Kerry Aradhya loves to puzzle over words and immerse herself in the creative process. She is the author of the picture book biography Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube (illustrated by Kara Kramer and published by Peachtree) and more than a dozen poems in children’s magazines such as Babybug, Ladybug, and Highlights High Five. When not writing for children, Kerry works part-time as a scientific writer/editor and performs with a quirky modern dance ensemble. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and their cute but naughty pooch named Sofie. Stop by Kerry's website to learn more about her and her work. Or, find her on X at @kerryaradhya or Instagram at @kerry.aradhya
1. What kind of student were you? What were your favorite subjects?
I was one of those kids who really liked school. I was a very good student, and a conscientious one, but I didn’t like speaking up in class. My memories of sitting nervously at my desk, hoping not to be called on, are still quite vivid.
From an early age, math was one of my favorite subjects, and I went on to study biology in college and graduate school. Interestingly, although I loved reading and writing outside of the classroom, English was one of my least favorite subjects in school. Maybe it was because I was afraid of the discussions.
2. What do you feel you’ve gained from being a part of the children’s writing community?
Oh gosh. I have gained SO much from being part of this community. I started writing picture book manuscripts when my oldest daughter was a toddler, and she's about to be a sophomore in college...so it's been a long journey! I've had a lot of time to work on my craft, learn about the publishing industry, and meet so many different kinds of children’s book creators, from writers and illustrators to agents and editors. I feel so supported by this community, and am so happy to be able to support others as well. I’ve truly found “my people,” and that is probably the greatest gift of all.
3. When you begin creating a book, do you always know where the story is going?
When I write fiction, especially if it’s in rhyme, I often start with a title and general concept. I rarely know where the story is going, although I usually figure out the ending before I figure out the middle. For picture book biographies, I do a lot of research and, before I start writing, try to at least know where and how the story will begin and end. But I guess that puts me back in the same place as with my fiction—having to figure out the middle. I’m definitely not a plotter.
4. What was the most challenging thing you faced while writing/researching Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube?
Trying to find Ernő Rubik! Even though he’s a public figure and I used publicly available information to write the book (so it wasn't necessary for me to contact him), I really wanted to connect with him if I could. He is known to be a very private person, though, so I knew it wouldn’t be easy. After many unsuccessful attempts, I finally found someone who was personally connected with him. I never spoke with him directly, but I was told he would be “happy to check the manuscript and raise concerns (if any).” I was so relieved!
5. Was this the book that landed you your agent? If so, what was that process like? Yes, it was! I drafted the manuscript during the COVID-19 pandemic and submitted it to the 2021 PBChat mentorship program hosted by Justin Colón. I was accepted into the program and mentored by picture book author (and all-around amazing human being) Vivian Kirkfield, who inspired me to tighten up the story and seek representation. I signed with my agent in early 2022, and we started submitting to editors right away. I am overjoyed that the book was published this year, just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rubik’s Cube.
6. If you read this book to a room filled with kids, what message would you want them to leave with? When I think about the creation of the Rubik’s Cube, I love that Ernő Rubik never intended to “invent” anything. He was simply following his passion and curiosity, enjoying the creative process as he figured out a way to make a cube out of smaller cubes that twisted and turned without falling apart. My hope is that this book will encourage young readers to follow their own passions and curiosities, and to keep trying when their first attempts at solving a problem aren't successful. Passion, curiosity, and determination can lead to MAGIC!
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