"Piggle the Pig: Party Problems" is based on a real funny story by the author. Read more about it down below.
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
"Piggle the Pig: Party Problems" was born from a very real — and very funny — moment in my life. Once, when we had guests over, I accidentally ate almost everything we made for them. It was sooo delicious and I was a bit too hungry... At one point, they had to say, "I'm going to save a couple of these for later," just so I'd stop! It was awkward and hilarious all at once, and from that moment, Piggle was born — a lovable character who gets into big, relatable messes, but always with a lot of heart.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
The more I think about this phrase, the more I love it. Reading Rainbow to me means celebrating stories that make people feel seen, understood, and joyful. Pride is about community, acceptance, and finding joy in who you are — and books can do the very same thing. I hope Piggle gives kids (and their grown-ups) a sense of warmth and belonging, because at the end of the day, stories connect us all.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
Since I work in children’s books, I find it so important that every child can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. That’s one of the reasons I often use animal characters — because they’re universal. A pig, a turtle, or a bear can carry the feelings, struggles, and triumphs of any human being. Ever since Aesop, animal characters have helped us laugh at our flaws, learn from them, and see ourselves a little more clearly — without judgment, but with empathy and humor.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
"Piggle the Pig: Party Problems" is a funny story first and foremost. My goal was to make kids (and their parents) laugh. But beneath the humor, it’s about what happens when good intentions lead to unexpected trouble — and how, in the end, things can still turn out okay. For me, that’s the heart of Piggle’s story: no matter how messy life gets, there’s always room for a happy ending, even if it doesn’t look like it at first.
What can fans expect from your book?
Laughs, giggles, and a big warm feeling around the heart! Parents have told me that Piggle has become an instant favorite in their homes — the book their kids keep asking for again and again. Hearing that is the best reward I could imagine because it means Piggle is not just a character, but a little friend that kids can come back to whenever they need joy and comfort.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
I’m excited to share that I have a picture book project with Beth Ferry called "Turtle with a Toolbox." Beth and I also worked together on the Fox and Rabbit series, and this one is just as full of heart and fun. Beyond that, I’m in the middle of developing new stories — including more adventures for Piggle! So there’s a lot of joy and sweetness (and maybe a little mess) on the horizon.
