Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Jody Jensen Shaffer!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Jody Jensen Shaffer
Jody Jensen Shaffer is the author of several books for fiction and nonfiction for children including Bear and Friends, a forthcoming, 6-book early reader series with Highlights Press, Prudence the Part-Time Cow (Godwin/Holt), a 2017 National Book Festival selection for Missouri and a finalist for the 2019-2020 Missouri Show Me Award, It’s Your First Day of School, Busy Bus! (Beach Lane/S&S), an Amazon best-seller and Amazon Prime Book Box pick for September 2019, It’s a Field Trip, Busy Bus! (Beach Lane/S&S), A Chip Off the Old Block (Paulsen/Penguin), Emergency Kittens! (Doubleday/Random House), Who is Jackie Chan? (Penguin Workshop), and more.
About the Book: CREEP, LEAP, CRUNCH! A FOOD CHAIN STORY
In this nonfiction picture book, discover how the animal kindgdom’s food chain takes shape, from the lowly worm to the mighty king of the jungle.
There was a blue sky with a bright shining sun,
A dazzling, life-giving, fiery sun.
The day had begun.
Follow along as a day in the life of the food chain begins. From the sun that shines upon the grass and trees to the animals that feed each other, each element in nature has its place. But what happens when the food escapes? This cumulative story will delight, with a surprise ending that all science lovers will enjoy.
~Author Chat~
YABC: How do you know when a book is finished?
I know when a book is finished when I feel like any additional revisions won’t make a difference to the story, characters, voice, structure, or emotion of the piece.
YABC: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I have always loved writing, and my degrees are in English, but I didn’t know I wanted to write for children until my own kids and I poured over beautiful picture books when they were little.
YABC: What word do you have trouble overusing?
I have to be very stern with myself over “just.”
YABC: What is your favorite writing space?
I usually write in my office. It’s on the second floor of my house. My dog Sophie has a bed underneath my desk, and she keeps me company (and offers critiques, if I ask).
YABC: How do you plan to celebrate the launch of your book?
I’m so excited to get CREEP, LEAP, CRUNCH! A FOOD CHAIN STORY into readers’ hands! I’m going to have a book launch at one of my local bookstores. We’re going to do a storytime and fun activities, and I’ll sign books. And I’ve got lots of school and library visits lined up, too!
YABC: What hobbies do you enjoy?
I love to walk every day. I love to be outdoors, especially tromping in the woods and fields of our farm in Nebraska. I love to be with family, friends, and my dog.
YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?
Growing up, my family celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve by attending church, putting pieces in a nativity set at home, eating our traditional potato soup meal, and opening gifts. We didn’t really do Santa, so that left Christmas day for playing and visiting (and eating more). We have kept that tradition in my home, and I’m so glad. It reminds me of my childhood.
YABC: What other age group would you consider writing for?
I enjoy writing early readers and transitional chapter books and the occasional board book. Someday I might try writing a middle grade!
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m excited to have three picture books releasing in 2024: SOMETIMES I AM HOT LAVA (Beaming Books), THE LAST DAY JULIAN WAS MY BEST FRIEND (Two Lions), and PORCUPINE HAD A FUZZY SWEATER (Magination Press).
Title: CREEP, LEAP, CRUNCH! A FOOD CHAIN STORY
Author: Jody Jensen Shaffer
Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal
Release Date: 12/12/23
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0593565525
ISBN-13: 9780593565520
Genre: nonfiction picture book
Age Range: Ages 4-8
*Giveaway Details*
Three (3) winners will receive a copy of Creep, Leap, Crunch: A Food Chain Story (Jody Jensen Shaffer) ~ US Only!
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway!*
An interesting read!
I work at a Zoo and this looks like the perfect book for our library!! Adding this to my list!
I’ve been looking for a good food chain story. I can’t wait to read this one.
This looks excellent!
Book looks great!
The cover is perfect for this informative book.
This looks like a great informational book for young readers.