Halloweenie follows a magical pumpkin who is brought to life, encounters scary situations, and makes unlikely friends. What was the inspiration for your story?

I’ve always loved Halloween and the Fall season, so writing a story about this magical time of year was definitely at the top of my list. The story itself was inspired by classic Disney animated shorts, like “Trick or Treat” that I loved as a kid. A little fright and a little fun mixed in! I also wanted to tell the tale of sticking up for others and standing up to bullies. 

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

Thank you! Simone is an immensely gifted artist, and I’m beyond lucky to have had her as a partner in making Halloweenie. Her instincts for character designs and acting are top notch, and these characters practically jump right off the page. Also, she really used her color design to amplify the emotions of the story. The story starts out light and warm, and gets a little dark as the story gets a little scary, then returns to softer tones for the finale. Pure genius! Simi, as I affectionately call her, is also such a joy to work with! So collaborative and easy-going! We really were aligned on the vision, and had a tremendous partnership. She is the best and of the best, and I’m very grateful to her for her outstanding work on Halloweenie. 

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

I think it’s important to teach kids about standing up to bullies and taking action against harmful behaviours. Using their voice for good and speaking up when they see something wrong happening. Also, my book is very inclusive, with all leads being female characters and representing different cultures and backgrounds. The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media has a wonderful motto, which is, “If she can see it, she can be it.” For too long there hasn’t been enough female representation in stories, and especially in children’s content, so it’s our responsibility as storytellers to implement these changes one book, cartoon, or movie at a time. Universally, it’s so important for every child to see themselves represented in stories across all media. It is fundamental for children’s self esteem to be and feel seen, and is incredibly crucial for healthy development for them and humanity overall. 

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

Right now I am actually working on making Halloweenie into an animated short, which is very exciting! I first envisioned the concept as an animated short, but pivoted and decided to start with the children’s book. Animation is a passion of mine, and I’ve been very fortunate to have had a career in the industry for over a decade. I can’t wait to see this story come to life on the screen, and to reach even more audiences!

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