Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.

Recently, we talked to Lori Rotter about her writing and her recently published children’s picture book, Best Dinosaur Ever, a lively and insightful tale that celebrates the boundless joy of imagination and the power of self-expression. (Read the review here).

What is your favorite childhood book?

My favorite childhood book is “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” from the Chronicles of Narnia. I pushed on the back wall of my grandma’s wardrobe to see if it would open!

How did you decide which form or genre was right for you?

I have been in the design field for over 35 years. My career and professional experience have spanned multiple areas in the design industry, but predominantly, I work in the toy industry as a designer, developer, and brand creator.

My product career has always focused on kids 3-6 years. Developing toys is storytelling. I imagine how children will play with a toy and how they will interact. All toy products have character names and backstories. Writing copy around toys has been an unexpected creative outlet that I enjoy. After all these years, authoring children’s stories seemed a natural progression.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

I love creative challenges. I originally wrote (and re-wrote) ‘Best Dinosaur Ever’ in prose, but it wasn’t working. I like rhyming stories since kids mimic and repeat key phrases, and I wanted my book to be fun for the reader and listener. As a new author, most critics recommend not attempting rhyme. But I wanted to see if I could do it. So, I picked up the story and tried it in rhyme. And it’s surprising the people who enter your life when you’re determined to learn and prove something to yourself. I love the creative process and collaborating with talented people.

What inspired the premise of your book?

I have stepchildren who have children, making me a young grandma of seven grandkids (they call me Lola, and there is lots of inspiration for storytelling!). My grandson Milo inspired this book. When he was little, he was really into dinosaurs. He even knew the long, scientific names that I could hardly pronounce! I started thinking … if Milo ever wanted to be a dinosaur, what would he call himself? He is such a funny, bright kid. Then the story started forming in my head with funny ‘saurus’ names and dinosaur personalities.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

Self-belief, imagination, and positivity. You can do anything when you put your mind to it.

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

I was brave enough to leave my comfort zone and explore creative writing while finding the resources to support my efforts to publish a book. As a debut author, it’s so encouraging to have my first book receive such a positive response.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love spending time with family, catching up with friends, being outdoors, and BAKING (much to the chagrin of my family and their healthy diets!)

What’s next for you?

I’m working on my second children’s book due out summer 2024!

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