Today we are very excited to share a special interview with author Jacob Grant (NO FAIR!)!
Read on to learn more about him, his book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Jacob Grant
Jacob Grant knows that lots of things in life aren’t fair, but it’s still hard to explain that to his children . . . which is why he wrote this book. He’s still not sure fairness can be explained, but he had fun trying! Other books he has written and illustrated include No Pants!, Bear Meets Bear, and Little Bird’s Bad Word. Jacob and his family live in Chicago, Illinois. Learn more about Jacob and his books at jacobgrantbooks.com.
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About the Book: NO FAIR!
A big-hearted story about fairness and father-son love by the author-illustrator of No Pants!
Pablo and his dad are ready for a fun day together at the farmer’s market–what’s better than a bike ride, doughnuts, and hot apple cider? But Pablo’s dad says that everything Pablo picks out is too big for him. It’s just no fair! What if he was in charge and his dad was the kid, Pablo wonders. And his dad stops to think about it, too.
This light-hearted but thoughtful look at fairness introduces a important subject that everyone encounters throughout their lives.
~Author Chat~
YABC: How long did it take you to create the artwork for this book?
Once I had everything sketched out for NO FAIR, I spent the following 2 months assembling the art for the 16 spreads of the book. I use the word “assembling”, as each image here consists of cut paper, charcoal shapes, and crayon lines that I scanned and cobbled together in photoshop. It’s a slooooow process, but you can enjoy it in hyperspeed thanks to the video below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdgBlEFIK_-/
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
For me the moment that sums the story up best is when Pablo reminds his Dad that he did in fact win both of their games the day before. Playing games with my own kids was a big inspiration for this story, and nothing proves the point of fairness quite like a child getting dunked on by a full grown adult.
YABC: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
From the moment I won a school poster contest in 3rd grade, I knew that I wanted to make art. However, I didn’t give writing a chance until I learned how difficult it was to get published doing illustration alone. I’ve grown to love writing, but before I wrote something that was published I had to write many, many awful stories. So many.
YABC: What word do you have trouble overusing?
My favorite word, and one that I have to make a conscious effort not to overuse, is the word “but”. It’s an incredibly useful word and I love how it can add humor in a story by contradicting what comes before it, BUT if someone doesn’t stop me I’d use it in every other sentence.
YABC: What is your favorite writing space?
Anywhere I can be far from my children! Most of the time I write in my tiny home studio, and I’ve learned that once the school day is over there is little hope of writing anything. So it’s less about where I write and more about when. Mornings are my favorite.
YABC: How do you plan to celebrate the launch of your book?
I’m happy to say that I’ll be celebrating NO FAIR in all the great ways we celebrated books before the pandemic: real in-person school visits and book readings at my local Indies! (The Book Stall, and Booked are wonderful shops, you should buy their books.) Keep up with my latest events and art on Instagram and twitter @jacobgrantbooks
YABC: What hobbies do you enjoy?
I have a deep love for games. I’ve always loved playing soccer and now enjoy sharing the sport with my kids. I love the game so much that I’ve spent the past year coaching my son’s team – (though coaching 6-8 year olds is not always enjoyable). In addition to soccer, I fill what little free time I have with pickleball, overly complicated board games, and of course, video games.
YABC: What kind of animal would your main character be and why?
Pablo is the main character of NO FAIR, and he’s a rascal. If Pablo was an animal, I imagine he’d have to be a squirrel. He is playful, curious and clever and pushes his Dad’s buttons whenever possible. Much like a squirrel, Pablo has boundless energy and gets into everything.
This is also an accurate description of my own children.
YABC: What other age group would you consider writing for?
As my son rapidly ages out of the picture book and early reader category, we’ve begun to read more young graphic novels and I’m a huge fan of the format. It would be an exciting challenge to explore a bigger story with more characters and see how it comes together. However, if the bestsellers in the genre are any clue, I’m going to need to write more fart jokes.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
At this very moment I’m working on art for a new children’s book with my editor, Meriam Metoui at Viking. This is the story of a penguin that grows tired of eating cold fish everyday and journeys out into the world on a culinary adventure. It has penguins! It has treats! It has spice! It will be on shelves in 2024, and I cannot wait to share it with you all.
Title: NO FAIR!
Author: Jacob Grant
Illustrator: Jacob Grant
Release Date: March 14, 2023
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0593117699
ISBN-13: 9780593117699
Genre: Hardcover Picture Book
Age Range: 3-7
~ Giveaway Details ~
Three (3) winners will receive a copy of NO FAIR! (Jacob Grant) ~US Only!
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
Book looks great! Think my twins would love it!
My daughter would love this!
This would be a great addition to my school’s library collection for my primary grade students!
The cover and premise are super cute.
looks cute and like it has a good message