BookView Review

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

Recently, we interviewed Susan Marie Chapman about her writing and recently released book, Growing Up Is Hard To Do Part 2, an irresistible, giggle-filled celebration of unlikely friendships (Read the review here).

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What inspired you to introduce Baby the manatee into Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot’s world?

I knew absolutely nothing about manatees before I moved to Miami in Florida. I only knew that they were pretty big, harmless and nicknamed, sea cows. One day I was walking through the park which just happened to be next to the marina and I noticed a baby manatee who was having way too much fun playing by herself. When she would come up for air, she would also check the people out that were watching her. She was curious and playful which started me thinking….

Baby is learning to find her way in the world and become more independent. How does her journey reflect the challenges of growing up?

I think that growing up presents so many challenges. When you are young, you want to fit in and not stand out. It is the way of nature that things that are different are signaled out and made fun of. As you get older and gain confidence then being different is great because you have realized that there is no one quite like you and we all have special qualities and things that we excel in.

Mr. Squirrel’s fear of the water adds both humour and tenderness to the story. What inspired his character and his struggle to overcome fear?

In Book 2 of the Grumpy series, we meet Mr. Squirrel. He does not want a hurricane to come along and flood his house with water so he finds something to put over his door. In Book 6, we learn that Mr. Squirrel does not like sand nor the beach. In Books 10 and 11, we see Mr. Squirrel facing his fears once again. He love his friends and he does not want to be left behind. He wants to go on all the adventures with them so he is trying to be brave with a little help from his friends.

The story introduces young readers to fascinating facts about manatees. What drew you to these gentle marine creatures, and what surprised you most while learning about them?

I live in Florida on the beach. Manatees love the warm and calm waters here. When you observe them, it almost looks like they are standing still because they move very slow. Many die from boats hitting them or in the winter when the water temperature drops. They cannot survive these dangers. During my research I learned so much about their habits and how they care for their young. I thought that children would enjoy hearing about these adorable creatures of the sea.

Friendship and kindness are central to the story. What do you hope children take away from the way Grumpy and his friends support one another?

I am hoping that children will read these books and remember to be kind and treasure your family and your friends. These relationships will be the most important throughout your life.

Natalia Loseva’s colorful illustrations bring the characters and underwater world to life. What is your creative collaboration like, and how closely do you work together on each book?

It was a gift from heaven that Natalie was chosen to be my illustrator. The moment she drew Grumpy the Iguana, I knew that Natalia was meant to do my illustrations. Natalia gets me. Whatever I am imagining in my mind, she draws the perfect picture. The funny thing is we have never met. Natalia lives far away in another country. We do message back and fourth but for two people that have never spoken or met before, I think we make an awesome team. I cannot explain it and I would not want anyone else to create these books with me.

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