Today I welcome Elizabeth Suneby who is the author of several books, but her most recent picture book, NO ROOM FOR A PUP! illustrated by Laurel Molk combines a few of my favorite things: puppies, yiddish, and folk tales. The main character, Mia wants nothing more than a pup, just as I did when I was a little girl. And as you can imagine, her parents say, “No!” just like my parents did. Until they finally gave in. I don’t give away book endings, so you’ll just have to read this to find out for yourself what happens with Mia.
Elizabeth has generously offered one lucky winner (US only) a copy of NO ROOM FOR A PUP! Make sure to comment on this post to enter the giveaway.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
It is hard to tell you what my elementary school years felt like through my youthful eyes versus through my adult eyes looking back at my childhood, but one thing I am certain of.
I WAS AFRAID OF DOGS. As you might suspect, my family didn’t have a dog — despite the pleas and antics of my older brothers. A few of my friends did, but I stayed as far away as possible, especially from Susie’s German Shepard named Duke. To be honest, I don’t remember petting Robin’s miniature poodle Brandy even once and Robin and I were best friends in high school.
I didn’t fall in love with dogs until my daughter and son wore me down when they were in 2nd and 5th grade and we got our first. Enter our Havanese pup EJ, named by my daughter Emma after her and her brother Josh. It was a Saturday that EJ arrived, and he was terrified. My husband took both kids to soccer practice and I sat on the kitchen floor (with a couple of treats) and let him wander over to me when he was ready. That was the start of our 24/7 attachment.
What’s one thing you hope your readers take away from your book?
NO ROOM FOR A PUP! is a modern, multi-cultural twist on a Yiddish folk tale popularized in the classic book published in the late 1970s: IT COULD ALWAYS BE WORSE. Think of it as “I want a dog” meets classic folk tale about gratitude.
My collaborator Laurel Molk and I used humor to communicate the importance of inclusion (there’s always room for one more!) as well as gratitude. We also made sure that our protagonist solved her own problem by soliciting the help of an adult. (In the original tale, a rabbi solves the problem for the protagonist.). Our young protagonist takes initiative, perseveres, and is kind. How’s that for a role model?
Adults, please be forewarned. Reading NO ROOM FOR A PUP! could convince you to get a dog for the children in your life.
What’s next for you?
Well, I am trying to convince my husband to let us get another pup as EJ passed after a long and wonderful life! Wish me luck.
As for my writing, I am working on several picture books, including one about valuing your unique self instead of longing to be like others and a bedtime read to calm children’s nighttime blues and fears with the reassurance that a bright tomorrow will greet them on the other side of sleep. Also, I hope I have good news to share about my STEM narrative non-fiction manuscript under review with a couple of agents about bringing an extinct plant back to life.
To connect with Elizabeth and learn more about her books:
Web site: elizabethsuneby.com/books Instagram: elizabethsuneby
Facebook: Elizabeth Kellner Suneby Twitter: @pressed4words
Laura Roettiger Books 
THANK YOU! Wonderful to log on to my computer and see this as the first email.
Not sure if possible, could you edit the headline to correct the spelling of my last name — Suneby (replace the a with e).
Enjoy your weekend,
ELIZABETH SUNEBY } WRITER & MARKETING CONSULTANT eksuneby@gmail.com 781-237-1203 (land) | 617.448.2525 (cell) http://www.elizabethsuneby.com
NO ROOM FOR A PUP! My latest book is an entertaining, modern twist on a classic folktale. Warning parents: This book could convince you to get your kids a dog.
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Elizabeth, I am so sorry for the error! All fixed now.
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This book sounds adorable. I have always loved dogs since I had one as a kid, but unfortunately, we don’t have one now. I have to be content to look at pictures of Laura and Charlie. 🙂 Thanks for this great interview!
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Thanks, Ellen! Charlie’s been at a friend’s house for a week and I’m getting him back today! I can’t wait to read this book to him! Good luck in the giveaway.
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We’ve always had dogs and their unconditional love has been a huge blessing. I can’t wait to read this book.
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Yes! Unconditional love is a trademark of all the dogs I’ve had. We say it’s Charlie’s house and I’m the live in help. 🤷🏼♀️ It works for us! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Hope you enjoy the book. Unconditional love is the hallmark of pups!
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Elizabeth, there was a wonderful column by Heidi Stevens in the Chicago Tribune today about the unconditional love of dogs.
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Liz, EJ is adorable. Do you have to give him away to another loving family when you move? What breed is EJ? I look forward to sharing the book with some Wannebe Sunnebes.
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Thanks for reading, Bonnie. I agree, EJ is adorable. I’ll let Elizabeth answer your questions. Good luck in the giveaway.
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EJ was a Havanese. Unfortunately he passed. But he truly is in all our hearts.
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Bonnie, you won the giveaway! Please look at yesterday’s winner announcement for details and email me!
Congratulations!!
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I’m amazed by the variety of picture books that have been inspired by that Yiddish folk tale. It sounds like you put a really creative spin on it. I look forward to reading No Room for a Pup! (Also, EJ and Mia’s pup are both adorable. I love the similarity of expressions in that photo.)
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Thanks for reading, Janet. I’m a big fan of dog books and am super excited about NO ROOM FOR A PUP! because of the Yiddish folk tale inspiration. My daughter is fluent in Yiddish and it’s my granddaughter’s primary language. Good luck in the giveaway.
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@authorlaurablog — Wow, amazing to hear that your daughter is fluent in Yiddish and that it’s your granddaughter’s primary language. Where do they live?
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They live in Crown Heights (Brooklyn) and it’s amazing to me as well. 😊
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Yes, that’s my favorite photo of EJ. Hope you enjoy the creative retelling of the folk tale.
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This sounds like a sweet (and persuasive) story. Parents beware! LOL.
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I know!! I love the warning. Lol, as you know, Charlie and I are all about homes having dogs!
Good luck in the giveaway.
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Don’t you think I am actually doing parents a favor?????
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Yes! Everyone should have a dog. You’re writing is a public service and also I might use it next year if I need a good “persuasive writing example” to share.
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This “No room for a pup” looks adorable. My nieces would love this!
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Thanks for reading, Katie. I appreciate your support on the blog. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Do your nieces have pups @katiezehr ? Hope so!
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