Kim A. Larson writes humorous and lyrical picture books and more. Goat’s Boat Won’t Float is her debut picture book (The Little Press). She is also the author of the devotional-style Bible study Unraveling Fairy Tales: Learning to Live Happily Ever After (In the Vine Press, 2020) and the forthcoming picture book Doll Trouble (Clavis Publishing). Kim lives in Minnesota, and when she’s not writing, you may find her working in her garden or playing Sequence with her husband. Visit Kim’s website to learn more about her and her work, or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter/X, or Instagram.
1. What was your favorite book when you were a child? Why?
Curious George was one of my favorites because of all the shenanigans he got into. I also loved Amelia Bedelia books and how she took things literally. I enjoyed humorous adventure books.
2. What kind of student were you? What were your favorite subjects?
I loved school and strived for perfect attendance—and perfect grades, too, though I missed the mark on both. Math and art were my favorite subjects. I wasn’t an avid reader, but I did enjoy creative writing assignments. When I decided to become a writer later in life, I had a lot to learn. Thankfully, my love of learning and perfection tendencies serves me well.
3. What one piece of advice would you like to give to aspiring kidlit authors?
Don’t be afraid to try different genres, POVs, styles, etc. In 2010, I started writing short, nonfiction stories and poetry for adults. I then wrote a YA novel, a NA novel, and a memoir-style devotional/Bible study before discovering picture books in 2018. Though I mostly write non-rhyming fiction, my first rhyming picture book won the Ann Whitford Paul Award in 2021 (and it had tons of illustration notes). My debut picture book is also an early reader. I have the start of a graphic novel, chapter book, and a MG novel. Never stop learning and trying new things.
4. Where did you get the idea for this book? What was your inspiration?
The inspiration for the main character came from visiting my grandchildren who have a hobby farm. We went out to see their cute little goats and as we came closer, the goats fell over! I had never heard about fainting goats before, and I knew I had to write a funny story about them. The story itself was an exercise after watching an SCBWI webinar by Ann Ingalls on early readers.
5. Was this always the title for this project?
My first working title was Goat and Toad. I liked the assonance of the words, but a critique partner suggested the animals be similar in size for illustration reasons. I went back to my Children’s Writer’s Word Book and found TURKEY on the kindergarten sight word list too. I imagined an excitable Turkey as Goat’s sidekick and knew I had my duo of opposites. I added the rhyming subtitle after a few revisions, which eventually became the final title.
6. Who should read this book?
Though it was written as an early reader, I think any child who likes humorous picture books will want to read it. I hope parents also enjoy it, especially if they are looking for a shorter read at bedtime or have a child who is learning to read. One mom on Goodreads wrote: “It resonates so well with my beginner reader who also does not like loud noises! He gets Goat. And he loves that he can read this “big book” all by himself.” This review made my heart sing.