Monday, December 28, 2015

An interview with talented children's author, Rhonda Patton


Good morning everyone. Today I have the pleasure of chatting with talented author, Rhonda Patton. She has written several children's books, but today we will discuss her book, Grayson the Bully Frog.
We'll get right to the questions so you can learn more about Rhonda and her work.

·        Tell us a little about your story Grayson the Bully Frog:  
Ted and Raymond are best frog friends and they have been since they were little.  When they come up to one of Raymond’s friends, Grayson, Ted is made fun of by the biggest bully, Grayson. Ted is very sad and upset that he was made fun of.  
Sadly, bullying is part of today's society. I'm looking forward to the day when children are more understanding of others.
·        How did you get the idea for this story?  My daughter was bullied at her school from many people.  She hurt as well.  I want to change the next generation so they can see how it feels when they hurt someone, even name-calling.
I'm sorry to hear that. You have a beautiful family. It's a shame your daughter was subjected to bullying.

>·        Did you have a particular message to share in the story? 
My message to the younger generation is to be kind, look at how Ted reacts in the story of being bullied.  It hurts.
 That's excellent advice, Rhonda. If children would stop and think about how it feels to be teased, they might take a minute to think about their actions.
·        What age range would this book be best for? 
I believe anyone can read the book and learn a lesson but I am targeting Kindergarten to 5th grades.
I'm sure that age range would enjoy this story. The message is an important one.
·        How long have you been writing stories for children? 
I started out my first original story was “The Croak 500” and I wrote it when I was 19 years old.  I have always loved writing poetry.  
I've never tried poetry. I think you need a particular talent for that. Good job!
·        Do you have any writing projects now?  
I have many book titles I will be coming out with soon.  I just haven’t had the time as I have been in school.
I'll look forward to your new book releases.
·        What has been the most enjoyable (or exciting) part of your writing career so far? 
The children.  I love making happy stories for children that will stand out to them and be a better little person and young adults. 
We definitely agree about that! It's fun when the children are excited about your books, isn't it? It' the primary reason we write the stories. I think happy stories with important messages make the world a better place.

·        Who illustrated your book? 
My husband drew the characters and backgrounds and I filled the illustrations in with colors and background images. 
They're so cute and it's nice you can work together, the way my sister and I do with our books. It makes the process more fun.
·        Please share purchase links for your books: You can go to my website and the first page directs you to my book links to buy. 
Thank you so much for talking with me today Rhonda. We had fun together. I'm sure my readers will enjoy learning more about you and your talents.
Before we leave, I'd like to congratulate you on earning your Associates Degree in Graphic Design and working toward your Bachelor's Degree! 
You're welcome. I'm already looking forward to our next interview together."


copyright: 2015: Deanie Humphrys-Dunne
Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com
tube.com/watch?v=Rba4hkmmTyc&feature=youtu.bebook trailer: 



3 comments:

  1. That book probably bring the lesson home without sounding like a lecture. I love the cover. The colors work beautifully, and Grayson, though a frog, actually looks like some bullies I knew growing up. Best of luck with this newest one, and your other endeavors. Deanie, you run a very nice interview!

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  2. Great interview, Deanie and Rhonda! Good message that will resonant with children of all ages. We must discourage bullying any way we can. Commendable of you, Rhonda, to write about this sensitive but important subject. Blessings to you!

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    1. Thank you so much, Janice! It was fun and it is an important subject that needs to be discussed. Always love hearing from you.

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