An Interview with the author of Why Won’t Anyone Play with me?

Lauren Smith: What is your book about?

Joy V. Smith: Kallie Kitten wants to play, but all the animals run away from her; now she's left the barn and the farm animals and has wandered down to the pond, where she tries to play with other animals. The turtle goes into his shell; the frogs and salamander swim away in the pond; the tree frog jumps up onto a tree leaf. On another level, I think children may learn a lesson about playing more gently. 

Why Won't Anyone Play With Me?

Joy V. Smith: I enjoy writing about animals. Sammy's Beautiful Tail was about an anole (lizard) who lost his beautiful tail and had to get over it.  He had an attitude, but also a good friend ...If I can write a story with a deeper meaning, I am happy. 

Lauren Smith: What do you hope children will learn from your book?

Joy V. Smith: About talking and playing with others--gently. And listening to others. 

Lauren Smith: It seems like you've taken on a pretty tough topic, do you plan to address more of these types of topics with children?

Joy V. Smith: If I come up with a good--and hopefully new--idea. 

Lauren Smith: What's been the most surprising aspect of publishing?

Joy V. Smith: Well, nowadays, how easy it is to get published--in a variety of ways.  You can pick and choose the way you want to go. Practically anyone can be published. There's self-publishing, mainstream publishers, e-publishing, and more. Some writers do it all.  And I read about a writer who has the last chapter of his print book on his website.  (He decided to add more to the book.)  

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