Welcome Author Kristi Mahoney – Giveaway Alert

Today I am sharing my interview with Kristi Mahoney whose book, ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS, illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne and published by Gnome Road is one of those books that will become a favorite for every librarian, teacher, adult, and child who reads it or hears it. No, that’s not hyperbole! I read a lot of picture books and when I first read an advance copy, I loved everything about it. It’s laugh out loud funny, it’s packed full of interactive moments for a great read aloud, and there’s stem learning plus another topic which Kristi mentioned in our interview so keep reading. This means it serves as a springboard for terrific lesson ideas! I enjoyed getting to know Kristi over the past few months through emails and social media and trust me, if you enjoy funny books, you will want to check out ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS!

Kristi is generously offering one lucky winner a Your Choice Giveaway: a copy of ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS (US addresses only), a critique, or a classroom virtual visit. Let us know in the comments which prize you’d like!

What were you like at the age of your target audience?

When I was younger, I lived in a house on a dead-end street next to the woods. I spent most of my days outside, building forts, finding creatures, and collecting treasures. Here’s a picture of me when I was in kindergarten. The wheelbarrow is full of wonderful woodland finds and I’m happily holding up a snail that I befriended. 

What inspires you?

I’ve loved animals since birth and I’m continually inspired to write about them. Almost every manuscript I’ve written has had at least one animal in it and usually is sprinkled with interesting animal facts. I also share my home with seven fur-family members. No alpacas yet, but I’d love to have one someday! 

What’s the one thing you hope readers take away from your books?

I’m hoping readers will laugh, learn something they didn’t know about alpacas, and appreciate how wonderful human librarians are! 

Also, given that it’s currently Banned Books Week, I should mention that this book may also spark discussion on book censorship — as the alpaca throws out books about all other animals. Although I’m a big fan of alpacas, I think book banning is pretty terrible!

What’s next for you?

I’m thrilled that the sequel to ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS, will be coming out in Spring 2026 —OWLS MAKE TERRIBLE TEACHERS (illustrated by the same very talented team of Chantelle and Burgen Thorne). I’m also hoping for good news on a couple manuscripts I have out on submission with my agent (Elisa Houot, of The Seymour Agency).  And I’m continuing to write! 

To find out more about Kristi and her books:

Website: www.kristimahoneybooks.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristimahoneybooks/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/kristi_mahoney

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kristimahoney.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086319960933