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A Peek Behind a Book by Jean Reagan
On March 25th, How to Babysit a Grandma, a companion to my Grandpa book, (both illustrated by Lee Wildish) will hit the stores. This book is a tongue-in-cheek story of a little girl’s helpful hints about “babysitting” a grandma for a sleep-over. Tips include: How to Keep a Grandma Busy, What to Do at the Park, Possible Places to Sleep, and How to Say Goodbye to a Grandma. Let me take you on a quick peek behind the scene.
Authors all remember the phone call from an editor—the call that said, “We would like to purchase your manuscript.” I screamed and danced crazily after hanging up. That call only pales in comparison to the two adoption phone calls years earlier that said, “We have a baby for you.”
What stood out for me in that call from Editor Allison Wortche was that she liked how my story would appeal to both quiet and exuberant children. She explained that many books aim primarily at extroverts. As a child, I was timid and so perhaps I organically include that sensitivity in my books. And then the role-reversal premise of the story naturally creates raucous humor as a balance.
Another, more significant event informs my writing as well. Nearly ten years ago our son, John, died as a teenager. He was a quiet, compassionate, sensitive child and young man. Parents remember very little that is said at a child’s funeral. But one speaker said, “May John’s memories grace the pages of Jean’s children’s books.” (At that time I was an unpublished, aspiring children’s author.)
These words still echo today as I approach each story. In the editorial process, much of an original manuscript ends up altered or deleted. But as each project approaches its final stage, I always comb through the manuscript to insure that John is still there.
Allison and I have just completed our fourth manuscript in our “How To” series. And, yes, there’s a little bit of John in each of them. Whenever my books are shared on a couch, are read aloud in story-times or are even used for “procedural writing” in classrooms, I am thrilled. The ripple effect of these giggles and connections is, in part, how John’s memories live on—the memories of his quietness and his exuberance.
JEAN REAGAN was born in Alabama but spent most of her childhood in Japan. She now lives in Salt Lake City with her husband. In the summers, they serve as backcountry volunteers in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. For more information, visit www.jeanreagan.com.
I’ll definitely look for this one. I LOVED How to Babysit a Grandpa. Hilarious! Good job, Jean. And thanks, John.
Thanks! Jean (the author) 😉
A beautiful post. This sounds like a wonderful book to buy for my daughters’ visits with their grandma 🙂 I love that you’re putting a piece of John into your work. I’ve tried to do the same thing with my brother-in-law, Jon, who passed in 2011. Thanks for sharing this.
Sorry for your loss of Jon, too. hugs. Jean
Thanks so much for sharing your family’s story, Jean. It made me cry. Growing up, I was a neighbor and friend of a girl who lost her older brother when he was in his teens. I think of both of them often. Your new book sounds wonderful – I think my daughter will love both the grandma and grandpa versions, so I’m putting them at the top of our reading list.
Thanks. And thanks for sharing the story from your childhood. Jean
Haven’t read either and am intrigued. They sound very clever and entertaining!
I hope you enjoy reading my “Grandpa/ma” books when you get a chance. 🙂
It was such a pleasure to meet you at Alpine Elementary at the Utah Beehive picture book event. You were delightful and such a great author to have children and parents and grandparents meet. Although you mentioned that your son had passed away, knowing the comment made at his funeral makes your book even more significant. To know that John is there in all your writing and he continues to bring spontaneous delight, smiles and happiness to those who read your books! Best wishes with “How to Babysit a Grandma.”
The Alpine Elementary event was amazing. It blew me away. Thanks for your best wishes.
“How to Babysit a Grandpa” has touched so many, many hearts and filled them with joy. I can’t wait to read Grandma’s version and continue a loving tradition! You’re an incredible writer, Jean.
Hope you enjoy “Grandma.” Next spring, HOW TO SURPRISE A DAD will be out. I’m just starting to get the sketches for that. Lee Wildish is such an amazing illustrator!