Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Tim Kleyn!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Tim Kleyn
Tim Kleyn grew up in West Michigan. He earned his BFA in illustration from Kendall College of Art & Design and soon after graduation married his highschool sweetheart. He now enjoys a charmed life with his wife and their young daughter. Tim works as a graphic designer and in his free time he likes having a good laugh, a good meal, and a good sit. For more information about Tim, visit KleynIllustration.com.
About the Book: Grilled Cheese? Yes, Please!
Get ready for another deliciously cozy story from the creator of Set Sail for Pancakes!
A stormy and windy night is the perfect time to make a grilled cheese. But Margot is worried about Mama. She left in her little sailboat hours ago and the storm is raging! As Margot and Grandpa welcome other busy seafarers into their home to shelter from the storm, her hope–and sandwich supplies–begin to run low. Will Margot ever be able to make Mama that grilled cheese?
Grilled Cheese? Yes, Please! provides a gentle but beautiful reminder about the importance of community, helping others, and–most importantly–the healing power of a perfectly made grilled cheese.
“Readers will appreciate the food theme and tender message about sharing with those in need . . . What’s warmer than grilled-cheese sandwiches? Feeling welcomed and being among good friends.”–Kirkus
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
My editor at the time, Tracy Gates, noticed that there weren’t a lot of picture books about grilled cheese, which, obviously, is a real crime. I was happy to remedy that for everyone.
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
Margot is really sweet, sunny, and smart. She reminds me of my daughter.
YABC: Which came first, the title or the novel?
I remember the title came early on in the writing process this time. For Set Sail for Pancakes, it came later on after my agent, Tracy Marchini, said that line of dialogue would make an excellent title. That was a good call.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
There’s a scene where waves are crashing and a lantern lights up the foggy air. It’s the big climax of the story but it’s also just pretty. One of the things I struggled with most illustrating this book is how the sky and water should look. It took a lot of versions and digging around for inspiration to get it just right, and I’m pleased with the results.
YABC: Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
It was interesting to compare myself as a writer this time around to when I wrote Set Sail for Pancakes. I have a lot more confidence now, and I think that comes with a little more experience and a lot of working with a lot of other professionals as you go along in your career.
YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel. I read it with my daughter for the first time and we both loved it.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I always have something in the works. I feel at home in the work that I do as an author and illustrator. I want to keep creating. I’m leaning into humor and working hard to produce new stuff, so keep an eye out for what comes next.
YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?
I don’t like to throw lessons at people, but I do like that this book offers a gentle and cozy reminder about the importance of community.
YABC: What would you say is your superpower?
I don’t want people to get jealous, but my body does this crazy thing where if I eat food, it converts it to energy. It’s really neat. Maybe that’s why both my books are about food.
YABC: What advice do you have for new writers?
Equip yourself with all the knowledge and inspiration you need for success, and then just go for it. And don’t stop going for it. Half the battle is just believing in yourself enough to keep trying. If something isn’t working, you can step away from it for a while. That’s a step towards success, not a sign of failure. I also tell kids when I visit schools for storytime that they are already artists and writers. They’re already doing it. They just have to keep going.
Title: GRILLED CHEESE? YES, PLEASE!
Author: Tim Kleyn
Release Date: May 7, 2024
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0593404327
ISBN-13: 9780593404324
Genre: Picture Book
Age Range: 4-8
*Giveaway Details*
Three (3) winners will receive a hardcover copy of Grilled Cheese? Yes, Please! (Tim Kleyn) ~ US Only!
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway!*
This looks great!
What a cute read!
Book looks great!
What a fun cover! Sounds like a sweet story.
The cover is so cute and this sounds fun to read (and makes me want a grilled cheese sandwich).