- Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
A1. Hi! My name is Joan Epp. I’m a retired elementary teacher and a life long farmer from Leamington, Ontario, the tomato capital of Canada! I’m a dabbling artist, a gardener and a caregiver to many, but my real passion is writing!
- What is the inspiration behind your book “Ice Cap”?
A2. My granddaughter was about 3 when I read her a traditional snowman story. I said, “Audrey, let’s write our own snowman story!” So we brainstormed the character, wrote 4 sentences and drew pictures for Ice Cap, complete with cool glasses, snowboard and a cell phone so he could text us! Her writing and pictures were just right for her age! That night I went home and started to compose. Ice Cap had to rhyme because she loved to chime in when I read her books! So there you have it – a book sparked by the imagination of a little one with big ideas!
- When did you realize you want to be an author?
A3. I’ve always known being an author was a good fit for me. I’ve penned many journals and essays, written several life stories for memorials and countless editorials for the church newspaper. Writing poetry when my babies were sleeping and writing stories with students solidified that dream of becoming a “published” children’s author!
- Please tell us something about your book “Ice Cap”?
A4. ICE CAP is a snowman story from our century! The character initially communicates by texting but the real magic happens when he connects with children with play, sport, music, games and by giving gifts from the heart. Ice Cap is about showing kindness, cause “kindness is cool”!
- For which age group is your book “Ice Cap” suitable for?
A5. Ice Cap is for children 3 to 8, a fun-loving holiday read-aloud, but all ages will enjoy it! I’m also reading this story to older grades. Teachers are using my book for a variety of literacy studies (book comparison, narrative, etc).
- What is your favorite Quote?
A6. In my life, the words of R.S. Grey resonate with me the most:
“She believed she could, so she did.”
- What do you like the most about your country?
A7 Canada is a melting pot, a myriad of races, religions and cultures living in a democracy. We have so much to learn from each other, beginning with the First Nations People. I feel so grateful to live in a country where our rights and freedoms are being recognized and protected.
- What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
A8. Parents you are so powerful, begin reading stories to your babies, then toddlers, then elementary students and so on EVERY DAY. If children see you enjoying it, they will want to learn how to read!!! Pick rhyming and pattern stories or stories with great picture clues to start. Predict, retell, write your own. Put down technology, let them turn the pages, point to the pictures and words and soon they will be reading to you! You set the stage for success way before they get to school!
- What does literary success look like to you?
A9. Literary success happens when the reader wants to read your book again and again. When the reader makes personal connections to your book, that’s success.
- Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
A10. I’d say my parents are my inspiration. Both were children of immigrants from the Ukraine. My dad was the kindest soul, always employing young people and taking them under his wing. He taught us how to work hard but also how to give back to our industry and our community. My mom was the glue, “the great woman beside the great man”. She wrote stories so we could learn to read before entering school. At 94, she’s still teaching me many things! Both of my parents pushed me to follow my dreams. “Just do it!” they’d say!
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