I was super excited when I was asked to be part of the Little Elliot, Big City tour. I fell in love with this little elephant when I read the book. Elliot reminds me of so many kids I have taught - overwhelmed and, at times, unnoticed in this crazy, busy world. I'm grateful for the chance to interview the author, Mike Curato, and share just a bit of the love I have for this wonderful new character. 
Me: Mike, thanks so much for visiting my blog today. Little Elliot, Big
City is essentially the perfect book to me. I talk a lot about how I want
my students to form a community, be kind to each other, and look out for their
fellow classmate. I see so much of that in your book. I cannot wait to share it
with my fifth graders at the start of this school year.
To start right from the beginning, I love the dedication of your book,
“To anyone who feels unnoticed.” Of course, this can be true for adults, but
this can be especially true for our youngest students. Do you mind telling us what
inspired you to write about Little Elliot?
Mike: The original story was actually much different from the
one being published. It was cute, but wasn’t quite right. Someone told me that
what they loved best about the story is the contrast of how little Elliot is in
the big city (and that’s where the title comes from). That comment sparked a
memory of Little Mike in the Big Deli. I was very young, and much shorter than
the tall counter, and the man taking orders could not see me. People cut in
front of me, probably assuming I was there with a grown up. I stood there
timidly until someone asked if I was in line, and then I finally got to place
my order. Once that came back to me, everything started to fall into place.
I love that Elliot is an elephant with blue and pink spots, one would
think he would be noticed walking down the city streets. What made you choose
an elephant as your main character?
I didn’t actually choose an elephant for the story, I
chose the story for my elephant. I’ve been drawing Elliot for a decade. Over
the years, his world evolved through the art I created. I didn’t start working
on the story until two and a half years ago.
One point I want to share with my students is the friendship between
Little Elliot and Mouse. Little Elliot is bigger and, of course, able to help
Mouse. But Mouse helps Little Elliot get the cupcake he so longed for. Was
there any friendship stories that inspired this duo?
Though there wasn’t a specific instance that inspired me,
I can say that I have some amazing friends who have lifted me up to that
proverbial pizza slice in the trash, and I hope that I am able to reciprocate
that in little ways, like Mouse was able to.
My students often read interviews on this blog with authors and
illustrators, what advice would you give them on being a writer and/or artist?
Well, all of this came about because I made something for
myself. Drawing Elliot is what made me happy. I wasn’t trying to impress
anyone, I was just trying to make something I loved. I saw one of my favorite
designers, Jessica Hische, speak at a conference once. She said two of my
favorite quotes, which are “Learn
what you need to learn to make what you want to make” and “Make things you wish
existed.” I don’t think I can say it any better. A few other tips: read as much
as you can (including books that you wouldn’t normally read), pay close
attention to details (use all of your senses to get to know a place or person).
My students also use a writing notebook in fifth grade. This is a space
just for them – to record ideas or sketches each day. Do you have a notebook?
If so, can you share with them what type of work goes inside it?
I keep a sketchbook/notebook. To someone else, it might
seem a bit incoherent; there are lots of little doodles and quick, short lines
of text. I use my sketchbook as a way to quickly jot down ideas, like creative
post-it notes. It’s funny how I will totally forget about something, but seeing
a little doodle in my book will bring back the entire idea!
And, last question and the one my students always want to see me ask,
can you share what your writing space looks like?
Of course! I have a whole room in my apartment for
working…
I chose an apartment with a lot of light. it helps me work better.
I like hanging other people’s art on my walls who inspire
me. They include some of my friends, and popular artists. The cat on the wall
is a painting I made when I was four years old.
I keep all of my picture books in my studio for quick
reference. Sometimes when I’m feeling stuck, I read some of my favorite stories
to get inspired. You can also see the flat files where I store all of my
drawings.
Thanks so much, Mike, for giving us your time and sharing your work space with us!
Little Elliot Blog Tour Schedule
Tuesday, August 26 Librarian
in Cute Shoes | @utalaniz
Wednesday, August 27 Teach
Mentor Texts | @mentortexts
Thursday, August 28 Read.
Write. Reflect. | @katsok
Friday, August 29 Kit Lit Frenzy |
@alybee930
Saturday, August 30 Daddy Mojo |
@daddymojo
Sunday, August 31 Sharp Reads |
@colbysharp
Watch.
Connect. Read. | @mrschureads
Nerdy
Book Club | @nerdybookclub
Monday, September 1 Miss Print |
@miss_print
Finally, the publisher is begin kind enough to sponsor a giveaway for this tour. Comment below and I will randomly select one person to win a copy of Little Elliot, some stickers, and a tote bag that you can only get from this blog tour. I have one already and it rocks! I'm so excited for you guys to meet Elliot, I know you will love him just as much as I do.
Edited to add - the drawing is closed. Carrie, you've won! See the comment to your entry below.
Edited to add - the drawing is closed. Carrie, you've won! See the comment to your entry below.
Pssst.... If you love MerryMakers plush dolls like I do, rumor has it that a Little Elliot will be appearing this spring.
