Becky Walker Books

Author’s name: Andrew Hacket

What is your upcoming book title? Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea

Date of release: 4/9/24

Preorder or Order link:    https://www.tidepoolbookshop.com/book/9781645677888

Publisher: Page Street Kids

Agent: Dan Cramer

Agency: Page Turner Literary Agency

Illustrator’s name: Kaz Windness

Other book titles:

Curlilocks & the Three Hares

Hope and the Sea

Hometown: Warwick, RI

1. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?

• The heart of the story is about friendship and understanding others’ perspectives.
• Nonedible items are consumed – Don’t worry; there is playful, nonfiction backmatter to show children why this is not a choice to emulate. 
• Kids will be joining in, finishing sentences, and giggling along as you read them this book.
• The incredible illustrator, Kaz Windness, described the book as the weirdest book she has ever illustrated.
• I battled with the ending for a very long time. It was my wife who finally pushed me to write the ending as it exists today. I worried it was going too far. She told me that was exactly why I should do it. 

2. What are 5 helpful hints or tips you wish you would’ve known before starting on this publishing journey?

• Publishing is slower than slow.
• Invest in the relationships, not the end goal. It will make your journey to publication a much happier one and will provide you with people to lean on and celebrate with, both of which you will need.
• Did I mention publishing was slow? It is even slower than that.
• Keep an open mind. There are many paths to agents, editors, and publication and you never know which one will be the one for you, so take every opportunity that feels comfortable to you.
• And seemingly going against my last advice, don’t feel like you have to do everything. It isn’t possible, and if you try, you will inevitably be disappointed. Do what you have the bandwidth for and the aspects that bring you joy.

3. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?

• I am a super selective eater. 
• I have played soccer since I was 6 and still play at least once a week.
• I wear flip-flops for as much of the year as possible, though in New England, that gets a little tough.
• We have a 2-year-old dog named Gus, although if our 4-year-old at the time had his way, Gus would have been named Toaster. 
• Nature is my happy place. I would hike, fish, and kayak above all other choices almost every time if given the chance. 

4. Where are 5 places you find inspiration for your stories?

• I am a second-grade teacher, and my students and our conversations are always a source of inspiration.
• My own three children and their antics provide loads of ideas for stories.
• Being in nature, whether hiking, at the beach, or kayaking, always puts my brain in a creative space.
• My own insecurities and emotions
• Wordplay

5. Name 5 of your favorite picture books. What makes them special?

• Escargot by Dashka Slater because it is such a fun read-aloud!
• Mel Fell by Corey Tabor for being so brilliant in its simplicity and the amazingly creative manipulation of the physical book to help tell the story.
• Bitsy Bat, School Star by Kaz Windness for the wonderful storytelling and it’s inclusivity. I have seen how much the representation in this story has meant to parents and their children and it is powerful.
• Probuditi by Chris Van Allsburg. I love everything about the way Chris Van Allsburg writes, and the clever twist at the end of this one is perfection.
• Read the Book Lemmings by Ame Dyckman for the amazing use of humor and for being my kid’s favorite childhood book.