#InterviewByBook with Renee Price

Title: Digby and the Yodelayhee Who?
Author: Renee Price
Illustrator: Anil Tortop
Publisher: Create It Kids
Genre: Picture book
Age Group: 2-7 years

Please tell us a bit of what your book is about.

Digby Fixit and his friends follow their second adventure, in an attempt to solve the mystery of a noisy noise. Could it be the sound of an ant trail? An instrument? An elephant? And why is it so noisy?

What kinds of themes / issues are raised in this story?

Digby and the Yodelayhee Who? celebrates imagination, friendship, curiosity, and the joy of music and performance. There’s a few splashes of measurement (time), onomatopoeia and rhyme, thrown in for fun, too.

Who or what inspired you to write this story?

Music and writing are my passions in life, and it has always been a dream of mine to combine my life-long-loves. I value the working relationship between the written word and music. Together, they offer so many beautifully expressive opportunities!

What is your favourite part of the book?

I love Anil’s gorgeous illustrations, and seeing Digby and his friends jamming along to music together. I also love the clever barcode, created by Ozan Tortop of Tadaa Book. I think my #1 favourite part is having Digby’s Jam feature in the book so readers can extend the joy of the story through song and performance, and by making their own noisy noise… just like Digby and his pals!

How would you describe the publishing process? Were they supportive? How long did it take?

I published this and my first book, Digby’s Moon Mission independently through my brand, Create It Kids. I was a pain to work with at times, and I was on my back a lot to meet deadlines and get things moving, but other than that, I think I was pretty good to work with, and quite supportive of the sometimes gruelling publishing process. This book was two years in the making. Mainly due to budget constraints of being an indie!

What was the collaboration like between author and illustrator? Juicy gossip, please!

I would like to adopt Anil and keep her as my own! Hehe… She’s probably sick of me saying this over and over, but I am so fortunate to have found her in 2014, and have her work her magic, bringing Digby Fixit to life. She and Ozan are 1000000% genuine, professional and so talented. It has been a huge privilege working with Anil again for Digby’s second book… and the relationship ain’t over yet! * hint hint *

What has the feedback / audience response been like so far?

I’ve experienced all the warm, fuzzy, uplifting feelings from the wonderful and supportive feedback the book has received so far. It has already had two outstanding reviews published on Boomerang Books and Kids’ Book Review, and I’ve had many readers send beautiful messages, photos and videos of kids enjoying the book and song. It has become a daily request in some households and classrooms. Thanks, kids!

Do you have a book trailer for your book? Please share.

Sure do! Here, it is –

Any details on your book launch you’d like to tell us about?

My book launch was held on March 4 at Wallsend District Library. Here’s the post-launch-wrap-up, as written by Digby.

It was a fabulous event!

Please let us know where we can find more on you and your book.

My website is createitkids.com.au and Digby has his own website, just for kids, at digbyfixit.com. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you for sharing Digby and the Yodelayhee Who? with us, Renee! 🎶 🎤 🎷 🎸

Pleasure! Thanks for the opportunity and support of my work.

Renee Price is a children’s author, early childhood teacher, music educator and performer, with over 13 years collective experience in education, writing and entertainment.
In December 2014, Renee published her first picture book; Digby’s Moon Mission, through her brand, Create It Kids. Digby and the Yodelayhee Who? was released March 1 2017.
In addition to her picture book series, she is planning Digby Fixit chapter books for children aged six to eight years.
Renee presents Digby Fixit Live!, dramatising Digby’s stories, incorporating song, storytelling and puppetry. She performs for audiences aged three to eight, within libraries, early childhood services, primary schools and festivals.
She is a member of Australian Society of Authors, SCBWI, CBCA NSW and Newcastle sub-branch.

#InterviewByBook #DigbyAndTheYodelayheeWho? #DigbyFixit