I met Shaunda through 12×12 which is a wonderful online picture book community, founded by Julie Hedlund who was my guest last week! Her debut picture book, CHICKEN FRANK, DINOSAUR!, illustrated by Jojo Ensslin is the perfect blend of science and humor. The only thing I don’t like about this book is that I didn’t write it! Shaunda has taken the complex topic of evolution and created a clever book with a timeline, witty characters, and wonderful back matter. Go order it now from your favorite independent bookstore or your library. You will thank me later.
Shaunda has generously offered a ‘your choice’ giveaway of a signed copy of CHICKEN FRANK, DINOSAUR! and a sheet of 4 stickers OR a critique of a picture book manuscript of less than 800 words. Comment on this post to enter the giveaway.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
We lived in a rural area in New Hampshire, and I spent much of my time exploring the outdoors. Because numerous old carriage roads dotted the woodlands in the region, I’d often walk on those to get from one place to another and wonder about the people and animals that might have traveled over those dirt roads long before me. Wildlife was plentiful, although amphibians of the local wetlands most often captured my attention, especially tadpoles, turtles, frogs, and fish! When I wasn’t running around outdoors, I either had my nose in a book, crafts at my fingertips, or some kind of batter getting mixed in a bowl.
What inspires you?
Changes in nature and beautiful landscapes fascinate me, whether it be growth of a young and awkward fledging bird into an adult, metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, or migration of a meandering river channel across a wide open valley. I love the challenge of putting my outdoor experiences and curiosities on paper in a way that readers might understand.
What’s one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
First and foremost, I hope CHICKEN FRANK, DINOSAUR! sparks laughter that is shared by readers who enjoy it. I also hope it will ignite a curiosity for discovering other books about the topic of evolution, changes in nature, or how DNA is being used with wildlife today.
What’s next for you?
I continue to write new stories all the time and remain hopeful that one will capture the interest of a publisher. I also look forward to connecting with readers and other writers in both virtual and in-person visits at schools, libraries, festivals, and conferences.
To connect with Shaunda and learn more about her books:
Twitter: @SKWenger Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SKWengerChildrensAuthor website: www.skwenger.com
Laura Roettiger Books 
This book looks like so much fun! I would have loved using it in my classroom!
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Thanks for reading, Rondi. It’s so good and I had the exact reaction when I read it! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you, Rondi! I hope that many educators will agree!
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I’m sure they will, Shaunda! It’s the kind of book I looked for when I was teaching.
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I’m so excited to read this book! CHICKEN FRANK, DINOSAUR! hooked me from the moment I read the title–I LOVE hearing that it pairs humor and science. Winner, winner, chicken dinner! 😀
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Yes!!! To all of this! It’s definitely a winner. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Ha! I love the clever word play, Jolene! I’m not sure what Chicken Frank would think about your fun refrain, though! LOL
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Personally, I’m a fan of all things dinochicken! Congrats, Shaunda!
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You are going to love this book! I wish I was still teaching because I keep thinking of ways I could use it in the classroom! Thanks for reading, Jilanne and good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you, Jilanne! I agree! Rise of the Dinochickens would thrill youngsters everywhere, I think 🙂
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Definitely an attention grabbing subject, Shaunda. And more importantly, you’ve done it so well!
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I’m excited to read this book as mentor text because I enjoy science and can’t wait to read how this author added humor to my favorite subject.
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Danielle, thanks for reading. Yes, it’s wonderful the Shaunda incorporated humor into a book with science information! Good luck with your writing and in the giveaway.
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Thanks, Danielle! One of my next goals is to figure out how I do that myself — the adding of humor! And then share that with others. Looking forward to see what others think I do 🙂 Cause for me, it’s a mystery.
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Congrats on this great, engaging. book! Looking forward to reading your future works as well I’d be honored to have you critique a work- in-progress!
Thank for this giveaway.
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Thanks for visiting the blog and sharing your thoughts. Good luck in the giveaway!
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OOOH! Me, too! What fun — winning will be a hard choice of which to pick 🙂 What a fun Book! Thanks Laura and Shaunda for sharing! XO
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Lynne Marie, thanks for reading. CHICKEN FRANK is fabulous and as you say a critique would be a wonderful choice as well. In fact, priceless! Good luck in the giveaway.
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I love a good STEM book for the classroom or my own kids!
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Rae, thanks for stopping by the blog and reading the interview. CHICKEN FRANK is a fabulous book for children and their adults at home or at school! Good luck in the giveaway.
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I am optimistic for you on your journey to publication! Keep going!!
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Rebecca, thanks for reading and sharing these encouraging words. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Yay, Shaunda!! I can’t wait to get my hands on this book and read it to my girls. We have chickens so they will love it so much!
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Thanks for stopping by the blog and how fun for you to read this to your girls and chickens. 😉 Good luck in the giveaway.
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Great interview! I would love a copy of this book for my Dino-loving son. 😃
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Erin, thanks for stopping by the blog and reading our interview. I highly recommend this book. Good luck in the giveaway.
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It’s cool to combine humor and science. Thanks!
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