Yo! Ho! Mateys! Get ready to dive into my interview with Lynn Becker, debut author of the new picture book MONSTERS IN THE BRINY, illustrated by Scott Brundage. MONSTERS IN THE BRINY is one of those books that you can read and sing and laugh along. The beautiful rhymes make it catchy and super fun to read over and over which is perfect for a picture book! When Lynn told me about her book last fall, my marketing brain couldn’t help but talk about sea shanties which were all the rage on TikTok. As an author who enjoys promoting books, I loved this connection. The amazing owners and staff of one of my favorite local independent bookstores, The Wandering Jellyfish in Niwot, CO made a fun TikTok to celebrate the release of MONSTERS IN THE BRINY and Lynn’s story time at their store. You can find it on their Instagram and Tiktok.
Lynn has generously offered one lucky winner a copy of MONSTERS IN THE BRINY (US only) as a giveaway so be sure to comment on this post to enter.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
Oh, that’s a fun question! Like a lot of writers, I was quiet and shy, and loved books from a really young age. I also loved making things, especially paintings and drawings and most arts-and-crafts projects. At the same time, I was quite the tomboy—I played a lot of sports and spent plenty of time outside, running around.
What inspires you?
Walking in nature lets my mind move freely, so that inspires me as much as anything. Art museums, books, of course, and films, including some independent and experimental animation (which I studied in graduate school). And traveling—near or far, seeing the sights almost always results in new thoughts and new perspectives. Truly, there’s inspiration to be found almost anywhere, if you just keep your eyes and mind open to it.
What’s something you hope your readers take away from your book?
I want readers to understand that reading is fun! And silly and informative and moving, and transformative, and so very much more. If Monsters in the Briny gets anyone to laugh and open another book, that’s it right there!
Without a doubt, people should be free to read whatever inspires them. I’ve spent so much of my life reading for pleasure and it’s a wonderful way to explore, have adventures, be inspired, think deeply…
What’s next for you?
I have a rhyming bedtime board book coming out next spring called JUNE MOON. I recently got to see illustrator Nate Carvalho’s color art and it’s wonderful—the book seems more real now and I can’t wait to hold a copy in my hands!
To find out more about Lynn’s book and connect with her:
Website: lynnbeckerbooks.com
Twitter: @LynnBBooks
Instagram: lynnbecker196
Laura Roettiger Books 
Ahoy! and Congratulations, Lynn! Your book sounds super fun, from one proud nature-loving child tom-boy to another 🙂
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It’s fun and catchy in the kids will love! Thanks for your support of the blog. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Yo! Ho! thank you so much!
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Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this fun book! I can’t wait to read and review it.
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Thanks for all your support, Danielle. This is a super fun one, good luck in the giveaway!
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Ahoy and thank you, Danielle!
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“MONSTERS IN THE BRINEY” and “The Wandering Jellyfish” is a perfect pairing! I love that Lynn is creating books that are fun. We all need more of that!
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Janet, it’s like a perfect match! I hope you were able to see the reel, it’s amazing! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Yes! Hopefully kids will read for fun, in addition to all the other reasons for picking up a good book!
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The book is a total joy through and through. So fun reading about Lynn’s inspirations. And always love those childhood photos, Laura!
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Thank you so much!! And so agree about the childhood photos!!
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Thanks for supporting the blog, Carmela. You know how much I love the childhood photos, too. Good luck in the giveaway.
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This book looks like so much fun! I always love a good rhyming story. Congrats!
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Thank you, Jessica :–)
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Thanks, Jessica. A great rhyming book is always a work of art. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Ahoy Mateys! Laura and Lynn–thanks for sharing about MONSTERS IN THE BRINY. What an enticing cover! It looks and sounds like it will be a great read for kids and adults. Lynn, thanks for sharing where your inspiration comes from and for offering the chance to win your new book. Congrats!
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Thank you–it really has been a joy to read this book aloud to kids and their parents. And I’m so lucky– it’s not only the cover– the illustrations are terrific throughout!
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Lillie, it’s such a fun book for a read aloud! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Good luck in the giveaway.
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This sounds terrific. I have a young nephew who is fascinated by sea creatures. I know he’d love this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. All best wishes from Murphy and me.
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Thanks for stopping by the blog, Carl. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Sea creatures are very cool! Thanks, and good luck!
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Can’t wait to read this delightful book 😻
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Thanks, I hope you enjoy it!
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Thanks for reading, it’s definitely a delight! Good luck in the giveaway.
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This sounds like fun! Looks like it would be great for a storytime readaloud!
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Thanks for stopping by the blog. Definitely a perfect story-time book! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thanks, Lori, it really has been incredibly fun to read this book at storytimes!
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