I was lucky enough to snag an interview with one of the hottest new picture book authors!   See what I mean? Not only is she gorgeous and talented, she's also clever and funny.

That's why I predict her new book, Too Purpley, will soar to the top of best seller lists everywhere!  
And, it will be followed shortly by its companion: 

It's easy to see at a glance just how much kid-appeal these books,illustrated by the extraordinary Genevieve LeLoup, have jam-packed in them. And Jean's not even done yet! To learn about other work coming soon, check out her award-winning website. But first you can find out more right here.

What inspired you to write these particular picture books?

Too Purpley! and Too Pickley! were initially inspired by a niece and a nephew of mine. When my niece Sarah was in preschool ─ she’s now old enough to have two children of her own ─ every article of clothing in her closet had just a little something wrong with it. Whether the tag was too scratchy or the pattern too stripy, every shirt, skirt or sock needed to pass the comfort test with Sarah. But then, when I had kids of my own, we all encountered our own closet monsters of strangling turtlenecks, creepy jeans and suffocating sweaters. And it’s not as if I’m any different. I spend most writing days in my favorite sweatpants and t-shirt ─ a perk of the job.

Likewise, Too Pickley! begged to be written for my nephew, Frank. Frank now sups on anything from wasabi to White Castle’s, but for many years in his young life, he only ate hot dogs ─ WITH THE SKIN PEELED OFF. Then a few years later I had food frenzies with my own kids ─  Pat, whose only fruit was apples; Tim, who gagged on whipped cream; Catherine, my bottle-free baby and Molly, my gourmet. I soon realized that grilled cheese tantalized everyone’s taste buds, so grilled cheese it was. Lots and lots of grilled cheese.

Lots of people seem to think that writing picture books is easy because of the simple language and short length of the books. Anyone in children's publishing can tell you that’s a misconception. What do you find to be the hardest part of the picture book-writing process?

I’d like to make out that I have the most difficult job in the world. But, while picture book writing may not always be easy, it is always fun. Probably the most fun part of picture book writing is getting to think like a kid and behave like a kid on paper. I have to take my mom hat off when I write for children. Otherwise Too Purpley! might have been titled