Valerie - Welcome to Bookworthy. Today we're talking with Elizabeth James, the author of Pippa Potter, President's Daughter, Pippa Speaks Up. This delightful early chapter book follows Pippa as she struggles to adjust to being the daughter of the President of the United States. New school, new home, and new friends can be a little overwhelming, but with help, Pippa learns to talk about what she's feeling on the inside with those around her. Welcome to Bookworthy Elizabeth.
Elizabeth -Hello, thank you for having me.
Valerie -It is my pleasure. Now with the celebration of our country's birthday, just a day away, I must ask a bit of a divisive question that sweets our nation around this time of year. Will you be having hot dogs or hamburgers as you celebrate July 4th?
Elizabeth -Okay. Ha ha. I will be eating hamburgers, but my kids I'm sure will all do hot dogs.
Valerie -Yeah, I don't know what it is about kids and hot dogs. And there seems to be like, how you know you're an adult is you don't really prefer hot dogs anymore. Of course, of course there are those days. What do you like to put on your hamburger? Uh, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth -Right, right, right. Unless you have to and there's nothing else to eat. Yeah, into the condiments. So I will do, I mean, ketchup, mustard, relish, and mayonnaise all on one burger. Yeah, bring it on.
Valerie-All of it. Too fun. I have a kiddo that, I live in Texas, so he likes to put salsa on his hamburger. And I'm like, okay. He's a big condiment guy too. And so mayonnaise and salsa, and it just gets very interesting sometimes. That's right, that's right. Keeps it interesting. All right, here's another food question for you. Do you put pineapple on pizza?
Elizabeth -Interesting. Okay. Yeah. Yep. Yeah. Keeps it moist. Yeah, I don't if I make it at home, but I have no problem eating it. I will eat it. I think it tastes good, so.
Valerie -Okay. Was it, we went to one of those places that allows you to make your pizza and they cook it there and then you go eat it. And my kids were like, ooh, pineapple. And they're like, all right, try it. And they're kind of like all the pineapple ended up on the plate. Yeah. Yeah, I hear you. It's when they're being adventurous with food, I'm like, go for it.
Elizabeth-Oh, right. Well, I'm impressed they even tried it, because I'm not sure mine are at that point yet. Yep, yep. Even if it ends up in the trash, at least you try it.
Valerie -I don't know how this is going to go. Right. Exactly. Or what is it from Daniel Tiger? Got to try new things because they might taste good is something we say a lot around here.
Elizabeth -Yes, yes, that's very important, that parenting tip.
Valerie -Very important. Thank you, Daniel Tiger. Well, Elizabeth, tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
Elizabeth -We live in Ohio and I have three kids. I have a daughter who's 10, who was part of the inspiration behind me writing Pippa's book. Then she has two little brothers. I have twins who are seven at home, and then my husband, and then we have a very large rambunctious German shepherd who gets into everything, who is inspiration for another book.
Valerie -It's fun how those that influence our lives are definitely the inspiration behind our creative endeavors for sure. Well, tell us a little bit about your inspiration behind Pippa Potter.
Elizabeth -So it started off my daughter, I struggle with anxiety and it did not take very long for us to find that my daughter was struggling with anxiety. So when she was about seven is when we realized we needed to do something and help her. So we put her in therapy and just was really impressed with the tools she was learning and what her therapist was teaching her, what I was learning, you know, I went over 20 years without really knowing what anxiety was, like what I was feeling with anxiety. And more importantly, like that I could do something about it, like that was revolutionary. And it just seems wild that that's how it is, that we don't realize that we can do something when researchers have found that it's very treatable. So I kind of, I didn't want other kids to have to wait as long as I did or you know, have to, right now there's like very few therapists, there aren't enough therapists for the population in general, but for kids especially. So, you know, kind of giving them those tools that they can use on their own, whether or not they have professional help, because anxiety is, I think researchers think it's about, what is it, they think it affects one in five kids. Is this statistic? And diagnosed it's one in eight. So, There are, you can see from those numbers that there are a lot of kids who struggle with anxiety that aren't getting any kind of treatment. So I thought,
why don't, you know, I have this talent of writing. What if I took some of those tools she's learning and weave it into a story that kids would wanna read and then kind of just like plant those seeds in their mind that they can pull out of their pocket when they find that they're struggling or something's bothering them. So that was really the inspiration behind it. And I honestly, I do not remember where the idea came from to make her the president's daughter. I wrote this book, it was, you know, maybe three years ago. And the first version was like not very exciting. So I kind of shelved it and I was like, I'll come back to this someday. And then last year I kind of like had committed to the Lord, like, I want to pick this back up and I want to, you know, kind of give it to you as like my offering. And when I opened up the document, I saw that I had this outline of she should be the president's daughter. And awesome. And I was like, whoa, this is a great idea. And I have no recollection of that idea coming to me. But yeah, so then I kind of ran with that. And my daughter, who she's 10 now, that was actually the part she loved in the book, was all the little things about her being president's daughter. And I did. I know we'll talk about this at some point, but all the research I did about what it would actually be like to live in the White House. She thought that was so cool that there were maids who could actually clean up your room if your parents would let them.
Valerie -Don't we all want one of those, right? Too fun. And I've enjoyed watching your social media accounts with all the little fun facts that you've been putting out there about the White House and what it would be like to live in the White House. But it reminded me of a, what is it? A 1996 movie called First Kid with Sinbad.
Elizabeth -Oh yes, yes. We watched that when I was like researching for this.
Valerie - It was one of those like most eye-opening ideas like what would it be like to be a kid in the White House? And so it was a fond movie when I was growing up. And so it was, I mean, yeah, it's gotta be fun, right? So I might have to have my kids watch that. We haven't watched it with them yet, but we'll have to do that. But yeah, it's really neat to think of the history behind it. Um, I guess, where did you go to find information about the White House since it's such a special location.
Elizabeth -Yeah, well, you know, there is an awful lot of research out there if you like know where to dig. You know, I got tons of books out of the library. I, lots of YouTube, they, you know, they'll do, go behind the scenes in the White House, like CNN and stuff like that. There's a part where she takes her friend into, there's like a florist shop, her friend is really into flowers. And on YouTube, there was a news special that went into the floor shop. And you can go online and look up maps of the White House so I could see the floor plan because in the basement, there's like, I think it's 99 or 100 rooms, different, with different things. So there's a dentist office, a doctor's office, a chocolate shop, flower shop, bowling alley, all these things, and you can see the layout. But one of my favorite parts of researching it was I reached out, I really wanted to know which room would be Pippa's in the White House. And I did all this
research, and I could not figure it out. And so I reached out to the White House Historical Association and just kind of like, well, maybe, I don't know. And they actually wrote back and they gave me this whole long email of most presidents' kids have lived in the yellow bedroom. And so they sent me links to like pictures of when It was one of the Kennedy girls' bedrooms. And so, and then you see like her little like toy horse she like rode on and her dolls. And so that was really helpful that they kind of, that way I knew, like I'm not just picking a room, but to give it some of that historical accuracy. And you know, there have been a lot of kids that have lived there. So yeah, so that was the most fun that they actually wrote back and they told me and they were super.
Valerie- That's awesome. It's one of those hard things as an author sometimes just to put yourself out there and be like, tell me the things please. And so it's really rewarding when they're like, here's all the stuff. Cause most people, yeah, most, you know, historical societies are more than happy to be like, here's all the things we know. And it just really does create depth to your book for sure. Just to help kids see the presidency and see the White House itself through a kid's eyes, which is kind of fun. So cool. What do your kids think about this book?
Elizabeth - Oh, they are my biggest cheerleaders. My daughter, like, so we made these shirts, and she wears hers to school all the time. They have taken them to school. Like, they're so proud to give them as gifts and to tell their class that their mom's an author and that they're really proud of the illustrations. You know, I think especially for my twins. It's funny, like they think the book is cool, but like the illustrations are where they are like really proud. So they've been great. And I was I wrote it originally, you know, for my daughter. And, you know, my boys now are kind of to the age she was when I first started writing it. And so I kind of didn't think that they would really care because they're boys and the protagonist is a girl. But I always read to them at night before bed and we usually read, you know, like little like mystery chapter books and we had gone through them all. And one of my boys was like, well, why don't you read me your book? Why don't you read us your book? And so I did. And they were like, no, keep going. Like, I want to know. And then
she collects like gems and crystals through the story. And so by the time we were done, they had like gotten out their crystals and they were like playing with them. And I was like, oh, this is so like heartwarming to me that even though they're, you know not a girl, that they can still embrace her story and latch on to some of those aspects in it. So that was just very rewarding.
Valerie -Well, I think Pippa is a great character that's very well rounded that you can connect on so many different levels so that the boys can connect through rocks. Cause what boy doesn't like rocks and then girls can connect with the friendship element that you put in there as well as the struggle that Pippa has. Now you didn't say this earlier, but the illustrations, you did your own illustrations, didn't you? Oh my goodness. Tell me about that process.
Elizabeth -You know, it was when I was growing up, like when I was in kindergarten to first grade, I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. Like I had like one coloring contest and stuff like that. And then in second grade, I started writing, you know, that's when I learned to read and write and I just flourished. And so I really I just dropped the art thing, like just ran with the writing and I've always stayed involved in art. Like in high school, I did ceramics and loved it.
And then like all my best friends were always very like artsy. And my first job out of college was writing for a graphic design magazine. And so I like judged design competitions and work design conferences, but like had never kind of like embraced it like as my own. Like I was just like, I can appreciate art. And my like, desire is with my writing is chapter books. Like I just love that age and genre and it's very hard to get published in that. Like for whatever reason, chapter books are really difficult. And when I was reading them, I was like, these illustrations are very simple. They're not as intricate as you have in picture books. And I was like, you know, I think I could do this. And it was an idea I kicked around for a couple of years where I was like, I think I can, but I don't know. Um, so I just would pick it up off and on. And when it came to this, I was like, well, you know, I'm going to try it and we'll see. And then with my, my boys being really, you know, impressed and just, you know, cheerleading and, um, then I sent it out to some agents and. They weren't necessarily interested in the chapter book, but the fact that it was a chapter book, they really liked the illustrations. And they were like, well, if you have more like books that you've illustrated, let us know. And I was like, okay, I think I can do the illustrations. So.
Valerie -I'm sure that felt good to get some, a professional opinion to be like, you can do this.
Elizabeth -Yeah, yeah, I'm just kind of like, all right, let's just let's just jump and see.
Valerie -Yeah, because that's one of the, you know, was it pictures usually make a book, especially with, you know, picture books, as well as, you know, an early chapter book like yours, and just to allow people to connect, or let people and kids to connect a little bit more with the characters. And that must've been a very big undertaking for sure.
Elizabeth-Yeah, yeah, but you know, it was almost easier than the writing, I think. It was something I could do before bed and just like, I'd just draw and kind of get in the zone and you just kind of fine tune. Whereas I feel like when I'm writing, like I have to be like really laser focused and you know, there's all these elements to balance. So I'm actually looking forward to continuing to kind of like hone the illustration, just kind of see where it leads.
Valerie -It's fun. I mean, I like to draw it also. And it's one of those, uh, there's like a freedom and a playfulness in drawing that is not as, I guess, constrained as writing can be where there is a lot of creativity in writing, there is a lot of rules and a lot of formulas, but with, you know, drawing and painting, you can be a little bit more like, okay, I'm just playing with this character. And you don't really have to engage your brain a ton. You just let your hand and eyes do the work and your brain can kind of just chill out. I think that's why what adult coloring books are so big is that there is just that ability to calm ourselves, work with our anxieties and just to step back when you're in that art zone. Too neat. Now you mentioned that you kind of struggle with anxiety and you saw your daughter struggling with anxiety as the inspiration for this book. What in this process of writing Pippa Poppa's story did you, I guess take into your own anxiety struggle.
Elizabeth -I think one of the biggest things that I wanted to integrate into the story was the idea that just becoming aware of your emotions. And because that was something that I hadn't really ever, or had taken me a long time to kind of realize, to pay attention. So throughout the story, there's kind of this theme of how you're feeling or how you're feeling matters. You know, pay attention to your body. What is your body telling you? Because how you're feeling matters. And we can do something about that. So I think just in the process of writing it, it kind of just helped me really, it really like was the like hammer on the nail of just remembering that. And you know, there are times, you know, I still get anxious about things and kind of, it makes it easier for me to remember those tools, you know, like there's a lot about it and they're about deep breathing and, you know, like positive like affirmations or
mantras just to kind of ground yourself and remind yourself that, you know, like our anxiety is making us, telling us that we're supposed to be afraid of something. But it's not really something we have to be afraid of. It's like it's not a true danger and to remind ourselves and calm ourselves down. But I think even like now that the story is written, I think it's definitely been a push, you know, even just being on this interview. Like I love being behind the computer and like faceless and all that. So I can see how the Lord has used it to kind of challenge me to speak up. To kind of embrace who I am and how he's made me. And so I hope that like, you know, I wrote this book from a place of like, I know what it feels like. I know what it feels like to be the one who doesn't wanna raise your hand in class and you know, to not wanna speak up about how you're feeling and to remain quiet, but that when it, you know, that you can do it and that that it's powerful to be able to like speak up and share your words and everything.
Valerie -Yeah, I think what is it growing up, you know, for me, I guess I grew up in the eighties and nineties and so it's kind of like emotions were just not something we talked about. It was kind of just like, go deal with it and buck, you know, buck up. And so it is interesting to see, you know, us as adults to be like, you know what, we can speak into ourselves and speak, you know, life into ourselves and positive affirmations, like you said as well as into our kids too, and to take the time to recognize our emotions. I think with my own anxiety struggle, I think one of the things that I think you just mentioned was just kind of like, I have to remind myself, is this a fight or flight situation? It's like, no, I'm, you know, why am I afraid? Why am I wanting to run and just recognizing those things and taking the time to walk back through things, you know very basic, but giving kids those tools as we've kind of seen anxiety skyrocket in the last three to four years is so important, not just for us as parents to have the tools to communicate with our kids on their level, what they're experiencing, but also for kids to come to a place where it's like, oh, like you said, your emotions matter. Our emotions are given to us for a reason, to communicate something going on inside or dislike for something that's happening around you. And so I love that you're equipping kids to do that. Now, when did your writing journey begin, Elizabeth?
Elizabeth -I mean, back in second grade, you know, is when I had such a kind teacher who she I think she really loved writing, she would have she would give us books. And I think you maybe you got points for books or like we got like pizza coupons. I don't know, there was some incentive. But I know that I crank them out like, all the time, probably more than she
like, wanted or thought. But she also just really encouraged me and was like, you know, saw that and spoke life into that in a way that like I held onto. And I had a lot of teachers who saw that and you know, encouraged me. And then so when I was in high school, kind of I'd always like, I knew writing was my thing, but didn't know where that was gonna go. I didn't really have a plan. And then I signed up for the high school newspaper. Well, it wasn't a newspaper, it was a magazine. Our high school had a magazine. And oh, I just loved it. We went and we did a restaurant review, like locally. Me and the teacher who was in charge and another student. And I was like, oh, I could, I love this. I could do this for the rest of my life. So I went to school and I studied magazine journalism. And I did that for about four or five years. And in that time, I became like a believer and really grew my faith. And at that point I was like, oh, you know what? I could take this talent the Lord's given me and use it like for him. So I went and I worked for a Christian publisher for a few years after that as a publicist working on like their books. So that was a lot of fun because I got paid to read things about the Lord and it was just really great opportunity.
Valerie -So fun. Now, I love how you talk about teachers encouraging and kind of just helping to see that and breathe life into that gifting. I think there's always that teacher that, or I hope, I know I have my teacher that did that. And it's been neat in these different interviews to find that most people have had either a second grade teacher or a fourth grade teacher that have just been like you can do this and that's launched people in so many different directions. I love the power that teachers have to encourage kids. And so that's super fun. And what is your favorite book?
Elizabeth -My favorite book? Well, that's a really hard question because I read in lots of things. I think maybe my favorite book, fiction book, well, it's also hard. But I really like All Time Christy by Katherine Marshall. That's the book where she, it's written about her mom. She goes
to Appalachia. But there's also the Christian faith message woven in. So that's been my favorite since eighth grade. But like maybe even more so now, I'm not sure if you're familiar with the Sensible Shoes series. I'm blanking on the lady's name, but it's a Christian series and it incorporates a lot of spiritual disciplines and into the story of like just like how the Lord like heals these women through prayer and through the scripture, like how he speaks to them. I think It's something that for a lot of Christians, we don't necessarily realize what it means for the Lord to speak to us and to listen to his like whispers in our heart. And I think she does a fabulous job of bringing those to life. And I've tried
writing Christian fiction, it's hard. So like I kudos to these women who are able to do that. And marry those two things of really good storytelling, but then weaving the faith in a way that's not like, you know, didactic or, you know, preachy. Yes. But life giving, it makes you want to go like, Oh, I want to go pray. I want to go spend time with the Lord. Um, so I think those would be my hands down because I just think they're very powerful, you know.
Valerie -I think, yeah, those definitely are some powerful books. The Sensible Shoes, I'm gonna have to check that one out. That sounds interesting. Now, what can we expect next from you, Elizabeth?
Elizabeth -Well, I am working on book two in the Pippa Potter series So I wanted to address anger because I think that's something we don't really Talk, I mean we talked to kids about it, you know, we tell them you don't be you know Don't hit when you're angry, you know, but kind of what do you do when you're angry then? you know like so kind of bringing this to the forefront and equipping kids to Have a healthy understanding of anger and their anger not to shame themselves or you know feel ashamed. But I also, I would really love to cover perfectionism. And I have an idea for like a Christmas edition, like a Christmas story featuring
the White House because it's incredible come Christmas. Like they do so much stuff there. So I have a ton of ideas and probably not enough time to write them all or illustrate them all, but slowly.
Valerie -I love that you're taking things that you're seeing in your own kids and the kids around you and seeing their struggles and be willing to step in and to approach them on their level. I think anger is definitely one of those qualities we all struggle with from time to time. But yeah, teaching kids about anger is a hard thing because what is it? I think I read recently that anger is like a red flag for a hurt or emotion inside. And it's like, it's not wrong to be angry. I mean, Jesus was angry, but it's what we do with that anger. That is the next step. So I love that you're going to tackle such an important and good topic there. Well, where can people find out more about you and your books, Elizabeth?
Elizabeth -Absolutely. I have my website and then I'm also on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as Elizabeth James Writes. So I would love to have people join me there and find out all those little factoids like you mentioned.
Valerie -Those have been lots of fun to watch and just the neat pictures you've put together, you know, of the White House and the families that have been there. So I really enjoyed it because I'm a bit of a history buff too. But thank you for being with us today, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth -Absolutely, thank you.
Valerie -And thank you for joining Elizabeth and me on this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast. Check the show notes for any books or links that we discussed, and let us know in the comments if you prefer hamburgers or hot dogs. Be sure to like and subscribe to discover more great books together.
Happy reading!
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