The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Carrie Kruck, Erika Meza and Review of Iggy Breathes Fire

Carrie Kruck writes books for kids. She grew up in Canada, worked as a psychologist in Australia, and now lives in New England with her husband, two kids, and a delightful assortment of owls, foxes, and bears (oh my!).

She loves swimming in lakes, snowshoeing in forests, and growing food in her garden, but you can mostly find her staring out the window with a cup of coffee (aka writing).

This is Carrie’s debut picture book.

Erika Meza is a Mexican Migrant: colorful, bubbly, and a taco connoisseur. After studying graphic design back home (and moving house nearly 30 times) she lived in a dungeon with a princess in Paris to attend the Illustration (Image Imprimée) program at ENSAD, which got her addicted to chocolate éclairs and 2 am bike rides by the river.

She now lives with a cat in the UK where she works with ink, gouaches and watercolor pencils as an author and illustrator.

Erika is the author/illustrator of To the Other Side (2023) and As Brave as a Lion (2023)  and the illustrator of over 31 books, including A Terrible Place for a Nest by Sara Levine (2024), The Mystery of the Monarchs: How Kids, Teachers, and Butterfly Fans Helped Fred and Norah Urquhart Track the Great Monarch Migration by Barb Rosenstock (2022), Mariana and Her Familia by Mónica Mancillas (2022), My Two Border Towns by David Bowles (2021), Balloons for Papa: A Story of Hope and Empathy by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia (2021), Beach Day! (Step into Reading) by Candice Ransom (2020), Garden Day! (Step into Reading) by Candice Ransom (2019), and Salsa Lullaby by Jen Arena (2019).

Carrie’s debut and Erika’s newest picture book, Iggy Who Breathes Fire, releases on October 8!

Welcome Carrie and Erika,

Hi Maria, thanks for having both of us! Erika and I live in different countries, separated by a literal ocean, so it’s lovely to be able to do this interview together!

Tell us a little about yourselves. (Where/when do you write or illustrate? How long have you been writing or illustrating? What is your favorite type of book to write or illustrate?

CARRIE – I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t start writing for children until early 2015. My kids were very young at the time, and we would read the same books over and over again (as you do), and I found that I really loved that experience. I loved noticing what my kids noticed, considering the questions that books raised for them, going deeper and deeper with each reading, learning the patterns and language of picture books through repetition. I developed a very deep appreciation for picture books and the skill that goes into this unique art form. Children are so often underestimated, and I love when I can see that a picture book creator has taken seriously the responsibility of crafting a deeply considered story just for them (even if, and maybe especially if, the story itself is not serious at all!)

My favorite books to write are ones that contain some element of magic in the real world, that hopefully fill readers with a sense of possibility and full of questions that they’re excited to explore. I love to write about things that feel a little bit scary, and to play with ways to help readers experience and work through that tension by weaving in humor and surprise. And I’m always inspired by the natural world!

ERIKA - Well, I’ve just had a baby and my world (and working world) got turned upside down. Let me tell you, the romantic idea of writing your best-selling book in a cafe while your baby sleeps is a bare-faced lie!

What I’ve found myself doing instead is a lot of rambling. I’ve been writing in my head and rambling to my patient baby (language development, anyone?), and polishing stories on the go. Then typing frantic notes while they sleep and hoping they won’t wake before the next paragraph and praying I can sit down and refine them one day. But the illustration that used to happen in their now nursery now happens on my dining table; less Instagram-friendly, more practical.

And I agree with Carrie: books that do not underestimate children already were my favourite, and they’re getting more and more important as this one grows up. It’s personal now: kids certainly can handle the scares and the metaphors!

Congratulations Erika! It is really great to get to know you both a bit better. What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written or illustrated a manuscript?

CARRIE – I’ve tried writing in interesting places, but I’m much too distractible! I always write on my laptop, and I work best in a familiar place, like my desk at home or my public library, where I always pick the same chair at the same table. Novel stimuli is my writing kryptonite! [Ha! 😊]

ERIKA - A tiny, tiny plane tray whilst flying home, complete with laptop, sketchbook and digital tablet set up. MAD. [Impressive. Those trays can be SO tiny and elbow room nonexistent.]

So, Carrie, what was your inspiration or spark of interest for Iggy Who Breathes Fire? 

CARRIE – I see what you did there, Maria. 😉I love word play, and Iggy has definitely sparked a lot of that. The idea for this book initially came from a writing exercise that involved putting a twist on a well-known concept. Instead of a fire breathing dragon, how about a bubble-breathing dragon? A fire-breathing kitten? A fire-breathing kid? The concept seemed exciting and unusual, but it took many drafts (and many years) for the heart of the story to really take shape. As I began to have a better understanding of what fire-breathing was going to mean for Iggy and what I wanted to say with this story, I took ton of inspiration from real people, especially kids, who were courageous enough to make some noise and stand up for themselves and what they believed in, even if the adults around them didn’t always understand.

I love the exercise AND the kids you based this on. Standing up for what we each need can be difficult for everyone, but especially for kids. Erika, what about the Iggy Who Breathes Fire manuscript appealed to you as an illustrator? 

ERIKA - Gosh, the juxtaposition alone of the two elements, a girl and fire. How wondrous an image! Very quickly it became obvious to me this was the perfect feminist modern tale; a girl who is being told she is TOO much, only to find in that “muchness” the strength to be herself, and learn how to be unapologetic and authentic! We need a thousand of those!! Plus, once the world started to codify itself, it became obvious this was a book I could have infinite layers of meaning and fun - my perfect scenario.

It does sound like a wonderous manuscript to play with. And I have to say, you did a great job doing just that! Carrie, as a debut author, can you think of something you wish you’d known before you started the publication journey with Iggy Who Breathes Fire?

CARRIE – I was very lucky to find writing friends early on who allowed me to be a part of their own publishing journeys. Sharing all their ups and downs with them really helped prepare me for the realities of publishing. And so, when my own turn came, I felt like I had a team of experts who have all been so generous with advice and support. Even if you’re an introvert (which so many writers are), there are a lot of opportunities online to find community with other writers these days, and that support can be invaluable.

Having said that, nothing can truly prepare you for the ups and downs of your own journey. But I don’t think there’s anything I’d go back and tell myself, because all the stumbles helped me to grow into the writer I am now and will continue to become. I guess maybe what I wish I’d better understood was that all the waiting and working and wanting would be the best preparation for eventually being in this moment, that the years of struggle give you the strength and skills to persevere in a tough business, and the heartbreaks make the rewards that much sweeter!

Sometimes, the things that are the hardest to achieve are the ones we cherish most. Hope you enjoy the book launch! Erika, having illustrated your own and other’s books, what do you like most about being the author/illustrator or the illustrator? Which is easier?

ERIKA - Well, technically when you’re only the illustrator you’re also being the author, since you’re telling the story in pictures and adding extra elements for the reader to interpret it and understand the characters. Certainly being the author/illustrator allows me to be the sole person taking decisions on both narrative elements, which is liberating (I don’t feel like I’m stepping on anyone’s toes), but being the illustrator means not having to worry about the plot and focusing only on characters and story, which brings a different kind of freedom: I can dream within a confined space rather than limitless blank pages. Sometimes restriction means unexpected creative results, and I love the challenge it poses.

Oh my gosh, I love that explanation, Erika! What is the hardest or most challenging thing for each of you about writing or illustrating Iggy Who Breathes Fire? 

CARRIE – Oh gosh Maria...honestly, I think everything about writing this book was a challenge! I’m very much an overthinker, so I spent a ton of time tying myself in knots over every aspect of this book. I thought a lot about the metaphors, what fire-breathing could mean to different kids (and to the adults around them), who is allowed to “breathe fire” and who isn’t, and how to be acknowledge that reality while also envisioning a better world for “fiery” kids like Iggy. It was especially challenging to create a character so unique and singular in her abilities, who was also someone that every reader could see a piece of themselves in. She had to be like no kid and every kid, all at once. But I think the biggest challenge was to honor that whole process while also knowing when to set it aside and focus on the most important thing – creating a great story with a character that kids will love!

ERIKA - Balance, if I have to find a challenge. The book was a JOY to illustrate, but because of that I can very quickly go overboard. I certainly did with this one: every character was meticulously hand-painted in gouache (no way I could have that sort of time now!!), and I ended up spending hours and hours sitting on my birthing ball painting late into the night. Balance of workload, but also balance of tone: I found that I needed to have a softer relationship between Iggy and the Professor. She certainly can burn bright, and I needed the guy to be less of a baddie and more of an annoyance for the ending to make sense.

Wow - thank you both so much for going deep into this question and answering it so honestly and thoughtfully! Creating a character like "no kid and every kid" is quite the challenge and balance is a big challenge for many creatives. How many revisions did Iggy Who Breathes Fire take for the text or illustrations - from first draft to publication?

CARRIE – I would say “countless”, except that I keep track of everything! I started the first draft in 2017, and the version that sold in 2022 was officially titled version 37. After it sold, I went through a couple of rounds of revision with our editor Sylvie Frank, and then I did further edits after seeing Erika’s illustrations. Some of those edits were tweaks to help the text flow better with the pictures, and some of them were bigger changes inspired by Erika’s vision for Iggy. It was really exciting to have my own understanding of Iggy deepen and grow as a result of experiencing Erika’s interpretation.

ERIKA - Carrie, that’s so great to hear!!! The text was sooo inspiring - I don’t think there were that many revisions on the images, other than finessing tone and -pun intended -toning down the flames on the confrontational spreads… no spoilers!

Ha! I'm often told to be ready to revise more once the illustrator jumps in, because they'll expand, contract, and mold the characters a bit themselves. You did a great job together creating a fun and thought-provoking book. Carrie, when you first saw Erika’s illustrations in Iggy Who Breathes Fire, did anything surprise, amaze, or delight you? Which is your favorite spread?

CARRIE – When I saw Erika’s initial character sketch for Iggy, I was absolutely amazed that my first reaction was “I know her!” It wasn’t like – “here is how an illustrator has imagined a character that I wrote,” it was more a sense that Erika and I had both met the same little girl who had trusted us both to tell her story.

[I LOVE this!] 

Text © Carrie Kruck, 2024. Image © Erika Meza, 2024.

There are so many delightful little surprises in the illustrations, and I don’t want to spoil them for readers, but I will say that I laughed out loud when I figured out where the popcorn came from! My favorite spread has two scenes – on the left-hand side, Iggy is in the foreground and looks 10 feet tall as she claims her fire and declares her own path. And on the right-hand side, she’s looking up at her parents as they bend down to communicate their trust in her, and we’re reminded that, as powerful as she is, she’s also still a little girl who deserves love and tenderness. It’s a striking transition and a heartfelt image that I never could have expressed as beautifully with words alone!

It is a great combination of text and illustration that definitely gives the reader great insight into Iggy's personality. Erika, is there a spread that you were especially excited about or proud of? Or perhaps one which is your favorite spread? 

Text © Carrie Kruck, 2024. Image © Erika Meza, 2024.

ERIKA  - Oh god yeah. The before mentioned  popcorn spread. I think even the fire came out particularly beautiful on it: it was the big “STOP, this is me!” Moment for Iggy, and I couldn’t wait to paint THAT one…!

I loved this spread! It is powerful and funny/ Erika, many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in Iggy Who Breathes Fire? If so, could you share one or more with us?

ERIKA - Oh gosh yeah; there are Easter eggs all around! The triangular shapes are a symbol for fire (the fire triad! Oxygen, fuel, and heat! Also, it looks like a flame that has been stylised!). This meant Iggy had to be all triangles; pay attention to the length of her cape: it grows as her inner fire grows!

But also, some hidden characters are to be found in the pages. There’s one particular vignette that contains characters of my dear friends, Steve McCarthy and Flavia Z. Drago - as well as my own books. I’m sure you can spot them 😊.

I went back and focused on the cape. What a great illustrative device! Thank you for sharing that! What's something you want your readers to know about Iggy Who Breathes Fire?

CARRIE – I’m a big believer in the idea that we create the best book we can, but once it’s out in the world it takes on a life of its own. At that point, it belongs to the reader and what they bring to it. My own understanding of Iggy Who Breathes Fire has grown each time I’ve heard about a reader’s experience with this book, so really, I’m most excited about what kids want me to know about Iggy!

ERIKA -  I fully agree with Carrie: this is a book that is meant to show kids the power they can wield, and the importance of their voice. I think each will take to heart a different meaning, and it is our turn to listen. The little girl in me wishes she had had this book telling her it is okay to be herself, and I personally LOVE that I will be able to share it with my kid to pass the message along!!

Carrie and Erika, I love that and totally agree about wishing I had this book as a child! Are there any new projects (or upcoming books) you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us? 

CARRIE – Yes! My next picture book, Alfred Blooms, is coming out in March and is illustrated by Carmen Mok. Have you heard the saying: “You can pick your friends. You can pick your nose. But you can’t pick your friends’ noses?” Well, that’s not entirely true for Alfred, who is so desperate to grow a garden that he becomes a garden himself, flowers growing from his pockets, ears, and even his nose, and finds there’s more than one way to make a friend!

I’m also thrilled to be working with Erika on a sequel called Iggy Who Shines, tentatively scheduled for release next Fall. Iggy heads to Camp Firefly, but it’s not all campfires and cookouts – camp isn’t quite what Iggy expected, and camp certainly wasn’t expecting someone quite like her! But Iggy stays true to herself while also discovering, along with her fellow campers, that there’s more than one way to shine.

ERIKA - Precisely!! Iggy in Camp is next!! Erika will have to find a way to paint it all in efficient ways while also making it look coherent with book one, on her dining table… Bring it!!!

I can't wait to see these books, especially the Iggy sequel. Last question,  what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?

CARRIE – My backyard borders a forested area full of hiking trails, protected wetlands, and a bird sanctuary, and it truly is my favorite place to be. But I’m also a HUGE fan of the “urban oasis” – small hidden pockets of nature tucked away the middle of a busy city. And I’m so excited that you asked this question because it gives me the chance to tell a story that I love!

In 2017 (the same year I started writing Iggy), my sister and I were wandering around the West Village in NYC when we stumbled on a quiet little garden surrounded by high brick walls. Walking through the gates into this peaceful garden oasis felt like traveling through a magical portal. I took a picture of a bench we found with a memorial plaque that read: Betty Dickinson (1920-2010) – “Exit Laughing.” We loved that. I recently decided to learn more about Betty, and after a bit of detective work I discovered that not only was she a photographer and a painter, she served in the Navy at Pearl Harbor during WWII, got her pilot’s license in her 50s, survived 14 hours in a lifeboat off the coast of Alaska in her 60’s, and traveled to all seven continents, including to Antarctica at age 88! Talk about a girl who breathes fire! [ Wow! Fire indeed!]

So yeah, I am always looking for the secret gardens ☺

ERIKA -  Anywhere nature is, I’m always happy to find it. I’ve been blessed enough to visit rivers in Ireland and forests in Mexico, find wild garlic in Yorkshire and pick up shells in Normandy… the world is a beautiful spot, and even the littlest garden can contain treasures when we let nature be free and do what it does best.

That sounds like a gem of garden, Carrie. I totally agree with you, Erika. Thank you Carrie & Erika for sharing with us a bit about yourselves and your new picture book.

To find out more about Carrie Kruck. or to contact her:

Website: https://carriekruck.com/

X(Twitter): https://x.com/KruckCarrie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077433768899

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.kruck/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/carriekruck.bsky.social

To find out more about Erika Meza, or to contact her:

Website: https://www.erikameza.com/

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

X(Twitter): https://x.com/ErikaDraws

Review of Iggy Who Breathes Fire

Having grown up being told to "cough like a lady" (even when I had bronchitis) and that I "drew good, for a girl," I would have loved this book as a child. This is a great book for every child (and adult) with a bit more spark than most people know how to handle. The ones who make others lean back and look at them as if they are very wet or muddy Newfoundland. Cheers to you kid! Never stop being a 'spitfire.'

But this is also a book affirming everyone's right to be themselves - "You be you!" A book that reinforces that we are each the expert on being 'ourselves,' and deserve to be cherished for who we are. This is a wonderful book that celebrates everyone and encourages us all to accept and support ourselves, and each other, for our unique and special identities.

Iggy Who Breathes Fire

Author: Carrie Kruck

Illustrator: Erika Meza

Publisher: Disney Hyperion (2024)

Ages: says 3-5 [I think 3-100]

Fiction:

Themes:

Self-confidence, powerful personalities, and unique identities.

Synopsis:

Meet Iggy, a fiery new hero who knows exactly what she's about—no matter what others think.

This hilarious picture book celebrates self-awareness and is perfect for fans of IMOGENE’S ANTLERS and THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS.

Iggy was born to set the world on fire—literally. Her parents aren’t so sure. They bring in the experts—a professor, fire chief, librarian, and doctor—who suggest everything from eating ice cream to sitting in a cold room, but none can help her tame her fire.

Hilarious and heartwarming (get it?) in equal measure, IGGY WHO BREATHES FIRE celebrates that kids are the true experts when it comes to their own identity, and it’s up to them to decide when and how to share themselves with the world.

Opening Lines:

Iggy was born with a spark.

Iggy turned three with a glow.

And when Iggy was six . . .

she

breathed

FIRE!

What I LOVED about this book:

Okay, the puns are fun and the premise hilarious. But this opening illustration is awesome! After Erika's comments, above, I see triangles everywhere. In the background colors, in the party banner, in the table, in the chair back, and even in the spaces between Dad's legs. It's fun to look for all the ways Erika managed to insert triangles into the illustrations, This is such a bright, festive, attention-grabbing opening spread. And I adore both the creative swirls in the fire and the flames on the word "FIRE." How can you not want to know what happens next?

Text © Carrie Kruck, 2024. Image © Erika Meza, 2024.

Humorously, her parents try to convince themselves, “Itʼs only a phase.” But . . . creating a working volcano for the science fair, a realistic dragon Halloween costume, and a bit of an incident at a party (fire truck responded) convinced her parents they needed expert help. I love the bright colorful illustrations with excited and awed children and mortified adults!

Text © Carrie Kruck, 2024. Image © Erika Meza, 2024.

Her parents consult the librarian (fan the fire), fire chief (eat ice cream), and doctor (such healthy lungs), without much luck. Then Professor Knight shows up (ha ha), to tame 'the dragon' with a plan for "Fire Lowering Oral Propulsion" or FLOP! 😊 Though skeptical, Iggy tries. She really does. Until . . . "She just couldnʼt hold it in any longer" and a huge flame erupts from her. (see Erika's favorite image in the interview). And Iggy asserts she knows the perfect expert . . .

Text © Carrie Kruck, 2024. Image © Erika Meza, 2024.

“At least, I will be soon,” said Iggy.

“I just have to figure out a few things first.”

Her father squeaked.

Her mother gulped.

But they looked at each other.

Then they looked at Iggy.

“Go on,” they said.

“We trust you.”

The climax is humorous and endearing, as Iggy re-consults the earlier experts and discovers a few things on her own. Setting us up for one last . . . you are going to have to check out the book to discover the perfect, funny and affirming, final collaboration between the text and the illustrations! This is a book, full of word play and illustration treasures which will be fun for kids and parents to read and pour over again and again. A wonderful book on celebrating and nurturing the spark (or fire) within each of us which makes us special and so totally unique.

Resources:

• 

  celebrate yourself by creating a Head Collage or "All About Me! book."

  
  

• check out these coloring and activity pages

• pair this with Quiet Karima by Nidhi Chanani, Natsumi! by Lendroth, Susan, and When Langston Dances by Kaija Langley, illustrated by Keith Mallet about other kids discovering and celebrating what's special about themselves.