Author Interview for At the Edge of a Leaf
What inspired you to create a story set in a backyard environment?
The inspiration for the story comes from my childhood experiences in the summer in Chicago. I vividly remember one moment when my sister’s friend held a firefly in her hand, fascinated by its glow. I would run after the fireflies, trying to anticipate where they might go as they disappeared into the dark when their light went out. It felt like a game of hide-and-seek, with the fireflies hiding in the darkness and revealing themselves with their glowing light. This magical experience of chasing and spotting fireflies, combined with the nostalgia of those summer nights, greatly influenced the setting and themes of the story.
Can you share how you developed the character of Mia and what makes her unique in your story?
Mia is driven by an innate curiosity that mirrors the way children naturally use their imaginations. Her character is inspired by the boundless wonder I’ve observed in kids who approach the world with a sense of exploration and discovery. Mia’s journey is fueled by her curiosity, and as she makes new discoveries, her sense of wonder only grows. This continuous cycle of questioning and exploring reflects how one discovery often leads to more questions and deeper fascination. Mia’s character embodies this dynamic, capturing the joy and excitement of unraveling the mysteries of her surroundings, which makes her both relatable and inspiring.
What drew you to choose a firefly as a central figure in At the Edge of a Leaf?
The firefly symbolizes childhood magic and mystery. The bioluminescence of fireflies, their ability to light up the night without any visible source, fascinated me. This sense of wonder and the enchanting memories of watching fireflies in my backyard heavily influenced my choice. The feedback from readers has been heartwarming; many have mentioned that the firefly's presence evokes their own childhood experiences, highlighting the story's connection to their personal memories of backyard adventures.
How did you go about selecting the rhythmic style of the text? What impact do you think it has on the story's presentation?
The rhythmic style was inspired by the natural rhythm of fireflies blinking and the vibrant atmosphere of backyard evenings. I wanted to capture the rhythm of these magical moments through rhyme. This approach not only makes the story engaging but also enhances the reading experience, creating a flow that resonates with both children and adults. Readers have noted that the rhythm adds to the nostalgic feel of the book, reminding them of their own backyard adventures.
In creating the illustrations, what aspects did you focus on to capture the magic of nighttime in Grandma's backyard?
When working on the illustrations, my focus was setting the right mood to evoke the magic of nighttime. The manuscript served as a foundation, but I wanted the visuals to go beyond simply reflecting the words. Penny Weber, the illustrator, brought a wonderful sense of wonder and imagination to Grandma’s backyard, and I encouraged her to interpret the story in her own creative way.
Nighttime, especially in a backyard, holds a unique charm—it’s quiet yet full of possibilities. I wanted Penny to capture that dreamlike quality, where shadows and light play together to create a sense of mystery. Elements like fireflies, the soft glow of the moon, and flowers were carefully chosen to evoke that magical feeling. It was important for the setting to feel both enchanting and familiar, so that readers not only see it but are also transported back to their own memories of nighttime adventures in the backyard.
Ultimately, the illustrations needed to expand on the story, allowing the visuals to tell a deeper story. I believe Penny did an incredible job blending reality with imagination, reflecting how children experience the world when their curiosity and sense of wonder are sparked.
How do you imagine parents and children interacting with your book during reading time?
I envision parents and children enjoying an interactive reading experience. The rhythmic text allows for expressive reading, with parents emphasizing certain words and engaging with their children. The illustrations by Penny Weber add to the fun, providing opportunities for parents to encourage their children to mimic Mia’s actions. The positive feedback from parents has been encouraging; they’ve shared that the book brings back fond memories of their own childhoods and creates a special bonding moment with their kids.
What do you hope young readers take away from their adventure with Mia and Glow?
I hope children will come away with a sense of discovery and wonder. I want them to see that magic can be found in everyday moments and to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. Feedback from readers indicates that the book encourages children to explore their own backyards and cherish the little moments of wonder. My goal is for readers to develop a sense of curiosity and imagination, inspired by Mia’s adventure and the enchantment of Glow.
Did any personal childhood experiences influence the scenes or themes in the book?
Yes, my childhood experiences with fireflies and backyard adventures significantly influenced the book. The sense of wonder I felt while watching fireflies and exploring the natural world is reflected in Mia’s journey. Parents have told me that the book evokes their own childhood memories of backyard exploration, reinforcing the connection between the story and real-life experiences.
What challenges did you face while writing a story aimed at a very young audience?
Writing a rhyming book posed the challenge of balancing rhyme with a coherent and engaging narrative. Ensuring that the story flowed naturally while maintaining the rhythmic quality was crucial. Writing for children requires a blend of simplicity and depth, which can be challenging. However, the rhythmic style ultimately adds to the book’s appeal, and the positive response from young readers and parents has been rewarding.
Are there any additional adventures planned for Mia and her glowing friend in future books?
With the infectious excitement Mia experiences during her adventure with Glow, I’m thinking about future stories. There’s a lot of creative energy when it comes to exploring new adventures with Mia and Glow or even introducing new characters in different settings.
Imagination and curiosity open the door to endless possibilities. Children, like Mia, experience the world in such a fun and creative way, and I’m inspired by that when thinking about future stories. While nothing is set in stone yet, there’s potential for more adventures, and I’m excited to explore where Mia and Glow might go next.