A Closer Look

The Story Behind the Story

This book is an homage to STEM, MakerSpaces, and the inventive spirit. It’s also a tribute to a good friend from high school; no one could invent funny stories the way Jayne could.

Working on this book was a new experience for me because it was a true collaboration with illustrator Arree Chung. Everyone thinks picture books authors and illustrators work closely together, but nothing could be further from the truth. Usually authors submit a manuscript and then the art director works with the illustrator to complete the book. I might see one round of sketches and one round of finishes, but this book was very different. At Arree’s request, and with the blessing of our editor and art director, Arree and I had many long-distance phone calls and emails back and forth as we brainstormed the Rube Goldberg contraptions that fill the book’s pages.

The book’s endpapers are blueprints for the Rube Goldberg contraptions that appear in the book.

We invented and reinvented together and went back and forth, re-writing and re-illustrating as we developed better and better ideas. In the end, it’s a book we’re both proud of.