Behind the Story – Super Sonya vs the Woodpecker
My guest today is Mike Plested, here to tell us about his new picture book for younger readers.
What inspired you to write Super Sonya vs the Woodpecker?
Two things really. On a level of wanting a children’s picture book, I wanted to create a story that encourages young children to be curious, imaginative, and brave. I wanted to craft a character that young readers could relate to and be inspired by. And I wanted to expand my reader base to include new readers. On the level of Super Sonya vs the Woodpecker specifically, my granddaughter was the inspiration. She came to visit one day and found me in the backyard trying to figure out how to foil a woodpecker that was putting holes in all the woodwork. I went into the house for a few moments and came outside to find her guarding the yard. That’s when I knew I had to tell the story.
Can you tell us a bit about the main character, Sonya?
Sonya is a curious and imaginative young girl who transforms into her superhero alter ego, Super Sonya, when faced with challenges; in this case a woodpecker intent on putting holes in her playhouse. She embodies bravery and problem-solving skills, making her a great role model for young readers.
How does this book differ from your previous works, given that it’s your first children’s picture book?
While I’ve written eleven books in various genres, this is my first venture into children’s picture books. It’s been an exciting challenge to convey complex themes like bravery and curiosity in a simple, engaging way for very young readers. The collaborative process with the illustrator was also a new and rewarding experience.
How did you collaborate with the illustrator, McQuina Peters?
Working with McQuina Peters was a wonderful experience. As a talented young artist, she brought fresh perspectives to the visual storytelling. We worked closely to ensure the illustrations captured Sonya’s spirit and the book’s themes of imagination and bravery.
What message do you hope young readers will take away from this book?
I hope young readers will be inspired to embrace their curiosity, use their imagination, and be brave in facing new challenges. The book aims to show that even small acts of courage can lead to great adventures and personal growth.
How do you think Super Sonya vs the Woodpecker can be used by parents and educators?
This book can be a great tool for parents and educators to discuss themes of bravery, problem-solving, and using imagination. It can spark conversations about how to approach new or intimidating situations, and encourage children to see challenges as opportunities for growth. It also has the bonus of being released simultaneously in English, Spanish and Canadian French. I hope this makes the book more accessible to a broader audience including any families that are interested in learning a new language.
What was the biggest challenge in writing for the 0-6 age group?
The biggest challenge was distilling complex ideas into simple, engaging language that very young children can understand and enjoy. It required a different approach to storytelling, focusing on rhythm, repetition, and vivid imagery to capture and maintain the attention of young readers.
Are there plans for more Super Sonya adventures in the future?
While I can’t reveal too much at this point, I can say that Sonya’s curiosity and bravery certainly lend themselves to more adventures. I’m excited about the possibility of exploring more everyday challenges through Sonya’s imaginative superhero lens.
What advice would you give to aspiring children’s book authors?
My advice would be to never underestimate your young audience. Children are incredibly perceptive and capable of understanding complex themes when presented in the right way. Also, collaborate closely with your illustrator – in picture books, the visual narrative is just as important as the written one.
When is the book available?
The book is available for pre-order now on all Amazons and in three languages. The titles are (English): Super Sonya vs the Woodpecker, (Canadian French) Super Sonya contre le Pic and (Spanish) Súper Sonya vs el Pájaro Carpintero. The books will be released February 20th, 2025.
