If you’ve been paying attention to the picture book scene the last few years, you’re sure to recognize this fella…
No, not that fella! He’s new!
I mean this fella…
…drawn by this fella…
…Mike Boldt!
So you’ve no doubt heard of him…he’s got several hit books under his pencil and now I can introduce that OTHER fella, because he’s the star of Mike’s brand-new book!
Say hello to Fergus!
Mike, how did Fergus first find his way into your head?
My ideas come from all sorts of places. The idea of Find Fergus literally came out of a conversation that I was having with my friend, Dan Santat. In jest, I said I was going to do a knock off of Where’s Waldo?, but where Waldo was terrible at hiding. We laughed, and then Dan told me that was a really good idea, and I should make it. I thought about it, and decided he was right! So I did!
Was Fergus always a bear?
Yes! It was very quickly decided that Fergus was going to be a bear, since actually doing Waldo in my own story wasn’t really an option. I thought a large bear would be funny, and then I tried to give him a Waldo flair with the glasses to pay tribute to the “original”.
Let’s talk about the color scheme. Why bright yellow?
I found the bright yellow background for Fergus right away. Originally, when I was working on the pitch, I did up a couple samples of a finished cover and a finished spread, and I used yellow in the background as a placeholder. But I instantly liked it so much it just stuck. There was one option where we tried a different color background, but it definitely was not right for this book.
Why do you think Fergus likes to hide so much? What’s going on beneath that big ball of fur?
Well, I believe Fergus is a character who has a rather childlike care-free approach to things in life. So whether he knows how to hide or not, he’s a bear who is going to have fun doing it. I really wanted to not only make sure that the theme wasn’t “Practice makes perfect” but rather “Practice makes progress”. I think with that approach we can have a lot more fun, like Fergus, even if we aren’t very good at something and enjoy the process. Besides, who doesn’t love a good game of hide and seek?!
No one doesn’t love hide and seek!
Mike, can you give us any hints about your upcoming projects?
Funny you should ask, Tara! I actually have two books coming out next year. A wonderful and silly book called GOOD NIGHT, ALLIGATOR by Rebecca Van Slyke, and another hilarious picture book called BLOOP (by YOU!) about a hilarious space invader. That’s about it for now.
Well, it’s a good thing we have a Mike Boldt book now to tide us over!
And blog readers, you can win a copy!
I’ll count while you go hide! 10, 9, 8…
Kidding! Just leave a comment below to enter and a random winner will be selected soon.
Good luck!
And follow Fergus’ Indie bookstore tour:
84 comments
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November 5, 2020 at 8:22 am
dinahodara
This book looks hilarious! Congratulations!
November 5, 2020 at 8:28 am
Jeannie Santucci
Can’t wait to read Find Fergus! Sounds like such a fun book, Mike.
November 5, 2020 at 8:29 am
Jeannie Santucci
Can’t wait to read “ Find Fergus”! Sounds like such a fun book, Mike.
November 5, 2020 at 8:31 am
kathalsey
I love how this book came to be per the conversation of Mike and Dan Santat! Plus Fergus is such a fun character. Congrats, Mike. Great questions, Tara.
November 5, 2020 at 8:56 am
karasibilia
Can’t wait to read this!
November 5, 2020 at 8:57 am
Mitchell Linda
Good Morning! What I love about authors describing their creative process is how ideas come from unlikely places. It’s the work and creative talent that brings them to life for us. I already love Fergus. I feel like him sometimes! Many congratulations. Can’t wait to *find” him in the wild. LOL
November 5, 2020 at 9:02 am
Cynthia Way
Find Fergus looks so funny, and we could all use a laugh these days
November 5, 2020 at 9:03 am
Cynthia Way
Find Fergus looks so funny and we could all use a little humor these days!
November 5, 2020 at 9:04 am
Patricia Alcaro
The children in my family love I DON’T WANT TO BE A FROG (especially the illustrations), so I can only anticipate the appeal of FIND FERGUS! Mix this story with the hilarity we observe when little kids attempt to play hide-and-go-seek (telling you where they’re hiding), and I’m sure this will be a delightful book.
November 5, 2020 at 9:23 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Congratulations to Mike – sounds like a fun book, and I’m sure kids will appreciate his try, try again nature!
November 5, 2020 at 9:25 am
Zach Roush
This looks amazing and reminds me of my 15 month old “hiding” from us. Thanks for sharing the process 🙂
November 5, 2020 at 9:34 am
Michele Helsel
Funny books are my favorites! Sounds like I have a lot to look forward to.
November 5, 2020 at 9:36 am
rosecappelli
Looking forward to meeting Fergus! Congratulations, Mike!
November 5, 2020 at 9:37 am
Nadia Salomon
What a hilarious concept! Love this.Congratulations on this and looking forward to your other two books too!
November 5, 2020 at 9:41 am
Maria
I love this idea! Congratulations on the new book!
November 5, 2020 at 9:42 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
This is awesome, good luck on the tour!
November 5, 2020 at 9:51 am
Becky Scharnhorst
Fergus is utterly adorable! I already know I’m going to love this book. 🙂
November 5, 2020 at 9:55 am
katiemillsgiorgio
How fun…thanks for sharing!
November 5, 2020 at 9:56 am
megmbarnum
Genius. I bow to your intellect and whimsy. As I rise from the bend, I’m awash with my own whimsy. I run to my desk and write. So fun. Thanks.
November 5, 2020 at 10:17 am
Sarah Tobias
“Practice Makes Progress!” I love this motto. One I strive for, and one I share with friends who are struggling with trying new things. I will FIND FERGUS in my home.
Off to find me a picinic basket.
November 5, 2020 at 10:22 am
Mary Littrell Rudzinski
Love Fergus! Thank you for the inspiration!
November 5, 2020 at 10:25 am
Angie
Wonderful! Most of us have probably had or witnessed a child sitting there in plain sight covering her eyes saying, “You can’t find me!” LOL. Congrats! Love the idea of “finding” Fergus at bookstores.
November 5, 2020 at 10:26 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Fabulous, focally-challenged Fergus!
Can’t wait to find YOU at my book store!
November 5, 2020 at 10:39 am
Lynne Marie
What fun — looking forward to Finding Fergus. Thanks for sharing!
November 5, 2020 at 11:06 am
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
So fun! I just love the illustrations!
November 5, 2020 at 11:18 am
Joannie Duris
Congratulations on all your upcoming books, Mike! I love fun and silly books. Find Fergus sounds like a perfect read aloud…and a future classic. I can already hear the laughter.
November 5, 2020 at 11:21 am
Gail Atherley
Your illustrations alone make me smile, but the depth of character and personality they portray is the best part. Congrats!!
November 5, 2020 at 11:34 am
Ames Jegen
I can’t wait to read Fergus! Sounds hilarious. Congrtulations
November 5, 2020 at 11:37 am
Kim A Larson
Fergus looks like such a lovable character. Your art work is wonderful! Congrats on al your books, Mike!
November 5, 2020 at 11:40 am
Cindy Greene
I can’t wait to read Fergus! Sounds hilarious. Congratulations!
November 5, 2020 at 11:44 am
Anna E. Jordan
Yay, Fergus! When it arrived in the bookstore (Politics & Prose), I did a read aloud with my fellow booksellers. I love the page when Fergus hides behind a tree. It’s so toddler-esque, fun, and interactive. Great for story time (I want live Storytime! 😢)
November 5, 2020 at 11:53 am
suehodara
This Halloween I saw multiple adults dressed as Waldo, so you’ve definitely tapped into something, Mike.
This sounds like a funny book with a great message!
Good luck with Fergus!
November 5, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Looks adorable! Can’t wait to read this.
November 5, 2020 at 12:20 pm
Dedra Davis
Tara, I love all your blogs, but this one has a hidden inspiration for me—“Practice makes progress” hit my heart because I hope to make progress in my writing and querying through practice! Can’t wait to read this book!
November 5, 2020 at 12:24 pm
Nicole
I LOVE this idea. Can’t wait to read it!
November 5, 2020 at 12:24 pm
Chelle Martin
You’re drawings are adorable. Look forward to reading this book.
November 5, 2020 at 12:57 pm
rindabeach
I hope Fergus finds me. He looks cute!
November 5, 2020 at 1:19 pm
Karan Greene
This looks like sooo much fun!! Can’t wait to read it!
November 5, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
I love your drawings. Congrats to you!
November 5, 2020 at 1:23 pm
aidantalkin
A Mike and Dan mashup idea?! The BEST, can’t wait to find Fergus!
November 5, 2020 at 1:24 pm
marty
Such a clever premise. Love Fergus with his glasses and his fun approach to hiding.
November 5, 2020 at 1:29 pm
rosihollinbeck
Just the idea of this book makes me laugh. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win and for a fun post.
November 5, 2020 at 2:23 pm
cath jones
Lovely illustrations and a great idea!
November 5, 2020 at 4:05 pm
Judy Sobanski
This will definitely be a LOL book! I can’t wait to look for Fergus. Congratulations!
November 5, 2020 at 4:48 pm
andreesantini
This looks terrific! Love it
November 5, 2020 at 5:10 pm
Mary Lou Johnson
Thanks for the joy boost for children–and their parents and grandparents!
November 5, 2020 at 5:22 pm
chardixon47
Congratulations Mike! Looking forward to reading about Fergus 🙂
November 5, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Looks like a great book!
November 5, 2020 at 6:23 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher 🇨🇦📚❤️ (@AnneLeBlanc2)
This book looks like SO MUCH FUN!
November 5, 2020 at 7:17 pm
Sue
How fun! Fergus is soooo much more loveable than Waldo!!
November 5, 2020 at 8:36 pm
tinamcho
Wonderful to find out more about Fergus!
November 5, 2020 at 9:28 pm
Jennifer Phillps
Congratulations! We need books that make us smile. This looks very fun.
November 5, 2020 at 11:06 pm
Charles Trevino
I find Fergus curious!
November 5, 2020 at 11:26 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
I like that Fergus is a bear. That makes it even more approachable than the original Waldo. Great idea! Kids will love this.
November 6, 2020 at 12:27 am
seschipper
Can’t wait to “Find Fergus “at the book store 🙂
(Also love “practice makes progress”!!!)
November 6, 2020 at 12:32 am
Karol Ruth Silverstein
This looks SO fun! And I must say – I love the fox character!
November 6, 2020 at 12:52 am
Heather Stigall
I’d love to find Fergus on my book shelf! This book sounds great!
November 6, 2020 at 2:06 am
Carolsue
This looks like a fun book that kids would really enjoy! Thanks for a chance t win it!
digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
November 6, 2020 at 11:15 am
Micki Ginsberg
I love “Practice makes Progress.” Bravo!
November 6, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Meredith Fraser
I play hide and seek with my grandchildren. Have you ever tried night hide and seek with flashlights? Such a fun game and Finding Fergus will be sure to put smiles on all seekers!!
November 6, 2020 at 12:35 pm
jcyoungstrom
I absolutely love this idea and the message, “Practice makes progress.” It’s a much needed message in, what sounds like, a very fun package. Thank you for sharing your talents I’m creating this book!
November 6, 2020 at 12:36 pm
jcyoungstrom
*in (not I’m–ha!)
November 6, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
November 6, 2020 at 2:52 pm
Christine Pinto
What a great, hilarious idea! I can’t wait to find him!
November 6, 2020 at 3:52 pm
Mark Ceilley
What a fun book! I love the illustrations and learning about where the idea came from.
Congratulations!
November 6, 2020 at 4:21 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Congrats, Mike. Looking forward to Find(ing) Fergus on a shelf near me very soon!!
November 6, 2020 at 5:21 pm
Denise
This looks like a fun book! Reminds me of my niece first learning hide-and-seek: “I’ll go hide under the table.”
November 6, 2020 at 6:14 pm
Rebecca Van Slyke
Thanks for the shout-out, Mike! I’m loving the F&Gs of Goodnight, Alligator!
November 7, 2020 at 12:22 am
Janet Frenck Sheets
We all need writer friends like Dan! Sounds like you found a great idea.
November 7, 2020 at 7:53 am
srkckass
I absolutely love the concept for this book. Great idea and congratulations. And thanks for bringing your tour to indie bookstores!
November 8, 2020 at 10:48 am
ElizabethSaba
Looks like a fun book!
November 8, 2020 at 11:27 am
Joanne Roberts
it just proves that the best ideas border between the brilliant and the terrible. Thank the Lord for crit partners
November 8, 2020 at 11:38 am
betlw
Fergus sounds like a fun bear if you can find him. I’m looking forward to hunting for him soon. Congrats, Mike!
November 8, 2020 at 6:32 pm
kathydoherty1
I love everything about Fergus!
November 9, 2020 at 3:29 am
carencreateschildrensbooks
FERRRRGUSSSSS! Come to visit me in Cleveland, Ohio! (It’s a GREAT PLACE to hibernate!)
November 9, 2020 at 8:10 am
Jamie Donahoe
Oh my – love this idea and have added a new favorite illustrator to my list.
November 9, 2020 at 10:15 am
Adam Blackman
Sounds like a fun book.
November 10, 2020 at 8:32 pm
Sue (Susan Uhlig) (@susanuhlig)
Sounds like so much fun.
November 11, 2020 at 1:54 am
Sandy Perlic
I’ll definitely be keeping a lookout for this book–how fun!
November 11, 2020 at 10:48 am
SuZan Klassen
I really like this Indie Bookstore tour idea and the poster you created to go with it! My grands will love the fun illustrations in your book. Thanks.
November 12, 2020 at 10:06 am
K. Yin
I’m here for the fox.
November 19, 2020 at 2:16 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
This sounds awesome! Can’t wait to read it!
September 1, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Ashley Barnes
My 4 year old won’t go to bed without this book. She wanted to share this with her class but we need a bigger book like the library’s use for story time is there somewhere I can buy this book in a larger size?
September 1, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Tara Lazar
Larger versions are sometimes made for libraries, but you’d need to ask Mike or the publisher. Sometimes school libraries have a tool called a ladybug to project a book onto a SmartBoard or other surface.