by Lisa Robinson & Eda Kaban
Thank you, Tara, for hosting the cover reveal for PIRATES DON’T GO TO KINDERGARTEN (Two Lions/Amazon), which hits the shelves in August 2019. We’d like to share a few stories about the book.
Pirate Emma is about to start kindergarten. But Emma’s not so sure she’s ready for a new captain and crew. Especially since her beloved Cap’n Chu is right down the hall. So Emma decides to sail back to preschool and stir up a mutiny against kindergarten. Is that what she really wants? Or does she just miss her beloved Cap’n Chu? Batten down the hatches, mateys, because the first day of school is going to be stormy!
Lisa, what was your inspiration for PIRATES DON’T GO TO KINDERGARTEN?
My daughters loved their preschool teachers and had a hard time saying goodbye to them. When I want to process something with my kids, I look for a book to use for discussion. Although there were many books about the first day of school, I couldn’t find any about preschool children who were sad to leave their preschool teachers behind. So I decided to write one.
What did you think when you saw how Eda Kaban brought your story to life?
I was so impressed with her vision for the book. I love how she made Emma such an expressive, lively, assertive character. What also amazed me was how Eda handled the interplay of fantasy and reality. Every time Emma leaves her kindergarten classroom and runs back to the preschool classroom, Eda portrays Emma as swimming through the ocean. This creates a delightful visual refrain.
What was your journey to publication?
It was a long haul. I was writing for almost ten years, which included getting an MFA, before Marilyn Brigham, my Two Lions editor, offered me a contract for PIPPA’S NIGHT PARADE (which comes out soon after PIRATES). I made contact with Marilyn through the Rutgers Council on Children’s Literature Conference, which I highly recommend (so does Tara–she is the co-chair). Soon after that, I signed with my agent Alyssa Eisner Henkin. I couldn’t have done it without the thoughtful feedback from my two critique groups, one online called Crumpled Paper, and my local SCBWI group.
Eda, what was your approach to the cover design?
I was picturing her doing a Tarzan swing while I was illustrating the interiors. She has such a big and strong character that I thought she should be doing something big and dynamic on the cover as well. I originally had her swinging on a rope in a pirate scene rather than kindergarten but our art director and editor had the input to have her in a classroom setting to tie up the concept more strongly. And with that feedback, the cover sketch came together.
What was your process for developing this distinctive and spunky pirate girl?
I fell in love with Emma the moment I read the manuscript. I could visualize her spunky attitude and I started sketching her out right away. I could see myself as a kid in her so it was easy to get into character and animate her in different poses. I created a lot of rough sketches. I edited the ones that didn’t relate to her as closely and cleaned up and colored the rest. Luckily everyone loved the designs when I presented her.
Can you say a little about your journey to becoming an illustrator for children’s books?
I’m originally from Turkey and I moved to the U.S. around 13 years ago to study art and become an illustrator. I spent 4 hard working years at art school. It’s a challenging restless marathon of drawing and painting everyday to build up your skills. Next big challenge was breaking into the industry. There are so many ‘no’s before you get one ‘yes.’ It can be really tough. About a year after art school, I signed with my current agent and only a week after that, I was offered my first book deal. I’ve been illustrating children’s books professionally since then for over 5 years now.
Thank you, Lisa & Eda, for revealing your cover! And now let’s reveal that Lisa is giving away an F&G to one lucky commenter.
Leave a comment below for a chance to enter–one entry per person, please. A winner will be chosen soon!
Good luck!
80 comments
Comments feed for this article
December 4, 2018 at 11:43 am
Lisa Dibble
This would be a great beginning of the year read aloud!!
December 4, 2018 at 11:54 am
Kathy Mazurowski
What fun! Great book for my grandniece!
December 4, 2018 at 2:57 pm
Lisa Robinson
Enjoy!
December 4, 2018 at 11:55 am
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
What a great concept! The preschool to kindergarten transition is overlooked and it’s wonderful to see this challenge explored through a fun picture book adventure.
December 4, 2018 at 2:58 pm
Lisa Robinson
Thank you!
December 4, 2018 at 11:56 am
Sharon Spellman
No surprise that Lisa would create a strong, spunky character for her first children’s book and find a great creative team to complement her work. Can’t wait to see the book in print!
December 4, 2018 at 2:58 pm
Lisa Robinson
Can’t wait to show it to you!
December 4, 2018 at 12:02 pm
Kassy Keppol
aaarggg thank you for sharing
December 4, 2018 at 12:07 pm
Sheri Dillard
I LOVE this cover and I think kids will, too! Congratulations, Lisa and Eda! And thanks for sharing your inspirations for the book. I love hearing the story behind how a book comes together. So fun! 🙂
December 4, 2018 at 2:58 pm
Lisa Robinson
Thanks, Sheri!
December 4, 2018 at 12:52 pm
JenniferShelby
I wish I’d had this book on hand when my first when to kindergarten! But at least I can get it for my second ❤ Arrrrrrr!
December 4, 2018 at 2:59 pm
Lisa Robinson
2nd child ahoy! Maybe the 1st will still enjoy it, too 🙂
December 4, 2018 at 1:12 pm
Jim Chaize
This looks like a lot of fun, and fills a needed gap for children having trouble leaving pre-school behind. Congrats on your success, Lisa and Eda.
December 4, 2018 at 2:59 pm
Lisa Robinson
Thanks!
December 4, 2018 at 1:27 pm
Amber Webb
#BookExcursion would love an F&G to share! It looks great!
December 4, 2018 at 1:32 pm
larnette
Love cover! Sounds like such a fun read aloud! I have two grandchildren in kindergarten, plus two preschoolers and would love to read it and donate it!
December 4, 2018 at 3:58 pm
Lisa Robinson
So glad to hear this!
December 4, 2018 at 1:39 pm
Stephanie Fitzpatrick
Thanks, Lisa and Eda, for sharing your process to get this book to publication! I am sitting in my office at work (a kindergarten assistant principal on lunch break!) and felt such a connection to your comments! Lisa – I do the same thing with my son…whenever we are doing something, I try to find a book to connect to it and if I can’t, I start to write my own (that’s where four of my manuscripts in progress are from!). I can’t wait to read this fun story!
December 4, 2018 at 3:58 pm
Lisa Robinson
It’s such a great way to have conversations about all kinds of topics, isn’t it?!
December 4, 2018 at 1:47 pm
doreenrobinson
Congrats to Lisa and Eda. The art looks amazing and I am eager to read about why Pirates Don’t Go To Kindergarten! I am sure this well help preschoolers process the idea of moving on up, which is a big transition. Thanks for sharing the story, Tara!
December 4, 2018 at 2:59 pm
Lisa Robinson
Thank you for commenting!
December 4, 2018 at 1:56 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Don’t feel sad, Emma. I’m not a pirate at all, but I’m not allowed in Kindergarten either. Being a doggie isn’t as easy as it looks.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
December 4, 2018 at 3:59 pm
Lisa Robinson
Pirate doggie?!
December 4, 2018 at 2:37 pm
Kelly Rice Schmitt
I love that you found the book that was missing the world and in your life.. and you went out and wrote it! That is just marvelous. I can’t wait to read about this spunky girl’s journey to the big kid zone of kindergarden.
December 4, 2018 at 3:59 pm
Lisa Robinson
Now I’m trying to come up with other books that are missing in my world and my life. . . 🙂
December 4, 2018 at 2:50 pm
kathydoherty1
I’m looking forward to meeting Emma in the pages of this darling book!
December 4, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Lisa Robinson
She’s quite a character! Eda did such an awesome job with her!
December 4, 2018 at 2:51 pm
lisabilla
Congratulations, Lisa and Eda, and thanks for a great interview- I love the story of how this book came to life, and can’t wait to read it!
December 4, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Lisa Robinson
thank you!
December 4, 2018 at 3:03 pm
ptnozell
Congratulations, Lisa & Eda, on your forthcoming picture book. I love how you identified a gap in the market, Lisa, and persisted to fill it.
December 4, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Lisa Robinson
🙂
December 4, 2018 at 3:49 pm
Brenda Huante
I can’t wait to read your book. Sounds like fun!
December 4, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Lisa Robinson
Thank you!
December 4, 2018 at 3:49 pm
Brenda Huante
I can’t wait to read your book. Sounds like fun!
December 4, 2018 at 4:30 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Can’t wait to read this! Sounds adorable.
December 4, 2018 at 4:41 pm
larnette
I love the cover and it sounds like such a good read aloud! I have two preschool grandchildren and two in kindergarten. I’d love to read it to their classes and donate to the library.
December 4, 2018 at 4:55 pm
Valarie Giogas
I cannot wait to hold this in person. Love the cover!!
December 4, 2018 at 7:08 pm
Lisa Robinson
Thanks!
December 4, 2018 at 4:58 pm
tinamcho
Love it! I have had a pirate theme in my kindergarten for the past 3 years!
December 4, 2018 at 7:09 pm
Lisa Robinson
You are going to love Eda’s illustrations, then. Her pirate classroom is awesome!
December 4, 2018 at 6:06 pm
Wendy
It’s always fun to hear from the author and illustrator! (Now I want to do the Tarzan yell) Congratulations, Lisa and Eda. 🙂
December 4, 2018 at 7:09 pm
Lisa Robinson
Thanks! Go ahead, do that Tarzan yell 🙂
December 4, 2018 at 6:17 pm
Traci Bold
I love that the pirate is a girl. Reminds me of Keira Knightley’s Pirate character in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. I cannot wait to read this book. Congratulations Lisa and Eda!
December 4, 2018 at 7:10 pm
Lisa Robinson
Hooray for strong, pirate girls! This one’s very feisty!
December 4, 2018 at 6:28 pm
Mary York
What a darling book idea! I love strong girls! And I love the bright artwork!
December 4, 2018 at 7:10 pm
Lisa Robinson
It’s very colorful, isn’t it? I love Eda’s artwork.
December 4, 2018 at 7:08 pm
Mirka
It was really uplifting to hear your story. 🙂
December 4, 2018 at 7:10 pm
Lisa Robinson
I’m glad. Thanks for your comment.
December 4, 2018 at 8:58 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Looks amazing! It’s inspiring to hear it was a long journey to publication for others as well…
December 4, 2018 at 9:56 pm
Peter Dargatz
Being a kindergarten teacher, I love this idea and it seems it would be a valuable addition to any kindergarten classroom.
December 4, 2018 at 10:15 pm
seschipper
The posts are always so inspiring!!! It really is a long journey but well worth the “Pirate’s Booty” at the end!!! Transitions are usually difficult, even from preschool to Kindergarten!! Can’t wait to read this story!!!! 🙂
December 4, 2018 at 10:23 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
I LOVE hearing RUCCL success stories (hopefully I’ll be one too some day!)
December 4, 2018 at 11:00 pm
Lisa Rogers
Love the inspiration for PIRATES! Looking forward to this debut!
December 4, 2018 at 11:08 pm
Mary Warth
Congratulations! This sound like a great book for those transition years. I appreciate hearing about the journey!
December 4, 2018 at 11:58 pm
Katie Giorgio
Looks like such a great book to help kids understand transitions. Thanks for sharing!
December 5, 2018 at 8:02 am
Linda Mitchell
What a wonderful book for kids….and their companion adults lol. That time of transition of saying goodbye to what we know and hello to the new is so tender at the young age of Emma. Beautiful work. Thank you!
December 5, 2018 at 8:42 am
Tina L Wheeler
I LOVE how Lisa explained the “long haul” it took to publication. It is inspiring, and it expresses some of the realities to expect on the road to publication.
This book looks (and sounds) like a great read, and I can’t wait to read it!
December 5, 2018 at 9:07 am
Linda
I love that the pirate is a girl.
December 5, 2018 at 9:29 am
Ali Pfautz
Such a great idea! I teach preschool music & movement and I know how attached some kiddos get. Bravo!
December 5, 2018 at 10:52 am
Ashley Bankhead
This book looks adorable! I loved reading the back story. This was a fantastic interview. Thank you for sharing. And I would love to win a copy.
December 5, 2018 at 12:10 pm
mariagianferrari
Hooray, Lisa!! I LOVE this cover and this book!! Congrats to you & Eda!! ❤
December 5, 2018 at 11:43 pm
Lisa Robinson
Thanks, Maria!
December 5, 2018 at 3:27 pm
RaeMcDonald
Lisa and Eda, Congrats on your new book. The children will have strong connections to this story as they galavant through their world.
December 5, 2018 at 9:14 pm
marty
Sounds like a winner. Love the background on how your idea came about.
December 6, 2018 at 7:35 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Great concept! Looks like a very fun read. Congratulations!
December 6, 2018 at 7:40 am
katrinamoorebooks
I can’t wait to meet this spunky pirate! Loved the interview, Lisa, Eda, and Tara!
December 6, 2018 at 7:57 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
I never thought about how sad it must be for a little kid to leave a beloved teacher. I’m glad there is a book that speaks to this now.
December 6, 2018 at 9:59 am
Lynne Marie
Love the story behind the story! Good luck to you!
December 6, 2018 at 10:32 am
Angie
So cute! I’ve been a preschool and a kindergarten teacher. Precious precious learners. Congratulations!
December 6, 2018 at 7:29 pm
Karen Lawler
My grandsons are in preschool and I see the wonderful attachment to their teachers that is forming. I’ll need to read this book to them by the end of this school year, I am sure! Thanks for the comfortable interview words! 🙂
December 7, 2018 at 9:09 am
Emilie Boon
What a fun cover! Can’t wait to see the book in print! Congratulations, Lisa and Eda!
December 7, 2018 at 8:17 pm
Debora Hoffmann
This looks like a darling book, Lisa and Eda! I look forward to reading it someday! Great idea to touch on the subject of leaving a beloved teacher for a new one–something we’ve all had to do so many times.
December 9, 2018 at 11:29 am
Jenna Woloshyn
Love this!
December 9, 2018 at 11:36 am
David McMullin
This book looks like so much fun! Congratulations, Lisa and Eda!
December 10, 2018 at 11:13 am
Sheri Radovich
Can’t wait to see this book as former kindergarten teacher.
December 10, 2018 at 1:37 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Love reading about your writing and illustrating journeys. Good luck with this awesome title!
December 11, 2018 at 4:42 am
Carolsue
These look like they would be awesome books for kids!
digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
December 13, 2018 at 10:24 pm
laura516
Lisa and Eda, thank you for sharing a bit about your writing/illustrating journeys. This school/pirate mashup looks like a winner!
January 24, 2019 at 10:58 pm
jessica shaw
What a great story idea!
February 6, 2019 at 10:10 am
Carolyn Currier
What is an F&G?