Book Birthday Blog With Rhonda Gowler Greene

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Rhonda Gowler Greene on the release of The Not-So-Silent Night: The Joyful Noise of the First Christmas

 

 

How did you come up with the idea and how long did it take you to write the book? 

A Scholastic/Little Shepherd editor asked me to write the story. It was the same editor who asked me to write my Mommy Loves Me and my Daddy Loves Me books that came out this past spring. The big difference is that this book is a 40-page picture book vs. the other two being 18-page board books. Too, for this, I signed a standard picture book contract vs. work-for-hire contracts.

In May 2025, the editor and I had a call when she shared the title and a basic idea of what she wanted— a whimsical rhyming nativity story with lots of onomatopoeia and a build-up of chaotic, but joyous noises from animals and angels. She wanted tension in the story—all these sounds would keep waking up newborn Baby Jesus. She said maybe make the story cumulative. The illustrator, Wazza Pink (lives in Vietnam), had already been chosen. 

I was given seven weeks to write the first draft. The book was to be released within a year and a half, so it was on a tight schedule. A few more months went by while I worked on revisions. 

 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book? 

I hope my book brings lots of joy to readers and listeners, not only because of the lively verses, but also because of Wazza’s stunning illustrations. I couldn’t be happier with the art! Too, I hope readers take away the message that God loves them so much that He sent his Son to Earth as their Savior that very first Christmas. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

Having three editors on the manuscript was the most difficult part. My main editor who asked for the lighthearted, fun story left Scholastic soon after our May 2025 call. A different Scholastic editor acquired the book then. Too, my text was edited by a freelance religious editor whom Little Shepherd used at that time for biblical accuracy. When I got my manuscript back from the freelance editor, wow—so many edits! I didn’t agree with most of them, mainly because they totally threw off my rhythm. I felt my text had lost its playfulness. 

Regarding biblical accuracy, some of the religious editor’s suggestions seemed inconsistent. For example, I mentioned three camels, but she said the Bible doesn’t say there were three. She also said the Bible doesn’t say there were angels over the stable, which I had. But then, she suggested the little mouse (who sneezes in my story) could hold a harp. 

Panic set in. I went over her edits so many times trying to work in revisions she suggested. I finally sent long emails to my ‘new’ main editor with all my reasons for keeping every word or line that I didn’t think needed revising. In the end, I got to keep most of my original text. Phew! 

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?

Besides announcing its release on my social media, I hope to do some bookstore events closer to Christmas. Since Scholastic is the publisher, it will be in their book clubs and fairs, get reviewed nationally, and be available on all the online bookstores (and, hopefully, at brick-and-mortar stores too). 

In August, the book got a nice review in Publishers Weekly— “…The rhyming text’s lively sounds and repetition invite reader participation, while cozy crowded scenes in a range of saturated tones signify a holy night with plenty of newborn bustle. The result is a ‘late-night hullabaloo’ featuring lots of ways to rejoice.”

And recent good news! The book has been selected for the Society of Illustrators 46th Original Art Show in NYC which runs from 10/31/26 - 1/30/27.

What's next for you?

Next year, on January 12th, my If You Want to See a Narwhal (Little Brown; illustrated by Xin Li) will be released. In Fall 2028, my The Trick-or-Treat Train (Bloomsbury) will be chugging into bookstores. An illustrator for it was recently chosen—Gemma Roman. I’m looking forward to seeing some spooky sketches soon!

On July 1st, I sold my Way Up at the North Pole: A Christmas Counting Rhyme (Fall 2028) to Sleeping Bear Press. On July 20th, I sold my When the Animals Heard About You: Collective Nouns on the Move (Spring 2029) to Doubleday. I’ve never worked with Doubleday, so that was extra exciting. (The collective nouns book will be my 38th picture book.) 

And fingers crossed regarding selling more of my manuscripts that are currently out on submission.

ps… September marked my 30-year anniversary with Curtis Brown, Ltd. It’s hard to believe I’ve been with them since 1996! My first agent was Marilyn Marlow, who passed away in 2003. Elizabeth Harding, her assistant (and agent then too), acquired Marilyn’s clients. Last fall, Elizabeth bought Curtis Brown and is now the CEO (and still my agent).  

Thanks for the interview! And good luck to everyone with your writing and illustrating! 

More about the book . . .

A warm and whimsical story of the night when Baby Jesus is born. Though trying his best to sleep, the baby keeps being awakened by the boisterous sounds of stable animals, angels singing and playing instruments, sheep, doggies, and camels. In the end, they all become a joyous and merry Christmas choir welcoming the baby to Bethlehem.   

            By starlight, shepherds hurry.
            Sheep follow. The whole flock!
            A loud and rowdy cloud of them!
            Baa! Baa! Baa!...BOCK! BOCK! BOCK!
                        …But Baby is asleep. Shhh.
                        Try not to make a peep… 

Published By: Scholastic/Little Shepherd 

More about the author . . . 

Rhonda Gowler Greene is the author of over thirty picture books. She’s been published with several major publishers, beginning with her first sale (from the slush pile) in 1995 to Simon & Schuster. Her books have earned starred reviews and honors such as School Library Journal Best Book and Bank Street College Best Book. Rhonda holds a master’s in educational media and is a former learning disabilities teacher. She lives in Orchard Lake, Michigan, with her husband, Gary, in a house overflowing with books. They have four grown children and four adorable grandchildren—all voracious readers! Visit her online at https://rhondagowlergreene.com/

FaceBook:  Rhonda Gowler Greene
Instagram: @rhondagowlergreene 

 

Elizabeth Harding (left); Curtis Brown, NYC

 

Writer Spotlight: Erin M. Brown

 

 Tripods, Amber, NDA, Yes!, Cornerstone, conferences, Aquinas, and romance: Author Erin M. Brown

Charlie Barshaw coordinates our regular Writer Spotlight feature and interviews writers of SCBWI. In this piece, meet author Erin M. Brown.

[Note: the items in italics are from my research into Erin Brown. My questions follow the italicized items.] 

Who was young Erin? Who most greatly influenced your love of reading, writing, and teaching?

I was a quiet book nerd who rode my bike to the library three times a week to stuff my backpack with as many books as allowed. My Side of the Mountain, A Wrinkle in Time, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, and John Christopher’s classic YA series The Tripods inspired me to fill notebooks filled with scenes and daydreams. When not outside climbing a tree, I was reading or writing.

At 14, I began teaching music and eventually earned a music ed degree from WMU. This led to teaching music students for about 30 years. During that time, I also earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation, worked clinically in a VA hospital teaching patients, and returned to work at home, teaching young kids. 

I started designing curricula in the 80s and, eventually, was asked to teach and design university courses in writing, English, communications, and leadership and management. So, reading, writing, and teaching is a three-strand cord running through my life for over 50 years now.

You’ve earned a slew of letters after your name. How did you manage schooling combined with raising children and your prodigious writing output?
 

Truth is, my mind is constantly “on fire”—and creativity doesn’t take energy; it gives. The same dynamic filled grad school and learning: it’s incredibly enjoyable and energizing. (I love learning.)

Erin has 30 books published; is a lover of coffee; has multiple collies and a mini–Australian Labradoodle; reads voraciously (and loves re-reading Roger Zelazny’s Amber Chronicles yearly, both cycles, of course); and is passionate about speaking and one-on-one coaching for writers of fantasy, science fiction, dystopian, romantasy, and quirky contemporary, out-of-the-box romance novels with a twist.

What is it about Roger Zelazny’s Amber Chronicles (both cycles, of course) that brings you back for an annual re-read? When did you first read the Chronicles?
 

Speaking circa 1990's

Wherever I go, I love to sing Roger Zelazny’s praises. He was a master storyteller who won the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Association (SFWA) Nebula Award three times (and was nominated 14 times). He also won the Hugo Award six times (and was nominated 14 times for this award, as well).

I first read the Amber Chronicles (a series of 10 books) between 1970 and 1991, when they were published. For me, Zelazny is right up there with Asimov, Rodenberry, Rice Burroughs, MacDonald, Morris, Lovecraft, Lewis, and Tolkien. I also love reading today’s spec fic greats. It’s fun that Kevin J. Anderson (Dune), Brandon Sanderson (Stormlight Archives, Mistborn), Gaiman, and GRR Martin openly cite Zelazny’s Amber Chronicles as a key influencer of their own works.

Zelazny has an uncanny ability to create reader intrigue, to immerse readers into the setting, and to write fast, powerful dialogue. His stories make me completely emotional. I don’t know anyone else who introduces characters like he does—simply remarkable. I can only hope he influences my writing—because every time I read the first five books of Amber, I’m undone.

With some SCBWI friends

From advising A-listers on season arcs and screenplays to working one-on-one with authors on novels, Erin helps both pros and beginners as a story consultant. What are some of the screenplays you’ve been involved in? Which season arcs in TV series are your proudest achievement?

I can’t name many of the screenplays for NDA/privacy reasons, but I can say I’ve had the honor of working with well-known writers, indie film makers, and even a few A-list actors. 

If you know anything about writing in Hollywood, you know that it takes a lot to buy a script or TV show, to greenlight a project, and to get it into production. Anything can crumble at any step of the way. 

I say this because my favorite project was with John Rhys-Davies (LOTR) on a sci-fi TV show reboot proposal that lasted two years before re-licensing issues made the project fold. Working with John made me realize how much I love ideating and outlining big story arcs (and he’s such a gracious guy).

Each year, Erin judges multiple national and international storytelling contests for author organizations (e.g., RWA, SCBWI) and anthologies. She has also been featured in articles, blogs, columns, websites, webinars, conferences, and on the radio since the late 80s.

Tell me about judging. And what has your decades-long involvement in radio wrought? 

I’ve been judging contests and anthologies for 30 years and absolutely love it. Whether it’s for the three rounds of Romance Writers of America’s yearly awards, or speculative novels, or flash fiction contests, for me, contest season is a rush. As a former university writing instructor, it “feels like home” to give comments and suggestions helping authors publish even better books.

Speaking in Las Vegas

Speaking is another fun story. In the 80s, someone asked me to speak at a small conference. I said, “Why not?” Well, the word got out and I ended up speaking multiple times a year. 

Then, in 2000 (when my first book was published), the publicity team put me on a ton of radio shows and podcasts. Go figure, I really liked it. Again, meeting people who love storytelling as much as I do and talking craft is invigorating (the shy, bicycling book introvert has come a long way). 

My father always said, be open and kind, share what you know, and when something new comes along, even if it feels awkward and you’re scared, say yes. It was great advice.

In what turned out to be a unique twist of fate, Erin was recruited years ago as a writer-designer for a college writing program, which evolved into the development and oversight of three university writing and communications programs. 

Describe this unique twist of fate. How did this writing program turn into an award-winning national project?
 

In early 2000, I was speaking at a conference and was approached by someone representing Cornerstone University’s Professional and Graduate Studies Division who said they needed a writing, research, and leadership instructor. So, on their prompting, I applied. Again, my dad’s advice to “say yes” led to something I never imagined: 17 years of college teaching at three universities.

I found that teaching college part time worked well with raising my kids. Life became a game of “creative time management” (waking at 5 AM or working till midnight), and that led to with a passion for organization (my calendar front and center, always).
 

After working part time at Cornerstone for seven years, it happened again at another conference: a small college from the Washington DC area had a booth, and the person manning it approached me to say they were looking for someone to develop writing courses for a distance learning program. Would I be interested? 

I ended up designing their online program’s writing courses, as well as the college’s online AP English Language and Composition program. Then I taught writing and research there for five years. 

This was during the explosion of online learning, and more writing program development followed, including as a full-time position as the Communications Curriculum Lead for General Education with Western Governors University. Oh, by the way: go to conferences. You never know what’s going to happen there!

About 16 years ago, I “ran into” a new (at the time) online curriculum group called Homeschool Connections. There, I made a single writing course for teens… and another… and another—which turned into an entire online writing program for teens called Aquinas Writing Advantage (AWA). 

There, I created and now oversee about 50 courses as the Executive Lead, with a leadership team of six guiding 25 instructors. It has truly been an honor, with the program winning first place in the iLearn Awards for the past four years in a row. The most fun is when university graduates message me that, after taking the AWA courses and getting their college degree, the book they’ve written has been picked up by one of the Big Five.

In the last decade, Corporate America came calling, and I was asked to apply as an International Writing Strategist. Again, I said yes. 

I ended up training dozens of international writing professionals and marketing copywriters, met daily with writers all over the world, and worked with Fortune 500 companies like H&M, Bayer, Walgreens, and Eli Lilly. In January of this year, I decided to retire from the corporate job and cut back my hours with AWA to write and consult with authors. People often ask, “Why did you work so much?” Remember, I had 11 kids (13, if you counted step kids), and kids are expensive!

Would you consider yourself a script doctor? A writing coach? How many professional hats do you wear?

With AWA’s excellent leadership team in place, I can now take more time writing my own books and taking on select coaching for novelists, screenwriters, TV writers, and working on a few scripts and story edits with directors. 

After so many years of wearing many hats, it’s nice to focus on storytelling—period! I do get to work with novelists (all genres) and specialize in romance, fantasy, and YA. For a somewhat quiet person, I enjoy speaking in front of audiences way more than I should and count it an honor to speak to author groups many times a year. I love it.

Your two newest books deal with writing in the romance genre. How did you find yourself in the romantic field? How does writing a romance novel differ from writing standard fiction?

Though I’ve judged contests and anthologies for 30 years, this past fall I realized I’d been serving as a judge for romance writing contests for at least 15 of those years (RWA’s Diamond/Heart awards, the Big Apple/NYC contest, historical and spec fic romance writing contests, etc.). The time was right to take expertise and put it into books novelists can use.

Writing romance is unique because of the need to create an emotional through-line. That through-line pushes and pulls in tandem with both the external plot arc and internal character arcs. 

And subtext is a huge part of creating satisfying momentum (especially in dialogue and the juxtaposition of what a character says versus what they do). Even if a story isn’t considered a romance, any story with a romance element can benefit from understanding how to masterfully use the elements that drive romance.

You’ve composed ten volumes to Word Mastery Skill Building. Did you plan to break up Mastery into easily digestible portions at the start, or did you find more to write about the more you wrote?

Back when homeschooling 10 of my kids, a couple of my teens wanted to learn vocabulary in a new, fun way. So, we created a workbook together. The workbook’s contents sat on an old hard drive for 20 years. 

Then, a couple of years ago, my daughter who’s now in her mid-30s and a mom herself said, “What happened to that workbook? I loved it so much!” My girls credited the workbook to be a main influence in their love of reading.

So, I dug out the old computer, found the file, re-worked the workbook, and expanded the book’s format into a complete series for middle- through high-school students. 

It’s an easily consumed series with vocabulary, synonyms, homonyms, homophones, roots, prefixes, and understanding the difference between easily confused words (effect, affect). Yes, the entire 10-book series was planned, and all the content was outlined “first thing.”

Most of your titles seem to be non-fiction, DIY-help books. But then you’ve got Miracle in the City of Angels . What is the story behind Miracles?

Presentation examples

Quite a few of my nonfiction books are for writers. That’s because many of the books go with courses I designed (such as Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Success, which is used all over the world in classrooms). But I’ve written and published in many genres, including children’s stories.  

Miracles is a creative nonfiction book that began as a ghostwriting project and turned into co-authorship. As a long-time writing educator and speaker, I continue to write how-to-write books—and I also am writing fiction, with upcoming titles in science fantasy and romance.

Your love of coffee might be a clue, but how did you accomplish so much in your lifetime?
 

Ha! Yes, coffee rules! But more than that, if something has been an interest, I go for it. I’m sure that some reading this can relate to the feeling that, as a writer, one simply MUST write. For me, writing and its ensuing catharsis are an undeniable passion, an identity, and motivation to find out what drives us as people.

Which of your keynote speeches was the most memorable?

I once spoke at a huge conference in Chicago about teaching teens how to write. Aquinas Writing Advantage was only a few years old at the time (with a handful of courses), but it was gaining in popularity. 

The owner of the most famous how-to-write program for kids and teens was also speaking at that conference and intentionally sat in the front row of my talk, arms crossed, his face the most un-emotional mask—trying to rile me. Because I clearly have different ideas on how to teach writing than he does, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that his sitting there six feet from the podium threw me a bit.

But now, years later, with AWA taking the iLearn Awards’ First-Place award for Online Writing and Composition Programs the last four years in a row—a spot that his program held for the previous 15 years—I’m trying to be humble. If you find me smiling, it’s because…well, karma.

What’s next for Erin M. Brown?
 

With Kevin J. Anderson at a comic con

This fall, The Romance Novel Blueprint: Crafting Stories Readers Fall in Love With is included in Kevin J. Anderson’s famous Novel Writing Tools/Story Craft Bundle of books on sale through the beginning of December. (Kevin is the writer of “Dune” and almost 200 other books, and one of the most prolific writers today.) 

I’m also speaking October 17^th online at the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Indie Author Weekend on “Beyond Craft: 10 Hidden Marketing Techniques That Can Make Your Romance Novel Unforgettable.”

The nonfiction books I’m working on right now include a co-authored book with Russell Davis (on how to write Genre Fiction) and a “Master Story Map” book (to make sure your plot complete, crisp, and enticing to readers). 

My fiction works include a science fantasy series and a romantic comedy. And I’m also working on finishing a digital offering that you can get, with with some of my most popular how-to author/writer content.

I'm taking on select story consulting clients.

 

Please share any social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinmbrownwriter/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@erinmbrownwriter
Facebook: Erin M. Brown, MA, MFA/erinmbrownwriter
Blog: Focus, Create, Repeat (https://erinbrownconroy.blog)
Blog: https://storyarcromanceediting.blog
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-m-brown-ma-mfa-baa3b09/
Substack: https://nowthestoryresonates.substack.com

 

 

Book Birthday Blog With Kate Rietema

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Kate Rietema on the release of Little Stable, Holy Night

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

Little Stable, Holy Night was inspired by our family’s love of hospitality. Many years ago, we decided to make room for others by becoming a foster home. In a way, I’ve always thought of our house like a personified character—opening her doors to others. With this image in mind, I thought, what if I wrote the Christmas story from the perspective of the stable? Sharing our home has always felt like special work, and I wondered if the stable would’ve felt the same as she welcomed animals, visitors, and baby Jesus.   

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book? 

In this story, the stable offers the invitation of “Come,” which points towards Jesus’ invitation to each of us.  I want readers to feel that warm invitation, and then be inspired to extend that invitation to others—with open arms and open doors—just like Little Stable. 

 

 

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it? 

You can find my book on Amazon or B&N, ask for it at your local bookstore, or request a copy from your library. 
 
Working with the wonderful marketing team at Paraclete Press, we created an activity pack and educator guide available on my website at https://www.katerietema.com/. There will be story time events at a couple of my favorite book stores, including Baker Book House in Grand Rapids on December 5—so consider yourself invited, I’d love to meet you! I also have a handful of school visits on the calendar.

 

What's next for you? 

In January of 2027, Paraclete Press will release the partner book for Little Stable, Holy Night called Holy Morning, Little Tomb, which is the Easter story told from the perspective of Jesus’ tomb.
 
I also have an unannounced poetry book and unannounced board book series that will hit shelves in 2027 and 2028, respectively. 

More about the book . . . 

One evening, as a star rises high in the lavender sky, Little Stable feels cold and empty. She invites more and more animals and visitors to curl up in her shelter, but it still feels like someone is missing. When she hears the cry of a baby, Little Stable knows that He is the one she’s been waiting for.  

Published By: Paraclete Press 

More about the author . . . 

Kate Rietema is the author of several children’s books including When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful and All the Babies: A First Book About Adoption. Kate also loves writing for magazines—she’s a regular contributor for Highlights High Five, and has nearly 100 articles, poems, and stories in a wide variety of print publications. When she’s not writing, Kate works as a labor/delivery nurse, hikes with her dog, and reads to her kids. She lives with her husband and five daughters in a happy red house in Michigan. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paracletebooksforkids/, https://www.instagram.com/paracletepress/, https://www.instagram.com/katerietema/, https://www.instagram.com/bbbbruno_art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paracletepress, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKateRietema

Website: https://www.katerietema.com/ 

 

 

Writer (and Puppeteer) Spotlight: Kevin Kammeraad

Pine Creek, suitcases, roast, Grandma Ethel, collaboration, Wimee, and stamina: Author and puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad

Charlie Barshaw coordinates our regular Writer Spotlight feature and interviews writers of SCBWI. In this piece, meet author/puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad.

 

[Note: the items in italics are from my research into Kevin Kammeraad. My questions follow the italicized items.] 

You have a Dutch name that’s hard to pronounce and spell. I saw your solution for pronunciation (comrade with an ‘er’ in the middle). Do you have any tips for spelling? How do you optimize your searchability?

I’m afraid I’ve got nothing for you, Charlie! No spelling tips. No searchability secrets. Not sure I have tips for much of anything. Hopefully the next question goes better!

Do you remember your first experience with puppets? When did puppeteering call to you? 

It definitely called! My love of puppetry began when I met Betty Essenburg and saw the puppets she made for Pine Creek Elementary in Holland, Michigan. I was working for the school district and just beginning college. The puppets appeared alongside kids on the school’s morning news program.

At the same time, I was creating The Tomato Collection book and album. I thought, “Hmm…what if I use puppets to bring this work to audiences?” And that was the call.

Here's the summary of what I do:
"One performer. A few suitcases. Endless possibilities. Kevin brings his cast of puppets and toe-tapping, interactive songs/poems together in a high-energy show that sparks connection, lifts spirits, and leaves audiences inspired and wanting more. Simple setup—huge impact!"

School visit

You have to bring in the stage and the actors, sound and light, and a program to delight your audience. How do you fit it all in “a few suitcases”?

Over the years, I’ve simply pared things down. I finally realized that more isn’t always better. I used to haul around lots of “needed” stuff. These days, I find a lot of joy in working with less.

Although, to be fair, the sound system does not fit in a suitcase. I still have to lug that thing around—unless the venue has a good one!

My goal in all I do is to ignite imagination in kids of all ages—and to remind them that their ideas are powerful, meaningful, and worth sharing. I do it with puppets, poetry, music, movement, and humor. (Sometimes with technology, if we must.)​

Some of your higher impact work is done with technology. I’m talking about your two television shows, and your YouTube videos. But your point is that, for a live audience, the performance is also live. What are some of the oddest venues you’ve appeared at?

I was once hired to do a puppet “roast” at a small family reunion dinner in a restaurant. I was given inside information about various family members, with the goal of getting everyone to laugh at themselves.

It wasn’t—and still isn’t—something I normally do, but it was surprisingly fun. And it went well!

Over the years, I’ve also learned not to take myself too seriously. I try to be more comfortable with the vulnerability and unpredictability of the moment.

Kammeraad grew up in Holland, next door to his grandmother, and graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1994. He earned a communications degree from Grand Valley State University four years later. The possibilities began when his grandma, Ethel DeMaat, gave him a blank journal for Christmas when he was 19. He filled it with random thoughts and little poems. "Grandma, the journal's filled," and "so we bought another one together." Five journals later, The Tomato Collection was published in 1999.

Kevin and Grandma Ethel

Your Grandma Ethel was a big part of your young life. What is it about you that prompted her to gift 19-year-old you with a blank book? How instrumental was she in your choice of careers?

Most likely, the journal was on sale. Otherwise, I really don’t know!

My grandma and I spent a lot of time together. We lived next door to each other, and I remember sitting at her kitchen table drawing with her, working around the house and yard, and watching wrestling on TV.

She was an important part of my life. And apparently, maybe she knew something about a blank journal that I didn’t know at the time.

Your first puppet was born out of your first collection of songs, The Tomato Collection. How many drafts to perfect Jacob?

Kevin and Jacob

The drawing came pretty quickly. He was inspired by several drawings from books I was reading at the time. I had NO idea he would eventually become a puppet.

For years, it was just Jacob and me on the road.

I saw you mentioned as a “Master Puppeteer.” Is that an actual rank you attain? How does one become a puppeteer? 

My understanding is that “master” basically means you’ve put in more than 10,000 hours. At some point, people started calling me a Master Puppeteer when promoting my visits.

At first, I wasn’t comfortable with it. These days I figure, “Sure, why not?” It’s been about 30 years since I first performed for kids. I guess I’ve put in the hours!

Kevin Kammeraad has been a children’s author, illustrator, and performer/musician for many years. He brings his passion of creative thinking, writing, art, and music each year to hundreds of elementary schools, libraries, festivals, bookstores, and conferences all over the country.

You write, compose, and perform the songs. You write stories and illustrate them. You are a puppeteer, and you make some of them on your own. You’re a producer of books and music. Is there any role you haven’t yet done, but want to? Which role do you find most fulfilling? Most enjoyable?

I think creating art is really about expressing ideas and thoughts. Whether it’s words, pictures, music, puppets, video, or something else, I see it all as part of the same process. One form spills into another.

I’m not really looking for a particular role. I’m just following ideas and seeing where they lead.

And honestly, sometimes I feel like I’m doing way too much and have no idea what I’m doing. That’s where collaboration becomes important. I love working with people who have skills I don’t have.

But the most fulfilling? Puppetry. There’s something pretty magical about using a puppet in front of a live group of humans (in person or virtual) and seeing what happens.

Tell us about Danny Adlerman.

Danny is one of my best friends, and we’ve worked together on all kinds of things. He’s a children’s author, musician, and maker of books.  We met more than 25 years ago because I emailed him and said, essentially, “Hey, I like your music for kids. Let’s trade CDs.”

Our families quickly became friends and have supported each other ever since. Danny and I are both very much alike—and very much different. Somehow, it works! The same thing applies to my friend Jim Dague. I’ve been very fortunate to have made great friends with shared goals in life.

I Remember...: Memories of Growing Up , was an early book. How did you convert your childhood memories into a physical book? 

One day I started writing down things I didn’t want to forget. Simple things I thought I’d want to have when I was old. I wrote a bunch, made lists, and went back to add details. Eventually I realized I had a book.

Then I thought it could be useful to kids as an example: What do YOU remember? Write about it!

I do regret not giving it a more playful title. It sounds much more serious than it really is!

What early lessons in book publishing and music recording have carried into your impressive body of work?

Follow your instinct.

Many of your titles are collaborations with various illustrators, and writers, and musicians, and family. You must have gotten pretty good at herding cats. How do you make order out of the creative chaos?

I don’t really know how to make order; I just try to roll with it and follow the way things go.

You’ve had two TV series, Wimee’s World, and Our Show Today. How do you get an idea for a show on the air?

Kevin and Wimee

Pretty much the same way: I follow the ideas, follow the momentum, and pay attention to the synergy of the people around me.

His idea seeds for his books come from his own experiences. He writes on his website: "Ideas come from everyday life: Things I wonder about, things I hear, things I'm happy or frustrated about, from friends, and simply from daydreaming."

Ruth has a literal ton of journals at our house. How do you store and catalog all of your ideas?

I don’t. Yikes! It’s a big mess of journals, paperwork, Post-its, and voice recordings.

Somewhere in that mess, there are probably still a few lost decent ideas. I know for a fact that though there are TONS of mediocre ideas I had to sort through to get to what became completed work.

Kammeraad has captivated audiences for over two decades with his dynamic performances at schools, family events, libraries, and festivals.

Over two decades performing. How do you maintain your stamina? Have you made any concessions to acknowledge the accumulation of time and effort on your body?

The reality is, I’m tired. Getting work in schools is harder these days, not easier, and the world is absolutely overloaded with content.

I’m just trying to keep moving through the ups and downs and remember that nothing is guaranteed or deserved.

Most overwhelming of all, more than three years ago we lost our oldest child to a drug overdose. Things have never been—and never will be—the same. It’s completely devastating.

How does one move forward? Slowly. With family. With friends. With faith. With hope.

What’s next for Kevin?

The next day.

And then we’ll see what it brings and just do the best I can.

 

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