Kids ask lots of questions, and some of them can be uncomfortable for adults. Isabelle Baowendsom Warfel encourages adults to let children ask any question they want. That’s the focus of her wonderful first picture book, Clara and Miss Claudia.
Read below to meet Isabelle and find out what she hopes readers get from her book.
Let’s get started learning about you. Who is Isabelle Baowendsom Warfel?
I was born and raised in Burkina Faso and moved to the United States in 2000. I’m married and I have two children. I enjoy cooking and listening to music, and I grow a vegetable garden in the summer, focusing on foods I can’t find here in the States. Also, I like to read and write.
Tell us a bit about Clara and Miss Claudia. What is it about and what inspired you to write your book?
I got the idea while in a pharmacy. It’s cute, but the message is to acknowledge that children are curious about many things, including race. The book encourages their curiosity and explains at the simplest level why we look different and how beautiful that difference is. Hopefully, the book can help children relate to all people.
Miss Claudia is a positive character even though she is a stranger. She took her time to help Clara with big questions. As adults, we can learn to listen to children and help them understand things they’re curious about.
How did you find Argyle Fox Publishing, and what convinced you that we were the right publisher for you?
I learned about Argyle Fox Publishing though the sister-in-law of a friend—Audra E. Balson, author of Rock, Recycle, Repeat! After hearing her talk about Argyle Fox Publishing, I decided to check them out. Based on what I read on their website, I decided to contact them. I was impressed how easy it was to work with them. They made great suggestions and are very knowledgeable about publishing. They got back quickly with helpful answers when I had questions. It was supposed to take us six months to complete the process, but it was completed well before that, and I was given the opportunity to be involved every step of the process.
Who is your target audience, and what do you hope readers get out of your book?
My book’s target audience is 3- to 100-year-olds. I hope they can understand that even though some people look different than them, we’re all beautiful no matter what color we are.
Chris Fowler created lovely illustrations for your book. How do you feel his art matched your vision, and how was the process of working with him?
Chris is very talented. I didn’t really know what I wanted. Chris was able to bring the book to life with the beautiful illustrations. The personality of the characters is perfect.
Now that your book is published, how will you measure whether it’s a success? What is your goal for your story?
Publishing it is already a success, but I hope to sell a lot of copies. That will be proof that people like it.
What are you doing to market your book and let folks know it is available?
I have posted on Facebook, and I’ll be contacting local stores to ask if they would sell it. I’m doing a reading at my church during a playtime organized for the summer. Also, I’m in contact with Barnes and Noble for a signing session, and I’ll be contacting the local public libraries too.
What feedback have you received so far on your book?
The feedback has been positive.
What did you learn about the publishing process that surprised you?
I learned a lot of new words, and I’m amazed that we could work on the entire book virtually.
What would you say to other writers who have a picture book but aren’t sure if it’s worth publishing?
Get in touch with a publisher or a book editor (Argyle Fox Publishing does a great job!) and people in your life you believe will give honest feedback. But it all comes down to the author to believe that their message is worth it.
Do you have other stories you’re working on right now? If so, can you give us a sneak preview of what’s next and when you plan to present it to the world?
Yes, but they remain a secret for now!
Where can readers find you online?
You can buy my book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BAM!, and The Sweet Shoppe in Lancaster. Additionally, you can find me on Facebook.
Is there anything else the world should know about you or your writing?
I write poems and hope to publish them at the right opportunity!
You’re a poet also? Love it! Thanks so much for sharing, and here’s to success!