September should be “giveaway month” here on the blog, since we’ve got a bounty of books ‘n’ stuff. The winner of THE LAKE WHERE LOON LIVES was Carol Nelson, who was notified, and who exclaimed that she never wins anything. I was tickled to prove her wrong!
And today we’ve got yet another giveaway, from a long-time blog reader and PiBoIdMo participant, Lori Alexander. Her debut picture book, BACKHOE JOE, is being released TODAY! A round of applause for Lori! I sat down with her to discuss the making of a debut. (Well, I sat HERE, while she sat THERE. We did not sit together, although I would have loved to. I mean, look at her! Isn’t she adorable?)
Lori, there are many truck books on the market because they’re so popular with young children. (In fact, once an editor told me not to write a truck book because of others already out there!) Tell us what makes BACKHOE JOE different and special!
You are right, Tara! There are lots of truck books. When my son was younger, he was crazy about construction. He wore truck shirts and slept on truck sheets and had truck birthdays. We pulled the car over for close-up looks at construction equipment (which set an exhausting precedent on cross-country trips, with me wishing my son had been born a dinosaur fanatic instead. No stops!). We also sought out as many construction books as we could get our hands on. After a while, they all seemed similar to me: a bulldozer pushes, a dump truck dumps, an excavator digs. A playground is built at the end. To mix it up, my son and I had lengthy conversations about what we would do with our own backhoe. Our backhoe could scoop Legos into a pile, dump dirty laundry into the washer, and drive all the neighborhood kids to school (that front loader is roomy!). These dreamy discussions led to the kernel of the idea for BACKHOE JOE which is about a boy who tries to adopt a “stray” backhoe. So, like pirate books and dinosaur books and princess books, BACKHOE JOE joins a crowded subject, but I’m hoping he will dig out some space of his own on the bookstore shelves.
I’m sure he will! (I mean, look at him! Isn’t he adorable?) And that’s what we all have to do, take a common theme and make it unique! I love the idea of a truck as a pet.
Is this the project that landed you an agent? How did you pitch it?
That is something you hear editors ask for…a fresh twist on a common theme! With Backhoe Joe, it took me a few years to get it right. My early drafts were about a boy asking for a backhoe for his birthday, through a series of letters to his parents, à la I Wanna Iguana. I received some positive feedback from a small publisher, who liked the concept, but wasn’t sold on the letter format. Many more months of big-picture revisions as well as tiny tweaks lead to the current version. I received some positive feedback from agent Mary Kole during a webinar critique, and that gave me the boost of confidence I needed to begin querying agents. I queried with BACKHOE JOE but had two other PB manuscripts ready to go, in case an agent was interested. Lucky for me, one was! And you asked how I pitched it. I believe in the cover letter I said something completely cheesy, like “it’s FANCY NANCY for boys!”
Well, that would certainly grab my attention!
What can you share about your debut book experience that’s been most surprising?
While writing BACKHOE JOE, I really tried to nail the page breaks. I studied the page turns in my favorite picture books and read blog posts about layout (Tara’s “Picture Book Dummy, Picture Book Construction: Know Your Layout” is one of my favorites). I submitted BACKHOE JOE to my agent divided into 16 spreads. I thought she might want to remove the breaks and submit it to publishers in paragraph form, but it never came up. I was surprised (in a good way!) when my editor at Harper agreed and the final layout of Joe was exactly how I envisioned it. All that homework paid off!
Another surprise was, although I should have known better, having one sale under your belt doesn’t make it any easier to sell the next book. Rejection—a thing of the past? Not so!
Ha, don’t I know it! They never stop, but they do get easier to swallow. (However, I am not advocating eating your manuscript.)
What’s your favorite line in the book?
My absolute favorite line is on the last page, but I don’t want to spoil anything. I will say Craig Cameron did a fantastic job bringing Joe to life and he set-up the twist ending beautifully.
Aha, I LOVE a twist ending! I think it’s so important for a successful picture book, to surprise your audience, to extend the story beyond the story. Let them imagine what happens next (plus set yourself up for a sequel)!
My second favorite bit is when the main character, Nolan, tries to train Backhoe Joe like he’s a dog. But naughty Joe revs at the mailman, buries his cone in the flowerbed, and digs in the garbage. It was fun to think about the ways a dog and a construction truck might behave similarly.
Sounds hilarious!
OK, one last question. I have a list of fun words I posted recently, which has become quite popular. What’s your favorite word?
This time of year, my favorite word is monsoon.
Yeah, I love ooh sounds!
And now our readers are gonna make ooh sounds (corny segue, Tara) because Lori has a BACKHOE JOE prize pack to give away! Just leave one comment below by September 23rd!
The prize pack includes a signed copy of BACKHOE JOE, bookmarks, stickers, and squishy foam stress “rocks”. (Hey, I could use some of those! Remember, the rejections never cease!)
Thanks, Lori!
Lori Alexander lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her husband and two rock-collecting kids. Her family always brakes for road construction so they can admire the dozers and diggers. Lori still secretly hopes a backhoe will follow them home. She is represented by Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. This is Lori’s first picture book. Visit her at LoriAlexanderBooks.com.
147 comments
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September 16, 2014 at 9:13 am
Corey Schwartz
Oh, yay! Been waiting for this one for a LONG time! Sounds ADORABLE!
September 16, 2014 at 9:13 am
shiela fuller
I like the title, BACKHOE JOE. That grabbed my attention and immediately made me want to read it.
September 16, 2014 at 9:19 am
Jenny Boyd
I can’t wait to see the twist at the end. Such a cute picture-book idea!
September 16, 2014 at 9:19 am
Pat Miller
I stood with 2 year-old grandson watching a backhoe work on a driveway at a pick-your-own farm. Forget all the activities at the farm. He was transfixed. Your book is definitely a must have! Your son must be delighted and proud.
September 16, 2014 at 2:33 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Pat. Those machines are pretty impressive. I’m a construction fan now, too!
September 16, 2014 at 9:22 am
Donna L Martin
Thanks Tara for the wonderful interview! Congrats, Lori, on the cute book!
Gotta get me some of those rocks…~)
September 16, 2014 at 9:32 am
Carleen Tjader
Sounds like a fun book and I also appreciate her publishing tips. I think I need to brush up on page turns!
September 16, 2014 at 9:33 am
Debra Shumaker
With a husband who works in construction, and three sons, you can imagine all the stops we’ve done at construction sites and all the machinery books we have at home. Your book sounds delightful Lori!
September 16, 2014 at 2:34 pm
Lori Alexander
Ooh, I bet your husband can get into all the best construction sites. Lucky! 😉
September 16, 2014 at 9:36 am
Wendy Greenley
British construction equipment company JCB made children’s tapes with their construction equipment that one of our sons watched incessantly! Great subject, and can’t wait to read. 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 9:36 am
harmonee2014
What a darling idea! My grandson would absolutely LOVE this book! And I can’t wait to read it as well!
September 16, 2014 at 9:37 am
Cathy C. Hall
What a clever and funny concept! But even so, I give a ton of props to Lori who kept working and working till she got it right. I’ve got a feeling this will be a big hit with the truck set!
September 16, 2014 at 2:37 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Cathy! All those rejections made the “yes” sooo sweet!
September 16, 2014 at 9:38 am
Barbara Cairns
I love the sounds of semi-trucks and bulldozers, etc. I think I may have been a heavy duty truck driver or a bulldozer owner in a past life. 🙂 This will be a delightful book for so many youngsters who also love trucks and construction vehicles. Congratulations Lori! A great interview, as usual, Tara.
September 16, 2014 at 2:39 pm
Lori Alexander
Ha, Barbara! We love those sounds, too. And the smell of dug-up dirt 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 9:39 am
katmaz2012
Thank you for another inspirational interview. I love hearing how prepublished authors get published.
Congratualtions Lori! Your book sounds like a keeper!
September 16, 2014 at 9:42 am
tinamcho
Congratulations, Lori! I love the title and premise. I know boys will love it!
September 16, 2014 at 9:46 am
Annie Silvestro
Congrats, Lori! My son is going to go nuts for this book!!
September 16, 2014 at 9:52 am
Angela Padron
What a great post – congratulations Lori! My son will love this book.
September 16, 2014 at 9:54 am
winemama
My son would love this book, congrats Lori!
September 16, 2014 at 10:02 am
Lori Tays Eastep (@loritayseastep)
FANCY NANCY for boys… I love it! And so will my three year old. 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 10:03 am
Jessica Maree Dudik
Congrats Lori! This book sounds wonderful 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 10:04 am
Deb Dudley
Love hearing about the persistence in editing and revising a story. Also thought the pitch was catchy!
September 16, 2014 at 10:05 am
Evelyn
I can’t wait to get a copy of the book and read it (and I don’t even have young kids anymore).
September 16, 2014 at 10:10 am
Lindsay Bonilla
I love how your son was part of the process and you got his creative mind going with discussions about what your own backhoe could do! I would love to win this prize pack for my son! 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 10:11 am
kristivaliant
Congrats on the book, Lori! Sounds like a fun one.
September 16, 2014 at 10:13 am
kathalsey
Congrats to you on such a fun book, Lori. I live in Phoenix! Do you ever get to Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe/PHX? My grandson Tobin is in that construction/truck stage right now. I’m gonna get BACKHOE JOE for him. Love the info on how the story evolved over time, too. Hope i win a book and rock!
September 16, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Lori Alexander
Hi Kathy! I want to get up to Changing Hands–I’ve heard wonderful things about that bookstore. I just sent them a email. I’ll let you know when I get on their schedule. Do you think they would carry Backhoe Joe instore? Hint, hint…I know you are connected 😉
September 16, 2014 at 10:13 am
erin
Great interview! The book sounds fantastic!
September 16, 2014 at 10:14 am
jdewdropsofink
Stress rocks…ahhhh. Love the story idea too and I’m so glad to hear of success by a debut author. 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 10:21 am
Andria
Great interview, Tara and Lori. Already ordered my copy!
September 16, 2014 at 10:22 am
Romelle Broas
Congratulations, Lori! It’s so wonderful to finally see your cover. I remember when we talked about its release date which felt like a long time and now I can’t believe its here!
September 16, 2014 at 10:32 am
Amanda Smith
Congratulations,Lori! Thank you for giving us this glimpse into your life as a PUBLISHED writer and the hard work and process that got you here!! Thrilled for you.
September 16, 2014 at 10:36 am
ssuehler
Well, I know what book I am going to get for my two-year-old grandson. He drives his little cars on our (very patient) black lab. Cars, trucks and dogs. Could a little boy’s life get any better?
September 16, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Lori Alexander
Perfection!
September 16, 2014 at 10:37 am
Kristen
I don’t believe you can ever flood the market in construction. Kids can’t get enough!!! Keep ’em comin’!
September 16, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Lori Alexander
I’m going to quote you to HarperCollins, Kristen. Backhoe Joe sold in a 2-book deal, so hopefully you will see another one in the future!
September 16, 2014 at 10:38 am
Rachel Stones
Congrats, Lori! I just filled out the request form for my library to buy it and I can’t wait to get it too. 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Lori Alexander
Awesome, Rachel! Thanks so much!
September 16, 2014 at 10:39 am
Natasha Wing
I applaud her for the cleverness of her idea! (Confession: I, too, have a fascination for heavy equipment.)
September 16, 2014 at 10:44 am
danielledufayetd
So happy for your success. Thanks for sharing your story too. It’s always encouraging to hear about a writer’s struggle and determination. I love the concept of Backhoe Joe. I already love him!
September 16, 2014 at 10:46 am
emazza1217
My son was the dinosaur-loving boy who also dressed daily as a cowboy. Miss those days. Best wishes and much success!
September 16, 2014 at 10:46 am
Sydney O'Neill
This sounds like such a fun book! I have a four-year-old grandson who would love it. Congratulations on your debut!
September 16, 2014 at 10:46 am
danielledufayet
Congratulations on a winning first book. Great concept and character. Thank you for sharing and wishing you a ton more success!
September 16, 2014 at 10:59 am
Sarah Floyd
Congratulations, Lori! I am so excited for you, and I can hardly wait to buy BACKHOE JOE for my nephews.
September 16, 2014 at 11:14 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Lori – BACKHOE JOE sounds wonderful! I’ll put it on my reading list. Thank you for the reminder to consider page turns when revising a manuscript – I needed that!
September 16, 2014 at 11:31 am
cat jones
I hang out with a digger obsessed four year old who is going to LOVE Backhoe Joe. I regard him as my digger expert! He’s taught me so much…
September 16, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Cat! My son taught me “articulated dump truck” when he was four. Kids have such a capacity for learning when it’s a topic they are passionate about!
September 16, 2014 at 11:42 am
Cindy Williams Schrauben
I can’t wait to head it. Love the backhoe/dog connection. Adorable!
September 16, 2014 at 11:43 am
Shanda McCloskey
Love it! And thanks for sharing your process to publication 😦
September 16, 2014 at 11:44 am
Shanda McCloskey
I meant 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 11:46 am
Sandy
I love your idea for the backhoe “Our backhoe could scoop Legos into a pile, dump dirty laundry into the washer, and drive all the neighborhood kids to school (that front loader is roomy!).” What a different twist. This idea really makes me want to read your book.
Congratulations Lori! Good luck with your other books!
September 16, 2014 at 11:48 am
Mary Warth
Thanks for the terrific interview. I appreciated Lori’s confirmation that doing your homework pays off.
Congratulations!
September 16, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Donna L. Sadd
The premise sounds adorable, Lori! I appreciated reading that no one had a problem with your dividing the ms into page turns/spreads. I’ve begun doing that with my mss and feel it helps to get your story across. Much success with BACKHOE JOE! :0)
September 16, 2014 at 2:48 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Donna! I don’t think I could go back to paragraph format. I like seeing the spreads and building tension around the page turns.
September 16, 2014 at 12:11 pm
Sheila Wipperman
Your books sounds amazing! Love the concept. Looking forward to checking it out. I’m sure it will be a big hit! 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 12:17 pm
Sheri Roloff
Congrats on your first book, Lori! I can’t wait to read Backhoe Joe!
September 16, 2014 at 12:20 pm
Lynne Marie
Way to Go, Lori!!! Congratulations!
September 16, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Michelle
Nice! We can always use more construction books with a storyline!
September 16, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Congratulations Lori! Loved hearing the “back” story behind BACKHOE JOE! Can’t wait to read it.
September 16, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Natasha
Adopting a stray backhoe sounds adorable. I’d love to win your prize pack. Good luck, Lori, and thanks, Tara.
September 16, 2014 at 12:52 pm
Marla
It looks like a great book – love the cover!
September 16, 2014 at 12:52 pm
Laura Sassi
My nephew will LOVE this! Enjoy your launch and congratulations, Lori!
September 16, 2014 at 1:17 pm
Anne Bromley
I love your new slant on a familiar topic! All that hard work has certainly paid off. Many, many congratulations, Lori!
September 16, 2014 at 1:28 pm
maria gianferrari
Congratulations, Lori, and Happy Book Birthday! What a fun idea–can’t wait to read it! You’re going to make a lot of truck obsessed kids so happy!
September 16, 2014 at 1:30 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
I can’t wait to meet BackHoe Joe! Congratulations Lori! And your story about stopping for construction vehicles hit close to home. I find myself shouting “Skid steer!” (even when there is no one else in the car – yep. it’s true).
September 16, 2014 at 2:50 pm
Lori Alexander
Yes! Me, too! I love know the real names of the equipment. And my son will surely correct me if I get them wrong 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Annette Pimentel
I love that you submitted the manuscript with the page breaks showing and I’m excited to see how you use them for drama and pacing.
September 16, 2014 at 2:00 pm
Cathy Biggerstaff
Thanks, Lori, for writing something fun for little boys. My son loved truck books and now I have a grandson who loves them. A new truck book is like getting a truck full of gold to him. Congratulations and many blessings on your success.
September 16, 2014 at 2:51 pm
Lori Alexander
You are so sweet, Cathy. Thank you!
September 16, 2014 at 2:00 pm
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner
I love twist endings too. I am looking forward to Joe’s release date!
September 16, 2014 at 2:15 pm
figment68
Wonderful interview Tara! Congratulations, Lori! I can’t wait to read your book. I couldn’t help thinking that Ramona Quimby (One of my favorite characters) would have loved your book. 🙂 Jennifer Lorrekovich
September 16, 2014 at 2:23 pm
schriscoe
Whoo hoo! A twist ending, I can hardly wait! I loved hearing how BACKHOE JOE came to be, thanks for sharing with us Lori! Congrats on the release of the first of many Lori Alexander books!
September 16, 2014 at 2:41 pm
Sophia Mallonée (@SophiaMallonee)
Great interview! I look forwarding to meeting Joe on shelves soon!
September 16, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth
I can’t wait to send this to my grandsons! I am really looking forward to reading it! Congratulations on your debut book!!
September 16, 2014 at 2:51 pm
LeslieG
Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Lori. Best wishes for a fantastic book launch!
September 16, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for the kind words, friends! I’ve been out of the house since 7am for parent/teacher conferences and to volunteer at school picture day. It’s wonderful to read all your lovely comments of support for Backhoe Joe. The children’s writers’ community is just THE BEST!
September 16, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Rosie Pova
Congratulations, Lori! I would love to read Backhoe Joe 🙂
Tara, please don’t make me prove I need those squishy foam stress “rocks” more than you do….
September 16, 2014 at 4:14 pm
Lori Alexander
Hee, hee!
September 16, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Angela Turner
Thanks for a wonderful post. I wish this book had been around when my kids were little. It sounds like it will be funny. May need to get it for my grandson.
September 16, 2014 at 3:20 pm
Dawn Young
Congratulations Lori! I can’t wait to read BACKHOE JOE. I live in AZ as well and look forward to the opportunity to congratulate you in person.
September 16, 2014 at 4:14 pm
Lori Alexander
Are you going to the SCBWI-AZ conference in November? Hope to see you there!
September 16, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Jody Jensen Shaffer
Congratulations again, Lori! Can’t wait to see JOE!
September 16, 2014 at 4:13 pm
Stacy S. Jensen
Finally a Fancy Nancy for boys! Thank you.
September 16, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Such a cute idea and a wonderful success story. But yes. The elusive book 2 can still be a tough sell. Good luck with Backhoe Joe!
September 16, 2014 at 4:41 pm
Lori Alexander
Yes, it’s definitely “Lori vs. a second PB contract” right now. But I’m going to keep at it!
September 16, 2014 at 4:24 pm
Sue Gagliardi
Congrats, Lori! So excited for you and BACKHOE JOE!!! Can’t wait to check it out and share it with my kindergarten class! 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 4:44 pm
Susanna Leonard Hill
Congratulations, Lori! BACKHOE JOE look terrific! 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 4:54 pm
joanwatsonmartin
Amazing that such love for a road machine can inspire you to visualize
a picture book. Makes me open my eyes and find such an unusual idea.
September 16, 2014 at 5:07 pm
Jessica
I look forward to reading BACKHOE JOE with my kids. My oldest has always been the same, in his love of heavy machinery. I admire your persistence, too, and am on that journey myself with 2 manuscripts.
September 16, 2014 at 5:55 pm
Lori Alexander
You can do it, Jessica!
September 16, 2014 at 5:09 pm
Carol Nelson
Thanks for sharing your book story. I was just sitting down to make a dummy of one of my manuscripts and your post reinforced the importance of getting those page turns right. I’ll have to get a copy of BACKHOE JOE for my grandson. He’ll love it.
September 17, 2014 at 2:24 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Carol!
September 16, 2014 at 5:21 pm
Sylvia Liu
This sounds great. Congrats on your PB debut, Lori!
September 16, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Heather
As a mom of two boys who love their diggers, I’m very excited about this book. Thanks for sharing!
September 16, 2014 at 6:10 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
I love hearing debut author stories. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!
September 16, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Nancy Tandon
Congrats on your launch day! I’ve seen Backhoe Joe all over the internet – good job!! He is adorable and I wish you both the best of luck!
September 16, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Janny J Johnson
Oh my goodness. I have a construction crazy grandson. I can’t wait to give him this book. And I love the insights. Thanks!
September 16, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Carol Jones
Ahh! Brings back memories of when my two boys loved “‘sheens” (machines.) I’d love to read this! The idea of a backhoe acting like a dog is really clever.
September 16, 2014 at 7:28 pm
Amy
Thanks for a fun, insightful interview. Congratulations on Backhoe Joe, Lori! You’ve got me curious about the end…
September 16, 2014 at 7:34 pm
Yvette Pompa
My little student would surprisingly say at the onset of seeing the cover, “digger!” 🙂
September 16, 2014 at 8:23 pm
Diana Murray
Congratulations, Lori! Great interview. I love hearing the story behind the story. And what a fun twist on a truck tale!
September 16, 2014 at 8:40 pm
Julie
Terrific book idea. Congratulations on your publication! Thanks for the interview.
September 16, 2014 at 8:59 pm
Freckled Daisy Creations
What a great twist on a kids love of trucks! And great reminder that my favorite month is returning!
September 16, 2014 at 10:41 pm
kdveiten
Congratulations on your new book!
September 16, 2014 at 11:12 pm
karadhya
Congratulations, Lori. Your book sounds super creative and adorable!
September 16, 2014 at 11:39 pm
Carrie Charley Brown
This looks adorable. I love the way you transformed a common curious situation into a new personified concept. Congratulations!
September 17, 2014 at 12:06 am
marlainagray
Thanks, Tara and congratulations, Lori — construction vehicles are pretty popular in our household, too!
September 17, 2014 at 12:33 am
Gloria
Sounds like a fascinating book for kids–girls like machines, too!
September 17, 2014 at 3:13 am
MaryAnne Locher
Congratulations on your PB debut, Lori! I can’t wait to share your book with two little boys in my life.
September 17, 2014 at 4:48 am
Melanie Moschella
I can’t wait to read it! Congratulations on getting published =)
September 17, 2014 at 6:44 am
lindamartinandersen
Thanks Lori and Tara. Insightful interview. All those hours of truck watching paid off.
September 17, 2014 at 7:29 am
DaNeil
As one of Lori’s friends, I had a sneak peak at the book. It is adorable and the twist is fantastic! Kids will love it.
September 17, 2014 at 10:44 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for encouragement along the way, DaNeil!
September 17, 2014 at 8:17 am
hmmmmm
Congrats Lori — and thanks for pointing us to Tara’s dummy post!
September 17, 2014 at 8:39 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Sounds like a fun story
September 17, 2014 at 8:58 am
StephMWard
With a truck-obsessed toddler of my own, I love the idea of a new twist on the construction theme. I look forward to reading Backhoe Joe. And great interview!
September 17, 2014 at 9:27 am
deborahholtwilliams
Congrats, Lori! I love to hear success stories where authors defy the naysayers: “publishers don’t buy rhyme”–tell that to Ninja Red Riding Hood! “There are too many truck books out there”–go, Lori!
September 17, 2014 at 9:34 am
Nadine Gamble
My sons would’ve loved your book! Illustrations are TOO cute!
September 17, 2014 at 9:50 am
Denise Taylor-Dennis
What a cute book my son would really love this book he is into construction.
September 17, 2014 at 10:07 am
svaisnoras
I love the idea of your book…can’t wait to get it. And you give me hope
and inspiration for my manuscript. Hope to see more books from you.
September 17, 2014 at 10:28 am
Linda Hofke
Congrats on your book. Backhoe Joes sounds like a fun one.
September 17, 2014 at 11:52 am
Rene` Diane Aube
Love the sound of BACKHOE JOE 🙂 My grandson will love it, too. Thank you, too, for such a wonderful, fun interview Tara and Lori.
September 17, 2014 at 12:01 pm
Dorothy Wiese
I can’t wait to purchase this book. We had a foreign exchange student in 1988-89. He and his wife have a 4 year old son who loves trucks and construction equipment as well as books written in English that I send him. I know that he will love Backhoe Joe!!
September 17, 2014 at 10:41 pm
Lori Alexander
Very cool, Dorothy! Thanks.
September 17, 2014 at 1:10 pm
kpbock
My son is in the truck obsession faze. He is going to love this one!
September 17, 2014 at 1:22 pm
darlenebeckjacobson
What a delightful concept for a PB! Favorite toys do have a tendency to travel with kids and hang out everywhere, so why shouldn’t they be pets!? Best of luck with the book. I’d LOVE a copy!
September 17, 2014 at 1:37 pm
Sheri Radovich
I loved the concept and my children loved Goodnight Goodnight Construction site and they are girls. I loved the way Lori submitted in 16 spreads but unless it is a dummy, how is that done in manuscript form?
September 17, 2014 at 10:40 pm
Lori Alexander
Sheri – I just designated (Spread 1) wrote some text, (Spread 2) wrote more text, until I had all 16 spreads. I didn’t put them on their own pages, like a dummy. If you want to email me through my website, I can show you a sample page.
September 17, 2014 at 2:37 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Congratulations on your debut book. It looks and sounds adorable!!!
September 17, 2014 at 3:11 pm
Rebecca Van Slyke
How cool is this?! I have a whole class of second grade boys (and probably a few princess-eschewing girls) who will BACKHOE JOE!
September 17, 2014 at 6:15 pm
kathydoherty1
I love the concept of FANCY NANCY for boys! Congratulations!
September 17, 2014 at 8:27 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
HA! I love the description Fancy Nancy for boys!!! 🙂 Congratulations on the book! It looks great! 🙂
September 18, 2014 at 8:27 am
Janet Smart
Congratulations! Sounds like a fun book.
September 18, 2014 at 8:32 am
aliciaminor
Now, this is what all those rejections slips are about. It just keeps you challenged and succeed in the end. Congratulations, Lori.
September 18, 2014 at 10:48 am
colleen jensen
I too live with a couple tractor crazy boys! I am always pointing out cool machinery, even if it is just my husband and I! Thanks for the advice and your book looks adorable! Best of luck!
September 18, 2014 at 11:14 am
Rosi Hollinbeck
What a great concept! This sounds absolutely adorable. Thanks for telling me about it and a chance to win.
September 18, 2014 at 11:40 am
Anita Banks
Exciting!! Congratulations!
September 18, 2014 at 4:08 pm
danielle hammelef
I love the cover and title of your book, and I can’t wait to read it (I love how you promised a twist at the end). Thanks for the prize pack and interview!
September 18, 2014 at 4:56 pm
Cindy Zerr
As owner of a backhoe and a daughter, I have been watching for a fun backhoe story that had a twist. LOVE THIS!!!!
Congratulations!
September 19, 2014 at 5:43 pm
Lori Alexander
You own a backhoe? So cool! Hope your daughter likes Backhoe Joe. My little girl is a truck fan, too!
September 18, 2014 at 8:59 pm
Marty McCormick
So many clever ideas wrapped up in this book. Love it. Plus, hearing about your study of page breaks and submitting in 16 spreads was super helpful. Congrats on your success. Look forward to reading (winning?!!) your book!
September 19, 2014 at 12:16 pm
zebo
The book jacket has a wonderful yummy yet exciting look and feel to it. I hope you have much success and can’t WAIT to read it!
September 19, 2014 at 12:34 pm
Joanne Sher
Fabulous interview, ladies! LOVED reading it – can’t wait to get my hands on this story. I’m inspired!
September 20, 2014 at 9:18 pm
evelynchristensen
Congratulations, Lori! What a delightful sounding book! Perfect for my grandchildren. Especially for my 2-year-old granddaughter whose dad bought a backhoe last year.
September 23, 2014 at 9:08 am
Tracy Molitors
We put so much creative effort into raising our children – I love that some of that effort sparked the idea for this wonderful story! Congratulations, Lori!
October 28, 2014 at 10:59 pm
Backhoe Joe by Lori Alexander and Illustrated by Craig Cameron | The Picture Book Review
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