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With the release of Stephanie Henson's debut picture book 'No School, My Rules!', we thought we would take some time to share more about her and her inspirations for her wonderful story.
What inspired you to write this book, and/or how did you come up with the idea?
I always knew I wanted to write a book about not wanting to go to school since it is such a
universal feeling among kids. I had very bad school refusal as a child, to the point where my parents were completely baffled as to why I did not want to go and had no idea how to help me.
Turns out I had undiagnosed anxiety and separation anxiety. It was the 80s so there was not a real focus on mental health like we see today, so I could not make sense of the way I was feeling. Fast forward to when my son was in 3rd grade. He had a very rough phase of school refusal, but thankfully, we were able to recognize his symptoms and get him the help he needed. He was able to process his emotions, and one thing he said during one of his tantrums was “If Elsie (our Puggle) doesn’t have to go to school, then I don’t have to go either.” I thought back to his logic, and that became the framework of the book. There is actually a spread in the book about dogs not going to school!
What were some challenges you faced during the development process, and how did you
overcome them?
In the early versions of the book, I focused on the repetition of lines rather than on the actual rules of the story. I thought kids would respond to a refrain, but it just was not working. As a result, there was a disconnect for sure in how I was approaching the text so when I got the R&R from Tielmour Press, they helped me work out those situations and focus less on repetition and more on clearly establishing rules for the main character.
How do you hope your book impacts its readers? Is there a particular message or feeling
you want to convey?
I hope this book gives children a fresh perspective on how they approach going to school. I do not think this book will magically make children want to go to school but it should give them scenarios they can relate to in following along with the main character’s logic of why attending school is ultimately important.
What is one scene or moment in the book that you found particularly memorable or
rewarding to write, and why?
I think the spread with the dogs was born out of a real-life conversation I had with my son about him not wanting to go to school. His “rule” was that if Elsie didn’t have to go, then he didn’t either. It was fun to see that come to life through Mai Tran’s amazing illustrations.
Looking forward, are there any projects or new directions you are currently exploring and what can your readers expect from you next?
I have two lyrical info fiction picture books on sub right now that are about the ocean and beach. I typically write lyrical SEL so getting into info fiction was something that I always wanted to explore. Ocean City, NJ, is my home away from home, so to be able to write a mix of fiction and nonfiction about sea glass and seagulls was very fun.
I also have two Upper MG coming-of-age verse novels on a sub that I have high hopes for. My writing is very much rooted in poetry, so I thoroughly enjoy writing in verse and connecting to the emotion associated with poetic storytelling.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers or other artists who are starting their own
creative journey?
Definitely be patient. It's not easy to break into the publishing industry and there is a lot of
waiting and rejection. I would also say invest in yourself when you can. I love taking as many craft webinars and workshops as possible in order to improve my writing. Put yourself out there and apply for the scholarships. I have been fortunate enough to have won two from SCBWI - the first was being able to attend the Winter Virtual Conference, and I just won a scholarship from SCBWI East PA to attend my first in-person writing/networking event in the Fall, which I am SO excited about. Finally, surround yourself with the right people. Find critique partners and get involved with the kidlit community on X/Twitter. It is a long journey and the friends you meet along the way make it so much better.
Find out more about Stephanie:
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