Mood:
celebratoryNow Playing: Coldplay, "Viva la Vida"
I just want to welcome Holly Jahangiri and Jordan Vinyard from the children's book, "Trockle." They're currently on a Blog tour and today we get to spend a little time with them.
I'm very excited to talk to Holly & Jordan about their book. I had the opportunity to pick it up a couple of weeks ago and it's just a fun, engaging children's book that I enjoyed very much.
I did a review for the book, which I posted on Amazon.com. Holly or Jordan if there's more places you'd like me to put it, let me know. I'm going to go ahead and share my review and then I have FIVE questions for you.
Book Review for “Trockle”
By: Holly Jahangiri
Illustrated by: Jordan Vinyard
ISBN: 978-0-9797513-2-5
4RV Publishing, LLC
24 Pages
5 Stars
“Trockle” is an engaging children’s story that answers the age-old question, “Who’s that lurking under the bed?” Jahangiri paints as vivid a picture with her words as Vinyard paints with her colors. Children of all ages will enjoy “Trockle.”
Stephen is an everyday little boy who has one last snack and a glass of milk before bed. He brushes his teeth and savors his parent’s hugs, but not even his mom’s can of monster repellent will convince him that the monster under his bed is gone. His dad tries to tell Stephen the monster is only ‘socks and books,’ but Stephen knows better. When his parents ask for the monster’s name, Stephen has an answer – “Trockle.” His parents give him a hug, reassure him he’ll be okay, and leave.
Under the bed, shoes and pens start to rustle about. Trockle can’t get to sleep. There was a monster over his bed! Trockle’s mother tries to tell him there are no monsters over the bed, but Trockle knew better. The monster over the bed made the ceiling squeak and creak. He tried to describe the monster to his mother. Trockle’s mother finally admitted to Trockle there wasn’t a monster over the bed, but a little boy. In their sleep, both Trockle and Stephen wish each other good night.
Trockle was inspired by the bedtime stories the author would share with her son. The book is richly illustrated by Jordan Vinyard. Her wonderful drawings bring life and heart to Stephen and Trockle. Each character is unique, each page captures the reader’s imagination.
The story is well paced and keenly plotted. The opening is one that young readers can identify with – the nerve racking nighttime ritual. Stephen’s anxiety is one all children share with him. Haven’t we thought there was a monster under the bed? What sparkles about “Trockle” is that now the monster under the bed has a face with real feelings, emotions, and anxieties, just like the rest of us. Jahangiri and Vinyard connect with readers not just on the surface, but in their hearts.
The descriptions in the book are right on the mark. Trockle, while sweet, looks like a monster. He’s got one big eye and pimples all over. He loves to eat chocolate from Chaco-Taco wrappers.
Young readers will enjoy reading Trockle on their own. It’s the type of book children can share with a giggle and a smile with their friends. For an extra touch, the back cover of the book mirrors the front. Trockle is a sure-fire hit.
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#1 - Holly, how long have you been writing? Jordan, how long have you been drawing?
#2 - Tell us about your muse Holly and how he, she or it inspires you.
#3 - Holly, How did you pick the name "Trockle?"
#4 - Holly or Jordan do you have any more children's stories/books planned?
#5 Who came up for the look for Trockle?
Oh - sorry - one more -
#6 Is the book entered in any writing/children's competitions?
Smiles,
Steph
