Book Chat Radio was thrilled to have an interview with Children’s Book author Jeremy Gredone. He wrote the cutest children’s book called Maxwell. Maxwell is a unique children’s book that celebrates the power of imagination and dreams. It’s a story about transcendence and the extraordinary blossoming out of the ordinary. It is about the timeless and ever-expanding bond between parent and child and the priceless lessons of love they hold for each other. While Maxwell is primarily created for children, parents will be delighted at the extras designed with them in mind. Truly something for all ages to enjoy!
These are some questions we asked Jeremy.
Please briefly describe the book.
– Maxwell is a unique children’s book that celebrates the power of imagination and dreams.
Do any of the books you write come from your own childhood?
– This is my first book.
Do you try to write without expressing your own opinions?
– Well, I write with universal themes in mind, so along those lines I’m not afraid to let my opinions be known, especially when they are embracing positive human traits like love, friendship, compassion, empathy, etc.
When you begin writing a picture book, do you know what the ending will be?
– In this case, I definitely had it all mapped out before I started. It was based on a true story, so it kind of already had its structure in tact.
Was this topic suggested or was it something you were already interested in?
– As stated above, a true life story served as the inspiration for the children’s book.
One of the attractive parts of the book is the illustrations. How do you coordinate those?
– Sherene is an incredible illustrator, so I really gave her the vision for the book and each illustration and then just let her run wild with it.
Who will this book appeal to? What age range would you recommend it for?
– This book is definitely for kids and parents alike, but the ideal age range would be between 4-8 years old.
What is your next project?
– I’m always working on several at once, but I’m gearing up to write another screenplay at the moment.
Talk a little bit about yourself. What is your background? What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
– I grew up in Maryland, graduated from the University of Notre Dame, spent three years teaching English in the West African island nation of Cabo Verde and then spent a number of years in Hollywood – editing trailers and television ads for the movies. People might be surprised to know that I once deejayed a classical music show for a radio station in Indiana. I had my soothing “classical dj voice” down to a science.
Do you have a favorite book – fiction or non-fiction? How about one of your own?
– I especially love the short stories of Raymond Carver. “Cathedral” is maybe my all time favorite of his.
Do you have an author website or other platform where readers can find more information about you and your books? – maxwellthespider.com
Is there anything I have neglected to ask that you would like to add?
– Well, what truly makes my children’s book “Maxwell” unique is that I include the true story of Maxwell (the real life wild spider that inspired the book) in a booklet in the back pocket of the children’s book. It is not only a story that I hope parents and adults will enjoy, but I suggest it be used as a time capsule and given to the kids when they are old enough to understand and enjoy it as well. “Maxwell” is really more of a “family kit” than just your run of the mill children’s book.
