Three Questions and a Cover — a short interview with one of my favorite authors, along with one of the author’s covers

Cleo can tie a bow. She learned what she knows from a rabbit and a fox. They can teach your child how to tie a bow, too. This fun picture book is intended to be a family bonding parent-child activity. It’s a great way to learn to tie shoelaces.

I’m so happy to have Sybrina Durant, the author of this adorable book, as my 3QC guest today.

Question 1: You have an entire series of “Knotting” books for young folks. How and why did you decide on such a unique topic?

It all started with a trip to a menswear store back in the 1980’s. I went to purchase a necktie for someone who had never worn one.  I didn’t know anything about neckties, either, so I asked a friendly salesman if he could teach me to tie one.  He was happy to oblige.  He threw a long tie around his neck (on top of the suit and tie he was already wearing) and proceeded to provide a very short set of instructions. He told me, “Remember this story. Once there was a fox chasing a rabbit.  They ran around and around a tree. The rabbit slipped under a bush and the fox easily followed. Finally the rabbit jumped over a log and into his little den. The fox was too large and could not follow. The rabbit was safe!” I never forgot that story. I loved the idea so much that I wanted to share it with the world. I researched and found that it had never been written or published, so I decided to make it my mission. I didn’t actually publish my version of the story, “Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit & the Fox”, illustrated by Donna Marie Naval, until 2012. It is available in English, Spanish and Tagalog.

Question 2: What is NOT in the book that readers might find interesting? (Deleted scene, background information, etc) 

Read the answer the last 2 questions at Deborah Zenha Adams blog.