Kristi Mahoney writes children’s books that combine humor and heart. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, son, daughter, and seven fur-family members. She loves animals of all kinds (including alpacas), enjoys visiting libraries, and believes life is better with a bit of laughter. Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians (October 1, 2024 Gnome Road Publishing), is her debut picture book with the sequel, Owls Make Terrible Teachers (Spring 2026, Gnome Road Publishing), to follow.
Website: www.kristimahoneybooks.com
Twitter/X: https://x.com/kristi_mahoney
1. Do you ever feel lonely being a writer?
At this point in my writing career, I’m extremely thankful that I don’t feel lonely being a writer. Usually when I’m writing I have one of my seven fur-family members keeping me company. Beyond that I attribute my lack of loneliness to the amazing kidlit community I’ve met along the way – from fantastic groups like 12x12 and 24 Carrot Writing, to my incredible critique partners, to my amazing promo group (PBSoar24). They’re always there for questions and support and having them in my life has been the very best part of my writing journey.
2. Once you’ve created a first draft, what’s your next step? Critique group? Check in with your agent? Tuck it away and let it age?
Once I’ve created a first draft, I let it sit for a few weeks before I revisit it. Then, when I feel it’s as strong as I can get it, I forward to my first critique partners. I revise and repeat with my second and third critique groups. If it gets favorable feedback from the majority, I know it’s polished and ready. Then off it goes to my agent who will provide feedback and I’ll complete any final revisions before it goes out on submission. I don’t know of a single author that does this alone. And, really, who would want to?
3. You write humorous books -- but how do you know young readers will think your work is funny?
The unsettling thing is, I never know if young readers will think my work is funny when I’m writing it. But I do my best to write things that make me laugh as well as scenes that will inspire a potential illustrator to create giggle-worthy characters/moments. The art is such a huge part of the humor in picture books. I was beyond lucky to get paired up with the incredible team of Chantelle and Burgen Thorne for Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians and they amped up the humor in a way I never could with only words.
4. Where did you get the idea for Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians? What was your inspiration?
I’ve always loved both animals and libraries so these are two topics close to my heart. And some of the best ideas happen when you pair two unlikely things together.
The idea for the “Alpaca” sparked when I first took my kids to an amazing farm near me. It was just after alpaca shearing day so the alpacas all had brand new haircuts. They were adorable and interesting and I knew they’d make a great character for a picture book.
“Libraries” are another love of mine and have always been a huge part of my life. Fun fact about the library in my town (Franklin Public Library)—it happens to be the very first free public library in the country!
5. What’s a particularly striking or memorable reaction someone has had to this book?
One thing that has been mentioned by several reviewers is the book’s potential to spark a discussion with kids on book censorship -- as the alpaca librarian throws out books about all other animals. It’s a serious layer of my story that I didn’t expect to garner so much attention. Although I’m a big fan of alpacas, I think book banning is pretty terrible!
6. If you could tell readers one secret about this book, what would it be?
If readers like Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians, its sequel is coming out in Spring 2026 featuring another terrible-at-its-job animal. And this new main character happens to make a surprise appearance on the very last page of my ALPACAS book so be sure to look out for him!
Great interview, Kristi and Mary! I received an early pdf of this book and I have to say I love everything about it! I was talking with another PB author friend about how sometimes we read a book and wonder 'how did this get published?' or we want to edit things. But ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS is one of those books that I immediately felt was perfection from the first time I read it and could imagine as a super-fun read aloud! Excellent job Kristi, Chantelle, Burgen, and Gnome Road!
Great interview, Kristi and Mary! Thanks for the PBSor24 shoutout too!! :)