(see adorable book cover in the following blog post)
What do you have to do for a chance to win Nancy's new picture book? It's simple—respond to this blog post by Friday, May 3rd with one word or one sentence describing something you love about spring.
Example: I love blossoming cherry trees!
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It's been a thrill to share my nature picture books at schools as an Author for Earth Day where I met lots of enthusiastic students eager to raise funds to help care for our environment.
I finally have a little reading time and I'm excited to splash about two wonderful new picture books by friend and fellow KidLit Author, Nancy Viau.
Nancy is the author of three nature-inspired books: LOOK WHAT I CAN DO!, STORM SONG, and SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD. She considers the ocean to be one of her best friends.
Here's the splash with author Nancy Viau...
Can you share a favorite beach memory?
I started going to the beach when I was a week old, and so I've saved up decades worth of great memories. I remember one carefree day with a summer friend when she and I rented a canvas raft and decided we would ride every wave together, holding hands. We were tossed about quite a bit, but never once let go until both our feet hit hard sand. Other unforgettable memories involve a favorite beach in Jersey where I not only introduced my babies to the waves, but scattered the ashes of my parents who did the same for me.
If you were an ocean creature, what would you be and why?
I'd be an octopus because octopi are super intelligent and can logically figure out different ways to solve problems. Check out this link from Orion Magazine.
Are seas or oceans part of your new books in any way?
Sadly, no. In LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! there are streams and those streams run into rivers that run into oceans (none of which you see in the book, so ok, that's a stretch). Ladybug published a sweet poem of mine titled "Sea Story," and I'd like to turn that into a picture book at some point. Ask me this question again in ten years?
Would your main characters be adventurous enough to do a deep sea dive?
Nope, but I might.
Nope, but I might.
Taking care of our seas is important to me and the students in my new picture book, THESE SEAS COUNT! What causes are important to you besides writing for children and or young adults?
I am a strong supporter of our national parks. I believe that kids are becoming increasingly unaware of the beauty that surrounds them, and should get out there to hike up a quiet mountain, view a crystal blue lake, or taste the kind of clean snow only available from the highest peaks. The National Park Foundation works to protect these gifts for future generations.
If you could create a spectacular sand sculpture on a beach, what would you build?
I'd build a really elaborate ship by the water's edge. I'd sit on it, wait for the incoming tide, then pretend to "sail" away on the ebb tide.
Share your favorite ocean character from books, film or T.V.
I grew up on Flipper and he made me want to become a marine biologist. But now I'd have to say my favorite is Mr. Krabs from Sponge Bob. He's crusty and driven, but there's a big heart under that old shell.
