The creators of PEEP & EGG, author Laura Gehl and illustrator Joyce Wan, are letting us hear a peep from their recent conversation about making this seriously cute new book…which is just in time for Easter! It’s all it’s cracked up to be! (Man, I’m really pushing the puns lately.)
Joyce Asks Laura….
Joyce: How did you first come up with the idea for this book?
Laura: With four kids of my own, I spent many years hearing I’M NOT every day. And by every day, I really mean every minute. But on the rare occasion that I got a full night’s sleep, or a full bar of chocolate, I could recognize that my kids and their peers weren’t actually trying to drive adults crazy (most of the time). A lot of the hesitation and I’M NOT came from nervousness, rather than stubbornness. I hope Peep and Egg will help parents start conversations with their kids about fears—however ridiculous those fears may seem. And I hope Peep and Egg will remind toddlers and preschoolers that they can overcome their fears.
Joyce: You left a lot of room in the text for illustrations, which was great for me! Is that a challenging thing to do as a writer?
Laura: YES!!!!!!!!! It is extremely hard to do! As an author, you have to resist the temptation to write a zillion detailed illustration notes and instead trust the illustrator to make magic happen. I always need to remind myself that if I am doing my job correctly, then my words—without the pictures—should only tell part of the story. If a child could hear only the words and get the full experience of my story, then I’ve totally failed.
Joyce: When you were writing this book, how did you imagine the illustrations?
Laura: I imagined the illustrations like Richard Scarry’s illustrations in I Am A Bunny. Just as you can see every hair on his bunny, I imagined seeing every feather on Peep. It’s hilarious to think about that now, since your style is totally different and yet I LOVE LOVE LOVE your interpretation of my words, and the magic we made together. That’s what I mean about trusting the illustrator—and also trusting the editor to make the perfect partnership between words and pictures. I know Janine, our wonderful editor, had you in mind from the beginning. It was her wisdom that made Peep and Egg the adorable book it is today!
Joyce: Peep and Egg is also written entirely in dialogue. Was that something that evolved as you were writing the story or was that something you decided from the start?
Laura: Over the various versions of Peep and Egg, certain aspects of the story changed—the ending most of all. But the story started in dialogue and stayed that way through every revision.
Joyce: Would you say you are more like Peep or more like Egg? (I’m more like Peep and tend to jump head first into everything!)
Laura: Now I know why we make a great team. I am definitely an Egg. I worry about everything and most days would love to stay inside my safe, cozy shell (as long as I could have chocolate inside, and a good book to read!).
Laura Asks Joyce…
Laura: When you began developing the characters, who was more difficult to draw–Peep or Egg? (In this case, I mean Egg as an egg. I still can’t believe how much personality you bring out for Egg without the benefit of facial expressions!)
Joyce: The voice in the manuscript was so strong I could see the characters in my head right away. They were a joy to draw because they are such opposites personality-wise, and so expressive in their dialogue. Yes, Egg as an egg was hardest as I was unable to show facial expressions or body movements, but it was a fun challenge.
Laura: How did you decide on the color palate that you used? Did you experiment with other colors before narrowing in?
Joyce: I tend to gravitate to a particular color palette in a lot of my work and they’re usually colors that are a little off from the traditional rainbow colors. So instead of straight red, green and blue, I love colors like blush pink, olive, teal, lime, and aqua, which you will see a lot of in Peep and Egg.
Laura: Can you tell us a little about the process of designing the ridiculously adorable cover?
Joyce: What initially started as a two-book project became a four-book project over the course of working on the first two books [side note from Laura: WOO-HOO!] so I felt like this first book cover needed to be branded in a way so that recognizable design elements could be carried over a few books. I even sought feedback from my design-savvy agent on a number of design ideas, which helped me tremendously throughout the cover design process. That is one of the nice things about having an agent who worked on the design side of publishing before becoming an agent. It took a few rounds of different ideas before I reached a final design that the editor loved.
Laura: Which illustration from the book is your favorite? Mine is Egg wearing the football helmet.
Joyce: I like the front endpaper, as I hid a little surprise for readers to discover.
I suppose you’ll have to pick up PEEP AND EGG to find out!
Thanks, ladies. I can see this adorable series easily growing into a dozen books! A DOZEN! GET IT? (Groan, Tara.)
Macmillan is giving away a copy of PEEP & EGG: I’M NOT HATCHING to one lucky blog commenter. U.S. addresses only, please. Just leave a comment below to enter. Giveaway closes March 14th!
Laura Gehl is the author of ONE BIG PAIR OF UNDERWEAR, a Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Title, International Literacy Association Honor Book, and Booklist Books for Youth Editors’ Choice for 2014; HARE AND TORTOISE RACE ACROSS ISRAEL and AND THEN ANOTHER SHEEP TURNED UP (both PJ library selections for 2015 and 2016); and the PEEP AND EGG series. A former science and reading teacher, she also writes about science for children and adults. Laura lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland with her husband and four children. Visit her online at lauragehl.com.
Joyce Wan is an award-winning author and illustrator of many best-selling books for children, including YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE, WE BELONG TOGETHER, and THE WHALE IN MY SWIMMING POOL, which was a Junior Library Guild Spring 2015 selection. When she’s not working on books, she teaches courses at The School of Visual Arts in New York City. Joyce is originally from Boston, Massachusetts and currently lives in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Through all her work, she hopes to inspire people to embrace the spirit of childhood and follow their dreams. Visit Joyce online at wanart.com.
130 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 29, 2016 at 8:41 am
mlflannigan
This book looks so cute and sounds like a wonderful story!
February 29, 2016 at 8:42 am
writeknit
I love the illustration of egg eating a muffin! Looks like a really cute book, thank you for the opportunity to win a copy 🙂
February 29, 2016 at 8:44 am
Robyn Campbell
Haha, I love the art. That cover is so sweet. WOW. It is challenging to leave that room and NOT to throw in illo notes. That was my favorite thing in the interview. I’m always reminding writers about this. Great job on that, Laura. And Joyce, Laua is right. Those characters have awesome written all over them. SO cute, so sweet, so adorable. Thanks for the interview. It’s a keeper.
February 29, 2016 at 8:45 am
Amy Harding
Can’t wait to read this for Easter!
February 29, 2016 at 8:55 am
Joan Swanson
This was such good advise in trusting the illustrator to make your book come together. Thank you!
February 29, 2016 at 9:01 am
tanyakonerman
I love the idea of all dialogue. Can’t wait to read it!
February 29, 2016 at 9:01 am
Linda Carpenter
Great Post! Thank you for sharing the story – will be looking for this on the shelves!
February 29, 2016 at 9:02 am
ritaborg
I have an egg book too called MEG THE EGG. Would be great to win this one!
February 29, 2016 at 9:06 am
Traci Sorell
This is a fabulous book! My son and I read it the other day at the library and he wanted to take it home to read again because it was so funny.
February 29, 2016 at 9:11 am
mona861
Like you, Laura, I see the illustrations that (I think) go with my words. How wonderful that Joyce saw other pictures from your words and put them on paper so creatively. Fun, fun!
February 29, 2016 at 9:11 am
Mark A. Bentz
Love the idea and illustrations. Great post1
February 29, 2016 at 9:17 am
Chana Stiefel
Love how you ID yourselves with PEEP & EGG. Adorable! Can’t wait to read it.
February 29, 2016 at 9:24 am
Beverly R. Marsh
Thanks for sharing your thoughts from both the writer and the illustrator’s perspective.
February 29, 2016 at 9:35 am
Jennifer Phillips
What a clever way to do your blog, with the author and illustrator interviewing each other. Fun, fun. And great insights. Yes, those pesky illustrator notes. I am guilty as charged. And will continue working to reform.
February 29, 2016 at 9:39 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Clever idea and cute illustrations.
February 29, 2016 at 9:44 am
Pat
I can’t wait to hold the book, it looks like so much fun!
February 29, 2016 at 9:45 am
mariagianferrari
This looks like such a sweet & funny book–can’t wait to read it! Congrats, Laura & Joyce. Perfect for spring!!
February 29, 2016 at 9:51 am
rgstones
This sounds adorable. I can’t wait to read it.
February 29, 2016 at 9:53 am
Heather Pierce Stigall
This looks adorable! It’s on my “to read” list, for sure!
February 29, 2016 at 9:56 am
Kirsten W. Larson
Very cute and just in time for Easter. Thanks Laura and Joyce for the opportunity.
February 29, 2016 at 10:00 am
Wendy Greenley
Thanks for the fun interviews from both “sides.”
February 29, 2016 at 10:01 am
Mary Warth
Thanks for the fun post. I love the illustration style!
February 29, 2016 at 10:01 am
marlainagray
This looks adorable, Laura and Joyce! Always happy to see dialogue-driven books.
February 29, 2016 at 10:03 am
Polly Renner
Can’t wait to read it! Yay for new PBs!
February 29, 2016 at 10:30 am
Sandy Lowe
What a delightful book! Can’t wait!
February 29, 2016 at 10:34 am
Lane M Arnold
Delightful.
February 29, 2016 at 10:39 am
winemama
this book looks so cute!
February 29, 2016 at 10:46 am
Annelouise
Oh my, this book looks absolutely adorable, I can’t wait to read it!
February 29, 2016 at 10:50 am
Kelly Rice Schmitt
I love the discussion about leaving room for the illustrator to due his/her part. It’s so important, yet SO difficult for authors. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I also loved the format of this article with Q&A from both sides.
February 29, 2016 at 10:54 am
Jill Jeffries
I’m more like egg!! Takes me forever to come out of my shell Thanks for the intro to this adorable book series.
February 29, 2016 at 10:56 am
kariail2013
I can’t wait to read Peep and Egg books to my kids! And thank you for your comments about the difficulty of writing when you’re not the illustrator. That topic comes up at my critique group frequently.
February 29, 2016 at 11:06 am
Janice Milusich
I’m looking forward to getting to know Peep and Egg.
February 29, 2016 at 11:07 am
Andrew Lefebvre
Looks so cute. I love the football helmet. Looks like a fun read.
February 29, 2016 at 11:15 am
Rebecca
This book does look really cute!
February 29, 2016 at 11:15 am
Penny Volin
Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to see a copy of Peep and Egg.
February 29, 2016 at 11:18 am
LindsayHansonMetcalf (@hansonmetcalf)
I can’t wait to read this adorable book. I tend to be more Egg, but some days I show my Peep side.
February 29, 2016 at 11:27 am
betlw
I have to read this book. What adorable illustrations and such a
cute idea.
February 29, 2016 at 11:38 am
Joanne Sher
What fun to have the interview from BOTH sides! Great post – and this book look absolutely darling! Thanks, Tara, Joyce, AND Laura!
February 29, 2016 at 11:40 am
Darlene
Enjoyed the interview. The book is adorable! Looking forward to reading it.
February 29, 2016 at 11:44 am
Pauline Tso
This looks eggs-ellent! Sorry, couldn’t resist… 🙂
February 29, 2016 at 11:45 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
I’m looking forward to reading Peep and Egg. A perfect Easter gift for my new grand babies. Laura’s comment about telling only part of the story through the text helped me see my manuscripts in a new light. I have some revising to do 😊.
February 29, 2016 at 11:48 am
Doris Fisher
Can’t wait to read Peep and Egg. It’s adorable!
February 29, 2016 at 11:50 am
Liz steffenson
Ooh! I hope I win this!!!! My two children are laden with fears and ‘I’m nots!’ I need this delightful book!!!
February 29, 2016 at 11:52 am
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
I loved learning about the process for this book. Thanks for sharing!
February 29, 2016 at 11:55 am
megcason1
I am such a worrier as well! Loved the interview!
February 29, 2016 at 11:56 am
Teresa Robeson
These writer-to-illustrator interviews are so much fun (and you don’t have to do any actual interviewing yourself, Tara, you clever thing, you! 😀 )! This looks like an adorable book. I just wish it came out 12 (wow, there’s the dozen theme again) years ago when my kids were little and we first got chickens to raise. Thanks for the giveaway, Laura and Joyce!
February 29, 2016 at 12:01 pm
Carole Calladine
Can’t wait to read this series. Thanks for sharing your process.
February 29, 2016 at 12:19 pm
ptnozell
I had the pleasure of reading this engaging book a few weeks ago. Congratulations on an awesome book, Laura & Joyce, and so happy to learn there will be more. Tara, loved the Q&A format – so illuminating to see the two perspectives together. Thank you!
February 29, 2016 at 12:21 pm
kdveiten
This book looks adorable! Thanks for the interviews. Great insights!
February 29, 2016 at 12:32 pm
Charlotte Dixon
Overcoming fears is difficult for the young. Your interview is a great introduction to the theme behind your adorable characters. I can’t wait to read the story and enjoy the fun illustrations. Thank you for sharing 🙂
February 29, 2016 at 12:41 pm
LovableLobo
We’re big fans of Joyce’s art and cannot wait to read this adorable book. Looking forward to the entire series to hatch. All paws crossed that we win. 😀
February 29, 2016 at 1:02 pm
Lori Dubbin
I can’t wait to read this book! I enjoyed your discussion about leaving room for the illustrations in your writing. So hard to do; never “over easy.”
February 29, 2016 at 1:10 pm
Diane Landy
I love how you address the theme of facing your fears in such a simple, spare, and playful way that young children can easily relate to. I imagine it could be quite empowering for your listener/reader. Nice work! Congratulations!!! And thank you, Tara, for sharing this.
February 29, 2016 at 1:19 pm
Kassy Keppol
It is a neat idea to let the author and illustrator interview each other.
February 29, 2016 at 1:22 pm
MD Lnabb
Sounds so fun. Will have to get.
February 29, 2016 at 1:34 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Cute! Cute! Cute! Can’t wait to read this!
February 29, 2016 at 1:47 pm
theresenagi
I’m so excited to read Peep and Egg! It looks like a fun book for adults and kids.
February 29, 2016 at 2:07 pm
Danielle Heitmuller
This looks adorable! I’ve admired Joyce Wan’s work ever since I picked up her cupcake sticker at an SCBWI conference years ago. I can’t wait to read this one!
February 29, 2016 at 2:09 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Oh I love the simplicity and yet complexity of this idea. I cannot wait for this book!
February 29, 2016 at 2:10 pm
hmmmmm
That little guy in the helmut (eating the cookie) is probably going to show up in my dreams tonight — he is perfect!
February 29, 2016 at 2:11 pm
jeanjames926
Outrageously cute, can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
February 29, 2016 at 2:26 pm
Poupette Smith
Cute concept… off to the library to check it out!
February 29, 2016 at 2:27 pm
picturebookplaydate
What a perfect book to pick up ahead of Easter! Can’t wait to check it out.
February 29, 2016 at 2:44 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks, Laura and Joyce, and to Tara too for providing such a useful post on what goes into a successful picture book. I especially like the reminder that the words alone do not make a picture book.
February 29, 2016 at 2:48 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This looks like a really cute book. Thanks for sharing.
February 29, 2016 at 2:55 pm
waengel2002
Great post! I can’t wait to read this wonderful book. Thank you.
February 29, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
I love how Joyce’s illustrations were a surprise to Laura, yet they were perfect. I’ve heard this from so many others that I’m no longer scared about being “only” an author and wondering how an illustrator will imagine my story. Instead, I look forward to seeing the visual magic an illustrator conjures from the text. Thanks for a great interview! I do see a dozen books in the offing.
February 29, 2016 at 3:25 pm
Ann Kelley
Thank you for sharing your processes! I want to read this book now, please! 🙂
February 29, 2016 at 3:43 pm
supermario6
Can’t wait to read this book!
February 29, 2016 at 3:53 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Sounds like a very original manuscript — and I’d love to see how Joyce was able to draw Egg with personality. That sounds like a challenge!
February 29, 2016 at 3:56 pm
Gloria Amescua
Great idea, love the illustrations
February 29, 2016 at 3:57 pm
Shari Della Penna
I love the idea. Thanks for the great questions and great answers!
February 29, 2016 at 4:04 pm
danielle hammelef
This book is so cute! thanks for the chance to win a copy.
February 29, 2016 at 4:56 pm
rythmicrhyme
Can’t wait to read this book as my son raises chickens in Alaska and eggs are hatching as I write this! He and his wife had a baby in January too so this would make a perfect gift. Thanks for the post and reminder that authors are only half of the equation.
February 29, 2016 at 5:04 pm
Lynne Marie
An egg-cellent choice for a blog post and give-away! Thanks for the insight into this book, author and illustrator!
February 29, 2016 at 5:21 pm
Pam Miller
Congratulations, Laura. PEEP AND EGG sounds like a book for every child, and me, too.
February 29, 2016 at 5:22 pm
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
YAY! I saw this out in the WILD yesterday at Target. Thanks so much for sharing your process ladies!
February 29, 2016 at 6:00 pm
katmaz2012
So cute! I can’t wait to read it.
February 29, 2016 at 6:05 pm
Rebecca E. Guzinski
This sounds eggdorable and peeperiffic! I can’t wait to read it!
February 29, 2016 at 6:23 pm
Tina Cho
Peep & Egg are SOOOO adorable! Congratulations. You make a great team.
February 29, 2016 at 6:31 pm
rimna
So adorable – can’t wait to read it.
February 29, 2016 at 6:37 pm
Mary McClellan
What a fun book! Can’t wait to read it!
February 29, 2016 at 6:39 pm
Jacqueline
It’s great to hear both sides of the behind-the-scenes story! And now I can’t stop wondering about that surprise hidden in the endpaper…
February 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm
Lynn Becker
Nice–that was a fun and informative post!
February 29, 2016 at 9:15 pm
Deborah Allmand
Great insight into the process. Best of luck with all four books. Can’t wait to read them.
February 29, 2016 at 10:14 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Ladies, thank you for the behind the scenes peep. Can’t wait to crack open a copy.
February 29, 2016 at 10:53 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
Oh, my. This looks perfectly adorable. Thanks for an interesting interview!
February 29, 2016 at 11:53 pm
Stacy S. Jensen
Thanks for sharing your story! We just read a copy from the library. Kiddo enjoyed it.
March 1, 2016 at 12:24 am
Jeanna Massman
My grandson would love this book. It’s perfect for Easter.
March 1, 2016 at 12:43 am
cbcole
Carol Cole. I like the emphasis on not having too many illustrator notes, but leaving that up to the illustrator how they approach the story.
March 1, 2016 at 12:52 am
Angie
I love hearing stories of how books came into being. What a fun story! Thank you for sharing with us. 🙂
March 1, 2016 at 1:25 am
mermaidrain
What a great idea! I love hearing these kinds of stories!
March 1, 2016 at 2:14 am
setwiggs
This post goes so well with the message from ReForReMo: to leave room for the illustrator to tell the story and to trust the illustrator. Love the dialogue between the writer and illustrator.i’d love to win this PB.
March 1, 2016 at 2:24 am
Erika Hitchcock
Love the illlustrations! Look forward to checking out this cute book.
March 1, 2016 at 2:44 am
Laura
What an adorable book! I would be really excited to get this for my nieces. I’m sure they would love it. They LOVE reading. 🙂
March 1, 2016 at 2:49 am
Darcee Freier
Congratulations on your book! I have some nieces who would love your story! I’ll be on the lookout for it at the book store. Fun interview format! Thanks!
March 1, 2016 at 4:16 am
MickiGinsberg
I can’t wait to read this book to find out how you did it. Thanks for your post!
March 1, 2016 at 7:14 am
Artelle Lenthall
I’m not from the US so not eligible to win, but I had to say that this sounds so cute and what a great way to run an interview.
March 1, 2016 at 9:26 am
Patty Bennett
I benefitted greatly from reading the exchange between author and illustrator. Very cute idea for a PB.
March 1, 2016 at 9:35 am
Kelly Vavala
Sounds like and adorable book and can’t wait to read!! Congrats on your success!
March 1, 2016 at 10:00 am
christinerodenbour
Great interview, thank you. Looks like a winner to me! Love it and haven’t even read it yet. (The helmet! Ha!)
March 1, 2016 at 10:50 am
Virginia Law Manning
This was so cute having the author interview the illustrator and illustrator interview the author. LOVED IT! Oooo, I hope I win!
March 1, 2016 at 12:41 pm
Sheri Rad
I loved getting the viewpoints of both the author and illustrator as I understand they don’t talk much except through the publisher or agents. Eggs with personality sounds interesting. Story ideas are jumping around.
March 1, 2016 at 1:21 pm
hgrange9
It’s always fun to here about the work that goes into creating great books like this one.
March 1, 2016 at 2:05 pm
Cinzia
So much fun to see the writer-illustrator relationship! Can’t wait to see the book
March 1, 2016 at 2:55 pm
Veronica Bartles
How fun! I love these characters already. Can’t wait to read!
March 1, 2016 at 3:37 pm
jpetroroy
This looks adorable!
March 1, 2016 at 3:55 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
This is an adorable idea for a book. I really like how this interview was conducted between the author and the illustrator of it.
Tara, your sense of humour is delightful.
Of course, since I am in Canada, I know I am not entered to win this book, but I wanted to respond anyway.
Congrats to both Laura and Joyce for a fun book for children.
March 1, 2016 at 5:27 pm
Laura Harrison
Bold, original illustrations. Such a perfect book for Spring!
March 1, 2016 at 5:32 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks for the insights ladies. Can’t wait to see the book!
March 1, 2016 at 6:03 pm
Lori Alexander
Sooo adorable–congrats!
March 1, 2016 at 8:35 pm
Sandy Perlic
Looking forward to checking out this adorable book from two talented creators!
March 2, 2016 at 1:25 am
Jenna Woloshyn
Sounds so fun. I can’t wait to check it out.
March 2, 2016 at 8:55 am
Jim Chaize
Very helpful to hear, that if a child gets the whole story just from the words the writer has failed. Thanks.
March 2, 2016 at 12:16 pm
lindamartinandersen
Terrific interview and collaboration! Team work that created something very special!
March 2, 2016 at 3:18 pm
rubineleanor
Thanks for the helpful back and forth about the process of developing this delightful book.
March 2, 2016 at 4:11 pm
kcareywrites
I love Laura’s comment that her story was not complete until Joyce added illustrations! As an author, I often struggle to tell the whole story — nice to be reminded that I only need to tell 1/2 the story — and I can happily leave room for the illustrator to tell the other 1/2!
March 2, 2016 at 9:44 pm
marty
Great interview. Love getting all the insights from both writer and illustrator!
March 4, 2016 at 1:10 pm
Susie Hou
wonderful interview. the illustrations are super cute! can’t wait to read this book. Thanks!
March 5, 2016 at 10:57 pm
Kathy Doherty
I will be checking out that from end paper surprise real soon! Thanks for the great interview.
March 6, 2016 at 10:36 am
Lotus Ivak
Congratulations on the book Laura and Joyce! I can’t wait to read it!
March 6, 2016 at 11:07 am
Lauri Meyers
What a fun interview(s) to read! It’s amazing to see how things have a way of working out, even if it’s different than what you imagined.
March 6, 2016 at 3:57 pm
desitheblonde
this si so me i love the way you did the book me i raised chick and hatch them and then i gave them back to momma usually welll i love to read a dn blog on it
March 7, 2016 at 11:01 am
yangmommy
Loved reading about their process! Can’t wait to read lots of Peep & Egg (Piggie & Elephant had better watch out :> )
March 7, 2016 at 12:17 pm
Natasha Wing
Great book for Easter.
March 7, 2016 at 1:43 pm
Anna E. Jordan
Well now that you’ve created the end paper mystery and talked about the emotions of an egg I’ve got to have a copy. Congrats to you both!
March 7, 2016 at 8:40 pm
saritarich
I loved reading about the collaboration between Laura and Joyce! And I’m thrilled for the additional books that are coming in this series. Thank you for sharing your insights and beautiful work!
March 7, 2016 at 11:57 pm
laura516
Adorable! Can’t wait to read it!
March 11, 2016 at 12:04 pm
Lynn Mook
Thank you, Laura and Joyce, for your great insights in creating such an adorable book! I can’t wait to put it in my collection!
March 13, 2016 at 11:11 pm
Jennifer Essad
my parents started giving our children books for birthdays, holidays and visits in between. We started putting a book or two in the their Easter Baskets and Christmas Stockings when they were little. I know we would appreciate this book for our collection – thanks for the chance