Picture Book Spotlight: Sad, Mad, Glad

During today’s picture book spotlight, I interviewed John Micklos Jr. about his latest rhyming picture book, Sad, Mad, Glad: A Day Full of Feelings.

Joanna: It’s wonderful that you have another picture book coming out so soon. How did you come up with the idea for Sad, Mad, Glad: A Day Full of Feelings?

John: I came up with this idea while at the swimming pool a few summers ago. I saw a young boy at a pool have a meltdown and, less than a moment later, go back to laughing again. This made me think about the roller coaster of emotions that children have during the course of the day. So, I wondered if I could write about all the emotions a kid can have in one day.

Joanna: Wow, it’s so great that you found inspiration to write another book just by observing the surrounding people.

Why did you choose to write in rhyme?

John: This pattern matches the style of my two previous books for Penguin: One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count with Me and Raindrops to Rainbow. Plus, I enjoy writing in rhyme.

Joanna: I think that good rhyme is so difficult to write.

How did you learn to write so well in rhyme?

John: Lots of practice! Plus I find the challenge of telling a story in rhyme exhilarating!

Joanna: Having an audience to write to helps. I started writing picture books when I switched to teaching kindergarten. I wanted my students to read the stories I wrote.

How did you manage to fit so many emotions into the book?

John: I actually started with many more! My editor, Alex Wolfe, suggested that I limit it to one or two emotions per spread to give each one more importance.

Joanna: Sounds like your editor had a great suggestion.

How did you decide what emotions to include?

John: I wanted to portray a roller coaster of emotions-both positive and negative. But after listening to my editor’s advice, I decided to focus more on the story. So, I chose feelings that moved the story forward.

Joanna: It worked out really well.

Which emotion was your favorite to write about?

John: LOVE- and that’s why it’s the emotion that ends the story. I actually wrote the ending pretty early in the process and then led the story up to that point.

Joanna: Writing the ending first is an excellent strategy. You already know the story’s destination.

Do you have any favorite rhyming picture book stories?

John: Anything by Dr. Seuss is great. I also love the Llama, Llama books. They are so simple, with a rhyming structure. The situation and text resonate with children and parents. With the low word count, the author needs to get every word just right.

Joanna: I love Llama, Llama and Dr. Seuss. My favorite is Green Eggs and Ham.

What tip do you have for someone wanting to write in rhyme?

John: Don’t force it. Tell a good story first. Your story will let you know if it wants to be written in rhyme. I often start with the last word on the page or spread and then build the verse to get to that point.

Joanna: I don’t normally write in rhyme, but I have a few stories where they came out in rhyme.

Did you have any input with the illustrations?

John: I got to choose from among three or four illustators whose style my editor thought would match the text well. I think Lilibeth Jimenez did an outstanding job! Her artwork is bright and engaging, and she did a great job of capturing the characters’ various emotions.

Joanna: I loved the pictures, especially the last spread.

Why do you feel that this book is important for everyone?

John: It’s important for parents and children to realize how emotions change over the course of each day and how to talk about emotions. That’s why the book includes an educator afterward by Dr. Tai Kim offering tips for parents or teachers in talking about emotions with children.

Joanna: Understanding your emotions and being able to talk about them is an important skill for everyone.

What do you do when you get a big emotion, like a rejection for a manuscript?

John: Like the main character in the story, I try to remember to take a few deep breaths to calm myself down. When I get a big emotion, I take it in stride. Lots of famous authors still get rejections, and I understand rejections are part of the business of publishing. I try to see things from their point of view. Then I go do something fun.

Joanna: Thank you for teaching us so much about how your idea became a book.

Where can readers go to buy your new picture book?

John: Hopefully in their local bookstore! Also through the Penguin website, Amazon, or other online booksellers.

Joanna: I’m getting ready for the beginning of school and your book is perfect for a first week of school read aloud.

Where can readers go to follow your journey?

John: Visit my website at www.JohnMicklosWriter.com. Sign up for my author newsletter by contacting me at jjmj197@comcast.net.

Joanna: Do you have a list of local events for the launch of your new book?

John: I’ve done a couple of events already. On August 13, I’m doing an outdoor storytime reading at a local ice creamery sponsored by a local bookseller The Hockessin Bookshelf. I have several school and preschool visits in process for the fall.

Joanna: If any readers are near Delaware, go check it out.

What new book are you currently working on?

John: I’m currently finalizing a picture book about a little-known, but fascinating, Revolutionary War figure for publication next spring.

Joanna: Sounds interesting. My recent visit to Yosemite National Park has sparked ideas for a story of my own. Remember to keep your eyes, ears, and a journal ready for anything that might spark your next story idea.