Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Timmy Woitas!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Timmy Woitas
Timmy Woitas grew up in Western Pennsylvania but now lives in New York City. By day, he works as a publishing professional. By night, he is asleep. He aims to write the queer-centered stories he wished for when he was a kid. Bobby and the Big Valentine is his picture book debut.
About the Book: BOBBY AND THE BIG VALENTINE
Bobby and Eddie do everything together, and that’s the way they both like it. But when Bobby starts to have feelings for Eddie beyond friendship, he knows he needs to reveal them—and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time! He crafts a valentine fit for someone as special as Eddie, his favorite person. But how will Eddie react when Bobby reveals his crush?
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I’ve seen so many cishet crush storylines in children’s media—especially thinking back to the shows I watched as a kid—but where are the gays? We exist. We’ve always existed. And we have the kinds of big feelings that crushes can bring too.
YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?
The concept. I wanted to explore what would a gay crush story for kids would look like. I don’t know if kids still do this today, but in my elementary school we used to get little cards for Valentine’s Day and pass them out to everyone in class. This just felt like the perfect setting—sure, you can give everyone a little card, but how would you show your favorite person how much they mean to you? Make them a big card. A HUGE card. With paint and glitter and a whole lot of love. You’ll get your message across, but how will it be received?
YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
While I do hope to write longer form one day, I’ve really been enjoying writing picture books. They’re deceptively hard, but they’re so rewarding. I want to instill a love of reading, and I want to write the queer stories for the youngest of readers that I wish I had at their age.
YABC: How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?
You know that “How do you do, fellow kids?” meme? That’s what it feels like as an adult writing for children. Kids are smarter than they get credit for—you don’t want to talk down to them. It might be good for a word or two to challenge them, but you don’t want them to run to the dictionary for SAT-level vocabulary on every page. Every word, every phrase, every sentence needs to be written with careful precision. But above all of that, it has to feel authentic. Getting the voice right is a tough balancing act.
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
Bobby and the Big Valentine is my debut, so it’s just book (for now!). Readers can expect to find cute queer kids, a dash of anxiety, and a whole lot of heart.
Oh, and a cat. Can’t forget Bobby’s cat.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
Does coffee count?
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’ve just officially signed up another picture book, and I have a few more in various stages of development. I really want to bring a wide array of titles into this world—to get kids laughing, learning, feeling. And for the queer kids of the world, seeing themselves represented in a way they haven’t before.
YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?
A world of thanks to the inimitable Addy Rivera Sonda, the illustrator who brought Bobby and the Big Valentine to life. This book would not be the same without her!
Title: BOBBY AND THE BIG VALENTINE
Author: Timmy Woitas
Illustrator: Addy Rivera Sonda
Release Date: 12/10/24
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
ISBN-10: 0593659775
ISBN-13: 9780593659779
Genre: Holidays and Celebrations, Picture Book, LGBTQ+
Age Range: 4-8
~ Giveaway Details ~
One (1) winner will receive a copy of BOBBY AND THE BIG VALENTINE (Timmy Woitas) ~US Only!
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
