6 Questions with Dawn Babb Prochovnic

Dawn Babb Prochovnic is the author of over 20 children’s books including Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?, Lucy’s Blooms, and her forthcoming title, Mama’s Home (and Baby Too!). She has devoted her life’s work to initiatives that support literacy and the literary arts, including early literacy enrichment programs, school author visits, writing workshops, and her educational blog. Dawn is the recipient of the Walt Morey Award and the esteemed “Pleasure Reading Award” (her most memorable fifth-grade achievement). She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family and fan-favorites, Pickle the Cat and Sophie the Paddleboarding Pup. Learn more at www.dawnprochovnic.com.

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1. How did you begin your journey as an author?

I attended my first writing conference in 2004 as an early literacy consultant, entrepreneur, and aspiring author, seeking to hire an illustrator and publisher to bring my book vision to fruition -- this was long before self-publishing was a realistic option.

During that info-packed week, the esteemed faculty helped me learn some industry basics and gently introduced me to the concept of critique.

It would be another five years before the picture book series I envisioned came to life (via a collaboration with an educational publisher), and it would be another ten years after that before my first trade picture books were published. My 21^st book baby, Mama’s Home (and Baby Too!), publishes with Familius in October.

2. What’s the best piece of advice a mentor has given you?

It was actually a parenting mentor and friend who suggested, when my firstborn was bitsy, to hold on to the mantra, this too shall pass, through all the ages and stages of parenthood. I’ve held fast to this phrase in the midst of bumps and valleys, high points and hilarity, and the myriad of ordinary moments in between. It’s reminded me to pay attention and be present, and it’s helped me hang in there when it was hard. I’ve found this mantra similarly helpful in other aspects of my life, including my writing journey. Whether I’m struggling with a rejection, tackling a tough revision, or celebrating a success, those four little words keep me mindful, grateful, and grounded.

3. What are your daily or weekly habits and practices?

One of the most important practices I’ve incorporated into my writing life is exchanging creative goals and goal reports with an accountability and critique partner. I’ve been doing this on a weekly basis with fellow picture book author, Sara T. Behrman, for about twenty years now. I credit this practice with helping me stay focused and motivated, prioritizing my creative work alongside competing demands for my time and attention, and helping me take notice that even small steps forward are forward motion.

4. Where did you get the idea for this new book? What was your inspiration?

The initial idea for this story came to me as I was watching my young son blissfully engage in imaginative play at our local children's museum. I scribbled down the words, childhood bliss, on a scrap of paper I found in my pocket. Soon after, I began formulating a poetic story about everyday, child-centered activities that bring joy into a child’s life.  

5. Was this always the title for this project? If not, what other titles did you consider and how did you land on this one?

There were many different titles along the way, beginning with Childhood Bliss and A Child’s Bliss. After experimenting with different entry points into the story, such as the joyful experience of spending time with grandparents, the title shifted to Grandma’s House is Happiness. The story and title eventually transitioned to Mama’s Home! after reflecting on the anticipation and excitement I’d felt as a child when my own mom returned home from a trip or an extended hospital stay.

Before acquiring the manuscript, Familius asked if I’d consider leaning into a more specific reason for Mama being away: the arrival of a new sibling. (Yes!) During production, the title briefly changed to Missing Mama, and eventually, Mama’s Home (and Baby Too!).

6. What did you learn while making this book that you’ll carry into your next project?

This book taught me to be open to revision, but to hold on tight to the heart of the story. As noted above, it took many rounds of revision (and a few rounds of fully re-imagining the story) to find an entry point and hook that caught the attention of a publisher, but the core theme of a joyful, play-filled childhood remained in each iteration, including the version of the story that you’ll find in the book.

For context, the son who inspired this story, my youngest, graduated from COLLEGE two years ago. I still get a spark in my mama heart when I reflect back on the moment that inspired me to scribble childhood bliss onto the page.

The Six Questions blog shines a spotlight on traditionally published middle-grade and picture book authors and illustrators. If that's you, and you'd like to be featured, drop an email to mary@boonewrites.com.