Interview With Children’s Picture book Author Joanne Foster, Ed.D

1. What inspired you to write this book? I love a creative challenge! Grumblesome is my ninth book, but it’s my first rhyming children’s picture book. My previous publications (for parents, teachers, and kids), all embrace aspects of learning and development, creativity,

motivation, and children’s well-being. However, this book is a genre pivot, whereby I reach out to a new audience of young readers The unusual and descriptive word “grumblesome” sparks an uplifting story about a child’s feelings, and family harmony. This story has been percolating in my head and my heart for many years, finally culminating in this book that I’m thrilled to share broadly.

 

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for? This story is for children aged 3 to 7, and their families. It’s about a young boy named Nat. He awakens upset during the night, then recalls a bedtime videogame-related argument with his parents. Readers follow along as Nat works through his emotions, and figures out a creative approach to make amends. The

rhyming verses throughout Grumblesome are enhanced by the vivid, detailed artwork by NY Times #1 bestselling illustrator Brandon Dorman. Parents will identify with the all-too familiar challenges of a technology-driven quarrelsome episode, bedtime unrest, and social-emotional turmoil. And, families will discover a practical resolution, and healthy ways to support children’s emotional growth.

 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? Grumblesome invites a heartwarming read-aloud family experience. I hope people (young, old, and in-between) will enjoy the rhythm and rhymes, the colorful illustrations, the exciting turn of events within the story, and the opportunity to think about all of that. The backmatter contains notes for children

and for parents, as well as some discussion questions, and recommended readings. The book has received a coveted Kirkus Starred Review, with the following lovely descriptor, “Has all the characteristics of a classic bedtime story.” Grumblesome will keep children enthralled, champion their resolve and creativity, and lead to sweet dreams.

 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? Grumblesome is a juicy word that’s fun to say. It’s memorable, and reflects the main character’s feelings when he wakes up in turmoil during the night, and becomes embroiled in an emotional journey. The captivating book cover was created by Brandon Dorman, who used brilliant colors and thoughtful detail to

showcase Nat and his room. Artistic designer Sasha Illingworth masterfully added the creative layout touches to the front and back cover, and all 32 vibrant pages.

 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? Keep tweaking your manuscript. Go back to it again and again with a sense of purpose and renewed vision. Look for fresh perspectives, tap your creativity, appreciate even small steps forward, and build upon ideas and nuances. Believe in yourself. Be tenacious, resilient, confident, diligent, and unapologetic. Take breaks when you need them. Find your cheerleaders. My fabulous editor, Harold Underdown, has been an integral part of my picture book venture, offering guidance and sage advice. My husband, and my family and friends, have been wonderfully supportive. Welcome the collaborative spirit of those who provide you with feedback and encouragement. Most importantly, take pride in your work, and enjoy the writing

experience. Do what you love to do, and let your words find their mark.

 

6. What trends in the book world do you see—and where do you think the

book publishing industry is heading? AI is having a huge impact on the industry. I dwell upon every word of my work, so I find it disconcerting to see the proliferation of instantaneously tech-generated and impersonal offerings. However, I hope that readers will appreciate the value and authenticity of real stories by real authors, and that publishers (like

mine) will continue to be encouraging of effortful, honest, artistic expression.

 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?  Yes. I have a doctoral degree in Human Development and Applied Psychology, and I’ve spent decades working with parents, educators, children, and teens in schools and communities. My writing is borne of my experiences—both professional and personal. The protagonist in Grumblesome is named after my late father, and the way young Nat overcomes challenge is a tribute to my dad’s inner strength, warmth, and cleverness.

 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? My writing style differs from one book to the next! I’ve written informative resource books for adults, how-to books for older kids (one on procrastination and one on igniting creativity)—and now a rhyming picture book! I love the power of knowledge and creativity, and I mine my imagination when I express my ideas. I’m grateful to illustrator Brandon Dorman for his brilliant portrayals of Nat’s feelings and actions, making this book unique. I’ll be interested in hearing how or if readers think Grumblesome is like any other books they have read.

 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? Grumblesome is a rhyming story. Every word, beat, and character’s response, is there for a reason. I worked hard to ensure the book would be interesting, meaningful, and fun to read aloud—to one or a crowd. I did not know how the illustrator would visually interpret the story, so I had to wait and see. I

held my breath for weeks… Then I received the initial sketches! I’m delighted with the manner in which Brandon’s drawings and my words have come together as a cohesive whole.

 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? Each choice we make helps define our destiny, so we must choose wisely. People should read (and do) what gives them pleasure, and makes them think. Grumblesome brings joy, and fuels reflection. If a story resonates for readers, it will find a place on their bookshelves. A rhyming story about a boy who grapples with his feelings, taps his creativity, and discovers the importance of love and forgiveness, is a timeless tale that will appeal to children, and to adults, too.

 

About The Author: JOANNE FOSTER, ED.D., has written several award-winning books. Her insights, authenticity, reassurance, and love of learning derive from her expertise in child

development and educational psychology. Joanne and her family live in Canada.

For more information, please see: https://joannefoster.ca

 

Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator! 

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 11 million page views. With over 5,700+ posts over the past 15 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2026, 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2026.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum