Oooodalolly! Chompo Blog's newest feature is about to be unveiled below--short but sweet interviews with my favorite people in the children's book world. Primarily these interviews will be with librarians and booksellers, but if you have the chance to interview a friend AND recent Newbery Honor winner you'd bend the rules a little, too.

Chompo Blog Questions in Bold (links added by me.)

1) How long have you been in this field?
About 18 years, plus or minus.

2) In the past year what books have you been excited to share with little kids, middle graders, and teens?
I love sharing about all my books!

3) In the coming year what books are you looking forward to for little kids, middle graders, and teens?
I think I will be busy in this upcoming year talking to readers about HATTIE BIG SKY.

4) What is your all time favorite picture book and novel?
All time favorite picture book: HOW TOM BEAT CAPTAIN NAJORK AND HIS HIRED SPORTSMEN, written by Russell Hoban, ill. by Quentin Blake; novel: can't pick one but here are a few: MATILDA BONE, by Karen Cushman; BELLE PRATER'S BOY, by Ruth White; BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, by Kate diCamillo; THE PINBALLS by Betsy Byars; THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS by Katherine Paterson; and FEED by M.T. Anderson.

5) What book events are coming up that you are thrilled to tell us about?
I am excited about going to ALA in June to accept my Newbery Honor Medal (I picked the best prize to win -- I get to dress up and sit at the grown-ups' table but I don't have to give a speech!) but I'm also very excited about attending the Central Missouri State University Book Festival in March and the Southern Kentucky Book Festival in April, because I have family ties to both those states.

6) In your opinion what is the key to a GREAT book event?
Have incredibly low expectations. So what if no one shows up? Every connection you make will make a difference. For example, I once had an event at All for Kids Books to which 2 whole kids came. I read them a chapter from my then-new book, SECOND GRADE PIG PALS, chatted a bit and we all had a great time. Chauni Haslet, the store owner, overheard me reading and saw the kids connecting and promptly read the book herself. A few weeks later, the Seattle Times called her and asked her to recommend some good titles for emergent readers. She recommended Pig Pals, which was ultimately awarded a Seattle Times Best Book for 1st and 2nd Graders. I could not have planned that wonderful turn of events if I had tried.

7) What is your favorite animal?
The hummingbird

8) What is your favorite color?
Green

9) Anything you'd like to tell children's book authors and illustrators like me?
Believe in your gift and work to honor it as best you can -- which may mean chucking a project you love because it will never be your best effort.

10) If you could craft your *dream* Chompo Bar what would be in it?
It's already invented -- Fran's Smoked Salt Chocolate Caramels. I weep just to think of them.

Thanks Kirby! Each interviewee will receive a custom made candy wrapper with their dream Chompo flavor inside. Here's Kirby's, the Hattie Big Bar: