Children's author and illustrator.
Learn more about Deborah Freedman here: about — Deborah Freedman
I am always curious about what inspires authors...
This is what Deborah Freedman very kindly answered:
1- When did you start the idea of the story and how long did it take you to finish the book?
While I wrote my first draft in about a month (quick for me!), I spent a few months revising the story with my team at Viking before making the final art. I probably spent about one year on the book overall.
2- Where did you get inspiration for the story?
I had the idea for the story during the pandemic, when I was taking lots of long walks in the woods near my house. I was thinking a lot about the natural world around us, about things we see all the time but don’t necessarily think about that much. Like clouds. I love looking at clouds, but then realized I didn’t actually know all that much about them, and that got me thinking...
3-The reason for the title?
I wanted to think of a title that would grab a potential reader’s attention, and make them stop and think, “hmmm… what is this about?"
4- Why are the characters bunnies?
I thought it would be fun if the characters were soft and fluffy, like clouds. I was trying to decide between sheep and bunnies, and ended up with the bunnies. :)
5- How much research did you do to write about types of clouds?
I had to do a lot of research! I read books and researched on several scientific websites in order to truly understand weather, and clouds and how they form. It then took me a while to boil down all of that sophisticated information and organize it in a way that would make sense to children. After my story was finished, I connected with a scientist at NASA who very generously agreed to fact-check the book for me before we sent it off to press.
6-Did you use to look at the clouds when you were a child? If yes, why/how did you find it amusing?
I did look at clouds as a child. Clouds are fascinating. Who doesn’t enjoy a beautiful sky?
Thank you Deborah!!
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