Today we meet Phaea Crede whose debut picture book JET THE CAT (Is NOT a Cat) illustrated by Terry Runyan has had a delayed book birthday, but is coming soon to a bookstore near you. This means you still have time to preorder it from your favorite indie bookstore. Phaea is offering a your choice giveaway: a copy of JET THE CAT (Is NOT a Cat), a picture book critique, or a 20 minute zoom call. Comment on this post to enter the giveaway and let us know which prize you’d like.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
I was totally different from the two ends of my target audience range! At age 3 I was confident and creative, very outspoken, and playful. But by age 8, my dyslexia started getting in the way of my confidence and I was shyer and more frustrated – especially when it came to writing! I actually gave up on writing stories in the 4th grade because I decided real authors didn’t have dyslexia. Fortunately, I proved my 8-year-old self wrong!
What inspires you?
Comedy. Especially weird comedy. My favorite shows growing up were Mystery Science Theatre 3000 and The Kids in the Hall. I also still listen to Weird Al on the daily. And these days I get a lot of inspiration from drag performers! The beauty, the confidence, the comedy! I try to put that showstopping energy into my writing.
What’s something you hope readers will take away from your book?
That everyone feels “weird”, but that’s what makes each of us wonderful.
What’s next for you?
I have two new books on the way in 2022 and 2023, both of which I’m excited to talk about soon. In the meantime, illustrator Terry Runyan and I have one more virtual story time for JET THE CAT (Is NOT a Cat) today, Saturday May 22 at 10am EST with the indie bookstore Silver Unicorn.
To learn more about Phaea and her books:
Twitter: @phaeacrede Instagram: @phaea_crede_books
Website: www. phaeacrede.com
Laura Roettiger Books 
I love Phaea’s energy! My daughter has dyslexia and we didn’t realize it until well into her school years. I would love to win a copy of this book. The message readers will take from reading it is universal.
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Thanks for reading, Danielle and all of your support of the authors and illustrators on the blog. Good luck in the giveaway.
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What a lovely interview and an adorable book!
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Thanks for reading, Matthew. I wasn’t familiar with the illustrator but I’m mesmerized by her website and I’m going to check out her Instagram later, because I heard it’s amazing! Good luck in the giveaway!
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That’s a huge stuffed lion! I bet Phaea has great memories of it. Inspiration can come from the strangest places — I wonder if any of that childhood cat connection expressed itself in Jet the Cat. Thanks for a fun interview. (Also, thank you for these incredible giveaway opportunities. I won an absolutely amazing critique from Lisa Rogers. She was so insightful! On the off chance that my name is picked again, I’d choose the book or critique.)
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Janet, thank you for reading and being so supportive of my blog. I agree with you, the giveaways have been amazing and I love the little kid photos. I’m thrilled to hear the critique was so valuable. Good luck in the giveaway, I have had at least one person who’s been a winner twice.
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Thank you for encouraging your readers to be weird, Phaea. Sometimes, we forget and it’s always good to be reminded.
I’d love to be in the drawing for a picturebook critique.
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Riya, thank you so much for reading. Good luck in the giveaway.
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This book sounds hysterical, and I think we can all relate to it in some way. I love your blog, Laura and read it all the time. (And thanks again for having me!). Congrats, Phaea! I’m looking forward to what you have in store for us next!
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Congratulations, Phaea! I love the takeaway from your book. I can’t wait to read it!
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Becky, thank you so much for reading and supporting the blog. I’m looking forward to getting this book soon and I discovered the illustrator’s Instagram yesterday from another illustrator friend. You should check it out when you have time. Good luck in the giveaway!
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Phae, looks like an adorable book and thanks for sharing your story about your disability. That takes lots of courage!
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Katie, thank you so much for reading. As a reading specialist, I was so sorry to see Phaea had been discouraged at that time in her childhood, but it’s gratifying to see how she made it work for her and wrote this amazing book. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congratulations Phaea! My youngest daughter loves writing and has dyslexia. I can’t wait to let her know about you and your wonderful writing career!
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Love reading your author interviews. I would love a copy of Jet the Cat to share with my students.
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Melissa, thank you so much for being a wonderful supporter of the blog interviews. Good luck in the giveaway.
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