by Gabi Snyder & Robin Rosenthal
Thank you, Tara, for hosting the cover reveal for TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE!
READY TO EMBARK ON A JOURNEY?
When the gate is left open, one dog escapes the yard for an adventure on tricycles, trolleys, and trains. This hilarious story counts up to ten and back down again as more pups join the fun—and one very determined cat goes on the chase!
Coming in May 2020!
We (author Gabi Snyder and illustrator Robin Rosenthal) “met” for the first time over video chat to discuss our experiences creating TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE, which is the debut picture book for us both!
RR: What inspired TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE?
GS: I’d say one part real-life and one part kidlit! The dog versus cat dynamic that plays out in the story was inspired, in part, by my childhood pets. I grew up with a cat we called Kinko (named for his kinked tail) and an assortment of dogs. Kinko was the undisputed boss. Now my family includes one dog and one cat. (They take turns keeping each other in line.)
As a kid, one of my favorite picture books was GO, DOG. GO! by P.D. Eastman. I must’ve read that book hundreds of times, anticipating the playful and action-packed dog party at the end. The silly dogs and sense of movement and fun in TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE are, in part, an homage to the P.D. Eastman classic.
GS: Speaking of silly dogs, I adore the characters you’ve created for TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE and your bold, colorful style! What drew you to the text?
RR: Thank you! Wow, I love hearing the backstory!
I loved this text when I first read it. It is so simple, and you leave such a generous amount of room for the illustrator to play. The joke is entirely in the illustrations. You really had to trust your illustrator to pull it off! It’s a true partnership of art and text.
RR: How did you make choices about leaving room for an illustrator? Was that hard? What, if anything, surprised you about my art?
GS: Tough questions! I didn’t make a conscious effort to leave room for an illustrator, but I did aim for spare. The text is very simple, but functions as both a counting book and an epic chase! As a counting book, it does specify the number of pups and mode of transportation for each spread, but the appearance and personality of the dogs and the setting were left open to interpretation. I did include a few illustration notes about the cat character and her story arc that’s not obvious from the title or the text!
The story escalates to “Nine daring dogs on a hot-air balloon.” But when we reach “Ten dogs,” there’s a revelation. That tenth animal is NOT a dog! And while my illustration notes made clear who that is, I did not specify where we are. Robin, your illustration there is hilarious and unexpected! I gasped in surprise when I saw it, and yet it seems like the inevitable “of course!” choice. Truly perfection. Thank you!
GS: The humor in your art is fantastic. I especially love the facial expressions and costume choices for the cat. What influences did you draw upon when creating this fun group of pups and one sneaky cat?
RR: When I read the text, I immediately knew that I wanted to create this cat character. In my head she was part Garfield/part Terminator: kind of aloof, but also with strong drive and purpose. I wanted the dogs to be happy, optimistic, and confident. I also wanted each dog to be different so there would be a surprise on every spread. I spent a lot of time getting the expressions right, as they need to convey the emotion of the story without any text to back them up. The clothing is a little bit 80s retro mixed with current kids’ fashion styles.
GS: Part Garfield/part Terminator—ha! I love the 80s retro vibe in your art.
RR: What was your experience like as a debut picture book author? Anything that surprised you about the process?
GS: I was delighted to have the opportunity to work with editor Meredith Mundy and the team at Abrams. The suggested text changes were pretty minor, but definitely strengthened the story. As a newbie, I didn’t know what to expect, but was happily surprised that Meredith kept me apprised of each new development with the art. It was such a delight to watch the characters come to life in your adorable illustrations.
Meredith recently asked me whether the book looked like what I’d imagined when I submitted the text. In truth, the book’s illustrations are even more adorable and humorous than I’d imagined in my head. The 80s retro vibe/wardrobing of your characters is very much in line with my aesthetic. The only big surprise was the “Ten dogs…WAIT!” spread (which, as I mentioned above, I ADORE). And then when I saw the full color illustrations—wow! It may sound clichéd, but there’s something magical about the picture book collaboration between an author and an illustrator. The whole is so much more than the two parts!
GS: What was your experience like as a debut picture book illustrator? Anything that surprised you about the process?
RR: So, first of all, that is so nice to hear! I appreciate that they keep the author and illustrator separate throughout the process, but it is also a little strange to not really know how an author is feeling throughout the process. Meredith would give me very nice updates—like “The author loves the character sketches!”—so that was helpful. I felt a big responsibility with your work!
I think the hardest part for me as a debut picture book illustrator was the pressure I put on myself. This is your first impression, DO NOT blow it! I had to keep reminding myself that the kids are my audience. Will they laugh? Will they love it and want to read it again? I tried to make that my focus.
Meredith and our art director, Hana Nakamura, were a pleasure to work with and they gave me a lot of freedom and great feedback. For the cover, we agreed we wanted to show our three main characters. I drew a lot of options and here are a few.
Meredith and Hana and the team at Abrams picked one and sent some feedback:
And here is the final cover! I’ve just heard they are going to foil stamp the blue type and the scarf stripes, so I am excited to see that when it is printed!
TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE is available for pre-order!
Gabi and Robin will give away one copy of TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE to a lucky commenter (to be sent your way when it releases in May 2020)!
Leave one comment below.
A winner will be randomly selected next month.
Good luck!
121 comments
Comments feed for this article
August 8, 2019 at 9:40 am
Krista Harrington
Congratulations on your new book! It looks super fun!
I, too, loved GO, DOG. GO! as a child, as does my son.
August 16, 2019 at 5:17 pm
Gabi Snyder
GO, DOG. GO! is a classic — so re-readable! 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 9:44 am
Jo Dearden
I’m intrigued by the set up and can’t wait to see what happens at ‘The End’…
August 8, 2019 at 9:49 am
Mary Worley
Congratulations, Gabi and Robin! I adored the story, and the illustrations make it even funnier. Cannot wait to see the Ten Dogs spread. So happy for you both.
August 8, 2019 at 12:15 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thank you, Mary! This story wouldn’t exist without your encouragement! 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 9:49 am
Michele Prestininzi
Fun! Fun! The cover is so intriguing:)
August 8, 2019 at 9:50 am
Anitha Kuppuswamy
Super fun & very cute book!!
August 8, 2019 at 9:50 am
Mary Warth
Congratulations! What a fun concept and I love the peek at the cover options.
August 8, 2019 at 9:51 am
fspoesy
This looks so fun! I especially liked the multiple cover options and the notes showing the process.
August 8, 2019 at 9:53 am
Keenie Valega
Fantastic artwork! Colorful, clean and crisp.
August 8, 2019 at 9:56 am
Kim Larson
Congrats, Gabi! What a fun idea. Can’t wait to read your book. Adorable art work, too!
August 8, 2019 at 9:58 am
Suzanne Lewis
Sounds like a completely silly, wonderful picture book! Thanks for another great interview, Tara!
August 8, 2019 at 9:59 am
kareneastlund4898Karen Eastlund
Great post! The book looks phenomenal… Thanks so much!
August 8, 2019 at 10:01 am
Dee Knabb
Congratulations on your clever, intriguing book, Gabi and Robin. Love the idea and art.
August 8, 2019 at 10:01 am
bamauthor
Interesting to follow the process…
August 8, 2019 at 10:02 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Can’t wait to read Two Dogs on a Trike and to see the foil on the cover! Congratulations!!
August 8, 2019 at 10:04 am
June Sengpiehl
I enjoy reading about how picture books came to be and seeing how diverse
each one is.
August 8, 2019 at 10:04 am
Cheryl Kula
Working with an illustrator now for my picture book – it’s an amazing and rewarding process. Love hearing about your edits and tweaks.
August 8, 2019 at 10:04 am
Writer on the run
Loved reading about the process! Can’t wait to see the book!
August 8, 2019 at 10:07 am
ptnozell
I love Go, Dogs. Go! and I love the backstory to your debut picture book, Gabi. Congratulations to you both! Can’t wait to read it, especially after seeing this cover.
August 16, 2019 at 5:19 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks, Patricia! Robin’s art has so much personality! And thanks so much for sharing on Twitter! 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 10:10 am
Lisa Dibble
What a cute book! Would love a copy!
August 8, 2019 at 10:30 am
Claire W Bobrow
Congrats, Gabi and Robin! This book looks adorable and silly in all the best ways. I can’t wait to read it!!
August 8, 2019 at 10:36 am
danielledufayet
I’m already in love with this cute book! Thanks for sharing your story and congrats!
August 8, 2019 at 10:45 am
RebeccaTheWriter
This looks adorable! Thanks for sharing your journey!
August 8, 2019 at 10:52 am
marshaelyn
Go, Gabi, Go! The excitement and anticipation of launching your first picture book must thrill you. Congratulations! Being able to connect with Robin throughout the illustration process had to be quite a treat and learning experience. I imagine you’ll both benefit from the experience when working on your new books. I’ll make certain that our local library order your debut book. Best of continued success on your writing journey!
August 8, 2019 at 12:19 pm
Gabi Snyder
It was a joy to watch the characters come to life through Robin’s adorable illustrations! Thank you so much for asking your local library to order the book! 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 10:53 am
authoraileenstewart
Sounds hilarious!
August 8, 2019 at 11:04 am
Carole Calladine
What a fun looking book. Love the look of the characters. Will watch for it next May.
August 8, 2019 at 5:51 pm
Nancy Riley
What a fun-sounding adventure! Congratulations to both of you on your debutes! I love the bright, bold art for the cover. Good luck!
August 8, 2019 at 11:07 am
Jennifer Johnson
I like the look of the art. Since I graduated high school in 1983, the eighties vibe is my jam. I look forward to reading it.
August 8, 2019 at 11:08 am
claireannette1
I love getting the perspectives of both the author and illustrator. Two Dogs on a Trike looks like so much fun. I predict it will become a fan favorite for young readers.
August 8, 2019 at 11:10 am
Janet Johnson
Love the discussion! So fascinating to see how it worked for you!
August 8, 2019 at 11:10 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
This is great background information about how a picture book is such a collaboration between words and art. I loved hearing the stories of both the writer and illustrators. I look forward to sharing it with my dog and cat loving grandchildren.
August 8, 2019 at 11:16 am
Lori Alexander
Adorable!! Love the headband on the cat 🙂 Thanks for sharing the story behind the story.
August 16, 2019 at 5:21 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks, Lori! I love the headband, too! 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 11:19 am
Kathy Halsey
Oh, meow-velous. I love this collaboration – fun story, great art and I can’t wait to see the surprise spread. Congrats to u both on your debut. I, too, was a huge fan of GO, DOG, DOG. Hope I win – tail crossed. LOL
August 16, 2019 at 5:22 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks, Kathy! I may need to steal “meow-velous” — ha! 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 11:24 am
marty
This book looks terrific. I always love hearing how stories and illustrations come about. Congrats to both of you, Gabi and Robin, on your collaboration and success!
August 8, 2019 at 11:25 am
Paige
Congratulations to you both! It sounds like a fun book and a wonderful collaboration. I can’t wait to read it.
August 8, 2019 at 11:25 am
Linda Mitchell
Hooray for a fun and funny PB about dogs and cat. The part Garfield/Terminator description had me lol-ing. I’m challenging myself to write more humor these days. I need an antidote to reality! I love getting great examples that are fresh. Thanks for sharing!
August 16, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks, Linda! I’m with you on needing an antidote to reality these days! 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 11:29 am
Lynne Marie
So much fun in one book. I can’t even! Thank you for sharing all of this and entertaining and inspiring us. Wishing you all much success!
August 8, 2019 at 11:39 am
Mary Lou Johnson
A first picture book for each of you–author and illustrator! I am eager to see how the story evolves and especially to see the final page that surprised and delighted you, Gabi! BRAVO!!
August 8, 2019 at 11:39 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
This was all super fun to read, and especially loved the cover evolution process. SO important to capture and convey what awaits the readers inside the book! Congrats!
August 8, 2019 at 11:42 am
bornwild
What a delightful cover and pitch. I loved hearing how the text (and writer) left room for the art (and artist) to develop and create a surprise ending. So cool that it was a surprise for the author, too, yet felt inevitable. That’s when you know you’ve got a great partnership.
August 8, 2019 at 11:45 am
Kaylynn Johnsen
I loved “Go, Dogs, Go” and it was a favorite to read with my kids. Your addition of a cat sounds like so much fun. Congratulations.
August 8, 2019 at 11:47 am
Brenda Huante
This sounds like a fun book. Congratulations!
August 8, 2019 at 12:12 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Thanks for sharing…and congrats!
August 8, 2019 at 12:15 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Congratulations, Gabi and Robin! I was impressed with Gabi’s writing when we met at last year’s Oregon Garden Retreat and now I know why.😊 Looking forward to seeing Robin’s debut art added to the mix.
August 8, 2019 at 2:15 pm
Gabi Snyder
Aww… Thanks, LeeAnn! 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Gail Hedrick
Thank you to all for this insightful look at your processes to produce this adorable tale. Congrats on all ‘counts’!
August 8, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Lillian Heckinger
This process was so interesting and helpful. It made me smile. Thank you, and congratulations!
August 8, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Lucretia
Congratulations, Gabi and Robin! Thank you for sharing your experiences with and insights into this process. Can’t wait to enjoy the story and engaging illustrations next May! I will definitely ask my local library to order it, too.
August 16, 2019 at 5:25 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks so much for your kind comments and for asking your local library to order the book, Lucretia! 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Penny
Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to see the book!
August 8, 2019 at 1:22 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Congrats to Gabi and Robin on this fun debut! Can’t wait to see more of the art and the story!
August 8, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Joy Pitcairn
I love this! Can’t wait to see it in print!
August 8, 2019 at 1:36 pm
kathydoherty1
Such a delicious cover!
August 8, 2019 at 1:45 pm
Pat Miller
I love hearing this backstory. Thanks! And foil?! Just the finishing touch for this fun cover.
August 8, 2019 at 1:58 pm
heidikyates
Congratulations Gabi! Thank you for sharing your process. This book looks so fun. I can’t wait to read it.
August 8, 2019 at 2:09 pm
Sheila Wipperman
What a fun book! Absolutely love the cover illustration, especially the flying ears and kicked-out leg! Grandkids would love this! Makes for a great library purchase suggestion, too! Congratulations, Gabi and Robin!!
August 8, 2019 at 2:15 pm
Amy
Can’t wait to see it in person! I do think that I liked the cat looking forward–as if he and the reader are sharing a secret, or as if he’s rolling his eyes about the silly dogs. Great job, ladies!
August 8, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Gabi Snyder
Reblogged this on Gabi Snyder and commented:
COVER REVEAL for my debut picture book!
August 8, 2019 at 2:31 pm
Mirka Hokkanen
As an illustrator, I really appreciate seeing the versions before the final. Thanks so much for sharing.
August 8, 2019 at 2:47 pm
nicolesalterbraun
I love to see the process! The cat is hilarious. Must read
August 8, 2019 at 2:50 pm
Janie Reinart
Enjoyed reading the interviews. The art made me smile and the story sounds fabulous. Can’t wait to see the surprise at the end.
August 8, 2019 at 2:58 pm
Cindyb
This looks like such a fun book! Can’t wait to find it on a shelf! Can’t wait to pick it up and read it!
August 8, 2019 at 3:55 pm
Corey Schwartz
Oh, this looks adorable! Loved getting a peek into the process by seeing the cover feedback!
August 8, 2019 at 4:07 pm
Ernie Tuesday
What a joy to hear about such an artistically compatible AND successful collaboration!!
August 8, 2019 at 4:07 pm
Shauntrell Leaks
Looks like a fun read 😀.
August 8, 2019 at 4:16 pm
dorothywiese
I loved reading how the illustrator worked with others on the team. Great job!!
August 8, 2019 at 4:23 pm
mariagianferrari
Congrats, Gabi & Robin. This looks so cute!!
August 8, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Oh my gosh! This looks so cute – I can’t wait to read it. I loved your comments about leaving room for the illustrator (and the surprises!) – thanks!
August 8, 2019 at 4:30 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
The book looks so cute. Congrats!
August 8, 2019 at 4:33 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Great interview Gabi and Robin! I love the whole concept of the story and the illustrations are wonderful! Congrats! It will be hard to wait so long for this one!
August 8, 2019 at 4:44 pm
frecklefacecakes
This looks wonderful. I love the illustration style!
August 8, 2019 at 4:51 pm
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
Congratulations! I always like a good counting book.
August 8, 2019 at 5:47 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
What a great book idea. Love the story and the cover. It’s so interesting to see and hear about the creative process. Love the final cover.
August 8, 2019 at 5:47 pm
David McMullin
So much fun! I can’t wait to see the final book, foil title and all.
August 8, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Danielle Hammelef
Thanks for the interview–this is the first time I’ve read about a debut illustrator and loved it. The illustrations are exciting and I enjoy the style.
August 8, 2019 at 6:12 pm
lakeafton
Dogs simply don’t get it. The CAT is always in charge. If you think you are in charge of your cat, you are mistaken, I assure you. This will be on my have to have list.
August 8, 2019 at 6:16 pm
Deb Lund
I’m definitely going to need this book. With my workshops on Piggyback Picture Books (which I call “learning from the masters”), this is a perfect title for my collection. Best wishes and congratulations!
August 16, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks, Deb! 🙂 I’m so happy to hear that you think this book will be a good addition to your collection! (And I hope our paths will cross again at another Oregon SCBWI event!)
August 8, 2019 at 7:19 pm
Nancy Furstinger
This book looks like a hoot–I need to add it to my dog PB collection. Congrats on a fun title!
August 8, 2019 at 7:41 pm
Debra Kempf Shumaker
Sounds like such a fun book! Congrats to the two of you!
August 8, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Debbie Meyer
Who doesn’t love a good dog book, but TWO dogs and they’re on a TRIKE?! And a grumpy looking cat?! EPIC! I’m in!! The cover looks adorable. Great job, Gabi & Robin. 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Cynthia Harmony
That really is a fun cover! Congratulations Gabi and Robin!
August 8, 2019 at 8:30 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Those dogs are the coolest. Mom would probably not let me ride a trike. She would call me a daredevil and a weirdo. And maybe naughty…
Love and licks,
Cupcake
August 8, 2019 at 8:51 pm
writersideup
Gabi and Robin, this book looks SO funny and you totally had me at “part Garfield, part Terminator” lol Can’t tell you how much I love seeing the various cover sketches and then the art notes! Thanks for a great dual interview 😀
August 8, 2019 at 9:46 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
What a great format for an interview! I loved “listening in” as the author and illustrator asked each other questions (and swooned over each others work). I really enjoyed this interview and can’t wait to read the book!
August 8, 2019 at 11:40 pm
Heather Kinser
I can’t wait to see all the canine personalities portrayed in this book! It was super-cool to ‘listen in’ on your conversation and hear your background stories. Gabi, as your crit partner, I’m over the moon for this debut! And Robin, your illustrations have brought this charming story to life. Thanks for sharing your cover concepts and editor/art director comments. That was very instructive.
August 16, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks, Heather! You were one of the very first readers of this book. Thanks for being such an awesome and supportive CP!
August 9, 2019 at 12:05 am
Katie
This was so fun to read, thank you!
August 9, 2019 at 6:40 am
Jocelyn Rish
This is adorable! So thrilled for you, Gabi (and Robin, too)!
August 9, 2019 at 9:59 am
Cedar Pruitt
Great learning the backstory of the creative process – thank you both!
August 9, 2019 at 11:36 am
Darcee A. Freier
Congrats to you both! Such fun when you interview each other.
August 9, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Lori Menning
I loved reading about the partnership between the author and illustrator! So much creativity on both sides. Can’t wait to read it!
August 9, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Joy Wieder
I agree with the editor and AD – love the ears flying! This looks like a super fun book and I can’t wait to read it. Congrats to both of you.
August 9, 2019 at 9:50 pm
seschipper
Both Gabi and Robin..Cheers on a job well done! This PB looks hilarious as well as being a counting book! Looking forward to May 2020! 🙂
August 10, 2019 at 4:38 am
Linda
We love books with dogs. We want to read this.
August 10, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
This looks so cute!! I can’t wait to read it! Congrats to both of you!
August 10, 2019 at 2:35 pm
helenishmurzin
Such an adorable cover! And it’s fascinating to see how it evolved.
August 10, 2019 at 3:25 pm
Angie
So cute! Looks like an adorable book! Congratulations!
August 11, 2019 at 11:12 am
Beverly Patt
GO DOG, GO was my youngest’s favorite book ever. Though he’s now 21, I’m thinking I should still get him this book, lol!
August 11, 2019 at 11:43 am
Tania Hebert
Can’t wait to read it sounds like a fun book. In the mean time I’ll have to look up Go Dog Go never heard of it. Congratulations 🎊🎉🍾
August 11, 2019 at 12:06 pm
ellenb
👍 Gabi and Robin, looking forward to seeing the book!
August 11, 2019 at 7:29 pm
Mary York
Congratulations, Gabi and Robin, on your debut picture book! Can’t wait to see it!
August 12, 2019 at 1:33 pm
Aimee Satterlee
This looks adorable, Gabi and Robin! I love reading about the journey of both a debut author and a debut illustrator on the same book. I can’t wait to read it and be in on the joke/surprise!
August 12, 2019 at 6:48 pm
curryelizabeth
This looks adorable! Thanks for the great interview!
August 12, 2019 at 9:02 pm
Karan Greene
So fun! Interesting to hear this conversation between the author and illustrator.
August 12, 2019 at 9:18 pm
Linda KulpTrout
This looks like such a fun book! I really enjoyed the interviews!
August 13, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Wendy
Your book looks adorable! I’m a Go Dog Go fan, too! Looking forward to reading. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your interviews.
August 15, 2019 at 12:23 am
Wehaf
I’ve always loved Go, Dog, Go! and this looks like a worthy successor! Thanks also into the peek at the cover design process
August 15, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Sheri Radovich
I love the premise and the back and forth with the illustrator. What fun to have some preliminary illos to look at and a book finally. Congratulations.
August 21, 2019 at 3:09 pm
LaurenKerstein
I loved reading this interview! GO, DOG, GO has always been one of my favorite books! Congratulations on your debut! I can’t wait to read it!
August 23, 2019 at 5:52 pm
paulastevenson7
Loved the interview and the insights of the debut collaborators as an aspiring soon to be published author!
August 23, 2019 at 7:28 pm
Stacy Nakell
I look forward to meeting these characters!
August 26, 2019 at 10:22 am
Linda Schueler
I’m intrigued! It sounds like a great book.
September 3, 2019 at 4:55 pm
Kassy Keppol
Love seeing the progress pictures!
September 4, 2019 at 7:42 pm
Lenora Biemans
This double debut sounds like fun squared.
Congratulations! Congratulations!