Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Michael Slack!
Read on to learn more about the author, the books, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Michael Slack
MICHAEL SLACK is the author and illustrator of many books for young readers, including Kitties on Dinosaurs, Bunny Built, Shorty & Clem and Elecopter. His art and character design has been featured in books, television and games. He lives with his family in the Bay Area of California.
About the Book: Funjeepups: A Star Wish
Meet the Funjeepups, three curious and adorable woodland critters, in this “first comic” picture book series from the creator of Kitties on Dinosaurs! In this story, Button, Dot and Dollop go on an overnight camping adventure! Button, Dot and Dollop love exploring the magical forest they live in. They love vine swinging. They love guppie bumping. They love making nature art. But what they love most is returning home after an exciting day of adventuring. The Funjeepups want to make a wish on a star, so they decide to go on an overnight camping trip. But with clouds in the sky, there are no stars . . . and no wishes! Button, Dot and Dollop make the most of the night, though — with treats, games, and a brand-new friend who happens to glow. Maybe their wish can come true after all? Young readers will be inspired to go on their own nighttime adventure alongside the Funjeepups in this light and funny picture book series by Michael Slack!
About the Book: Funjeepups: A Beautiful Song
Meet the Funjeepups, three curious and adorable woodland critters, in this “first comic” picture book series from the creator of Kitties on Dinosaurs! In this story, Button, Dot and Dollop get a music lesson from a feathery friend! Button, Dot and Dollop love exploring the magical forest they live in. They love vine swinging. They love guppie bumping. They love making nature art. But what they love most is returning home after an exciting day of adventuring. When out on a morning walk, the Funjeepups spot a friendly bird who sings them a beautiful song, which inspires the Funjeepups to create their own song. But unfortunately, they can’t play any instruments! Thankfully, their feathery friend is there to lend a helping wing. Young readers will be inspired to create their own song alongside the Funjeepups in this light and funny picture book series by Michael Slack!
~Author Chat~
YABC: What inspired you to write this book?
The characters were created while I was doing sketches for a solo gallery show. They went through many revisions over a couple of years and finally found their way into a book series. I wanted to create a peaceful world filled with simple magical moments, for kids to visit and find comfort.
YABC: What research did you do to write this book?
I sketched in the California desert and the forests of Northern California and Oregon. I also revisited some kids shows that I loved watching with my daughter when she was little.
YABC: What was it like to also be illustrator for your story?
It was probably the best experience I’ve had as an illustrator. Not only was it a pleasure working with the wonderful people at Tundra Books, but I just love the Funjeepups world so much. It was a place I wanted to be everyday. When things were tough I was comforted being in Dot, Button, and Dollop’s cozy world.
YABC: How long did it take you to create the artwork for this book?
If you count the original sketches of the characters, it would be eight years. The art work for both books, Fujeepups A Beautiful Song and Funjeepups A
Star Wish took about a year.
YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Sci-Fi / Fantasy. I love world building. The possibilities in both these genres are limitless.
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
Humor and heart. For the books in this series the focus is on simple magical moments. Things like the moment you realize you have just played a song, or the childhood excitement of sleeping outside for the first time.
YABC: Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?
This is more on the illustration side rather than the writing side, but I was halfway through book one and decided to scrap all the backgrounds I had finished and start over. I’m glad I did. I worked differently for this book. I did all the line work and color for the characters first then I went back and painted the final backgrounds. It’s kind of like how animations are made.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
These days it some sort of dried fruit and nuts and seeds trail mix concoction.
YABC: If you could time travel what would you want to see?
I would want to go the future and see what causes the demise of the human species. However, if I went to a future without humans there would be no way to get an answer. Unless every thing is run by robots then I could probably find out. I’m going to change my answer to being in the audience for the Lumiere brothers first Cinématographe screening.
YABC: What other age group would you consider writing for?
I would love to tackle middle grade at some point.
YABC: What daily thing do you see that brings you joy?
My family, my dogs, and my espresso machine.
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
Make stuff. I paint, draw, sculpt, or work on new book ideas.
YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill.
YABC: What is your favorite writing space or routine?
I love sitting in a sun lit room with a sketch book, a pile of note cards, and two pads of sticky notes in different colors. One for character traits, and the other for scene/dialogue iteration.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
Lots of fun Funjeepup related events. Also, I will have two books I illustrated coming out in 2027 as well as a second Smoosh & Mallow level 2 reader that I both wrote and illustrated. Currently I’m wrapping up a comic book reader that will be going out on submission soon.
Title: Funjeepups: A Star Wish / Funjeepups: A Beautiful Song
Author / Illustrator: Michael Slack
Release Date: June 9, 2026, for both titles
Publisher: Tundra Books / Penguin Random House Canada
ISBN-10: 1774887029 / 1774887002
ISBN-13: 9781774887028 / 9781774887004
Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Graphic Novel
Age Range: 3-7 years old
~ Giveaway Details ~
Use the Rafflepress Form below to enter
*Be sure to include a complete mailing address for the second entry question to qualify to win*
Ten (10) winners will receive a copy of Funjeepups: A Star Wish and Funjeepups: A Beautiful Songr (Michael Slack) ~US/CAN Only!
