childhood imagination
and the special bond between a pet and a family. Some of my fondest memories
are being read to as a child and reading later, to my children. There’s nothing
like a good bedtime story.
How did you come up with the title for the book?
The title 'King Cybee The Baba Cheech' was inspired by
the endearing nickname we gave our Yorkie, Cy, who became the beloved king of
the mouse village beneath our deck. The title captures the magical world, the
playful nature of the story, and the close bond between Cy and his family. Cy
often says, “I am the Baba Cheech”.
What was your favorite scene or part of the book?
A: It's hard to pick just one favorite scene, as the entire
book holds special meaning to me. However, I particularly enjoyed the scenes
where King Cybee and his nieces and nephews embark on adventures in the
backyard kingdom. The vibrant characters and enchanting landscapes truly come
to life in those moments. The ending night scene does tug at my heartstrings
though.
What do you like to do when not writing?
When not writing, I enjoy spending time outdoors,
exploring nature, and riding my motorcycle with my wife, Holly, and even Cy. He
has a special pack that he rides in strapped to my chest. Cy gets a lot of
attention with his cute little ears flopping in the wind. It’s hard to look
cool on a Harley with a little dog strapped to your chest so I don’t try. It’s
about joy. I also love listening to and playing music on various instruments,
even though I haven't mastered any of them.
Where can readers find out more about your work?
Readers can find out more about 'King Cybee The Baba
Cheech' and my other works on the official website of Baba Cheeech Press, https://babacheech.com/, as well as on
various online book retailers. They can also follow me on social media
platforms like Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/BabaCheech,
for updates, events, and additional content related to my books.
What message or lesson do you hope readers take away from
'King Cybee The Baba Cheech'?
The book carries a message of friendship, kindness, and
the importance of teamwork. I hope readers are inspired to appreciate the magic
in everyday life, foster strong relationships, and have the courage to embark
on their own adventures.
How did you approach the process of writing and
illustrating the book?
The writing process involved tapping into my own
childhood experiences and my overactive imagination. I wanted the story to be
engaging and relatable, with vivid illustrations that capture the essence of
the characters and the enchanting backyard kingdom. I lack drawing skills, so I
had to find a good illustrator. It was a long search for the right illustrator,
but I finally found Barry Davian. Barry is the perfect match for my books. He
brings the stories to life with his fantastic illustrations. He gets me more
than that; we make a great team. Barry is a very talented illustrator.
Are there any plans for future books or sequels featuring
King Cybee and his adventures?
Yes! I am currently working on a sequel to 'King Cybee
The Baba Cheech that will delve further into the magical world of the backyard
kingdom. There will be new adventures, exciting challenges, and more endearing
characters for readers to discover.
How do you think 'King Cybee The Baba Cheech' stands out
among other children's books?
'King Cybee The Baba Cheech' stands out with its unique
blend of imagination, adventure, and the heartwarming bond between a family and
their darling pet. The book offers a charming and relatable story that
captivates young readers and sparks their creativity.
What advice do you have for aspiring children's book
authors?
I’m still so new to this that I should be more on the
receiving end of any good advice. My advice though would be to embrace your own
creativity and unique weirdness. Tap into the magic of childhood. Write from
the heart, connect with your audience, and don't be afraid to let your
imagination soar. Surround yourself with inspiration and never give up on your
dreams of sharing stories that will touch the hearts of young readers. The
world needs more love so express it any way you can.