Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze was the winner in the CHILDREN’S (Board books and Pre-reading) 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 Sheryl Bass.
Not long ago, infie titles carried a stigma–as if they were of lower quality than those that were traditionally published. This is no longer the case. It means a lot to me to be acknowledged as an indie author. I so enjoyed the creative control I got from self-publishing both of my rhyming children’s picture books, Baby Dragon Finds His Family and my sequel being honored here, Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze. Speaking of family, I want to thank my own for their continued love and support. I also want to thank April Cox of “Self-Publishing Made Simple” for painstakingly walking me through copyright, ISBN numbers and all of the processes needed for getting my books into children’s hands. I look forward to creating more indie books in the coming years.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze and it was published in Oct. 2022
What’s the book’s first line?
“I will tell you a story from legends of old, of a huge baby dragon who caught a bad cold.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze has earned Eleven national and international book awards: (Mom’s Choice; Readers’ Favorite; Global Book Award; PenCraft Summer 2023 Award—Seasonal; Independent Author Network Award; Outstanding Creator Award for Top 25 Children’s Picture Books) including FIVE first place wins: Indie Reader Discovery Award-Children’s Board Books & Pre-Reading; PenCraft Literary Award – annual, non-seasonal; The BookFest; Outstanding Creator Award for Best Children’s Book of Clash of Champions 2023; Outstanding Creator Award for Illustrated & Picture Books for Children.
A sweet story for dragon and fairytale lovers with themes of friendship, empathy and forgiveness.
A sick baby dragon feels terrible when his fiery sneeze causes problems for a neighboring village. Can they forgive and find it in their hearts to help the giant young dragon?
Follow one brave little girl who enters his cave and confronts the dragon. After learning about his plight, she advocates for him with the townspeople.
It will take problem-solving at its best to prevent further destruction and heal the ailing dragon.
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze is a perfect springboard for discussions around:
Found Family
Building Trust
Love and Kindness
Helping Others / Sharing
Reserving Judgement
Accountability / Making Amends
Grab your copy now – a perfect addition to every home and school library.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
The first book in the series, Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze, was inspired by a sneeze. About 15 years ago, I was walking down the street and I sneezed really hard. I had the ridiculous thought that it is a good thing I am not a dragon or my sneeze would have done a lot of damage. I went home and wrote the first draft.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The most distinctive thing about the main character is his kindness. He does not remind me of anyone but rather is aspirational for me. I am often impatient and irritable, frankly, and wish I could be a nicer person. This little dragon reminds me to continually try to be my best self.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Children should read this book for the social emotional learning messages provided in both of my baby dragon stories.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I decided to try to get this, my first baby dragon book traditionally published in around 2020 or 2021. Then, in 2022, I opted for self-publishing my first book in the series. It provided me a lot of creative control, which I loved. So, I repeated the process for my second story. I am currently working on my third book about this dragon.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I do public relations/publicity for clients in a variety of industries—including publishing.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is the creative control—choosing my illustrator and exactly what I want to have visually depicted on each page. The hardest part is the financial outlay initially with self-publishing.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I am most motivated by making a difference to others. I would like children to be a little nicer as they grow up and I would like to have helped contribute to that. I want to uplift and entertain, as well.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
I wish I had written Charlotte’s Web. It is such a sweet story and has messages similar to those in my baby dragon books—about inclusion, kindness, helping others and not making assumptions about those that others fear, such as spiders (and in my books—a giant, fire breathing dragon). As a vegan, I also love that Charlotte helps Wilbur avoid being eaten.