authors’ tent

In the Author’s Tent: Catherine Pearlman chats with me about GUY STUFF

Y’all remember my blog post about Logan Everett, right? American Girl’s first-ever boy doll? Well…ta da! In yet another first, they’ve just published a book for guys!

Written by Cara Natterson

GUY STUFF is a down-to-earth, quick read that covers everything boys want to know about their developing minds and bodies–from healthy eating to hygiene, hormones, emotions and peer pressure, GUY STUFF covers it all. And psst, because I know you were wondering: American Girl isn’t mentioned on the cover, the title page–anywhere, for that matter. This is a boy book, through and through. 

Illustrations by Micah Player

Whew! It’s about time, don’t you think? As a proud mama of two sons, I searched high and low for books like this. Slim pickings, back in the day. But here’s to life, always changing for the better! And hurray for American Girl, stepping up to meet that need.

I think GUY STUFF fills a very important space, on bookshelves and in family conversations. But as Lavar Burton of Reading Rainbow used to say, “Don’t take my word for it!” Professionals like Dr. Catherine Pearlman* wholeheartedly agree.

I’ve invited Catherine to join me in The Author’s Tent, to share her unique perspectives on this book. She’s my friend, but she’s also the founder of The Family Coach and an author in her own right, having just released the critically acclaimed IGNORE IT.  Hope you enjoy our Q & A session below  And don’t miss the Lightning Round at the end!

 

Q: How can a book like Guy Stuff help kids and parents talk about puberty?

Catherine: Talking about our bodies can be difficult for grown-ups as well as for kids. Sometimes there’s shame and embarrassment. Often parents don’t feel comfortable using proper names for genitalia. Some parents may also be scared to talk about the changes coming for boys. Believe it or not some parents might not even know what to expect during puberty. Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys can facilitate the learning process and open up the discussion for both parents and boys. The book offers an excellent introduction to all that is to come for boys. It covers hormones, physical changes, acne, hair, self-care and much more. The pictures and tone are upbeat, nonthreatening and fun. This book provides an easy introduction that many parents and boys will appreciate partly because it is so well done. The cartoon drawings are adorable but informative.

Why do they even need a book?

For many parents talking about puberty is a struggle. Parents might not be sure when to start or what to say. Likewise, boys might have a hard time asking questions directly to their parents due to embarrassment. But puberty doesn’t wait for parents to become ready to talk. And if boys don’t learn all about the changes from their parents they will likely learn from the kids at school. The problem is often boys are misinformed or only know parts of the truth. Some points may be exaggerated or presented in a scary manner. Other important points may be skipped altogether. The book is such a helpful guide for parents. Sure, the talk can happen without the book. But it just helps parents know all of the topics to cover.

How do parents know when it’s time to introduce this book?

There is such a wide range of ages when boys begin to go through puberty. And it moves at a snail’s pace.  Still, it’s important to introduce the concepts of puberty before it begins. This book is geared for boys in the 9 – 12 year old range. In my opinion, 12 is much too late to begin to have the puberty discussion because even if your child isn’t there yet, one of his friends could be. It’s better to be proactive telling boys all they need to know so they are ready when it begins. I’d begin thinking about the talk and book around 9-10 years old.

Should parents just give it to kids or review it together?

It really depends on the particulars. Parents should feel free to review this book with their sons. However, Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys could easily be read and understood by a boy in the recommended age range. It would be perfectly appropriate to give a boy this book. He will secretly devour it. But if a parent doesn’t review it with the child it would be a good idea to make sure the boy knows the parent is open to discussion or questions any time. And I’d recommend the parent following up every now and then to see if any new questions or concerns turn up. One main benefit of this book is that it’s incredibly useful if a parent or child is too bashful to discuss puberty.

What should parents do if they are too embarrassed to talk to their kids about puberty and the birds and bees?

There are two good options here. The best option is that parents take time to read up about puberty and sex and how to talk about these topics with kids. Being informed can help ease anxiety about the discussion. Ask for help when needed from a doctor or use books and articles to help share information. It’s important to remember the talk about puberty and sex shouldn’t be a one and done kind of talk. It should slowly evolve over time to include more age-appropriate information. It can get easier over time.

The second option is to find another grown up who would be willing to have the talk for you. This isn’t the best option but it’s certainly better than not discussing these issues with kids. For some parents this can be a good option if it is just too uncomfortable to have this discussion.

The worst option is for parents to just avoid discussing the topic altogether. Kids will be forced to learn about their bodies from the bits and pieces their friends bring up on the playground. Or they won’t learn at all. It’s too important to help kids through this process. And it’s even more vital that they know about sexually transmitted diseases, how babies are made and about consent. Don’t leave this up to chance that your son will be informed. Fight through the embarrassment and fear and do it anyway.

Do boys need men to help them learn about their body changes and puberty? What if a parent is a single mother of boys?

Boys absolutely do not need men to learn about their bodies and sex. Sometimes it might be easier for boys to talk to a man who has been through the same experience. But not always. Mothers can do an excellent job relaying this information based on what’s available in books and from their own experience. However, if a mother is taking on this role it’s a good idea to offer a grown man as a possible option for the boy if he has additional questions or concerns.

Thanks for spending time in the Author’s Tent with us today, Catherine. Your answers are as genuine and thoughtful as you are! And now…it’s time for the LIGHTNING ROUND! Whatever pops into your head, give it to us as a one-word answer.

Jersey Subs or California Rolls?  
California rolls.
Paddleboard or snowboard?
Paddle board.
Favorite American Girl BeForever doll?

 

*Catherine Pearlman, LCSW, PhD is the founder of The Family Coach, a private practice specializing in helping families resolve everyday problems related to discipline, sleep, and sibling rivalry, among other issues. Her syndicated Dear Family Coach column has appeared in The Wall Street Journal and many regional parenting magazines. She has appeared on TODAY and her advice has been featured in Parenting, Men’s Health and CNN.com. Dr. Pearlman is a licensed clinical social worker who has been working with children and families for more than twenty years. She is an assistant professor of social work at Brandman University, and her new book, IGNORE IT, is widely available. 

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In the Author’sTent: The Bluebird Man, Part II

As promised, here's Part II of my conversation with wildlife conservationist Neil Paprocki of Wild Lens, Inc. about his soon-to-be-released documentary, Bluebird Man. Quick, grab yourself an iced tea and chill with us awhile!

Pretend you’re responding to this next question via Twitter. In 130 characters, please introduce yourself and describe the work you do with Wild Lens, Inc.

I am a conservation biologist working for a non-profit focused on using film to educate people about wildlife conservation issues.

Bluebird Man, Neil Paprocki's latest project.

There seems to be a special bond between humans and bluebirds. Can you explain why that is, and how it came to be?

I care very deeply about the bonds and interactions between human and wildlife communities.  With over 7 billion people on earth, we have such a huge impact on wildlife communities that these interactions will be critically important to saving and preserving our precious wildlife.  We can’t help but affect the wildlife communities around us, and while this interaction is often negative, it can also be very positive for both humans and species like bluebirds.

Bluebird populations across North America, but especially on the east coast, declined dramatically from 1920 to 1970.  What happened next was something truly amazing.  Thanks in part to a 1970s National Geographic article, the North American Bluebird Society was formed and began providing bluebirds with additional nesting habitat by constructing nest boxes.  Some people took this business of creating more habitat for bluebirds very seriously.  As a consequence of this a deep bond was struck between humans and bluebirds.

Owyhees & JV-2593s
Bluebird Hatchling

One such person was Alfred Larson of Boise, Idaho [aka Bluebird Man]. After reading that National Geographic article, Al decided to help by putting up a few bluebird boxes around his house.  That was 1978.  Fast-forward 35 years to today and Al is still monitoring over 300 bluebird boxes all across southwest Idaho at the crisp young age of 91!  Over his 35-year bluebird career, he has banded and raised over 27,000 nestling bluebirds, an astonishing number.

What makes bluebird feathers so intensely blue?

Most bird feathers receive their color from pigments that are in part produced by the food they eat (i.e. carotenoids produce yellow/orange colors).  The blue in bluebird feathers however, is a rather rare color in nature and is not produced by pigments.  Instead, the blue color is a ‘structural’ color produced by light reflecting off small structures in the feathers creating the blue color we see with our eyes.

Male Western Bluebird wing showing his structural blue coloring
Male Western Bluebird wing shows his structural blue coloring

How can I identify North American bluebirds from other birds with blue feathers?

There are three species of bluebirds in North America: Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebirds.  These are the only species of bluebirds found in the world, and they are unique to the North American continent.  Mountain Bluebirds are the easiest to identify, as they are a brilliant sky blue that deepens in color from the belly to the back.  Eastern and Western Bluebirds look very similar and are more of a royal blue with a rufous, or chestnut colored, chest.  The biggest difference between the two is that the chestnut colored chest of the Eastern Bluebird extends all the way up the chest to the neck of the bird, while the Western Bluebird has a royal blue neck.  Other species of North American birds with blue feathers include Jays, Buntings, Warblers, Swallows, Kingfishers, Grosbeaks, Kestrels, and Merlins.

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Male Western Bluebird
Are Bluebirds a threatened or endangered species?

Even though bluebirds are not a threatened or endangered species they can still use our help.  Bluebirds are secondary cavity nesters, they don’t make holes in trees, but depend on other animals such as woodpeckers to create holes in which to nest.  During the mid-1900s, bluebird populations declined precipitously because of a decrease in nesting cavities, habitat loss, climatic events, and invasive species such as House Sparrows.  Conservation efforts helped reverse the declines, but these birds still need our help to maintain their current population levels.

I’ve noticed several Bluebird boxes in my own neighborhood, and many Bluebird organizations are encouraging people to buy or construct them.  Is this a fad, or…?

This is no fad.  People have been building bluebird boxes for a long time.  Things really picked up in the late 1970s after that amazingly popular National Geographic article discussed bluebird population declines and what people could do about it.  The solution: put out boxes with small holes in the front to encourage bluebirds to nest in them.  For almost 40 years people have been constructing these nest boxes and continue to do so today.  As long as people still have a love for these birds, then the monitoring of nest boxes will continue to aid bluebird populations.

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Alfred Larson (aka Bluebird Man) checks a bluebird nest
If I place a bluebird box in my own backyard or neighborhood park, what responsibilities does that entail?

This is a very important question as placing a Bluebird box in your own yard entails A LOT of responsibility.  First and foremost, you must consider whether or not your yard is good bluebird habitat.  If it is not, then placing a box in your yard will likely result in an empty box, or use by other bird species.   Second, bluebirds have a variety of nest predators such as raccoons and snakes, and care must be taken to place and construct the nest box in such a way as to be inaccessible to nest predators.  Lastly, several non-native bird species such as House Sparrows and European Starlings are aggressive nest competitors to bluebirds.  However, boxes can be constructed in such a way as to minimize use by these invasive birds.
Once you have placed your nest box in a well thought out location, regular check-ins and maintenance are a must.  Nest boxes should be monitored weekly at the most, to watch for nesting progress and to make sure introduced species like House Sparrows are not using your box.  Also, bluebirds will not clean out old nests from the boxes themselves after a breeding season.  If you want your box to be used year-after-year, then you must clean out the box every fall or winter to make sure there is room for the bluebirds to nest in it the following year.  Much more information can be found about setting up your own bluebird nest box or bluebird trail on the North American Bluebird Society website.

Thank you so much for fielding my questions! I admire your conservation efforts, and appreciate your willingness to take time away from your Kickstarter Campaign to help educate us about these beautiful winged creatures.

Owyhees & JV-2659s
Female bluebird in flight
Want to know more about Neil Paprocki's work with WildLens, Inc.? Migrate over to Part One of our interview, check out his Facebook page and/or follow his blog.

NOTE: You can purchase a Bluebird Man DVD before the film is broadcast on television via the crowd-sourced funding website Kickstarter. Says Neil: "This will provide myself and fellow producer Matthew Podolsky the funds necessary to complete the film and make it look as beautiful as possible to help inspire others to continue helping these birds that are so near-and-dear to our hearts." There are various ‘backer levels’, but if you contribute $20 or more before July 31st, you will receive a copy of the DVD when the film is completed.

All photos ©Neil Paprocki of Wild Lens, Inc. Used with permission.

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In the Author’s Tent: The Bluebird Man, Part I

The bluebird of happiness is perched on my shoulder this morning, singing his little heart out. Why? Because today's visitor to the Authors' Tent is wildlife conservation biologist Neil Paprocki, aka Director of the soon-to-be-released documentary, Bluebird Man.

As you might expect from someone who loves his work, Neil's got lots to say about the subject. And as a newbie bluebird watcher (witness) I'm all ears!  So I'm splitting this into a two-part interview. Be sure to come back tomorrow for more Q & A's–accompanied by photos!

Neil, I think most of us have heard the expression, “The bluebird of happiness.”  Do you know anything about its origins? Or if not, can you hazard a guess?

I am embarrassed to admit that this is the first time I have heard the expression, “the bluebird of happiness.”  While I know nothing of its origins, I would think it has something to do with the feeling of joy and happiness people get when they see a bright bluebird.  I know I get this feeling every time I see a bluebird.

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Female Mountain Bluebird takes flight

What inspired you to make a movie about bluebirds?

The story of one man inspired me to make this film: Alfred Larson.  His singular 35-year commitment to this one group of birds shows what a powerful role they can play in shaping peoples lives.  Bluebirds are indeed powerful symbols, and the evidence is in the four different states that call bluebirds their State Bird.  For Idaho and Nevada it is the Mountain Bluebird, while for New York and Missouri it is the Eastern Bluebird.  Maybe someone in the west can contact their state legislature and convince them to change their state bird to the Western Bluebird so we have all three species represented!

The other inspiration for making this film about bluebirds is to give hope to other wildlife conservation projects.  We hear so much in the news about species declining and being on the verge of extinction, and there doesn’t seem to be much that we can do about it.  Bluebird populations declined dramatically in the mid-20th century, but have since moved towards recovery thanks in large part to the role played by hundreds of citizen scientists.  This is a story that other conservation projects can draw inspiration from: there is hope out there!

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Alfred Larson and Bluebird Man director Neil Paprocki
What’s it like to be a Bluebird Man? (Describe your typical day in the field, including equipment and attire.)

When I head out to monitor bluebirds with 91-year old Idaho legend Alfred Larson, I make sure to bring two things: my camera and my binoculars.  I might also bring some food and water, but only because my body requires it of me.  I’m usually dressed in my field clothes consisting of Chaco flip-flops, nylon zip-off pants to kick aside those rough shrubs, and a t-shirt.  We usually leave Boise, Idaho around 8am to make the hour and a half drive out to the remote Owyhee Mountains of southwest Idaho.  Once we arrive at the first bluebird box, the day really begins.

Male Mountain Bluebird delivers food to a female inside a nest box
Male Mountain Bluebird delivers food to a female inside a nest box
It is here that we being to peer in on the day-to-day life of these beautiful birds, and learn more about how they survive in the harsh mountainous conditions of the Great Basin desert.  We are monitoring mainly Mountain Bluebirds that acquired their name from the rugged terrain they inhabit.  Why live in the mountains where harsh weather conditions can sometimes persist for days on end?  They do so to take advantage of the insect boom that occurs every June.  Insects carry the precious protein and fat necessary to maintain rapidly growing nestlings that sport a voracious appetite.  Our day is spent checking nest boxes for eggs, nestlings, signs of predation, and the occasional adult bluebird that we catch inside a box.  The curious and sometimes aggressive adult bluebirds often perch nearby while we check their box, conveniently posing for the occasional photograph.

How can people get involved in bluebird preservation projects and activities such as yours?

You can get involved in bluebird preservation projects by contacting your local Audubon or Bluebird Society chapter.  You can visit the Audubon Society and North American Bluebird Society websites for your local affiliates contact information.  Go and check out another person’s bluebird project before deciding if this is something you really want to do.  But I will warn you, it is very easy to get hooked and addicted to watching bluebirds! [NOTE: I can attest to that!]

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Mountain Bluebird nestlings
When can we expect to see your movie in our area?

I expect to complete Bluebird Man by late December 2013.  We have received a letter of support from Idaho Public Television to broadcast the half-hour film, and we are hoping for an early 2014 broadcast in Idaho.  I will also be pursuing a regional Pacific Northwest and national Public Television broadcast.  I’m hopeful this film will resonate with enough people that we can attract a wide audience!

Can’t wait until then to watch Bluebird Man?  You can purchase a DVD before the film is broadcast on television by contributing to our film through the crowd-sourced funding website Kickstarter.  This will provide myself, and fellow producer Matthew Podolsky, the funds necessary to complete the film and make it look as beautiful as possible to help inspire others to continue helping these birds that are so near-and-dear to our hearts.  There are various ‘backer levels’, but if you contribute $20 or more before July 31st, you will receive a copy of the DVD when the film is completed.

Wings or fins?
Wings.  I wouldn’t be much of a ‘bird guy’ if I said fins.

Snow or sun?
Snow.  I have always been a cold weather person and while I enjoy summer, winter is probably my favorite season.

Chicken or the Egg?
Egg.  My favorite meal of the day is breakfast and eggs are the best part of that meal.

Computer or Camera?
Wow, that is a tough one.  How about a computer with a built in camera, or a camera with a built in computer!  Okay, okay.  Two years ago a might have said computer, but now that I have entered the photography and film world I think my answer has switched to camera.

Tweetie Bird or Road Runner?
Road Runner.  This is an ode to my days of working in the desert southwest with the endangered California condor.

Want to know more about Neil Paprocki's work with WildLens, Inc.? Check out his Facebook page and follow his blog. And…if you're inspired to create your own "bluebird trail," come back for Part II of our interview tomorrow. [Update: Part II is posted here .)

All photos ©Neil Paprocki of Wild Lens, Inc. Used with permission.

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In the Author’s Tent: Jeanette Larson and Adrienne Yorinks

Longtime blog readers know a little about my obsessionfascination with hummingbirds. But you don’t have to be a bird enthusiast to fall head-over-heels in love with HUMMINGBIRDS: Fact and Folklore from the Americas (Charlesbridge, 2011). It’s an enchanting tapestry of facts and folklore, woven together with fabric art…a book that invites you to linger, and then return to again and again.

Here’s a handful of inside images, plus pictures of co-authors Jeanette Larson and Adrienne Yorinks:

As a special mid-week treat, I’ve invited Jeanette and Adrienne to a Q-and-A session in The Author’s Tent. The teakettle’s whistling, and we’re surrounded by comfy chairs…please join our conversation! 

Oh, and before I forget: Charlesbridge is offering five (count ’em, 5!) copies of HUMMINGBIRDS as contest give-aways! (*Contest particulars below the cut, immediately following the interview.) If you already own this book, you can give your prize to a special friend. But then again, Mother’s Day is right around the corner…

Melodye: Let’s start by pretending, for just a minute, that we’re doing a live interview via Twitter. Jeanette, would you please tweet a 140-character summary of HUMMINGBIRD, followed by a second tweet that describes its audience?

 

Jeanette (JL): Facts about fascinating creatures found only in the Americas mixed with pourquoi tales from native cultures. Beautiful fabric art adds interest.

 

For “bird brains” of all ages and anyone who enjoys learning.

 

Some people think of hummingbirds as spiritual totems; still others admire their physical traits,  including but not limited to their ephemoral beauty. Are you drawn to hummingbirds for any special reason(s)?  

 

Jeanette Larson (JL): They are so tiny but so powerful, delicate yet strong and they fascinate me. I don’t know that I see them as spiritual totems, although I know several people who do think, or like to think, that hummingbirds are spiritual representations of a family member or loved one. At programs and signings these stories are some of the more poignant.

 

Adrienne Yorinks (AY): The first hummingbird I ever saw was in North Salem, New York. I was sitting on my deck after planting beautiful flowers and the hummingbird buzzed my face and sort of rested a minute on my shoulder. I had no idea what it was. I had never heard or seen any of them before and I was enchanted. I thought it was magical. The first thing I thought of was, “this is Tinkerbell.”  It was a day that I remember so clearly because it was one of those moments in life where I was feeling a bit sad and reflective and the hummingbird came to me. I felt loved and protected in a way. I have always been drawn to animals. In a spiritual way, they have been my mentors, my loves, my best friends and protectors. A year before my encounter with the hummingbird, I was sitting outside in a different garden, reflecting, and a butterfly landed on my hand and gazed at me. It is a wonderful gift when an animal seeks you out. This has happened a lot in my life and it makes me happy.

 

Your book is unique in that it stitches together fact and folklore–in seamless fashion, I might add. J  When it came time to select your materials, how did you decide what to keep and what to cut?

 

JL: I can’t talk about selecting fabric or deciding which illustrations to use, if that is what you mean by material J but we did have a lot more information than we could use. The editor handles some of the suggestions for cutting, asking us to omit information that provided details that were extensive or suggesting ways to condense the information. I’ve always felt that it is better to have too much than not enough as it is easier to take embellishments out, revise tighter, and such than it is to try and force in new information and material. In the process, we mix up the words so much that it becomes seamless between what Adrienne wrote and what I wrote. With the help of the editor, Randi Rivers, I hope we cut information that was repetitive and kept interesting and clear information.

 

AY: Cutting was very tough. I had a unique task because I was both the co-author as well as the illustrator. I know a lot of authors and illustrators can appreciate this quandary. There is a space issue always when doing a picture book. So I had to be a bit cold-hearted to the author part of me when I needed to cut 1,000 words. We had all edited and reedited so many times and then the word came down that 1,000 words had to go. At first I just closed up the document but then my illustrator hat appeared and I cut with gusto! The one part I wish we could have kept in was the factual part about how hummingbirds and flowers have coevolved. The concept of coevolution is so important and interesting to me but it was quite a large segment and I had to weigh the value of it in our book and realized I needed to cut it to make the book work as a whole.

 

Please describe some of the challenges you faced, from first inspiration to publication day.

 

JL: One of the biggest challenges was finding a subject we both felt passionate about, that would work well with Adrienne’s art, and that our editor wanted to buy. Then I think we had so many interesting facts that it was difficult to winnow out some to meet the word count. The other challenge, for me, was waiting. It took a long time from when the manuscript was submitted until the art director and book designer decided with Adrienne on the number of illustrations to include and other production factors. It’s hard to be patient!

 

AY: The one thing that comes to mind is the early loss of our editor Judy O’Malley. I had a wonderful meeting with her about the book.  When she became ill, and had to stop working on our book, it was tough to regroup for a bit. Thankfully we had a wonderful team at Charlesbridge with Diane and Randi so that is a happy ending.

 

What can you tell us about your writing rituals and routines? What sparks your creativity, and what keeps you writing/illustrating when your confidence falters or inspiration doesn’t come?

 

JL: I don’t know that I have a writing routine. I get very excited by the research and start pulling together a lot of information. I do tend to procrastinate so have to really push myself to set deadlines. I get a lot of inspiration from friends and a very supportive group of writers in the Austin area. Of course I also get inspired by some of the wonderful books I receive every day. There are so many wonderful writers and illustrators! I do tend to write when the muse strikes me.

 

AY: When I am writing, I work on the computer as well as long-hand because I suppose I am more physical as a person and writing by hand is more satisfying to me. If I am having difficult day writing, I take all of my books and papers to the local library and hide somewhere where there is no interruption. I need a lot of external structure and quiet when I write because it is more difficult to me than illustrating.

 

When I illustrate, I listen to audio books. I like unabridged books because the longer the better, particularly if they are good. I love mysteries though listen to all sorts of things. My two dogs, Mabou (the border collie) and La Redda (the toy red poodle) are usually in the studio and are wonderful company as I work. I can work on illustrations for hours at a time, and it is not unusual for me to work nine hours in one work session. I also like to work at all times of the day and evening because my medium of fabric appears differently as the light changes and sometimes this inspires subtle changes that add to the depth of the work. Though my most productive starting time is morning after I go to the gym. I always go to the gym first thing in the morning. It helps me to think and concentrate for the rest of the day.

 

Jeanette, would you mind giving us a tour of your writing space?


JL: I work from home and have an office that is quite messy. I know that librarians are supposed to be very organized but my books are randomly shelved on very tall bookcases. I also have a book cart, just like in a library, to hold books that I am currently using for projects. One thing I love about my office is that I have two large floor to ceiling windows that look out on birdfeeders, trees, and flowers. The windows let in a lot of light, which is not good for photographs!

 

And Adrienne, would you be willing to show us around your art studio?


 

Sorry really messy at the moment…Just finished a large commission (on wall) and am prepping for school visits. This bookshelf [far right] holds all my “conversational prints” that I use for fabric packs for schools. I do a lot of school visits based on my book,  Quilt of States, where kids get to do a fabric collage of their state….so I have lots of cow fabric, mountains, tomatoes, etc. on these shelves.

AY: I love thread!

Thanks for your thoughtful, detailed answers! And now, it’s time for our (in)famous LIGHTNING ROUND! A single word will do, but feel free to elaborate whenever you wish.


Wily Coyote or Roadrunner?

JL: Wily Coyote. Roadrunners prey on hummingbirds.

AY: This is so hard because even though I used to root for the Road Runner as a kid, and after all he is a BIRD, Wily Coyote reminds me a bit of Mabou, my beloved border collie and well I love them both…..


American Idol or GLEE?    

JL: Glee. I think I do better as part of a team instead of in competition.

AY: I don’t know either of these. I am at a loss for tv….I just watch movies on television and these days, I watch them while I play bridge on my IPAD so I am not really concentrating on movies too much lately except if I go to the movie theatre. I have become obsessed with bridge.


Cannoli or Hummingbird Cake? 

JL: Hummingbird cake (definitely hummingbird cake, unless I can have both)

AY: Hummingbird cake.

 

Violets or Bluebonnets…or a May basket of mixed flowers?
JL: Bluebonnets; I love seeing them each spring and they are a sign that it is wonderful to live in Texas.
AY: Gerber Daisies…….ok Violets but I love Gerber Daisies!

Wings or roots? 

JL: Wings. I tend to be restless and want to travel.

AY: Wings! I danced when I was younger and there is nothing as wonderful as feeling like you are flying…just for a second, catching the air. I sometimes look at birds and wonder how it feels to have the freedom of flight.

 

I’d love to chat with you all day, but since that’s not possible, will you please answer one more question about HUMMINGBIRDS–one that that you haven’t yet been asked in other interviews?

 

JL: How did you research and write the pourquoi stories? I have always listened to stories and really loved setting myself the challenge to find multiple versions of the same or similar tales so that I could absorb the story and retell it in my own way. I used books, articles, and the Internet to find stories but sometimes had to fill in a few missing pieces from my knowledge of pourquoi stories about other creatures. My skills as a librarian and my undergraduate degree in anthropology came in handy for this part of the book.

 

AY: So, you mentioned coevolution, can you briefly describe that for us? I am so glad you asked that question! Coevolution is a specialized relationship between two very different species that benefits both species and is reflected in mutual evolution. In this case, we are speaking about flowers and hummingbirds. When hummingbirds drink nectar they are also pollinating the plants they encounter. Hummingbirds have terrific vision but not a great sense of smell so the plants that they have evolved with have lots of nectar, are very colorful with little smell and are tubular in shape to fit their unique bills. Two examples of the plants that have coevolved with hummingbirds are columbine and fuchsia. When the hummingbird hovers over the flower, the hummingbird’s head and back are dusted with pollen and the hummingbird transports the pollen to the next plant and the next plant and so on and so on. The bird and the plant are dependent on each other for survival. So we can thank hummingbirds again, for helping to create such beautiful flowers!

 

I would also like a brief bio for each of you…anything you want to say about your personal/professional lives, plus your contact information.

JL: I was raised in a military family so we traveled a lot, although not as much as many families did. I credit my parents with instilling in me a sense of adventure and a desire to keep learning about new things. After a childhood spent moving, I’ve pretty much put down roots in Texas although my husband and I moved to a new house 4 years ago. We put in hummingbird and butterfly plants and I have discovered a love of gardening I never knew I had. Once a librarian always a librarian, I say, but after 30 years of working in libraries I took my pension and now write and consult full time. I love the opportunities that publishing Hummingbirds has given me to travel and talk to others who are interested in birding. I continue to learn about these fascinating creatures.

For more about Jeanette Larson, visit www.jeanettelarson.com. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter, or contact her via email at jeanette@jeanettelarson.com.

AY: My work takes its inspiration from three elements: color, fabric and content. Every facet of my work – large pieces, special memory quilt commissions, and book illustrations – stems from: color – in all its saturation; fabrics – every age, texture, ethnicity and provenance; and content – either the political or emotional impact that drives me.

[I have] written and illustrated several books, including The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog, Quilt of States, and The Alphabet Atlas. In my latest book, Hummingbirds: Facts and Folklore from the Americas, I hope to capture the beauty and spirit of the hummingbird through a myriad of fabric based work, from photo transfers to fabric collage using the glittering colors of hummingbirds to captivate my readers. 

For more about Adrienne Yorinks, please visit her website: www.adrienneyorinks.com. You can also reach her by email at Adrienne@adrienneyorinks.com.

                                            

*CONTEST PARTICULARS: To participate, please leave a comment and/or compliment for the authors on this blog entry. Entries must be submitted by 9:00 p.m. (PDT) on Sunday, May 1st, and winners will be notified via this blog on Monday morning, May 2nd. Want to read more interviews? Please visit the Authors’ Tent archives. 

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