This interview originally appeared in the September/October 2020 Horn Book Magazine as part of the Publishers’ Previews: Fall 2020, an advertising supplement that allows participating publishers a chance to each highlight a book from its current list. They choose the books; we ask the questions.

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He thinks of himself as The Chicken Who Couldn’t, but yes he can-can, even when there is a fox involved.

1. What’s your favorite joke or riddle about the chicken and the road?

Well, I just came up with a riddle…Why did the chicken cross the road? Because it read my book! With its newfound confidence, it realized it can cross the road. It is a strong and powerful and nice-looking chicken!

2. Where would children’s books be without talking animals?

In a much more serious place. They help soften the drama. If a child fell out of the back of a truck and was left behind, it would be tragic! When a chicken does, it’s a big adventure. Plus, talking chickens are awesome. You just can’t go wrong with a talking chicken.

3. What do you tell yourself you can’t do (but actually can)?

There are many things I tell myself I can’t do…I can’t cook (actually, my husband agrees with that)…I can’t play the drums (well, the whole neighborhood agrees with that)…but I think I truly could do those things if I were to believe in myself. I recently discovered that I’m pretty good at growing tomatoes. Who knew? Sometimes I just need to tell myself I can do something, and then go for it. Especially now, with everything that’s going on, I very much need a “can do” attitude.

4. The surprise double-page spread is a gift to storyhours. Did you know it was coming?

The whole book was a surprise, really. I never plan out a book ahead of time. I’ll just start on a page, then hope for the best. Ideas often pop into my head while I’m in the shower. After a shower, I may know what the next page should be. I’m certain that spread was a shower idea.

5. Do you talk to animals?

I talk to my two canine companions, Spotzilla and Scout, constantly! But the conversation tends to be on the simplistic side, focusing on things like: “Who’s a good boy?” and “Who wants a belly rub?” With the turtle who lives in my backyard, it’s mostly about the yummyummy ripe banana that she gets for breakfast.

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Photo: Peter Mozley.