David LaRochelle, author and Mike Wohnoutka, illustrator of Mr. Fox’s Game of “No!“
Children’s Literature Category, sponsored by Beret Publishing
Each week leading up to the 37th annual Minnesota Book Awards, we are featuring exclusive interviews with our finalists. You can also watch the authors in conversation with their fellow category finalists here.
What inspired you to write this book – or inspired you while writing it?
David: Mr. Fox is a result of my love of games and my desire to find new ways for children to interact with books. The book is a literal game. In order to win, the reader/listener needs to repeatedly answer every question with “No!” I loved imagining the devious and funny ways in which I could trick the reader into saying “Yes!” Above all, I wanted this book to make people laugh.
Mike: I was honored to illustrate another brilliant concept by David. As the illustrator, I wanted Mr. Fox to be sly and stylish, but, most importantly, I felt like he needed to be likable. This was in the front of my mind while working on the sketches for the book. After sketching Mr. Fox many, many times, there was one particular sketch that felt just right. It was a very quick sketch of Mr. Fox where he was more gestural and animated. It felt like the perfect balance of clever and kind.
What is one detail you wanted to include in this book, but couldn’t find a place for?
Mike: I thought it would be fun if Mr. Fox had a little sidekick, but I was pretty certain David wouldn’t go for that!
Tell us about someone (whose name isn’t on the cover!) who proved instrumental to the creation of this book.
David: Both of my parents, Ruth and Roger LaRochelle, had great senses of humor. I was fortunate to grow up in a household where being playful and laughing were natural. Not everyone is that lucky. For that reason, as well as for their unflagging encouragement, their names deserve to be on the cover as well. I’m also fortunate to have an editor at Candlewick, Andrea Tompa, who is thoughtful, kind, and a joy to work with, and who makes me want to do my very best. Could I be a luckier man? No!
Mike: Designer, Lauren Pettapiece. This is our sixth book together. Lauren is wonderful to work with and she always enhances the book with her design expertise. I especially love the endpapers she came up with for Mr. Fox’s Game of “No!
Please tell us something about yourself that is not widely known. (It doesn’t have to be about the book in question – or even about your writing at all!)
David: I once won $10,000 for creating a five-minute video showing how good Senokot laxative makes me feel.
Mike: This question makes me realize I’m not a very interesting person. This winter I’ve been drawing and painting lots of birds – well over 100. I have found birds to be the perfect subject, with the variety of species, each having unique characteristics – plus all the ones that I just make up.
Share your thoughts about the role and value of libraries.
David: More than ever, libraries are crucial. They are free sources of unfiltered information. They allow children to explore other worlds and to discover who they are. In today’s world, librarians are brave heroes, facing criticism and attacks for defending our freedom to read. Thank you, librarians!
Mike: I love my local library. I go there at least once a week. As an artist, I find it so valuable to have access to so many books for reference and inspiration. I always have my max number of 50 checked out. The staff at the Nokomis Library can attest to this! When my kids were younger we would go to lots of story times and always leave with a large stack of picture books that we would bring home and read together.
David LaRochelle is a former elementary school teacher who has been creating books for young people for 30 years. His many picture book titles include Moo!, How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans, and How to Apologize. He is a four-time recipient of the Minnesota Book Award and winner of the Star of the North children’s choice award.
Mike Wohnoutka has illustrated over 30 books for children, including How to Apologize, Go and Get with Rex and the Geisel Award-winning See the Cat and its sequels. He is a two-time Minnesota Book Award winner and graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design.