Michelle Lipton: Children's Book Author Q&A

Join authors Amy, Sam, and Michelle in a fun Q&A session with kids about writing, inspiration, and the magical world of SprinkleTopia. Get a sneak peek into the creative process and the joy of storytelling for children.

Introduction to “Kids Ask, Author Answer”

Kids Ask, Authors Answer is a fun YouTube series where kids get to ask children's book authors anything they want!  The author does not know the questions in advance, and it's all filmed LIVE.  Your kids can participate in future episodes too! In this blog, we dive deep into one such episode, featuring Michelle Lipton, the celebrated author of her debut children's book "Sprinkletopia," a book that has sparked the imaginations of young minds.

Meet the Authors: Behind "Kids Ask, Author Answer"

Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els

The show is hosted by Amy Doslich and Sam Howard-Els, both accomplished children's book authors. Amy Doslich is known for the "Hannah Banana and Mary Berry" series, while Samantha Howard-Els is recognized for her "Mungo" series and "Tiny Boo Halloween" book. Together, they create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where authors share insights and anecdotes, answering the questions sent in by their young fans.

Highlights from the Q&A Session

Age and Starting Point

The first question posed was a straightforward one but elicited some laughter: "How old are you and when did you start publishing?"

Michelle revealed that she is 37 years old, with her debut children's book about to be officially launched. Humorously grappling with keeping track of her age, she also highlighted that becoming an author was a deliberate journey that spanned close to two years. 

Inspiration Behind the Pages

A question from Isaac, age six, asked why the elephants were wearing underpants in one of their stories. Michelle chuckled and explained that the choice was to inspire laughter and fun. She wove a whimsical backstory that the elephants were celebrating their triumph over potty training, humorously tying this detail into the story's playful essence.

Another young reader, Sophia, aged nine and an aspiring author herself, inquired about the inspiration behind Michelle's book. Michelle shared a touching story about being inspired by her son, who loved a bedtime story she told him repeatedly. Her colleagues’ encouragement combined with her son’s enjoyment of the story galvanized her to publish it.

The Magic of Bubblegum Toads

Hannah, age six, asked an imaginative question: "How did you come up with bubblegum toads?" Michelle responded that the idea simply popped into her head - an enchanting notion of a frog blowing bubbles like bubblegum and floating through the air. She praised the illustrator for vividly bringing this whimsical image to life. The idea also stemmed from a desire to achieve rhyming words that children would enjoy, showing the blend of spontaneity and structure in her creative process.

Favorite Treats and Characters

When Colton, age eight, asked about Michelle's favorite dessert, the conversation turned delightful and tasty. Michelle confessed her love for cupcakes, particularly from a place called "The Naked Cupcake," where one can customize their cupcakes with various toppings. She connected this to her book's theme, sharing how her son would always ask for more sprinkles, tying back to the charm and joy found in her stories.

Revisions Make Perfect

Arya, aged 11, wondered how long it took Michelle to write her book. The honest answer surprised many: Michelle shared that while the initial draft took only a night to write, the book went through about 25 revisions over more than a year. This revelation underscored a crucial message to aspiring authors - writing is often a process of endless tweaking and refining.

Amy and Sam found resonance in this experience, acknowledging that even their seemingly small books like Michelle’s "Sprinkl Topia" involve meticulous and lengthy development processes. The group collectively highlighted that creative work is rarely perfect on the first attempt and typically undergoes multiple iterations before hitting the shelves.

Questions That Spark Creativity

Arya's curious question - "How can I get to Sprinkletopia?" - illustrated the boundless creativity young readers have. Michelle's reply encouraged kids to use their imaginations and nighttime dreams to visit this magical place. For Michelle, the goal is to inspire children to think of wondrous places and incorporate adventure into everyday life, reaching Sprinkletopia through dreams and daydreams alike.

Funny Details That Delight

Edison, another enthusiastic young questioner, asked why a mustache adorned the train in the book. Michelle explained that whimsical details like these add humor and character. Furthermore, such elements often emerge organically during brainstorming, answering one of the secrets behind making characters memorable.

The Art of Children's Books

Creating the lively images that populate children's books involves a complex, step-by-step process. Michelle explained the illustration process behind her book after a question from Jeana, aged six. The steps included rough sketches, block coloring, refining final colors, and finally rendering, which adds magic via highlights and shadows. She lauded her illustrator, Sandra, for bringing the book to life with each stage adding more depth and vibrancy to the imagery.

The Impact of Colors and Designs

When Hannah, age six, asked why a character had blue and purple stripes, Michelle explained that the choice reflected her children's favorite colors, making the design personal and relatable. This interaction showcased how authors often infuse personal touches into their work, making stories more meaningful and connected to their lives.

Food for Thought - Literally

Ethan, aged eight, evoked laughter with his question about why the gummy bears did not get eaten in the story. Michelle's creative response was that Sprinkletopia's perfect weather ensured it never got too hot, thus preventing any melting mishaps. This answer underscored the imaginative framework authors build around their stories, blending humor with clever narrative choices.

Edison's question about why chimneys were absent sparked a further creative explanation. Michelle said that maintaining the perfect temperature in Sprinkletopia meant no need for fireplaces and chimneys, ensuring this sugary paradise remained intact.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Sophia, the young author, prompted Michelle to share advice for budding writers. Michelle encouraged persistence and openness to feedback. She highlighted the importance of mentors and peer reviews, advising young writers to be bold and embrace the learning journey of authorship. Her heartfelt encouragement resonated especially with young dreamers and their parents alike, showing the path to becoming an author is challenging yet deeply rewarding.

Conclusion

The "Kids Ask Authors Answer" session was a delightful blend of imaginative inquiries and heartfelt responses. Children’s curiosity brought out the best stories and advice from the featured authors, shedding light on the intricate and often entertaining journey of writing and illustrating children’s books. From understanding the painstaking process of revisions to embracing the whimsy of why elephants wear underpants, this interaction was an inspiring showcase of storytelling and imagination.

Through this session, young readers not only got their questions answered but also witnessed firsthand the passion, effort, and creativity that go into crafting the books they love. Whether it's dreaming about fantastical worlds or considering their own authorship journey, these insights from Michelle, Amy, and Sam will surely inspire the next generation of storytellers.

Want to grab a copy of Sprinkletopia?  You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/3B1qjkO

You can also find Amy and Sam's books here:

Amy - Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G

Sam - Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF

*These are affiliate links. If you happen to buy anything on Amazon through this link, it won't cost you any extra, and I will get a small amount! Thank you for your support! :D