Ever heard of the picture book THE LOUDS MOVE IN? It’s one of my all-time favorites, with a cast of unique characters like Miss Shushermush, who eats quiet meals of leftover mashed potatoes. When the Loud family moves onto Earmuffle Avenue, the chaos begins and friendships are eventually [noisily] forged.
Ever since I read THE LOUDS I have been a huge fan of author Carolyn Crimi. So when I heard about her newest book PUGS IN A BUG, and then saw the illustrations by Stephanie Buscema, I nearly fell off my chair with an attack of acute cuteness. Punch-buggy green! Gotcha!
PUGS is a “catchy canine counting book” with a jaunty joy-ride rhyme and a groovin’ get-up-and-go beat. It’s so much fun to read aloud with its twists and turns in language—and in the road. Chugging along, the pugs meet up with a pooch parade, so there’s not only pugs in a bug, but bulldogs in a taxi and poodles on skateboards. This book proves that it’s not always about the destination but the journey. Beep, beep! Bow wow! I know you want to win it now!
So Carolyn and Stephanie are both here today to talk about the creation of PUGS…and yes, you can win it!
TL: Carolyn, are pugs your favorite kind of dog? Do you own a pug? Why PUGS?
CC: I actually love all kinds of dogs. I met a Newfoundland yesterday that I was ready to take home with me. Alas, she was a big dog and probably would not have fit in my car. But pugs are probably my favorite. They’re the comedians of the dog world. When I walk down the street with my pug Emerson people laugh. I kind of love that about him—he brings laughter with him wherever he goes.
Not that he cares about that. All he really cares about is food. If he had to choose between me and a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken I’m afraid there would be no contest. KFC would win, paws down.
Not only do I own a pug, I also own a VW Bug. It’s even green, just like the one in the book. I came up with the entire idea for PUGS IN A BUG the very first time I took Emerson for a ride in my car. That was way back in 2001. I still have both the pug and the Bug. I highly recommend both!
I’ve attached a pic of Emerson for your amusement.
TL: Aww, I love Emerson! His tongue is hilarious.
So you had the idea for the book over 10 years ago. How long did it take you to write it?
CC: Boy, I wish I had a timeline for this book, but I don’t have a clear idea of when I wrote the first draft. I don’t think it was submitted until 2003. Of course the whole submission process takes forever and a day. I also probably revised it a bunch of times to no avail. Then I think it took a while to find the right illustrator.
In other words, same ole same ole.
My first drafts don’t usually take long at all. Maybe just a couple of days. It’s the many revisions I do that take years. Yup, years. I’ll put something away for a while if it doesn’t sell right away. I’ll take another look at it years later and will sometimes be able to see the changes that need to be made. Sometimes I can’t see how to change it. I have a lot of unsold manuscripts lurking in my computer just waiting for the day when I can fix them.
I often tell new writers that this is not a microwave career where you stick in a hastily written manuscript and a six figure income pops out thirty seconds later. It takes oodles of revisions and a lot of “thinking time” to polish a manuscript into submission-ready form.
TL: I remember you once said that an illustrator never does what you imagine—they do far better than you ever could have imagined. What did Stephanie do with PUGS that really surprised you?
CC: Lots of things!
She gave them all hats, which I love, especially since I have been known to, um, dress up my pug on occasion. This lends a distinct personality to each pug. Genius!
Something else that surprised me was that two sweet little birds appear on every spread. (TL: Can you find them below?) That’s the kind of thing kids love to follow in a book. Also, toward the end a rascally squirrel jumps onto the back of the Bug, unbeknownst to the pugs riding in it. So fun! Stephanie has added so many details like this. It’s the kind of book that has endless surprises in the illustrations. I’m still finding things in it that I hadn’t noticed before!
TL: Stephanie, what drew you to PUGS IN A BUG?
SB: When I got the manuscript for PUGS, I was thrilled with the subject matter (I love drawing and painting animals) and was immediately drawn to it! The story had so much room for play, color and lots of fun character designs. I’m a big fan of Carolyn’s work, so it was an honor to illustrate one of her books.
TL: What kind of tricks do you use to keep so many similar-looking characters diverse? Did you name the Pugs as you drew them?
SB: I didn’t name them, but I did add in little pug accessories so that the reader would know each pug was different (and so I could keep track, haha)!
TL: LOL! Yes, I love all the little details like the bow ties and hats, although I confess the girl with the flower in her fur is my favorite. Or maybe it’s the cool jazz dude. Or the one with the pink horn-rimmed glasses. Oh, I can’t choose!
What was your favorite spread to illustrate?
SB: I have to say, I enjoyed most of the spreads. I think my most favorite spreads to paint were the pages at the beginning of the book. It was really fun to push myself with the landscapes and scene changes. If I had to chose one? I think the spread with the 3 pugs driving into the city was my favorite to paint. The entire book was painted in gouache and cel-vinyl (animation) paints on watercolor paper.
TL: Do you do any Photoshop or computer work once your paintings are finished?
SB: Nope, I work 100% traditional. Sometimes we’ll have to clean up a little spot here or there, and of course in the proofing stage if something isn’t bright enough we’ll bump it up. But other then that, I don’t use Photoshop in the art stages at all.
TL: How do you hope readers will react to the illustrations?
SB: Like any job I do, I always hope the readers enjoy the visuals and pick up on the sense of joy I get out of painting a book.
TL: I think that is totally obvious with this book—the bright color and playfulness just jumps out and slaps a seatbelt on you. Sit down and enjoy the ride!
Carolyn, you have published so many terrific books—WHERE’S MY MUMMY?, HENRY & THE BUCCANEER BUNNIES, DON’T NEED FRIENDS—and now PUGS is added to that list. Can you even pick a favorite?
CC: Well, I have to say based on the writing alone, I like my book DEAR TABBY the best. I love all my books, but I think DEAR TABBY is the funniest. And while I don’t believe in heavy-handed message books, if you read the last page you’ll know my philosophy of life. More importantly, I had a ton of fun writing it!
TL: And those are the best books–the ones that gave the author the most pleasure often give the audience the most fun. Your joy and enthusiasm shine through.
Thanks, Carolyn and Stephanie! I know everyone will have a blast with PUGS…so let’s give them a chance to win it!
See the pugs on the cover above? Which is your favorite? And just what *is* that pugs name? Name that dog! (Which also happens to be another book illustrated by Stephanie.) I hope you come up with names as creative as Carolyn’s nicknames for Emerson: Sir Scratch and Sniff, Mr. Wiggle Butt, The Mayor and Circus Dog.
You get an extra entry for each share on social media—just mention it in the comments.
Comments close the end of April 30 and a random winner will be chosen shortly thereafter.
Good luck and thanks for stopping by!
Beep, beep! Bow wow!
Visit CarolynCrimi.com and StephanieBuscema.com to learn more about their books!
39 comments
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April 23, 2012 at 6:43 am
Diane Kress Hower
Bravo. Loved the post. It is fun to get both the author and the illustrator in one post. Thanks Tara.
April 23, 2012 at 6:46 am
SA Larsen (@SA_Larsen)
So glad to hear that some revisions that you years, Carolyn. Gives me hope. ;D
Thanks for sharing, ladies! The book looks awesome!
April 23, 2012 at 6:53 am
lindamartinandersen
Tara–Loved this! My family used to have a pug. She brought much fun and laughter.
Carolyn–This is such a clever book idea.
Stephanie–I love Jazz’n Pug. You captured a stereotypical musician’s look. Too funny!
April 23, 2012 at 7:08 am
Terri
A fun and interesting read. Thank you for the post. I think Zip is a good dog name but rather Zippy for these pugs .
April 23, 2012 at 7:09 am
Joanna
Too much fun and cuteness! I had a green bug but never a pug, but oh how I want to read this tale (and Dear Tabby). Thank you both for thus fun post!
April 23, 2012 at 7:24 am
Jodelle Brohard
This looks like a really cute book. I will have to look for it. My daughter drives a bug and loves it.
April 23, 2012 at 7:36 am
Renee LaTulippe (@ReneeMLaTulippe)
GAH!!! This is too much cuteness in one post. I was not familiar with Carolyn’s books, but I just added this one to my Amazon cart. I was sad to see that The Louds is no longer available (at least here in Italy).
My favorite pooch is the jazz pug, of course! Who would’t love a cool cat like Charlie Barker?
April 23, 2012 at 8:08 am
janelle mikulas
I like the dog in pink glasses. I’d name her Florence. Too cute!!
April 23, 2012 at 8:09 am
Sharon K Mayhew
Great post! I can’t wait to read this one!
My favorite pug is the one with purple glasses…I’d have to call her Penelope. 🙂
April 23, 2012 at 8:11 am
Laura Sassi
I LOVE romping rhymers and this one sounds like a winner! Thanks Tara, Carolyn, and Stephanie.
April 23, 2012 at 8:51 am
Rebecca C
I can’t wait to get a copy of this book and I love all the dogs! But if I had to choose one it would be the one who is driving, wearing his tartan tam. I’d name him Douglas–or ‘Doug’ for short because it rhymes with pug. 🙂
April 23, 2012 at 8:59 am
slpstanley
ah, such a cute looking book…who doesn’t love a pug? I love the little girl right in the middle of the bug wearing the flower…i’ll call her posy. but really, who can choose?
April 23, 2012 at 9:06 am
Nancy Furstinger (@AnimalAuthor)
Hilarious! Love the pug playing the horn–I’m naming him Satchmo Blue.
April 23, 2012 at 9:20 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
I’m choosing “Clarence” for the sax-swooning pug, purely in tribute to the legendary Mr. Clemons.
April 23, 2012 at 9:31 am
Stephanie Shaw
I can only imagine the hot licks coming from this cool car! The beret-wearing pug must be Miles.
Another great interview, Tara. Thank you for sharing Carolyn and Stephanie’s latest. It’s terrific!
April 23, 2012 at 9:33 am
Penny Klostermann
Oh! They’re all sooo cute—pug preciousness. How do I choose? Well, I kept coming back to the pug in the purple horn-rims–Violet.
April 23, 2012 at 9:46 am
Carrie F
We got “Don’t Need Friends” at the library last week and have read it every night since. Love it! This one looks so fun. I’m going to name the pug in the sunglasses Velveeta. Just ’cause… And the one in the red hat strikes me as an Ernest.
April 23, 2012 at 10:02 am
Brenda Huante
I have a weakness for fun books. I can’t wait to read Pugs in a Bug!
April 23, 2012 at 10:19 am
Donna J. Shepherd
LOVE that cover! Emerson is priceless. I have a special place in my heart for books about pets (even wrote one :). Facebooked, Tweeted, Googled, Pinned. Fun!
April 23, 2012 at 11:42 am
LeslieG
Thanks for a great interview with one of my favorite writers–and now a new favorite illustrator!
As far as the doggies, the one with the shades is, I’m sure, the very lovable Pugly.
April 23, 2012 at 12:18 pm
thatssojen
All you have to do is mention the word pug and you have my full attention. I have a 2 year old pug named Phoebe and I absolutely adore her. I will have to read this book. It looks like my new favorite book and I love the illustrations. I want to hug Carolyn’s dog Emerson, he is so cute. I love all the pugs on the cover but I am going to choose the chauffeur, who I would name Holmes Pugsworth.
April 23, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Maria Gianferrari
I too am a HUGE favorite of the Louds, of Carolyn Crimi, and of dogs!! My absolute favorite line of the book refers to Miss Meekerton’s famous pincushion collection: “it was a very quiet hobby.” Brilliant!
The illustrations, and the cover are adorable, without being cutesy, and full of flavor and fun. I think my favorite is the pug in the cat’s eye sunglasses, whom I would name “Zsa Zsa.”
The others are wonderful too, and I also gave them names (a fun way to procrastinate…)
Saxophone: Didier
Rose: Bella
Cowboy Hat: Cisco
Green Hat: Oliver
Bowtie: Felix
Thanks for sharing this & I can’t wait to read it!
~Maria
April 23, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Carolyn
Ha ha! I love all these names! They are too fun!
And yes, it takes many years to polish my 400 word manuscripts. Crazy but true.
Thanks for the laughs everyone!
Carolyn
April 23, 2012 at 1:40 pm
laurimeyers
Looks like a great book my kids would love. I want to get to know more about “The Inspector.” (that’s the green hatted fellow)
April 23, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Christie Wright Wild
I like the one in the red hat because his eyes are open and he looks confident. I think his name is Red. Thanks for the contest! I’m going to have to check out The Louds Move In too!
April 23, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Ellen L. Ramsey
What a splendid book with a great combination–I love pugs and VW bugs! Stephanie–I adore the seaside illustration! Carolyn–I particularly like the “microwave” analogy in your post–very apt. Maybe creating a book is more like making plum pudding–only it takes an even longer time and a lot more work!
April 23, 2012 at 10:42 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
It’s hard to pick just one! They are all so adorable and exude personality. I can’t wait to read this to my kids and see which one they like best. But for today I’m going with “Rodeo Ralph” in the red hat at the top. There may be a story there…pug as rodeo dog 😉
April 23, 2012 at 11:11 pm
tinamcho
My kids & I can’t wait to read this book. They love pugs as they play with my friend’s 3 pugs, and they like bug cars! My daughter & my favorite pug is the girl one with the flower. Her name should be Rosie. My son likes the pug with the red hat. He says to name it Butter. I enjoyed this interview and loved the photo of Carolyn’s pug!
April 24, 2012 at 6:55 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
I LOVE PUGS!!!!!!!! Emerson’s so cute! Like the propeller beanie!
April 24, 2012 at 6:58 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
Oops! I forgot to pick a pug name! The one playing the sax is named Jazzy (short for Jazinalman) 😉
April 24, 2012 at 8:54 am
aneducationinbooks
My favourite is the pug with the pink cat-eye glasses and I’d call her Marilyn.
April 25, 2012 at 6:18 am
Jennifer Rumberger
This book is on my to-read list. I love the pug with the pink sunglasses. I think her name is Olivia. Thanks for the giveaway!
April 25, 2012 at 11:46 pm
smmorris
What a great looking book. After reviewing so many, I have really come to appreciate picture books this year.
Pug w/ sax — Jambolia
Pug w/ cowboy hat — Tex Mex Rex
Pub driving (Sherlock Holmes hat) — Sherlock
Pub w/ sunglasses — Felicity Feral
Pub in middle — Bud (just Bud, there is always that regular guy in the group called Bud)
Pub above Felicity Feral — Flats (flat head in honor of my cat who flatten his mouse toy who we then call “Flat-Boy”)
My cat likes dogs and would love me to read this to him. Please do not disappoint him. 🙂
April 25, 2012 at 11:48 pm
smmorris
Oops, I wrote Pub but meant Pug. It’s late.
April 30, 2012 at 3:29 am
mumoffunkids
The pug in pink glasses reminds me of Dame Edna Everage, so I would call her ‘Edna’.
April 30, 2012 at 8:50 am
JoAn Watson Martin
My favorite is the pug in the middle with the pink sunglasses. Obviously she, Felicity Feral, is an optimist and is sure the weather at the beach will be bright and sunny. Pink is her favorite color. Her name should be MISS PINKY PERFECT PUG.
April 30, 2012 at 10:01 am
Winners? Affirmative! « Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)
[…] tuned because I’ll be picking our PUGS IN A BUG winner tomorrow! (You’ve still got until the end of today to enter.) Share this:Like this:LikeBe the first to like this post. Writing for Kids […]
April 30, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Debbie Meyer
This looks so adorable!! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. I just told all my Facebook friends about it too. 🙂
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