5 Questions for Lisa McCue

Author of Quiet Bunny

What inspired you to write the story of Quiet Bunny?

After many conversations with a good friend of mine who is a speech language pathologist, I had the idea to write a book that targeted sounds that are instrumental for speech development and pre-reading/reading skills. I wanted to make the story interactive and fun, the type of story my own children loved to be read over and over and over when they were young, and the type of story that was fun for classroom story time. A bunny was an obvious choice for the staring role, first because bunnies are endearing to boys and girls, young and old. It was also easy to incorporate all of the sound needed to formulate early speech and reading skills using Quiet Bunny because he does not have any sounds of his own.

Why do you think the lesson of the story – to be your own person – is so important to teach to young readers?

I feel that stories should leave a lasting impression. After the initial idea of an interactive book with sounds, I started to think about what is an important message for children. “Be yourself “came to mind. As a parent, I watched my children’s progress through elementary, middle, and now high school, where much emphasis is put on being “cool”. Being cool often means fitting in to certain stereotypes. And there is tremendous peer pressure to dress, talk, and act like everyone else. Often the children who are true to themselves are ostracized for being different. With Quiet Bunny, I wanted to inspire all children to find their own voice, and then embrace each other’s differences as well.

The animal characters and landscapes are so incredibly detailed, and Quiet Bunny is so cuddly! How did you create the art in the book?

As a child, I loved books that you never tire of looking at and searching each page for the little details, the hidden grasshopper or the beetle chewing a leaf. I saw this with my own children as well. The art should be a feast for the eyes, for parent and child. I always include a lot of details in all of my books for this reason. I also want my animals to be full of emotion and expression so the child can feel more connected to them, while still maintaining their true animal characteristics.

How did you get started illustrating children’s books?

I have always loved picture books. I can remember spending hours, when I was young (and still do) just flipping through the pages looking at the art. I guess I always knew that illustrating what I was destined to do. I illustrated my first book while I was still in college — it was a case of being in the right place at the right time and having what they were looking for. I have been illustrating books ever since and have loved every minute of it.

What is your next project?

I am currently working on a book for Sterling called Little Chimps Big Day. What a blast I’m having drawing this little expressive chimp on all his adventures! The jungle-themed visual opportunities for details and fun are endless.

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