Join author Rella B. in a lively Q&A session as we delve into the world of shapes, discussing characters, stories, and the creative process behind the 'If Shapes Could Talk' series. Get insights into the author's inspiration and upcoming projects in this engaging interview.

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! There is information on how to participate at the end.  In this blog, we dive deep into one such episode, featuring Rella B.,  the celebrated author of If Shapes Could Talk and Mama I got a Dollar.  

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.

Special Guest Rella B. 

Joining us in this session is Rella B., the creative mind behind If Shapes Could Talk. Known on social media as @rellabbooks, Rella brings shapes to life in a heartwarming story about family, friendship, and appreciating our differences. In this episode, she shares the inspiration behind If Shapes Could Talk, a vibrant tale that explores what might happen if shapes had voices of their own, teaching young readers about empathy, gratitude, and the beauty of being unique.

The Spark of Inspiration

The Birth of a Unique Idea

When asked about the inspiration behind her Shape Series, Rella B. shares a fascinating story. Her career as a flight attendant involved meeting diverse individuals and listening to various stories, which eventually sparked the idea for her series. Observing the different shapes, sizes, and colors of people, she decided to personify these traits in her characters, making them relatable and unique. This creative process highlights how real-life experiences can transform into captivating stories for children.

From Concept to Publication

Rella B. provides insight into the journey from writing to publishing her book. Initially written on an iPad in 2019, "If Shapes Could Talk" underwent multiple revisions before its publication in October 2023. Her dedication and attention to detail ensured that the book resonated with its young audience, emphasizing that writing a children's book involves much more than the initial draft.

Engaging with Young Minds

In this episode, the interaction between the authors and the children from the Zebra class at Beecroft Academy in Bedfordshire, UK, showcases the power of young readers' curiosity. The children, having read "If Shapes Could Talk," posed a series of questions that were both thoughtful and imaginative.

Intriguing Questions and Honest Answers

One curious six-year-old, Lorna, asked why one of the characters, the purple diamond (rhombus), didn't have a name while her friend Maxine did. Rella B. explained that initially, she wanted the characters to remain nameless so that anyone could identify with them. However, due to popular demand, the character now bears the name Rhonda Rhombus.

When Raphael, aged eight, inquired about Rea B’s favorite shape, she revealed her preference for circles. She fondly listed things like cakes, balloons, and bubbles, emphasizing the ubiquitous and joyous nature of circles.

The Creative Process Unveiled

Writing on an Adventure

The Zebra class from the UK had more questions about Rella B.’s writing process. They wanted to know when and how she wrote her book. To their surprise, Rella B. shared that she wrote the book during a flight, completing it in about two hours. However, the entire process, including editing and illustrations, took much longer, demonstrating the multi-faceted nature of creating a children's book.

Color Choices and Character Diversity

Another intriguing query from the Zebra class was about how the colors of the shapes were chosen. Rella B. explained that she allowed her illustrator to pick the colors but had specific ideas based on the characters' personalities. For example, her mischievous character was initially purple, akin to Rhonda, but she's still deciding what color it should be.

Rapid Fire Round: Shapes Galore

To keep the session lively, the hosts introduced a rapid-fire round where Rella B. had to quickly associate shapes with various items or concepts within a minute. This segment added a fun and competitive spirit to the episode, highlighting Rella B.’s familiarity with her characters and shapes. She impressively answered eleven questions correctly, earning the title of the new winner.

Addressing a Spectrum of Emotions and Experiences

Representing Diverse Family Structures

One poignant question came from seven-year-old Phoebe, who asked why one of the characters, Maxine, lost her parents. Rella B. touched on the sensitive topic of loss and adoption, revealing that while Maxine would not find her biological parents, she would have a new family and a book dedicated to her story titled "If Shapes Had Families." This response underscores the importance of representation and addressing real-life issues in children's literature.

Imagining Daily Life as an Author

A curious question about Rella B.’s daily routine added a personal touch to the session. She described her day, which includes cuddling with her daughter, reading, writing, connecting with other authors, and organizing events. This response paints a vivid picture of an author's life beyond the pages, blending work with creative passion and parental duties.

Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

Rella B. excitedly shared details about her upcoming projects, including titles like "Do Robots Run My Elementary School?" and "Is My Elementary School a Zoo?" These creative and engaging books are expected to hit shelves this summer, promising more captivating stories for young readers. With plans to publish about ten books this year, Rella B. remains an active and prolific voice in children's literature.

Conclusion: The Power of Books

The interaction between the authors and the children showcased the significant impact stories can have. Books like If Shapes Could Talk do more than entertain; they teach valuable lessons about friendship, family, and accepting our differences. Rella B.’s dedication to her craft and her community exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling.

For young readers, the opportunity to ask questions directly and learn the behind-the-scenes details of their favorite stories is priceless. It not only deepens their connection to the books but also inspires their creativity and curiosity. As Rella B. continues to create and share her engagng stories, she undoubtedly fosters a love of reading and a deeper understanding of the values her characters embody.

In the world of children’s literature, authors like Rella B. are true treasures, nurturing young minds and hearts with each page they write. As we look forward to her future stories, let’s remember the lessons we have learned from If Shapes Could Talk.

Want to grab a copy of If Shapes Could Talk?  You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/3CwAz5A

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

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Want your kid to participate in the next episode? Make sure you are subscribed to our YouTube channel to see who the next author coming soon is, read their book (always a free option!), and then send your questions to KidsAskAuthors@yahoo.com.

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