This is an election year and Ruth Spiro, author of the Baby Loves Science board book series, published by Charlesbridge, has a perfect new election-themed series that kicks off with Baby Loves Political Science: Democracy!
Ruth is a frequent speaker at schools and conferences, including the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Colorado Book & Arts Festival, Maker Faire Milwaukee, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the World Science Festival.
A lot of research goes into writing books that break down complicated topics into ideas a child can digest. We are thrilled that Ruth stopped by THE KIDS ARE ALL WRITE to share her inspiration for her popular titles, including Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering, Baby Loves Coding and Baby Loves Gravity and now Baby Loves Political Science: Democracy!
What was your inspiration for Baby Loves Political Science: DEMOCRACY!
The idea for this new book actually came from the team at Charlesbridge. We’re always discussing ways to expand the series and they suggested I explore the upcoming election and how our government works.
Did you have any hesitation moving from science to political science? Did this present any fresh challenges?
When I begin each new book it always feels like an insurmountable hurdle, and this topic was no different! But I enjoy the research process and the challenge of figuring out the most important “nuggets” of information to include. I approached this new topic in the same way I have with all the others, but the hardest part was narrowing down my focus. There was so much more I wanted to include but had to maintain the same limit of ten spreads as with the other books in the series.
The biggest dilemma was how to explain an election and the “every vote counts” message despite the confusing nature of the Electoral College. So, you’ll notice in the illustrations that we sidestep this problem by featuring a mayoral election.
Baby Loves Political Science Democracy! by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Greg Paprocki (Charlesbridge)
You’ve transformed what we think of baby books with your Baby Loves Science series. Can you tell how that series came about?
Wow, that’s quite a compliment!
Back in 2010, The New York Times ran the article “Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children” (www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/us/08picture.html). It attributed a drop in overall picture book sales to the misguided choice some parents were making to bypass picture books for their very young children in favor of more “sophisticated” reading material. I was discussing the article with friends and wondered aloud, “What do these parents want, quantum physics for babies?” The more I thought about it, I realized this was an idea with potential.
But while it seemed like a good idea, I knew that my books would need to be accurate and age-appropriate if they were going to have value. I learned that the best way to make the concepts less abstract would be to relate each topic to a familiar real-world experience or observation. I spent several months researching the science, in search of the best “story” for each book. Then, once I had a thick folder full of research and notes I began researching child development to learn more about my intended audience. I’d previously written picture books, but I envisioned these as board books for babies and toddlers. So, I read scholarly articles about the acquisition of language and early literacy, as well as piles and piles of board books.
I think the reason these books have become popular is that they work on several levels. They’re beautiful to look at and appeal to even very young babies who do not yet understand the words. As children grow and develop, they can relate the concept to something familiar, such as watching a bird fly or building a house with blocks. Importantly, they also appeal to the parents and caregivers who buy them because they feel they’re learning something too.
You have a knack for taking complicated, abstract ideas and making them simple and concrete for kids. Is your process as simple as the result? How much work does it take to boil these ideas down to an accessible essence?
As I mentioned earlier, I first need to immerse myself in research. The next step is to decide what’s most important and also most relevant to a young child’s world. Once I have these in mind, I set about creating a narrative thread that incorporates these points. The challenge is to make it all seem simple and seamless – and this often involves dozens of drafts and revisions!
How long was the journey from the idea for Baby Loves Political Science: DEMOCRACY! to finished manuscript? Did it change much? If so, what were the biggest changes?
Your question prompted me to look back through my correspondence and I’m shocked to see that from idea to publication, this book came together in less than a year. (No wonder last summer was a blur in my mind, I was busy working on deadline!) In fact, the schedule was so tight that we had to bring in another illustrator because Irene Chan was already working on three other Baby Loves Science books. Greg Paprocki stepped in and did an amazing job of maintaining a similar look, while adding his own unique style.
Did you and your editor purposefully time the release for a presidential election year?
Yes, I believe that all along the plan was to release this book during the time children would be seeing and hearing about the upcoming election. We wanted to give parents and caregivers a way of explaining what was going on – rallies, political signs, election day – in a nonpartisan and age-appropriate way. But the nice thing is that while it’s especially relevant this year, the topic is also “evergreen” and important even without the backdrop of an election.
Baby Loves Science board books by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Grace Chan (Charlesbridge)
How do you like the illustrations? Do you have any favorite spreads?
I absolutely love the illustrations! I was apprehensive when I learned that Irene Chan couldn’t fit this book into her schedule, but Greg Paprocki is a seasoned professional and knew how to make it work. If I had to pick a favorite spread, I’d say it’s the last one.
What do you hope kids will take away from it?
As I was writing this book I was struck by the fact that many of our future mayors, governors, senators – even Presidents – have already been born. At this very minute they may be riding in a stroller or splashing in the bathtub! Today’s children are our future voters and future leaders, and I want them to feel empowered to use their voices and make a difference in the world.
What’s up next for you? Should we expect Baby to explore more political science and other subjects, too?
I’m happy to report that yes, more Baby Loves books are in the works. First, Baby Loves Political Science will be a four-book series! Look for the next titles to be released in late 2020 and early 2021.
Baby Loves Political Science Justice! by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Greg Paprocki (Charlesbridge)
Also, last fall the first two books in the new Baby Loves the Five Senses group (Hearing, Sight) came out and the remaining three (Taste, Touch, Smell) will be released this August, along with a boxed set of all five together.
Baby Loves the Five Senses: Sight! (Baby Loves Science) by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Grace Chan (Charlesbridge)
Is there anything you would like to add?
Yes. I’m tired! (LOL)
Visit Ruth on social media!
On Facebook: Ruth Spiro Author
On Twitter: @RuthSpiro
On Instagram: @RuthSpiro