Q1. Hello Maám, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Annika Jeras, and I am a first-year elementary school teacher! I have worked with young students for several years and have always had a love for children’s literature. Now with writing and illustrating my own children’s books, I feel that I have something special to share with both my own students and young learners everywhere!
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Freddie Yeti Goes To School’ book?
The most challenging part of writing “Freddie Yeti Goes to School” was creating a character that was relatable for all children. Inclusion in a big part of my classroom, so I wanted to also create a story that reflected that. I tried to create a character and story that every child could relate to, and I think Freddie’s nervousness towards starting school is something many can understand.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Mo Willems has influenced my writing and illustrations tremendously. I have often read his books to my students and am often just as entertained with them as the students are. When writing and illustrating my own book, I tried to take a note from his stories and create something that was entertaining for both adults and children.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite spot to visit is Flagstaff, Arizona. I went to college there, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. The scenery is also beautiful, with forests of pine trees and high mountains. Being in Arizona, a notoriously hot state, Flagstaff is one of the few cities that actually has all four seasons and is a great place to escape the heat!
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
With creating a children’s book, there is quite a bit to do before I can actually begin writing. Since I illustrate my own books, I have to consider what images will engage young readers before I fully develop the written portion of a book. I have to make sure that I have an illustration in mind for each part of the story before I can actually begin to create my book.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘‘Freddie Yeti Gets A Pet’ book?
It took about three months to write and illustrate “Freddie Yeti Goes to School” and another three months to create my second book “Freddie Yeti Gets a Pet”. Once I get started on a project, I constantly want to continue working on it, so that drive allowed me to create each of my books fairly quickly. I also absolutely love to draw, so once I begin working on the illustrations for my books, it quickly becomes all I want to work on!
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
Both of my books, “Freddie Yeti Goes to School” and “Freddie Yeti Gets a Pet” are available as both paperbacks and as Kindle eBooks on Amazon!
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your book ?
Before creating a story, I first came up with the character of Freddie. In the midst of some mindless doodling, I sketched a cartoon yeti that I thought might make a good character for a children’s book. I named him Freddie Yeti, since rhyming is very popular in children’s literature. Once I had the character and name created, I was able to easily create titles and covers that clearly show young readers what the books are about.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Working with young children as a teacher, I am constantly entertained by the creativity and enthusiasm of my students. Since Freddie, the main character of my books, is a young child, I try to give him some elements of my own students’ behaviors and personalities. Children are full of constant surprises, so I think giving Freddie some of the characteristics I see in my students helps to always keep things fresh!
Book Is Available On Amazon
Sassy Reviews 