Every picture book has a special story behind its creation, and Neigh Kid is no exception.
We asked author Alan Mayfair what inspired him to write Neigh Kid, how he developed his characters, and what he hopes young readers will learn from the book.
What inspired you to write this book, and/or how did you come up with the idea?
Obviously, just having the neigh kid/naked pun realization doesn’t make a story. I felt that if I were to ever write a story using this pun there would need to be more meat to it in terms of thematic or educational vibe. Believe it or not, the real inspiration for the tone and repetition in this book came from the classic picture book by Deborah Diesen called The Pout Pout Fish. At the time I wrote this, I was also thinking about how I might make picture book texts more like catchy songs since both are repeated aloud time and time again.
Adding the repeated refrain gave it both a memorable book as well as an educational element with the contrasting action words, as my hope is that even a lightly subversive, cheeky book like this can have elements that impart information.
What were some challenges you faced during the development process, and how did you overcome them?
Some challenges, indeed. The subject matter of this book is… unconventional. I benched this manuscript early in my writing process, understanding that most agents and editors likely wouldn’t take a chance on a debut that had this sort of visual attached to it. Very happy to have found a home in Tielmour as excited about the cheeky potential as I was when I wrote it. And Gabi has done more amazing things with my story than I thought possible.
How do you hope your book impacts its readers? Is there a particular message or feeling you want to convey?
First and foremost is 'Getting The Laugh'. I want this book to be funny for everyone who reads it. Funny because it’s a ridiculous premise, but also, it’s a premise rooted in the real-life experiences parents have with their children as they explore self-expression, rules, self-actualization, and being brave.
What is one scene or moment in the book that you found particularly memorable or rewarding to write, and why?
I worked my paternal grandparents into this story in the form of the neighbors, Melvin and Shirley, who are aghast at Colt’s antics. Gabi illustrated them very differently than they looked in real life, but that’s one of the big rewards of this process, that it’s a mixture of things that come from both of our hearts, minds, and experiences.
Looking forward, are there any projects or new directions you are currently exploring? What can your readers expect from you next?
More Neigh Kid, I hope! Colt has room to grow and experience a lot more craziness before I’m done with him!
What advice would you give to aspiring writers or other creative artists?
Don’t be afraid to get weird. There’s a delicate balance in this industry between producing a commodity that a company will be willing to invest in and sell, but also letting that commodity be a true representation of who you are as an artist. Make weird things, but be open to making sure those weird things fit the market as well as possible.
Neigh Kid is now available! Don't forget to check it out!
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