An Election with Integrity Part 2
Zulah Talmadge, Editor of the Shady Pines Gazette talks to:
Author, Mary Jane Mckittrick and illustrator, Bob Ostrom about the latest offering from the Boomer and Halley© project. A series of Little Lessons. Big Results.™stories for children 4-8 and the adults who love them.
Part Two:
Zulah: Mary Jane and Bob, how do you work lasting values into the Boomer and Halley storylines?
Mary Jane: From the beginning, our intent was not to preach or teach, but to serve up stories that promote conversation – not confrontation – about tough subjects.
Bob: And we do it with humor.
Mary Jane: Yep. Kindness and caring are at the core of every Boomer and Halley story.
Zulah: So you came up with the idea for a mayoral election.
Mary Jane: Politics has gotten so nasty, we wanted to present a better kind of election.
Bob: At least we can control the outcome.
Mary Jane: I had already created the character, Mayor Beauregard Fibbs – so named because he has trouble telling the truth!
Zulah: We ALL know about the Mayor. But not everyone knows his middle name.
Mary Jane: Well, you grew up with him, Zulah, so you have the advantage.
Bob: Everyone else will have to read the book!
Zulah: So how do the two of you come up with the storyline?
Bob: It’s a lot of back and forth.
Mary Jane: And a lot of laughter.
Bob: When we get stuck, I just say, “Mary Jane, that part is up to you!”
Mary Jane: So true.
Zulah: And how do come up with the look of the characters?
Mary Jane: Oh, that’s a whole ‘nother story.
Zulah: Let’s take a short break. When we come back I want to pick up the conversation there and hear more about that. Back in a moment.
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