Five Questions about Children's Books with Deborah Kerbel

Raise your hand if one of your fondest childhood memories was being read to by your parents. They’d pick out your favorite book – it didn’t matter how many times you had read it, it never got old – you’d curl up next to them, and they’d begin reading, transporting you to another time or place.

Children’s author Deborah Kerbel has traditionally published 35 books for young readers (from toddlers to teens), books which are becoming part of a new generation’s fondest memories. In this interview, she shares her publication journey, how the field of children’s literature has evolved, advice for aspiring children’s book writers, and the inspiration for her latest book, No Ungapatchka! 

Please describe your journey to becoming an author -- (when did you start writing? When did you realize you wanted to be a children’s author? How many tries did it take to get your first book published?

Like many first-time authors, my journey to publication was a roller coaster ride. There were so many dips and turns (and even reversals) that it would take too many pages to list them all. But in a nutshell, I started writing in my mid-twenties and it took me at least five years to get my first novel (young adult fiction) published in Canada. That was in 2008. It took 10 more years to get my first picture book published (2018). Fast-forward to the present day, my 35th book for young people comes out in October. Needless to say, determination and patience are vital skills for any aspiring author.

What’s your favorite children’s book?

Oh gosh, how can I possibly choose just one? Even narrowing down to a list of three feels like an impossible task…but here goes: Winnie the Pooh (A.A. Milne), Small in the City (Sydney Smith), Something from Nothing (Phoebe Gilman).

What do you think has changed in the field of children’s literature since you started writing?

So much! Maybe the biggest change is the evolution of themes with greater emotional resonance. While publishers always appreciate fun and whimsical stories, at the same time they also want depth – books that entertain while also offering opportunities for young readers to understand emotions and explore big feelings.

What advice would you give to aspiring children’s book writers?

Unless you’re well-read in the current picture book world and understand the style and structure of the genre, consider starting with a novel (middle grade or older). Novels are generally easier to write. People assume picture books are easier because there have fewer words – but that is exactly what makes them harder. All the same elements that are crucial to writing a good novel – plot, pacing, tension, character development, etc. – are just as important in a picture book. But in a novel, you’ve got 50,000+ words to develop these elements. In a picture book, you’ve got 500.

What inspired your latest book, No Ungapatchka!? 

A few years ago, a friend casually tossed out the word "ungapatchka" in conversation.

“Unga-what-chka? What a fun word!” I asked her to repeat it and explain, knowing instinctively that I was going to figure out a way to use it in a picture book. Maybe even make it the title. It took me a few years (and several false starts) to figure out what kind of story I could create around this word, but I did.

You can follow Deborah on Instagram at @DeborahKerbel.Books. Visit her site to purchase her books.