Author Interview: David Shannon

Four weeks ago I was lucky to meet David Shannon at Tree Top Kids in Washington, DC, as he toured the country promoting his latest book, Too Many Toys. To hear a book read – the way it is intended to be read – is always a treat. The bonus of an author event is getting a glimpse at the personality behind the books – after reading No, David! and meeting David Shannon, I can see where the inspiration for the main character came from! As he was rushing out of the store (to get to his next event), I couldn’t help but ask for a small amount of time for an interview. So, enjoy …

Bianca: Too Many Toys has such a great charitable message for children. Where did the inspiration come from?

David: I have a 10 year-old daughter who has both too many toys and a favorite box.

Bianca: Out of all of your books, which has been your most favorite to create? And which is your family’s favorite?

David: They’ve all been fun for different reasons. No, David! reminds me of being a kid, Alice the Fairy is based on my daughter, Emma. I think our family favorite is probably Good Boy, Fergus! because Fergus really is our dog and we all get such a kick out of him. I know it’s his favorite — he’s very full of himself!

Bianca: If you had to be teamed with one other author to create a new book, who would you pick and what kind of book do you think you would create together?

David: I would pick Jon Scieszka to do a book about a robot — which is exactly what we’re working on.

Bianca: If there was one question you wish people would ask you, what would it be and how would you answer it?

David: “Would you like me to clean up your studio?”

“Please do.”

Link: Review of Too Many Toys, by David Shannon.

Tags: Bianca Schulze, David Shannon

Category: Ages 4-8, Author Interviews, Award Winners, Humor, Reluctant Readers