Q&A with David Biedrzycki ~ Meet the Author on March 7th

By Brian Smith, local teacher and Scholastic blogger

One indicator of whether or not a child is going to love books is their level of exposure to different types of literature. Meeting an author can have a lasting impression on students of all ages as they develop their relationship with reading.

Patrick Beaver Learning Resource Center, in partnership with Catawba County Library System, is excited to host children’s book author and illustrator David Biedrzycki for a presentation and meet and greet for the community on Wednesday, March 7th, 2018 at 6pm at Newton Library located at 115 W C St in Newton.

In his best-selling books such as Breaking News: Bear Alert, Ace Lacewing, Groundhog’s Runaway Shadow and many more, David Biedrzycki uses his artistic abilities and his wonderful way with words to connect with readers. In his presentations, he shows students how he creates stories and art on the computer, stressing the importance of reading and keeping a journal for generating ideas and demonstrating the drawing process with suggestions of tools available for students to use to make their own art.

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Mr. Biedrzycki in preparation for his upcoming visit to Catawba County and I am so happy to share our conversation with you.

Q. What is your favorite part of presenting to audiences?
A. I would have to say the interaction with my audience is most important to me. I’m not the type of author who can sit down and write a story without first seeing if the idea resonates with kids. So during my presentations, I show students little video clips or sketches of works in progress to gauge their reaction. If it flies with them, I pursue it further and start to develop a story. By doing this process in increments, I then have the whole story test marketed before I go to final writing and illustration. The energy I get from presenting the stories to kids gives me great confidence to know my story is going to connect with them when it’s published.

Q. Where is the most exotic place that you’ve gotten to present your work?
A. I’ve been to a number of places all over the world. Africa, India, Shanghai, Japan, and Guam were all really special. I’ve also traveled the US extensively and a lot of those places have been as special as any of those overseas. The one constant has been the kids. I realize day in and day out how special they all are. I’m so blessed to do what I do and I’m forever in debt to those who make the amazing effort to have me visit their schools.

Q. The next book that you have coming out is “Alien Alert.” It completes the “Breaking News” trilogy of “Bear Alert” and “Bears to the Rescue.” Did you always have this idea of a trilogy when you started working on “Breaking News: Bear Alert”?
A. I learned my lesson from my first series: Ace Lacewing Bug Detective. I put so much into that story because it was my debut as an author and illustrator. I didn’t ever think there would be a sequel. So when I was asked to do a follow-up, I was totally lost. I couldn’t think of another adventure for Ace. It took me over a year to actually get something going for a new story. So anymore I always try to set up at the end of story for the possibility of a sequel.

Q. Do you have a favorite book that you’ve written? 
A. I’ve really put a lot into each book I’ve done. Some of my books sell better than others, so those might be my favorites ;-). SumoKitty, the book I’m currently working on, is much different than any of my others. It’s been a real challenge because of the subject matter and trying to create a simple, fun, engaging story with a moral that works on a couple of different levels. It’s important to me to have the youngest understand the story and the older audience like it too. I’m weaving Japanese sayings throughout the storyline that comes full circle at the end of the tale while also giving information about the sport of Sumo wrestling in a respectful insightful way told through the eyes of a stray cat.

Q. What can someone who comes to see you expect?
A. My audience gets to see how I take an idea and turn it into a story. My presentation is loaded with energy, humor, information, maybe a little magic, digital drawing, and of course time for Q&A.

Come hear David Biedrzycki speak at Newton Library on Wednesday, March 7th at 6pm for an enjoyable and inspiring exerience for both kids and parents alike.