I had the wonderful opportunity of connecting with author, Sheryl Haft this past week and am thrilled to be able to share with you the inspiration behind I Love You, Blankie, and more!
KMP: Can you tell us what inspired you to write I Love You, Blankie?
SH: When my three daughters were little, I so admired their ability to use their blankies in imaginative play. In the daytime their blankies would be a queen’s veil, a magic carpet or Cinderella’s ballgown, but at night, their blankies would revert to being a safe and secure “lovie” to cuddle up with into bed. I wrote I Love You, Blankie to capture that magic of childhood and to inspire children to use their imaginations.
KMP: I Love You, Blankie is your first picture book correct? Do you have plans to write another picture book about Blankie?
SH: I Love You, Blankie is my first picture book, although my career and passion has almost always been related to writing and creating child-oriented products, educational experiences and activities. My second picture book is in the works! Tentatively due out May 2017. Like I Love You, Blankie, it’s meant to be a joyful and imaginative read-aloud.
KMP: Would you share with us some of the picture books that inspired you to be a writer? Are there any board books that you particularly love?
SH: Oooh there are so many! Here are some that specifically inspired this book: (They happen to all be classics—and often the books that I give as new baby gifts.)
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, Papa, Please Get The Moon for Me by Eric Carle, A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson. Board Book: Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
KMP: Can you tell us what you love most about I Love You, Blankie?
SH: Like the magic of a little theater, I love that this story can create an intimate, imaginative and joyful experience for its adult and child readers.
Many thanks to Sheryl Haft for sharing her thoughts with us. You can get your copy of I Love You, Blankie from Amazon.