Beanie’s Web follows a gentle country spider who must show a wary city fly that kindness, generosity, and friendship can be stronger than fear and first impressions. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Life on our planet is becoming more and more complex. The universal theme of peace, kindness, and joy expressed in Beanie’s Web offers an opportunity to step back from the complex and embrace the simple qualities that make us human.

Why was it important for Beanie to earn Frieda’s trust through his actions rather than simply persuade her with words?

Actions speak louder than words. Frieda’s intrinsic fear of spiders could not have been quelled by words alone. Beanie’s actions, such as freeing insects from his web and tending a bountiful garden of fruits and vegetables, gave tangibility to his words, “I am a vegetarian.”​

How did the themes of peace, kindness, and joy develop as you were writing the story?​

I believe that beauty, hope, and kindness can always be found if we choose to look for them in the world around us. As a Marine in Vietnam, I discovered that even in life’s darkest moments, light can still be found when we lift our eyes. Peace, kindness, joy, and other rays of light are the theme and matrix of Beanie’s Web.

What do you hope children and parents will talk about together after reading Beanie’s Web?

Beanie’s Web was written for a young audience whose hearts still hold a natural sense of love, joy, unity, and simplicity. By creating words and illustrations that reflect these lofty qualities, it is hoped that children and parents will discuss, develop, and nurture these attributes.

Author Links: GoodReads