DOUBLE Interview with Best Friends and Author/Illustrators Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal!

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a DOUBLE interview with real life besties Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal! I’ve been a long time fan of their individual books— they are STUNNING and you should check them out immediately here and here if you haven’t already. I’m so excited to have them BOTH with us today to talk about their road to publication, creative process, and their newest book, I DON’T CARE, written by Julie Fogliano, published with Neal Porter Books this past November, which Molly and Juana illustrated together.

So without further ado, please welcome Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal!

Where do you live?

As we are two, we’ll answer in a world-class-ping-pong game style!

Juana: I live in small coastal town in Southeastern Connecticut. Before moving here in February of 2021, I always lived in the city. I love small town living!

Molly: I can see why you do! Your small town is completely and utterly charming! It aaaaalmost makes me want to move there too… but right now the weather here in Arizona is perfect. 70 degrees in February. Ask me again in July :)

How many years have you been in publishing?

J: Let me see… I decided to start making children’s books in October of 2005. That does not mean I was published, but that I was determined to be. So, what? Seventeen and a half years here and counting. Moll?

M: Almost the same! I left animation with the idea that I’d like to start writing and illustrating in 2003. So… 20 years now?! Eek! 

How did you first get published?

J: My work was first published by educational and small publishers. It is not until July of 2016 that I was published by one of the “Big-Five” (four now?) here in the United States. It was “La Madre Goose: A Nursery Rhymes for los Niños”, written by Susan Middleton Elya, published by Putnam/Penguin Random House.

M: We’re on the same page again! After years of juggling small illustration jobs, and caring for small people as a new mom, Penguin Random House gave me my first big break too! Viking Children’s Books published Tea Rex, in 2013. 

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

J & M: Yes, we do!

What inspires you to create picture books?

M: I love creating and exploring the relationships between characters. In the process I not only get to know and better understand them, I get to know and better understand myself too. 

J: And I make books about finding our own selves, our identities, our places in the world, the reason why we are in this world. That’s a constant personal search and what drives me to make new work.

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

M: Ooooo, there are so many that it’s hard to pick a favorite! One of the things I love most is the feeling when something ineffable falls into place. Like when I’m sketching and sketching, trying to capture the essence of a character and then, suddenly, find them—“There you are! It’s you!”

J: I agree with Molly. That’s an amazing moment! I love being able to create the worlds that we want to see exist.

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

M: Deadlines. They’re my Achilles heel!

J: We are best friends for a reason! My biggest challenge is that we create our own schedules. It can be a trap when you are so easily distracted.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

M: For rust, I recommend WD40 — it really helps get things moving. For ideas, I recommend work. I used to worry all the time that I’d run out of new ideas. But then I noticed that as soon as I wrapped up one story another idea would present itself! Finishing one seems to get things moving for another. Work is the WD40 of my mind!

J: As I was saying, I can get distracted and bored easily which is the reason why I’m a mixed media artist. If I use different ways of making the art, I have to be present while I’m solving this new puzzle. A new puzzle I just made for myself.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

J: Same answer as above but with a contradictory twist, I need routine. Having my quiet walks outside, listening to my favorite music, making art in a room where natural light floods the space are all a-must. 

M: Same. I love new puzzles, but I love to them with a fresh cuppa coffee in my favorite mug, next to my pencils organized by color, with my work mix playing, next to the sunny window… no wonder we’re besties!

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

J: I have to say meeting Molly Idle. Have you met her? She’s pretty amazing!

M: Jinx! I was going to say meeting YOU!!!

Recommended reading?

Lightning-Ping-pong-round!

M: A Polar Bear In the Snow, by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris

J: What is Love?, by Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis

M: Kafka and the Doll, by Larissa Theule and Rebecca Green (I’m so glad you introduced me to this one, Juana!)

J: I love that book! Give it a second read and then read I Talk Like A River, by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith. 

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

M:  I mean, we could say winning Caldecotts…that feels like bragging. But it was incredible to have our books honored! 

J:  They were a huge recognition for our work. Hooray for awards!

M: And Hooray for teachers, and librarians, and Readers!

J: Yes!!!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

J & M: Our newest book is “I Don’t Care”, written by Julie Fogliano and published by Neal Porter Books. We co-illustratred the book, a process that was both scary and fantastic at the same time. We have been critique partners for years but not until this story that we had worked on a book together! 

Juana’s Favorite Interior Illustration from I DON’T CARE, written by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal, published by Neal Porter Books

Molly’s Favorite Interior Illustration from I DON’T CARE, written by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal, published by Neal Porter Books

What’s up next for you?

J & M: We’re making more books together, and we’re each making board books too!

J: Alma’s Words, two new bilingual board books, are releasing September 5, 2023: Alma and Her Family and Alma, Head to Toe, with two more books coming in 2024.

M: And I have Flora and Friends ABCs, publishing October 10, 2023, with an entire flock of new bird buddies, and Flora and Friends Colors flying off shelves in 2024!

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

J: Making children’s books requires drive, determination, and a thick skin. It is a matter of when, not if , it will happen. Your time will come!

M: Agreed! That’s one of the nicest things about the publishing industry. There’s no limit on how many stories can be told. If you make good work- there’s a place for it. There’s always room for one more!

And last, but not least, who is your favorite children’s book character?

J: If I have to pick just one, it is The Little Prince from El Principito (The Little Prince). 

M: One?! I’ll pick two: Toot and Puddle. Two best friends who are very different and very similar at the same time. Remind you of anybody?

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HUGE THANK YOU to Molly and Juana for stopping by CritterLit today! It was truly an honor!

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MOLLY IDLE is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning book Flora and the Flamingo. She is also the creator of Tea Rex, the mermaid tales Pearl and Coral, and Witch Hazel. Molly lives with her fabulous family in Tempe, Arizona—where she can most often be found with a cup of espresso in one hand and a pencil in the other, scribbling away on her next book. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Molly or her work visit IdleIllustration.com or follow her on social media:

@mollyidle on Instagram

@mollyidle on Twitter

JUANA MARTINEZ-NEAL is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning book Alma and How She Got Her Name. She also illustrated New York Times bestselling picture book Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi; Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, which won a Robert F. Sibert Medal; and La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya, for which she won a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award. Juana Martinez-Neal lives in Connecticut with her family. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Juana or her work, visit juanamartinezneal.com or follow her on social media:

@juanamartinezn on Instagram

@juanamartinez on Twitter

Check out I DON’T CARE on the Holiday House website here or follow on social media: @holidayhousebks on all platforms.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of I DON’T CARE click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of I DON’T CARE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 23rd! US addresses only please.

Top Five Favorite Picture Books - Writing

My husband and I read to our son every night. And every night it's always so tough to pick what books to read. My husband just grabs books off the shelf at random, without even looking. I, on the other hand, sit there staring, as if its the most important decision I'll make all day. It's usually not, but that doesn't change the fact that I still do it every night.

Over the years, I've amassed quite the picture book collection, as I'm sure you can imagine. Some as a bookseller, some as an illustrator, some as an author/illustrator, and now, as a mom. It's funny how my tastes have changed since becoming a mom. Before I would buy books that had really amazing art, I didn't pay that much attention to the story. As someone who came to publishing as an illustrator first, the writing in any book always came second to me. If I didn't like the art, I wouldn't buy the book. Period. Even if it was an amazing story. Now, I want the whole package. I expect amazing art and text. If I'm going to add it to our collection, it better be good. Like really good. It's the same attitude I have when I create my own books. I have to make a brilliant book so it can hold it's own against millions of other books. So that someone will want to add it to their collection and share with their family. The way I do. 

There are so many books to choose from, even among the collection we've already created based on our family's tastes. My son is still young enough that he isn't really picking books out himself just yet (unless is a very loved and chewed copy of Little Fur Family - what can I say he loves the "kerchoo" part, laughs every time).

So here's my list of five books that every time I read them I think "man, I hope I'm this good some day." They are the books that I never tire of reading. Some old, some new. The ones that are just so good, no holes, nothing I would change. Perfect in my opinion.

I've focused this list on storytelling, although every single one of them has amazing art that deserves it's own shout out. 

1. INTERRUPTING CHICKEN By David Ezra Stein

It’s time for the little red chicken’s bedtime story —and a reminder from Papa to try not to interrupt. But the chicken can’t help herself! Whether the tale is HANSEL AND GRETEL or LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD or even CHICKEN LITTLE, she jumps into the story to save its hapless characters from doing some dangerous or silly thing. Now it’s the little red chicken’s turn to tell a story, but will her yawning papa make it to the end without his own kind of interrupting?

This might be my favorite read-a-loud of all time. Seriously. It's that good. This one is on my list for a few reasons. One, I never get tired of reading it (which is always a good starting point). Two, at 1 1/2, Jack actually pays attention throughout this entire book, which always amazes me. And three, the DIALOGUE. It's pitch perfect. Every word choice is spot on. The conversation between Papa and Little Red Chicken reads like any parent with their child at bedtime. Little Red Chicken is impatient and impulsive, she can't wait to interrupt, because after all, she knows what's going to happen. I find that when I read this book aloud, I don't have to think about the inflections in my voice, or the best way to tell the story for my son to understand what's happening. It just naturally happens because the text is so good. Keep in mind this is a book that won a Caldecott Honor, and I'm telling you how wonderful the text is. I haven't even mentioned how amazing the illustrations are. Two styles in one book! That's how great this book is.

2. AND THEN IT'S SPRING Written by Julie Fogliano, Illustrated by Erin Stead

Following a snow-filled winter, a young boy and his dog decide that they've had enough of all that brown and resolve to plant a garden. They dig, they plant, they play, they wait...and wait...until at last, the brown becomes a more hopeful shade of brown, a sign that spring may finally be on its way.

Every time I read Julie's words, it hurts. They are just so good. Personally, I think she is one of the best writers in children's lit, not just picture books. Her WORD CHOICE is exquisite. Every line seems perfectly constructed. Each word meticulously chosen. I once read that J.D. Salinger agonized over every word choice. Each one had to be perfect or he'd cross it out. I imagine that is what it's like for Julie. Her words are captivating and ask you to run away with them in such an effortless way, which of course I'm sure she would say otherwise. Here is my favorite passage:

and the brown, 
still brown, has a greenish hum
that you can only hear
if you put your ear to the ground
and close your eyes

Just beautiful. Oh, and did I mention the art is created by Caldecott winning illustrator Erin Stead. Any illustrator looking for a lesson in perfect composition and execution, look at this book. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and there are so many lovely details to look for on each page.

3. THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT Written by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. Blue needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking—each believes he is the true color of the sun. What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best?

Okay, let's be totally honest here. This is one of those books that the first time I read it I was like "Dammit! I wish I'd thought of that!" I remember I was standing in Anthropologie of all places, that's how big the book had gotten already (I know, I know, how had I not seen this sooner...what can I say it was the summer I got married, things were crazy). The entire CONCEPT is absolutely brilliant, as you all probably already know. And not just that, but the voices of each crayon are so funny. I think Peach crayon is my favorite. The humor in this book is just off the charts. Every color, relationship, and concern is so well thought out. And this was a debut picture book paired with Oliver Jeffer's illustrations! It kills me, it's so good! A must have for any picture book collection.

4. THE NEW SMALL PERSON by Lauren Child

Elmore Green starts life as an only child, as many children do. He has a room to himself, where he can line up his precious things and nobody will move them one inch. But one day everything changes. When the new small person comes along, it seems that everybody might like it a bit more than they like Elmore Green. And when the small person knocks over Elmore’s things and even licks his jelly-bean collection, Elmore’s parents say that he can’t be angry because the small person is only small. Elmore wants the small person to go back to wherever it came from. Then, one night, everything changes. . . .

This is not only my favorite new sibling book, but it's also one of my favorite books of all time. I think the VOICE is what really sets it apart. Elmore Green does not want a new sibling, he won't even refer to him by name, just "The New Small Person." He has no interest in sharing his jelly beans, especially the orange ones, or tv shows, or his collection of things. Everything about Elmore is so spot on with what a kid would actually do and say. I love how the two brothers finally come together in the middle of the night after Elmore has a nightmare and the new small person proclaims "Go away scary!". This book is clever and sweet all at once, punctuated by Lauren Child's whimsical cut-paper illustrations.

5. IN A BLUE ROOM Written by Jim Averbeck, Illustrated by Tricia Tusa

Alice is wide, wide awake. Mama brings flowers, tea, a quilt, even lullaby bells to help her sleep. But none of these things are blue, and Alice can sleep only in a blue room. Yet when the light goes out, a bit of magic is stirred up. Pale blue moonlight swirls into her bedroom window. Then the night swirls out, around the moon and into the universe, leaving Alice fast alsleep in a most celestial blue room.

This is a one of my favorite bedtime books in our collection. I have loved this book since it came out and I was hand-selling it as a bookseller in The Children's Book Shop in Boston. Jim Averbeck does such as amazing job creating the mood of this story. Throughout the story he references the all the senses, colors, and creates a feeling of total relaxation. I can smell the lilacs, feel the warm tea, and hear the soft sound of lullaby bells chiming in the breeze. This book is like a warm comfy quilt wrapped around you before you drift off to sleep. And perfectly illustrated by the always amazing Tricia Tusa who paces the final lines of the book in one of the best succession of spreads I've ever seen in a picture book. Love love this book.

Please take a moment to check these books out from your local library if you get the chance. They are wonderful reads!

Happy Reading!

Lindsay