Friday, July 6, 2012

Author Interview with Nancy-jo Funaro



The DMS was lucky enough to interview Nancy-jo Funaro, author of the children's picture book Grandma Says... Dream Green. We recently reviewed this educational and colorful book on Margo's Musings, and It was fun to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about the story behind the story. So, without further ado... take it away, Nancy-jo! 


What inspired Grandma Says... Dream Green? 


I have had the fortunate opportunity to visit our 50 states. Each state's terrain is so different. With my camera, I have tried to capture a small moment in time to keep as a memory. Litter has and still is a pet peeve of mine. I wanted my photographs to inspire young children to appreciate what is around them and not to litter. Keep it Green and Clean.

How long did it take you to put together Grandma Says...Dream Green? 

It was a year long process. 

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

The Little Engine That Could by Watter Piper, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin, Bambi by Felix Salten, The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, The Call of the Wild by Jack London, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott among others.  


What is your favorite vegetable?


I have two, corn on the cob, with lots of butter and salt. I also love Portobello mushrooms sautéed with sweet red peppers.


If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

This is a tough question. Every state I have been to has wonderful environmental qualities. After traveling, I always find Connecticut is my home. Family is here.


You are the designer and photographer, and your sister, Mary-beth, writes.  How do the two of you collaborate on books? 


Once I had decided on the theme and the photographs for the book, my talented sister, Mary-beth Boughton, wrote the lively poems to each double page spread. Being a graphic designer, I had control of the pages. I researched a printer and self-published the book.



What is your absolute favorite texture?

Clouds are my favorite texture, no you can't feel them, but, because of the sun, wonderful shapes are constantly forming and changing. I enjoy looking up to the sky and imagining what figure or animal I might find to take a picture of.

Where can we purchase your books?

Author Website ☞ call me personally at 203-430-5681 ☞  RJ Julia Booksellers 768 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 















Posted by DMS at 6:00:00 AM

16 comments:

  1. Felicity Grace TerryJuly 6, 2012 at 7:18 AM

    Thanks to the introduction to Nancy-jo. I know exactly what she means about clouds.

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  2. https://booksthoughtsadventures.comJuly 6, 2012 at 10:26 AM

    Lovely interview!

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    Replies
    1. DMSJuly 7, 2012 at 12:22 PM

      Patty- Thanks! It is always such fun to learn more about authors and illustrators. ~F

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  3. momto8July 6, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    our favorite books too! and 50 states..wow!!!
    fun interview.

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    1. DMSJuly 7, 2012 at 12:22 PM

      Annmarie- I am impressed with the 50 states too! I hope I can see all 50 one day! Glad you enjoyed the interview. ~F

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  4. MeganJuly 6, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    I'm so envious of her visiting the 50 states! I can only dream haha :) It's wonderful catching up on all your posts, I've been on a little blogging break lately!

    Megan @ Storybook Love Affair

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    Replies
    1. DMSJuly 7, 2012 at 12:23 PM

      Megan- So happy you are back from your blogging break! We love having you visit. I would love to see all 50 states too- but I imagine from your location it would be even trickier. ~F

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  5. TreyJuly 7, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    What a fun interview! I am jealous that she has been to every state. It sounds like fun to write a book with a sibling.

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    Replies
    1. DMSJuly 7, 2012 at 12:24 PM

      Thanks, Trey! I can only imagine what it would be like to write a book with Margo! It would certainly be different. I have a lot of states to go to get to 50! ~F

      Delete
  6. FlexJuly 7, 2012 at 12:49 PM

    I hate litter and can't understand why people can't just use a garbage. Great interview.

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    1. Lizzy MackervilleJuly 7, 2012 at 1:01 PM

      Flex- Glad you enjoyed the interview. I don't like when people litter either. Our Earth is beautiful and we need to do our part to keep it that way! ~L

      Delete
  7. BarbaraJuly 8, 2012 at 11:11 AM

    What a great selection of favourite childhood books. Corn on the cob with butter and salt – yummy but I would also add black pepper – scrumptious!
    Thank you for the introduction to Nancy-jo.

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    Replies
    1. DMSJuly 9, 2012 at 5:29 PM

      Hi Barbara, What's better than corn on the cob! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us : ) ~ F

      Delete
  8. UnknownJuly 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    I loved this interview. Imagine, though, seeing all fifty states.

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    Replies
    1. DMSJuly 9, 2012 at 5:30 PM

      Hi Donna, Isn't that amazing! How much perspective to gain. Great to hear from you! Thanks for dropping by : ) ~ F

      Delete

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