What does it take to get a very comfortable frog out of the comfort zone of his terrarium?

Daniel Fehr writes books for children and also creates board games for children, families, and grow-ups. Many of his books and games have received international prizes. Daniel Fehr lives in Winterthur, Switzerland. You can learn more about him at his website or follow him on Instagram, LinkedIn, or sign up for his newsletter (in German).

TIME TO SPLIT is a picture book is all about a frog who lives each day the same way. He takes a soak, then takes a stroll in a clean towel, and finally enjoys a cup of banana juice. But this day, someone drops in unexpectedly and shows him some new things. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is quietly full of heart, challenging readers to embrace the new and experience the world around them.

Welcome Daniel!

Me: Can you tell us a little bit about your writing journey? When did you start writing picture books? How has that brought you to writing this picture book?

Daniel: I wrote my first picture book over ten years ago. At the time, I was working on my doctoral thesis in German language and literature and media studies, but I never finished it. Instead of my academic book, I sent my advisor my first picture book. Since then, I have written a lot of books. This one came to life in collaboration with Raphaël Kolly. He painted a picture of a frog in a pond, similar to the one in the book, where the frog is happily lying in its indoor pool, sipping on a freshly prepared banana drink. It was the perfect start for this story.

Me: I love the concept of a frog who is perfectly safe in his greenhouse (and perfectly bored) until a bird visits him and opens his world up just a little bit! What gave you the idea for this story?

Daniel: A bird flew through my window and told me the story. Or was it a frog I met while it was exploring the world? I never know exactly where my ideas come from. I often come up with them while writing and doodling. Words lead to words, images to images. When it works, it’s a lot of fun. (Don’t ask me about the other times.) 

Me: Your text is deceptively simple. Did it undergo a ton of revisions to get to its finished state? Or was this story a gift from the muse that was good from the first draft?

Daniel: There’s such a thing as a muse? Next time I’ll ask for a gift from the muse. I usually revise my texts many times. Sometimes the whole story, sometimes just sentences and words. I’m not fast anyway; I write slowly. I love hiding a story in just a few words. I’m a minimalist by nature.

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

Daniel: I usually write my stories first and then show them to my editor. The illustrator comes later. This time, I worked with the illustrator Raphaël from the very beginning. Perhaps what surprised me most was that we worked so well together that it became our shared story. I’m pretty sure neither of us would be like the bird; we both need a little nudge too. Or a big one, like frog.

Me: The illustrations by Raphael Kolly are pitch perfect! They are soft and friendly. I really love the watercolor-esque style used here. Were there any illustration surprises for you? Any favorites?

Daniel: One illustration in Time to Split that I really like is the one at the very beginning. The frog is sleeping in a large flower and is so peaceful. There is no hint of danger. Why would someone like him ever want to leave home? Raphaël is a genius, a master of colors, characters, and lines. Even though he hides it behind the beautiful, soft watercolor style in this book, he is always searching for the perfect line. In his heart, Raphaël is a draftsman. I consider myself very lucky to be working with him for the second time. In our first book, a mouse takes her very pessimistic friend, a duck, on a little trip. Unfortunately, the book has not yet found an English publisher. No wonder, as duck would say.

Me: You have quite a few books published and more on the way. Any other projects we can look forward to reading from you?

Daniel: The next picture book with NorthSouth is one with German illustrator Jule Wellerdiek about someone who already loves to travel. But it will be a while before it is published. We are currently in the middle of it. Subscribe to my Instagram channel or my German (sorry!) newsletter, and I will keep you up to date.

Me: Do you have any advice for aspiring picture book writers?

Daniel: Write and think in pictures. Picture books are not simply stories with pictures. In this form, text and images are interwoven and, ideally, they speak to each other in their own unique way.

That is very true. Thank you for stopping by my blog today Daniel.

Dear readers, this book publishes today! Happy book birthday Daniel! It’s a quiet story with a subtle message and soft illustrations that is sure to appeal to many young readers. Trust me when I say, you won’t want to miss it!