The President’s Tailor shares the story of a Frenchman who moved to America and became the personal tailor for nine different presidents throughout his life. Why was this an important story for you to write?

I was a teacher for many years and liked to use children’s books to begin a new subject we would be learning about. When I heard this story, I got inspired. I began researching and finding information to add to the story. I wanted to keep it real so I used poetry as my genre. If I would have written a story I would have had to add parts to the story that were not true. I also created teaching plans for the teacher, and a presentation to be given at schools. I have been going to retirement centers to give my presentation and they love it!

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

An idea that I was inspired by and wanted to include is the fact that he did not give up and persevered. I kept that mantra going as I wrote, had the book illustrated, and I personally persevered because my significant other had passed away, and I worked on the book. It was a cathartic journey for my healing process. For children, I think it’s important to introduce them to people who have that never give up attitude when things get tough. Another idea that I made sure to include was the way he interacted with others. He was very perceptive and made sure to rely on this perceptiveness when he worked with each president. He could joke with LBJ, knew to be reserved with George H W Bush, and carry on a pleasant conversation with Nixon and others. It is important to allow people to be themselves and for us to accept them for who they are.

The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Nimali Udugama?

I found Nimali on Fiverr. She is from Sri Lanka. I really loved her artwork, so I asked her if she would like to illustrate a children’s book. She worked so hard. We had to change lots of things because not living in America, she didn’t know American protocol. We talked for many hours on the phone. I didn’t realize at the time that things had changed so much with being a self published author, but I thought she was worth the risk. It is very challenging to even get the book in libraries or independent children’s book stores now. I wrote a book in 2009, and I was able to get the book in libraries, schools, bookstores, and distribution centers, etc.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Unfortunately, I have not made plans for a next story until I figure out how to sell the 1,000 books in my basement.

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The Presidents’ Tailor is the real-life story of a Frenchman who moves to the United States and after a rough start he is given the opportunity to become a sewing apprentice. After a time he masters his craft and becomes a tailor to nine of our presidents.