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.gif) Neela Sakaria: Thank you for your time Ms. Favorite. Your book THE TUSH PEOPLE is certainly a fun one for children! I know this is mentioned at the end of the book, but can you tell our readers what inspired you to write it?
Deborah Favorite: Well, do you know what a fish out of water looks like? When my now 24-year old daughter was a baby, she created a diaper changing game where she would squirm and flop and twist around trying to escape my clutches to then run around the house screeching with excitement for me to chase her. That little bare bottom of hers inspired the poem "The Tush People."
Neela: Tell us about your collaboration with "Uncle Norm." How did that come about? Are there specific challenges you encountered when bringing the book to life, via his illustrations?
DF: Yes, there have been challenges. Our biggest challenge has not been in our collaboration, as Uncle Norm has wonderful artistic vision. The challenge was timing. I had approached him many times over a 15-year span to see if he would illustrate "The Tush People," but his schedule did not allow him the time. A couple of years ago, he found himself housebound for awhile due to an illness and he was climbing the walls. Perfect! The time was finally ripe. I am thrilled with his concept and the subtle humor he injects in bringing these wonderful creatures to life.
Neela: What, in your opinion, are some of the most difficult aspects of writing for children?
DF: I believe it is imperative to know what makes children laugh. When you can find that tickle spot or funny bone, you can help them learn.
Neela: Would you say that your book is somewhat inspired by the likes of Dr. Seuss? Who are some of the children's authors you admire and respect?
DF: I was not thinking "Dr. Seuss" when I wrote this poem. It was simply something written from my heart to my daughter's. Uncle Norm has been cartooning since he was a kid himself, and he has his own unique style and humor. I love Shel Silverstein. Max and his Wild Things is one of my favorite stories.
Neela: What do your own children think of your writing? Do you include them in your creative process?
DF: My daughter is working her way through college as a Nanny in the San Francisco area, so she is surrounded by children all the time. Her kids and their playmates have been a fantastic testing ground for us. They love our Tushies, as do their parents. My 17 year old son is a budding writer and film maker, so I certainly have support from him. Both of my children have contributed creative ideas throughout this process, and they are both thrilled with our book.
Neela: Are you and "Uncle Norm" working on any other projects? If so, can you give us a hint as to what they will be?
DF: Our second book (a book of famous Tushies) is in the works, and if I do say so myself, it will be simply adorable! We are also working on a project regarding child safety issues.
Neela: Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know about your book? Where can they find it if they're interested in buying it?
DF: Our biggest challenge of all has been in finding representation. We had a highly successful book signing event in November at the Borders store in Valencia, California, and several elementary schools (both public and private)have been thrilled to have us for events such as Read Across America Week. We will have a booth at the Los Angeles Festival of Books at UCLA in April, and at the BookExpo 2003, which will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in May. We are hopeful that this exposure will attract the interests of a publisher. In the meantime, books can be ordered on booksinprint.com or directly through us: The Tush People, P.O. Box 950100, Mission Hills, CA 91395, (661)298-2293, dfav218@aol.com.
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