Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to debut author-illustrator Marie Boyd, who has so many talents and I’m truly in awe of her art. Wait until you see the illustrations in her book, JUST A WORM which was released March 14, by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of Harper Collins. Marie created them through a new-to-me art form called quilling which I have now seen in other places and have been learning about. I love the detail in everything from the leaves to the swirls in the children’s shoes that Marie created using this technique. The colors are vibrant and the story reminds me of so many walks I took with my own children. There’s also the journey of the main character, but I’ll let you read more about that in the interview.
Marie is offering one lucky winner a 20 minute zoom classroom visit, so please share this with your teacher and librarian friends!
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
Laura, Thanks so much for having me on your blog! I wrote JUST A WORM for my kids who are four and eight and four to eight is the age range of my target audience. I think I’m pretty much the same person I was when I was eight. I loved reading, doing crafts with my family, and flipping through plant catalogs and dreaming about the garden I wanted to plant.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by nature and enjoy spending time outside. When my son was younger and we went on walks, I often told him “It’s just a worm” when he saw worms on the sidewalk. I imagined how a worm might respond if it could understand my words. That question led to JUST A WORM.
The plants in JUST A WORM are inspired by plants in my and my parents’ yards. I love visiting gardens and arboretums and always leave feeling inspired to create.
I love collecting pretty paper and illustrated JUST A WORM with quilled paper.
What’s one thing you hope readers will take away from your book?
In JUST A WORM, after being called “just a worm” by two children, Worm embarks on a journey through the garden to prove them wrong. Along the way, Worm encounters several insects and other creatures, each of which has important qualities. But what can Worm do? I wrote JUST A WORM for everyone who has ever compared themselves to others and felt that they have fallen short. I hope that JUST A WORM will encourage readers to consider the special ways that they contribute to their families and communities.
What’s next for you?
I’m so excited that I get to work on a second picture book with Greenwillow. I’m also working on several dummies so stay tuned for more. I’m also looking forward to exhibiting some of my quilling at my local library—Richland Library Main in Columbia, South Carolina—which opens later this week.
Thank you for interviewing me Laura!
To learn more about Marie’s art and books:
Instagram: @artistscholar
Twitter: @MarieBoydAuthor
FB: fb.me/MarieBoydAuthor
Laura Roettiger Books 
That is a beautiful cover.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s a gorgeous book! The art is fantastic! I usually look at the text before the illustrations but with JUST A WORM, my eyes were drawn to the illustrations and I really found them captivating. The giveaway is for teachers so if you win, please think of a favorite teacher who will appreciate a zoom with an author!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the older we get the more we realise we’re just 8 year olds in larger bodies
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love this comment! I have 2 framed photos of myself in my house at around 2 1/2 and 4. In my head, that’s who I still am. I know what you mean. 😊 Thanks for following the blog and sharing your thoughts. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love this concept and the quilled art is absolutely stunning! Congratulations, Marie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Stephanie. It really is a beautiful book and I’m sure the story will resonate on different levels with children. And the art is next level inspiring! 🤩
LikeLike
Thank you Stephanie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a wonderfully illustrated book! The paper quilling is amazing. So many kids are familiar with and want to know more about worms, this is sure to be a hit. Congrats, Marie!
LikeLike
Thank you Julanne! It’s been such a joy to talk with kids about works and other garden creatures.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations on your debut, Marie! JUST A WORM sounds wonderful. The cover art looks amazing! I look forward to reading your book. And, thank you and Laura for the interview!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading, Jill. The art truly is inspiring! I’m so excited to learn about quilling and the story has wonderful layers for children to learn different things each time they read it. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jill!
LikeLike
Love the cover! This looks like a great book to have in a primary classroom! I will look for it for my kinder class.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Andrea, yes it’s perfect for that age as it helps children learn about what different insects do and about believing in your own self worth.
Not to mention the amazing art! Truly beautiful! Good luck in the giveaway!
LikeLike
Thanks Andrea! I hope your class enjoys it.
LikeLike
Quilling is such a beautiful art form! And the story behind JUST A WORM is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Perfect for classroom discussion!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Amy! I couldn’t agree more. There are so many layers in the story which makes it wonderful for classroom use and the re-readable factor. The illustrations are nothing short of magical. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
A beautiful debut!
LikeLiked by 1 person