Sometimes it’s hard not to rave about every picture book I post about.  Today’s picture book isn’t the first I’ve seen from this author, but it’s a glorious culmination of her efforts nonetheless.

Erin Dealey has visited my blog several times before, and I’ve loved every single book she has shared with us.  Yet today’s picture book just might be my favorite of her’s to date!  She is a children’s author of over a dozen books.  She grew up in Oakland, California, where she often did her homework on the roof of her garage. You can learn more about her at her website or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

JUST FLOWERS is the delightful story of Izzy, who loves flowers, and a new grumpy neighbor, who is only interested in his roses.  Izzy loves botany and is full of fun flower facts, love and joy that impacts everyone in the neighborhood.  Ultimately, this is a book about kindness, connections, and reaching out to others.  Yet it’s also about flowers, includes fun word play, and has so many other facets, it’s really hard to describe!  The writing just sings!  And the illustrations are so gorgeous that they make this book bloom into a truly memorable picture book.  I predict young readers will want to read this one over and over again.

Welcome back Erin!

Me: I love flowers (though I admit that I don’t have a green thumb) and I love Izzy.  What a sweet character.  What gave you the idea for this story?

Erin: Thank you for having me on your wonderful blog, Jena, and for the kind words about Izzy.  True story: I don’t have much of a green thumb either. But as you know I LOVE wordplay and humor, and I found the most delightful read-aloud words via an Instagram thread (No joke!) which were the inspiration for JUST FLOWERS. The Insta posts of garden flowers were gorgeous, but what got me hooked were their Latin names. I knew at that point I wanted to include them in a picture book.

Me:  I love that!  And I love that you incorporated the back matter about the flowers, as well as Monarch Migration Waystations!  Was that always part of the story?  Or did that come about from an editor’s suggestion?

Erin: The back matter was always a part of the manuscript, but initially it was more of a glossary. I’ve become a big fan of the back pages ever since DEAR EARTH…From Your Friends in Room 5 (Harper Collins / Illus. Luisa Uribe). As I recall, my amazing editor, Sarah Rockett, was the one who suggested the Search and Find format, which added even more fun!  

Me: I love how you have written this book!  From “one blustery brr day” to the pronunciation jokes about flower names with the grumpy neighbor.  Every line is fantastic!  Was it always this tight?  Or did it become so through many revisions?

Erin: I’m so glad someone else is entertained by my jokes! They were in the story from the start, as were the alliterative beginnings. There were a few revisions to narrow the scope from a year of flowers to the almost spring/early summer growing months. For example, the pie (no spoilers) was originally cucurbita pepo. (You’ll have to look that up.)   ; ) And Izzy’s name went through a few iterations as well, but IZZY was the most fun to say aloud. (Every word counts!)

Me: What is one thing that surprised you in writing this story?

Erin: Besides Kate Cosgrove’s illustrations (see next question), I would have to say the most glorious surprise –which I’ve been fortunate to have happen with each of my picture books – was watching how the crazy ideas in my brain got to grow and blossom into this magical story.

I always say that submitting a manuscript is like sending your child to kindergarten –or college! You have to trust you’ve done your very best, and that those who meet it next want the best for it as well. I am so very grateful to everyone who nurtured JUST FLOWERS, from my critique group The PBJs, editor Sarah Rockett, to illustrator Kate Cosgrove, the entire Team JUST FLOWERS at Sleeping Bear, and to my agent, Deborah Warren at East West Literary. Picture books truly do take a village.

Me: The illustrations by Kate Cosgrove are so stunning!  Were there any illustration surprises for you?  Were there any favorite illustrations?

Erin: Oh my goodness, Kate is brilliant. Every page, every spread has illustration surprises–from the beautiful, diverse community, to the details and choices (I love the Police dog!) and the luscious palette. I can’t say enough about Kate Cosgrove.

Me: I love the positive impact Izzy has on so many people, just by being Izzy.  Why is that something you wanted to share with young readers?

Erin: Thank you so much, Jena. It’s crazy how what started as a ridiculous read-aloud romp became a book about kindness and community. Izzy did that, with each gift of flowers. Themes of positivity, inclusion, and being yourself definitely resonate with me. I hope readers are inspired to pass them on—like Izzy does.

Me: What future projects can we look forward to from you?

Erin: I would dearly love to be able to share my next project but we’re in that no-details-yet stage.  I am thrilled to say the contract is signed.  And I have worked with this illustrator before. Hopefully I will have more news SOON.

Meanwhile, I’d like to send huge Thanks to you, Jena, for all you do for our #kildlit community, and for all you do for your students as well.

I was a classroom teacher for decades and loved my job (most of the time!). Working with young minds is an honor and a privilege, but often very challenging. I am so grateful for Teachers and Librarians who make a positive impact EVERY day. I wish I could send you ALL flowers.

Aww!  Thank you Erin.  And thank you for stopping by my blog again today.

Dear readers, if you haven’t yet had a chance to read this book (released last Friday), track it down.  It’s a delightful story of kindness (and there aren’t enough of those!) with humor, community, and flowers.  Trust me when I say, you won’t want to miss this one!