Cap’n Rex: 

It’s arrr pleasure to be here, lassie. We can spare a few moments before we must resume sailing the seven seas in search of buried booty. Our frigate is double parked at the yacht club.

ME: Can you tell me what it’s like to be characters in a picture book?

Kyle (the ankylosaurus): I like the colors that the illustrator used to draw me. I like how the author shows me as strong and brave. But, as a crewman, I always have to follow the captain’s orders.

Cap’n Rex: Aye, as it should be, laddy! I know what’s best fer ye!

Terry (the pterodactyl): I like that we get to wear clothes – it can get cold out on the high seas. I like that the author lets me fly. Sometimes when there are obstacles, the best way around them is to go over them.

ME: Speaking of obstacles, what is the theme of CAP’N REX & HIS CLEVER CREW?

Pat (the apatosaurus): Hmmm. I couldn’t say.

Cap’n Rex: Can’t ye? (note: Rex is glaring at Pat with teeth bared)

Pat:Oh, well, I guess the lesson of the story is that if you are persistent and think outside the box, you can solve pretty much any problem.

Cap’n Rex: Aye, yer a clever lass. It’s amazin’ what a powerful creativity stimulant the threat of being eaten can be.

Pat:Persistence is a particularly potent property for pirates to possess.

Cap’n Rex: Belay that alliteration!

MR: Let’s move on. How was the book title chosen?

Kyle: The origin of this story was the idea that if kids like pirates and they like dinosaurs (and who could blame ’em), then kids’d REALLY like a story that combined both. Sort of a literary Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. In fact, the author was going to write about dinosaur SPACE pirates. Can you imagine us sailin’ the stars?

Terry:That’s flying too high, even for me. Luckily, the author’s critique partners said that was mashing up too many things. So, we sail a frigate, not a spaceship. And did you notice how our ship is shaped like a giant triceratops head?

Cap’n Rex:None of ye arrr answering the lass’s question! The original title was going to be DINOSAUR PIRATES. As the artwork was being finalized, the author discovered that another book was coming out with that very title. So, at my (humble) suggestion, the author changed the name to better reflect the story (and to include me name).

ME: Where can people find out more about you?

Pat: The author’s website at www.henryherz.com be full o’ free fun features…

Cap’n Rex: BELAY THAT ALLITERATION!

Pat: … including a downloadable study guide, a book trailer video…

Cap’n Rex:I cut a fine figure.

Pat: …and chestfuls of information about famous pirates, pirate language, ships, recipes, movies, activities and jokes. 

Kyle: There’s also a Goodreads Giveaway right now where readers can enter to win a free copy of the book.

Terry: And in September through December, readers will have a chance to win original signed art from the illustrator!

Cap’n Rex: Well, the tides are shifting. We must take arrr leave.

And

ME Thank you for visiting! And safe journey!!!!!

Oh my gosh! Do you believe that, dear readers? A Q&A with a bunch of pirate dinosaurs…now THAT is a first on Picture Books Help Kids Soar!

And here’s another first…we’ve got to catch up on some giveaways. A week ago,

we interveiwed Moose the dog and Maria Gianferrari offered a copy of HELLO GOODBYE DOG…and the winner is:

JANE HEITMAN HEALY

Then, we had a book review of Susanna Hill’s newest picture book, THE ROAD THAT TRUCKS BUILT…and the winner is…

ANDREA MACK

And then we had a book birthday for Lisa Amstutz’ APPLESAUCE DAY…and the winner is…

MONA PEASE

I’ll be contacting all of you to arrange for ythe shipment of your books!