One CATegory of books that’s great to stock up on at the beginning of the school year are books that approach eduCATional concepts in fun ways. One series that’s been doing that for years now is Ann Marie Stephens‘ CAT books. When I learned book 5 in her series was coming out, I CAughT up with Ann (these CAT phrases are hard!) to learn more:
Me: Congratulations on your rollicking new picture book, CATapult! A Story of Movement and Position (Astra Young Readers, Summer 2026)! It’s a great addition to your series that introduces key math concepts using engaging stories. What inspired you to create this book?
Ann Marie: CATapult! is the last story in a series of five books. I wrote CATastrophe!, the first book, and then my publisher asked me to write four more. The challenge was to have the word CAT in each title, as well as a focus on math and an actual storyline, all based around the theme of the title word. When I settled on CATapult! as a title, I began thinking of ways for kitties to use a catapult. I was also open to Jenn (the illustrator) incorporating her thoughts on this. I knew the action needed to be wild (because that’s how the kitties are!) and somewhat fast-paced, as a catapult can take something from here to there rather quickly. Once I settled on the idea of a kitty pop concert, the planning, practicing, and chaos ensued.
Me: Jenn Harney’s bold and fun illustrations really bring the group of adorable cats (and the math concepts) to life. What has it been like collaborating with Jenn on the CATastrophe Tales?
Ann Marie: Jenn has been the perfect illustrator for this series. I imagine she feels like she created enough cats to last a lifetime! From the very first book, she figured out how to capture facial expressions and child-like behavior in our cat characters. I taught elementary school for 31 years and have seen many of those same personalities Jenn masterfully portrayed. I love how she made each cat unique. Kids love to choose their favorite, usually based on what kind of kitty they have at home. I’m particularly happy with the beautiful colors she chose throughout. Jenn is pawsome!
Me: You taught for 31 years! As a longtime teacher myself (27 years so far) I like to ask other educator/authors how they balance teaching and book creating (and all the things that come with it). What was your experience?
Ann Marie: Before I added the pursuit of publishing to my life in 1995, I always saw the word “balance” as a kind of 50/50. Then when I started juggling teaching with authoring, I realized that ratio was going to have to fluctuate. When it was time for report cards, parent teacher conferences, or back to school week, writing had to take a backseat. But when I started getting book deals and deadlines, I had to find ways to squeeze the writing in out of necessity. I sometimes wrote on my short lunch break, brainstormed during boring meetings (while I pretended to listen), and even did what I call “Stoplight writing” on my 45 minute commute to work. This is where I’d choose a certain phrase, plot point, or word to revise. I’d play with it in my head until I hit one of my long red lights. Then I’d jot down my ideas on a printed copy of the story that sat in the passenger seat. I worked through all kinds of drafts this way! Overall, I think it’s about using the time you have even if it’s only the 20 minutes you end up with for lunch.
Me: Any advice for writers (especially educators) trying to break into children’s books?
Ann Marie: You must be in it for the long haul. For most authors, getting published is not fast and when it is, it still doesn’t mean it’s constant. You might have great momentum and think you’re on a roll when a dry spell hits or it’s holiday time or worse – summer, when editors take their well-deserved vacations. Instead of waiting for the book deals, keep writing. Instead of saying you don’t have time, find every minute you can. Folding laundry? Brainstorm. Sitting in a doctor’s waiting room? Edit your manuscript. Once you send a story off to editors or your agent, start another one. Better yet, work on more than one at a time. I find I’m not always ready for each story. One day, I might not feel funny enough to finish my humorous story. Another day, I might be feeling extra lyrical and ready to crank out some gorgeous lines. This helps keep writer’s block at a distance. Lastly, never stop writing because you get rejected. Every rejection solidifies your commitment to your work.
Me: Can you share what you’re working on next?
Ann Marie: I’m excited to have two board books on the way. Both are coauthored with my friend, Sue Fliess. We have SO MANY BOOKS (in October) and BABY BOOT CAMP (in 2027.) I am also working on three picture books, an early chapter book, and a YA novel in verse with a talented friend. My agent is shopping a board book series, a picture book series, and an early reader series too. As always, I remain hopeful that an editor will see my work, fall in love with it, and make an irresistible offer. Romanticizing the process makes it possible to stay hopeful, prolific, and positive. I’ll never give up.
Me: Thank you so much for chatting, Ann Marie. Wishing your book much success!
To learn more, please go to Ann Marie Stephens, Children’s Books Author
