Goldie and the Three Kind Bears is a unique take on the traditional Goldilocks fairy tale that introduces readers to a welcoming Bear family and finds them crossing paths with the Gingerbread Man. What inspired you to recreate this beloved story?

I have always enjoyed baking, and one Christmas, I baked a large Gingerbread Man for my family. Needless to say, he didn’t escape and was quite tasty. As I was decorating him, I thought about all the stories where the Gingerbread Man was tricked and devoured, and I thought it would be fun to write a story with a happier outcome.

The illustrations in your book are wonderful. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Baran Sabahi?

I discovered Baran on Instagram and fell in love with her charming, whimsical illustrations. I knew she would be a wonderful fit for my story. Through emails, I sent Baran my ideas for each scene. It’s always exciting to see your story come to life through the illustrations, and it’s always a little bittersweet when the illustrations are completed.

Since Goldie and the Three Kind Bears, Baran also illustrated two other books for me: Eloise Evergreen Isn’t Keen on the Color Green and The Christmas Gift.

Are you considering retelling other classic stories? Can we get a glimpse inside your next book?

Another retelling is not in the works. However, I’m working on several manuscripts that I’m excited about. One is a historical fiction picture book.

What advice would you give aspiring children’s authors?

I walk away from my story for a while, and then I return to it with fresh eyes. I also read my story out loud to myself, as if I were reading it to a group of children. This helps me to know if the story has a good flow.

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