Today we are very excited to share an interview with author A.A. Livingston!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: A.A. Livingston
A. A. Livingston is the author of the picture books B. Bear and Lolly: Catch That Cookie! and B. Bear and Lolly: Off to School and the co-author of the hit audiobook The Worst Warlock. She is also a New York Times bestselling author and has written over 300 books for children. She lives outside of Portland, Oregon with her husband and son. Visit A. A. Livingston online at AALivingston.com
About the Book: GRIZELDA THE GREEN HATES HALLOWEEN
Told in silly, rhyming text, this is a not-so-scary Halloween tale about a grouchy old witch named Grizelda the Green who tries to destroy Halloween! Perfect for fans of Room on the Broom and How to Catch a Witch!
There’s an old witch in town named Grizelda the Green.
She’s sour and grouchy and HATES Halloween!
“Year after year, kids keep finding my door.
I’m fed up and frazzled! I can’t take anymore!”
Meet Grizelda the Green. She’s a grouchy old witch and she absolutely, positively, HATES Halloween! So this year, she’s cooked up a plan to end the holiday once and for all. But both she and the trick-or-treaters are in for some surprises that will make this the most memorable Halloween ever!
Told in silly and clever rhyme by bestselling author A. A. Livingston, and brought to life with bright and colorful art by Katya Longhi, Grizelda the Green Hates Halloween is perfect for not-so-scary Halloween storytimes and for fans of Room on the Broom and How to Catch a Witch!
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I was playing around with a hilariously awful witch character. I wanted her smelly, loud, cunning, and the grumpiest in the land. Sometimes the worst characters are the best to write!
Then I came up with the title Grizelda the Green Hates Halloween. Once I had that, I wanted to know why she hated Halloween. It was a really fun challenge to imagine everything she could do magically to try to get rid of Halloween.
YABC: Is your main character like you?
Yes. I’m awful.
Kidding! I hope I’m not like her! She’s grouchy and mean-spirited, but like all of us, she can surprise herself and change. I hope that readers come away with the idea that they can grow and transform, as well.
YABC: How do you know when a book is finished?
Deadlines are certainly a part of it! But ultimately, you trust your gut and know the manuscript is the best you can make it at that time. No doubt, years down the road, you will find things you could change, but that’s because you as a writer have changed and grown.
YABC: What type of scene do you love to write the most?
Snappy dialogue between multiple characters is a favorite. Siblings are always fun, but friends can have that same dynamic. Finding the humor in any scene is always rewarding, and it’s a wonderful way to reveal character and keep the reader engaged.
YABC: If your character could meet a character from another book, who would it be?
Viola Swamp from Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry Allard and James Marshall. I think Viola and Grizelda would be great friends!
YABC: What is your favorite reading space?
Ooh, good question! I think outside in the shade, surrounded by trees. If it’s raining, a cozy chair or couch inside. But reading before bed is also a must!
YABC: How do you plan to celebrate the launch of your book?
By connecting with readers — especially kids. Doing in person readings and signings is such a great way to introduce the book to an audience. Getting live feedback (gasps, giggles, and claps) as you read is always a thrill.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
There are always multiple ideas I’m working on, but the current frontrunner is a middle-grade novel. It’s about a girl navigating the ups, downs, and diagonals of middle school, and figuring out who you are in a weird and wonderful world.
Title: GRIZELDA THE GREEN HATES HALLOWEEN
Author: A.A. Livingston
Illustrator: Katya Longhi
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Publisher: Flamingo Books
ISBN-10: 0593692276
ISBN-13: 9780593692271
Genre: Hardcover Picture Book
Age Range: 4-8
