Dandelion My House Chicken was the winner in the KIDS/Non-Fiction category of the 2024 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Kim Carr.
On the farm I never know what surprises each day will bring. Perhaps the cows got out of the pasture and are headed over the hill towards town. The other day I had to free a young duck stuck in some fencing. Or maybe, just maybe I get notice that my little book, Dandelion My House Chicken won an IndieReader award!!! What a marvelous surprise indeed. Humbled and honored would be an accurate description of what I feel. To know that my everyday life with a house chicken has entertained, maybe touched or even brought a smile to another’s face, lets me know that I am living a good life. I am delighted to be able to share that with others and am most pleased with being selected as an award winner. Many thanks from a grateful heart.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Dandelion My House Chicken / December 2022
What’s the book’s first line?
Hello there! My name is Kim. Welcome to Hybrid Hollow Farm!
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
This is a true story which follows the life of a baby chick, Dandelion, from the date of birth, into adulthood. She was raised in the house with a baby duck and eventually they both were introduced to the flock outside. However certain circumstances led me to bringing Dandelion back inside where she officially became a house chicken.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I’ve been writing stories since I was little, many based on real life or dreams of great adventures. As an adult, life on the farm just lends itself to stories that should be shared. With encouragement from strangers and friends, I finally made the leap in making my stories a reality in book form.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Being a breed of chicken called Turken or Naked Neck, gives Dandelion a unique look as far as chickens go. Most anyone who has ever been around chickens knows that they have amazing personalities. Dandelion was a true character all on her own. I just told her story.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Not only is it fun, but it’s educational for both children and adults. If you want an inside look into the life of a house chicken, or you are just looking for a good read…this is the book.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I’ve been writing since I was eight or nine. A few years back I was invited to write a chapter in an analogy. That was my official jump into the world of published author.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I have a small farm of twenty acres in which I take photos of my farm animals and visit other small farmers to photograph their critters. I am currently working on a photo series of Farm Animals that are in danger of extinction. I make my living as a photographer.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I am motivated by the enthusiasm of friends and family that encourage me to write and share more true stories from around the farm. It feeds my soul.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Jame Herriot.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The All Creatures Great and Small series.