Remember Finley, the Alaskan Moose who wanted to ride the train? He’s back with more traveling adentures!

Candace Spizzirri has visited my blog before. She writes children’s books with humor and heart in prose and in rhyme. She holds a degree in child psychology with an emphasis in emotional development. Passionate about education, Candace co-founded an elementary school and high school in southern California, but now joyfully spends time each day writing and honing her craft. You might also find her breaking into dance moves that are not in the least bit embarrassing. You can learn more about Candace at her website or by following her on Twitter, Instagram, BlueSky, or Facebook.

FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE is a picture book sequel. When we first met Finley, he lived in the small Alaskan town of Talkeetna and dreamed of riding the train. This time Finley dreams of going much further: Paris! 

Welcome back Candace!

Thanks so much for having me on your blog again, Jena! I’m so happy to be here.

Me: I love that Finley is now traveling by plane (as well as train) in the sequel. What gave you the idea to take him from Alaska to Paris, of all places?

Candace: Finley’s latest adventure takes him from the rails to the skies, and I couldn’t be more delighted about it. One of my favorite illustrations in the book shows him nestled in with the pets in the cargo hold—when I first saw it, I laughed out loud. It’s such a playful moment, and I hope kids will get a kick out of it too.

I wrote FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE as a companion book to FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE. From the moment Finley stepped onto the page, I knew he had more journeys ahead of him, and this story felt like the perfect continuation.

The spark for this book came during a trip to Paris with my daughter. I posted a photo of myself holding A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE in front of the Eiffel Tower and shared it online. Chantelle and Burgen Thorne—the amazing, award‑winning illustrators—commented, “Finley in Paris! A sequel?” That was the moment it clicked for me. Paris wasn’t just a fun idea; it was the ideal destination for Finley’s next big adventure.

Me: Your story reminds me (ever so slightly) of one of my favorite movies, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (the Angela Lansbury version of many years ago). They both long to go to Paris and get fancy clothes, but face rejection instead. Was this always part of the plot? Or did this come about in the revision process? How many revisions did your manuscript undergo to get to this final state?

Candace: I love that comparison! And you’re absolutely right — both Mrs. Harris and Finley experience their share of disappointment and rejection. That emotional arc has always been central to Finley’s story. He dreams big, and in both books — FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE and FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE— he boldly declares, “I’ll make my dreams come true!” Of course, those dreams come with challenges. In book one, it’s riding the rails; in book two, it’s having a suit made in his favorite color… chartreuse! Through determination and persistence, he finds a way forward.

As for revisions, oh goodness — I couldn’t tell you the exact number, but it was a lot. I tend to revise extensively before I ever feel a manuscript is ready to submit. My process usually starts with writing a full draft, then putting it away for a bit so I can return with fresh eyes. After that, I revise SOME MORE and then send it to my critique partners. I’m part of several groups, and truly, I don’t know what I’d do without them. Once everyone has weighed in, I go through each comment carefully, keeping what strengthens the story while staying true to my original vision. FINLEY 2 required plenty of reworking, tightening, and yes — cutting some beloved darlings along the way.

Me: This is the second book you have published with Gnome Road about Finley. Can you talk a little bit about the marketing of both of them? Were they sold as a pair together? Or did the second story sell later?

Candace: Gnome Road Publishing is incredibly supportive of its authors and invests a remarkable amount of time and care into marketing our books. The press is professional, accessible, and truly a joy to work with. I’m proud to be published by them—three times and counting!

Of course, part of my role as an author is doing everything I can to help promote my titles. That includes opportunities like this blog interview (thank you, Jena), as well as story times, book signings, social media engagement, and visits to local libraries and classrooms.

The idea for the second Finley book arrived not long after the first one released. I’d already been thinking about where my adorable, friendly moose’s dreams might take him next—Finley just feels destined for more adventures. Go, Finley, GO!

A trip to the City of Love ended up sparking the perfect idea for a sequel (as I shared before).

Me: This has been such a fun series. Any other plans for stories with Finley the moose? Might there be other story ideas brewing?

Candace: Thanks so much, Jena! Finley truly has my heart, and I already have more places and adventures in mind for this friendly, determined, and completely adorable moose (thank you, Chantelle and Burgen, for bringing that cuteness to life!). I can’t share yet but look for more from Finley! 😊

Me: The illustrations by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne are once again absolutely perfect for this story. I love that they tied in a fabric design on the cover of the book (especially for a story about fashion)! Were there any illustration surprises for you? What were your favorite illustrations?

Candace: Thank you! I completely agree—Chantelle and Burgen are unbelievably talented. Am I lucky or what? I’m absolutely obsessed with the chartreuse fabric pattern they created for the endpapers. It’s such a perfect fit for the story.

One of my favorite parts of the process is discovering the surprises illustrators add to the narrative. Their art brings an entirely new layer of storytelling, and it’s always a joy to see what they come up with. I adore the spread where Finley is tucked in among the pets in the airplane’s cargo hold. It’s so adorable it made me laugh out loud the first time I saw it.

And of course, there’s the big reveal at the end—but I won’t spoil that here. Let’s just say: Oooh la la! Magnifique!

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

Candace: I was surprised to discover that writing a sequel isn’t easier, in fact, I think it’s harder! But it is incredibly rewarding! You’d think having the main character and their whole personality already established would make things simpler, but it’s tricky. Returning readers want that familiar spark, while new readers need to feel instantly at home, so every choice needs to serve both groups at once.

I found myself walking this line between staying true to the original and keeping the story fresh. The voice, the tone, the visual world- all of it needs to feel consistent, yet the adventure has to offer something new.

And of course, picture books move fast, so every page turn must matter. The pacing, the rhythm, the humor, the little callbacks for loyal fans—they all work together to make the sequel feel like a natural next chapter rather than a repeat. It’s a challenge, absolutely, but one that makes the result feel all the more satisfying.

Me: Any other projects can we look forward to reading from you in the future?

Candace: Yes! Thank you for asking. I’m delighted to share that I have another book on the way, scheduled for a Fall 2027 release. I feel so lucky to be working with Gnome Road Publishing on this project—it truly feels like the perfect home for my story.

The book is inspired by my sister, Amber, and is titled Amber Mae and Her Strays. It was one of the very first stories I ever wrote, so watching it finally come to life feels especially meaningful.

The super‑talented Carlos Vélez Aguilera is illustrating, and I couldn’t be more thrilled—his vibrant, detailed artwork is the perfect match for my spunky main character.

Here is a summary:

Prepare for a rollicking adventure as Amber Mae, a determined little girl with a soft spot for stray animals, brings home one zany pet after another. When her otherwise patient parents panic and are pushed over the edge, they have no choice but to send her pets packing. Readers will be rooting for clever Amber Mae as she finds the perfect place for each and every one of her beloved animal friends.

Aww! That sounds like great fun. Congratulations Candace! And thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Dear readers, Finley returns next week when the second book is published. It’s a fun jaunt to Paris with a moose companion that you won’t want to miss!