FeedWise Bear William (Author Interview and Book Giveaway!)
December 19, 2011 in Books with Health Content, Elementary Educators, Making Personal Connections, Personal Connections, Picture Book, Preschool to 1st grade teachers, Wooten Arthur Tags: Book Giveaway Contest, building self-esteem in kids, character education, picture books for preschoolers
I’m so thrilled to host Arthur Wooten with his picture book Wise Bear William: The New Beginning (illustrated by Bud Santora) on my blog today. I am also excited to let you know that Arthur is providing one soft-cover copy to giveaway to a lucky reader–just leave a comment below and either say PICK ME! or let us know about your favorite old toy. Please leave your comment by Christmas Day, December 25 at 8:00 p.m. CST (U.S. and Canada mailing addresses only please). You will be thrilled by this sweet story and beautiful illustrations–read on for a little about the book and author and some Q and A! 
Synopsis: In Wise Bear William: A New Beginning, toys long forgotten in an attic discover that children are coming up to rescue them. All wanting to be picked, each toy examines their own self-described shortcomings and turn to one another for comfort and advice. But the most important thing they discover is that as much as you fix things up on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that really counts. With an emotional and surprising ending for all the toys, this heartwarming and timeless tale of love and friendship is destined to become a favorite of young and old for years to come.
Author bio: ARTHUR WOOTEN is the author of the critically acclaimed novels Birthday Pie, On Picking Fruit and Fruit Cocktail, as well as the short story, “A Stroke Of Luck.” Also a playwright, his works include the award winning Birthday Pie, which had its world premiere at the Waterfront Playhouse, Key West, FL. His one act plays, Lily and The Lunch, have been produced Off-Off Broadway; and for two years, he has been the humorist for the London based magazine, reFRESH. Arthur grew up in Andover, MA and now resides in New York City.
Margo: Welcome to Read These Books and Use Them. Thank you for providing a giveaway copy of your book, Wise Bear William, A New Beginning. It is such a beautiful picture book that kids of all ages will love. So, tell us, what makes your book different from other books/stories/movies about toys that aren’t wanted any more?
Arthur: Margo, Wise Bear William, although a very short story, tells a larger than life tale of trials and tribulations that we all struggle with on a daily basis and at different times in our lives. It’s a cozy, quaint, and very moving story; but it also addresses the big questions in life like…am I worthy? Am I good enough? What can I do to take control of my current situation and be more…happy? It tackles some big questions with a lot of humor and honesty.
Margo: WOW! It sounds like parents and teachers can get as much out of it as children! (smiles) Before this book, you have a lot of writing experience with award-winning plays and adult novels. What gave you the idea to write a children’s book?
Arthur Wooten
Then we were approached by another producing team to do William as a children’s television series. But that too struggled to manifest, and Bud and I went on to other projects. But I always wanted William to be realized. I wrote the screenplay, which in turn provided me with all the material that we would need for what will eventually become a series. It’s exciting when people scratch at your door and talk of movies and television, but the moment Bud and I decided to go back to the drawing board and share William in it’s first conceived incarnation, as a book, it was like putting on an old sweater you had forgotten you had. It felt so good. So right.
Margo: I’m glad that you found the perfect fit for Wise Bear William! So, what was your publication experience for Wise Bear William like then?
Arthur: Well, I created Galaxias Productions, which is a company that oversees all of my titles now. So the publication experience was a breeze. But I must confess, as a boss, I’m tough. Tough on me! I become driven, but I try to channel that energy in a positive way, hence, I don’t procrastinate. And although, earlier this year, I had published my novel, Birthday Pie, and republished On Picking Fruit and Fruit Cocktail, Wise Bear William was a trickier publication. Bud and I completely designed the interior and exterior of the book. With a full color illustrated book like this, it’s a very complicated beast to wrestle. It’s one thing to write a good manuscript and create beautiful illustrations, but then we had to master “the computer”. We both learned as quickly as we could and are now completely proud and excited with the end result.
Margo: Yes, it is a wonderful book, and I am so thrilled to have my very own e-copy! This blog is all about how we can USE children’s books with young readers to teach them skills or lessons and to start discussions. What are two or three skills or lessons you can use this book to teach children? How about discussions you can start with them?
Arthur: My thoughts turn to a colleague of mine in London, England, Clayton Littlewood. He read Wise Bear William before it was released and shared these feelings with me: “Wise Bear William is a lovely, magical story, laced with hidden themes of acceptance, beauty coming from within, and age as something to be cherished.” Right there are three beautiful lessons. The story also shows the characters working as a team, trying to help each other out, and raise one another’s spirits when doubts creep in.
Margo: So, teachers and parents could start a discussion with children about what qualities make a good friend even and focus on the INSIDE qualities instead of the OUTSIDE. Also, working as a team is a huge concept for young children who are so ME, ME, ME. So, you can use the characters in this book to help children see how to work as a team. Where is Wise Bear William available for sale?
Arthur: Wise Bear William officially is released December 15, 2011 and is available everywhere online. The preferred site is actually mine, Galaxias Productions’ eStore, powered by Amazon.
The eBook will be available in a couple of weeks, and it can also be ordered from any bookstores.
Margo: Anything else you’d like to share with us about your book or yourself as an author? Any more upcoming projects for children?
Arthur: Well, as I hinted earlier, there will be a total of ten Wise Bear William books. But more immediately, I have a collection of short stories coming out in January and a new novel titled Leftovers, to be released in February. Leftovers is a romantic dramedy. Set in 1955, a divorced and destitute suburban housewife finds self-esteem, financial security, and true love selling…Tupperware! I had a lot of fun writing that novel.
Margo: Tupperware! I love it. Thank you, Arthur, for taking the time out of your busy life to share with us about your beautiful picture book! Readers, don’t forget to leave your comment below–tell us your favorite toy if you want. If you have a question for Arthur, go ahead and leave that, too.
Arthur: Margo, thank you and keep up the great work!
December 19th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Great interview, Margo! It looks like Wise Bear William had quite a journey to publication.
One of my favorite childhood toys was my plush Starlite, Rainbow Brite’s horse. His gold hooves are worn now and his coat is more gray than white, but he’s still much-loved and on a shelf in my closet.
December 19th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
My favorite toy was probably my Barbie doll… except I only had one outfit and would always go to my cousin’s house who was also my neighbor so that I could dress her in something different! Wise Bear William sounds like an interesting read! Thanks for sharing.
December 19th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Interesting interview. I would love to win this picture book. I never had many toys as a child. Maybe, a pencil and paper for drawing?
December 19th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
It sounds like a beautiful story–one for adults and kids. I loved dolls but books were my favorite things as a child and I used to sleep with the favorite one at the time under my pillow so it could be close to me.
June Sengpiehl
December 19th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Sounds like a lovely children’s book, and useful on many levels and in many ways. My favorite toys were horses. I’d imagine I was a wild horse, running free. Later I got a horse and it was as wonderful and freeing as in my imagination. “Ride like the wind….”
December 19th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Pick me! Oh, and I loved my Mrs. Beasley Doll. I took her with me everywhere, carrying her by the arm — until the arm almost fell off.
December 19th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Hi Margo and Arthur,
Fascinating interview, both questions and answers.
I LOVE the cover of WISE BEAR WILLIAM and would love to win the book.
My favorite toy was my baby sister Bridget who was born in early December, just in time for Christmas. She turned 50 last week, and she has always been a joy to be around.
December 19th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
This is an absolutely beautiful book with a wonderful story and glorious illustrations. I bought two copies – one for me and one to donate to a local school’s library. So don’t put me in for the giveaway.
I’d just like to encourage everyone – if you don’t WIN the free copy, please consider purchasing this book. The best way to make sure that writers can write wonderful books like this is – to buy them!
December 19th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
I’m sure my granchldren and I would all enjoy reading Wise Bear William. My favorite Christmas toy was a wind-up bear that played the drums. Dad only got it out during the holidays and we always begged him to play it again and again.
December 19th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
The cover is so beautiful I’d love to see the inside illustrations. Since William was released on my little brother’s birthday (Happy B-day Scott!) I’ll tell you one of his favorite toys…Legos. This was back before they came in “castle kits” or “Star Wars Death Ray kits”. It was just a big old box of pieces and he could build just about anything from them!
December 19th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
My most cherished toy from childhood is a red squirrel, Frisky, sewn from red wool that my mother made me for Christmas when I was four. I still have it!
December 19th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
I have to say I did enjoy the old school Fisher Price toys; which Target has relaunched and is selling a slightly modern version. The old barn, the dog on a string that made noise, the pushy popper thing, haha.
I always wanted a Teddy Ruxpin, and never got one
December 19th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
What an interesting publication story! And of course, now I’m itching to read this book that was optioned as an animated film…
My fave toy was my Easy-bake Oven. Which is totally ironic since I really hate to cook now. Maybe if I had an Easy-bake Oven that could whip up a tiny turkey dinner…;-)
December 19th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
Sounds like a sweet book. I want to read it! My fav childhood toy was Baby Beans.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
My favorite toy when I was little was a doll that had been my cousin’s before she cut its hair. My mother made her an entire wardrobe. I passed her on to a child who needed comfort. Pick Me seems like the perfect type of book I would read to my grandkids and recommend to the parents of my students.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
This was so much fun to read, and the book sounds delightful. Thanks for highlighting this one!
December 19th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Thanks for news about Wise Bear William. I would love to win this book for two darling girls who live in Dallas, TX. I was the stuffed animal girl–I could cover a portion of my bed in my stuffed animals.
December 19th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Margo- I loved hearing the backstory of this book, and the sneak peek into how hard it really is to bring a film project to life. Thanks for a great interview! This just shows that you should never give up on your dreams, even if they are 10 years (or more) old
And my favorite toy was my Paddington Bear, who now belongs to my daughter Margaret. He always gave the best hugs! (As you can see, a book about a special bear would be much appreciated in our house.)
December 19th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
Another great interview, Margo! The cover art is beautiful and it sounds like a great book.
My favorite toy was a rag doll named Tatters. You pulled her string and she said, “My name is Tatters, if it matters.”
Cinda
December 19th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
Great interview, Margo! Teddy bears are one of my favorite toys, in general. Although my own personal favorite is a hand-crocheted bunny that my mother made me when I was an infant.
Blessings!
December 20th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Thank you, everyone, for the great response and all the toy references. It is bringing back so many memories. I LOVED my Fashion Plates and Farrah Fawcett head–I cut her hair, put on her make-up, so she was all ready for Charlie’s Angels. Keep those comments coming!
PS: Anyone who has a question for Arthur, just let us know. Many of you are right–his publication story is inspirational.
And hats off to Bud Santora and his beautiful illustrations!
December 20th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
What a wonderful story! That true beauty lies within must be the most important lesson of all. A healthy sense of self-worth and self-respect will see a person through the darkest of times; not to mention the importance of surrounding oneself with positive relationships.
(Love the cover art!)
As a child I inherited a jointed bear that once belonged to my brother. He has curly fur, velvet paws, and a button inside his tummy that used to “squeek” when pressed. It was his sad expression that won my heart–I still have him packed in a box somewhere♥
December 20th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Margo -
I’m thrilled at the messages people are leaving. So touching. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your blog/world.
Happy Holidays!
Arthur
December 20th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
My Uncle worked for a publisher that sold to school libraries so we always got books from them for Christmas. One series that sticks out in my memory is “Frontier Dan”. I can still see the cover in my mind. I’d love to read Wise William, put my name in the drawing.
Thanks for the opportunity. Merry Christmas!
December 20th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
We love slinkies!
Pick me.
December 24th, 2011 at 8:31 am
I LOVED the Swingy doll I got for Christmas when I was in first grade. She came with a cardboard record and could “dance” or walk.