Interview and Giveaway: Deborah Underwood, author of Here Comes Teacher Cat

Here Comes Teacher Cat

By Deborah Underwood

Illustrated by Claudia Rueda

August 8, 2017

Dial Books

It's back to school for the New York Times bestselling Cat when he steps in as a substitute teacher.

Cat is not pleased to be tapped as substitute teacher. Not only is it cutting into his naptime, but a roomful of kittens is a little, well, scary. At school, he's faced with six adorable kittens and follows the lesson plan of music, building, and painting--only in pure, mischief-making Cat style. By the end, Cat has learned a thing or two about inspiring others by being himself. But even more heart-melting and humorous is what the kittens have learned from Cat.

Goodreads / PRH

Deborah Underwood returns to her adorable and hilarious picture book series about Cat, with Here Comes Teacher Cat. Cat finds himself playing the role of substitute teacher for a classroom full of kittens...and really, he'd rather be napping. But soon Cat finds that even though being a teacher is hard work, it's also kind of fun!

With her signature sparse, yet pitch-perfect text, Underwood will charm and entertain little readers with silly, giggle-inducing humor and antics. Readers will love joining Cat and his kitty students as they play music, build, and create unforgettable art. And Rueda's engaging illustrations, with their soft and whimsical palette, and lively depictions, make for the perfect companion to Underwood's text.

Q1. What three words best describe Here Comes Teacher Cat?

Cat + kitties = chaos!

Q2. What is your favorite page and/or illustration in Here Comes Teacher Cat?

There are so many, but I have a special fondness for the illustration that shows the results of the class’s painting efforts: red, yellow, and blue paint all over the floor, the walls, and the kitties. I also love the very final illustration. I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say when Ms. Melba comes back after her absence, she finds a few surprises in her supply closet.

Q3. What advice would Cat give to newbie teachers heading to the classroom this fall?

Cat would tell them 1) It’s okay to be nervous; 2) Things probably won’t go exactly the way you planned; 3) You’ll learn as much from your students as they will from you; and 4) Teaching will be lots of fun!

Q4. What do you love most about writing and/or illustrating the Cat books?

I’ve fallen more in love with Cat with every book. And it’s been wonderful working with Claudia Rueda, who brilliantly brings Cat to life in all Cat’s heart-of-gold crustiness.

Q5. If you were to create and bake a cupcake inspired by Here Comes Teacher Cat, what would it look and taste like, and what would you call it?

I usually prefer chocolate, but this time I’d pick a delicious vanilla to set off the tangle of red, yellow, and blue icing drizzled on top. I’d sprinkle on sugar decorations: musical notes, hammers, and fish to represent what the class did in Kitty School. And I’d name it Ms. Melba’s Delight!

Deborah Underwood is the author of numerous fiction books for children, including A Balloon for Isabel, Pirate Mom, Part-Time Princess, and the New York Times bestsellers Here Comes the Easter Cat, The Quiet Book, and The Loud Book. She has written more than 25 nonfiction books for children, and her work has appeared in National Geographic Kids, Ladybug, Spider, and Highlights for Children. She lives in Northern California with her cat, Bella.

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Win a copy of Here Comes Teacher Cat!

The wonderful PRH folks have offered up one new copy for one winner.

-US only

-ends 8/11/17

-winner will be emailed and must claim prize within 48 hours

-word spelunking is not responsible for lost, damaged, stolen prizes in the mail

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