Q&A with author Kathleen Long Bostrom
Kathy, tell us a story.
I’d love to! Which one?
Tell us the story of how you started writing books for children.
One upon a time, long, long ago, when my three children were very young. I loved reading to them and treasured the time together. “These will be some of my most precious memories,” I thought, “reading a book with my child snuggled in my lap.” I had a dream: to write books that would create precious memories for adults and kids. With lots of practice and perseverance, the dream came true.
How wonderful! Now tell us how you wrote, Daddy, Tell Me a Story.
My husband and I made up stories for our kids, and sometimes they became the characters. Of course, they provided their own input! The moments when a child changed the story line became my new dream: to write a book to encourage adults and kids to use their imaginations when reading a book together.
Did you write this book when your kids were little?
I did— nearly thirty years ago! It took many years to find an interested publisher. I rewrote the story many times, and finally found just the right home with WorthyKids, who made my new dream come true.
It takes a team to create a book, which includes my wonderful agent, editor, publisher, marketers, and illustrator. Ela was the perfect choice! She conveyed the whimsy and joy of the love between Daddy and Sophie.
What’s next, now that your story is a book?
I’m excited to read the book to children, and adults, too! Which leads me to ask: Would you read the book to a child; share it with your family and friends, libraries, and bookstores; leave a review on the bookstore sites? A book gets lonely sitting on a shelf.
Above all, have fun! Read the book with a child and then create your own story together. Tell me your story about sharing my story. I’d love to hear from you!
With grateful thanks from Daddy, Sophie, and me.
Oh, and the dragon, too.
About the Book
Bedtime is looming, and Sophie wants to hear a story. So she asks her dad—the best storyteller she knows—to tell her one. He's just started telling a story about a queen and a unicorn when—HOLD ON—this is not the story Sophie had envisioned! She interrupts to request a teeny, tiny change. And then she interrupts again, and again, and again, resulting in an entertaining game of storytelling ping pong as Sophie and Daddy work together to create an unforgettable tale. This beautifully illustrated book is a sweet tribute to daughters, their daddies, and the time they share together.
About the Author
