Six Questions with Angela De Groot

Angela De Groot was born in England, grew up in South Africa, and now lives in New Jersey with her family. When she’s not writing picture books and poems, you’ll find her in the garden talking to the birds. Angela hopes that her writing inspires curiosity and compassion, and creates worlds that readers can both find and lose themselves in. A lifelong lover of reading, Angela teaches ESL at her local library. Her debut picture book, Not Pop-Pop, (Penguin Random House/Waterbrook) is a 2025 Anne Dewdney Award finalist. Connect with Angela through her website at www.angeladegroot.com and on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/angeladegroot8/

https://www.facebook.com/AngelaDeGroot8

Angela's local independent bookstore has signed copies available: https://www.inkwoodnj.com/item/wCIDqQu6pg87KDYR4OsRng

1. When did you first realize you wanted to write for young readers?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I started out writing poems and short stories for adults. When my sons were infants, I discovered the joy of board books, cherishing those moments of togetherness, cuddling up and poring over the art and words. As they grew out of baby books and into picture books, I enjoyed not only our moments of reading together, but I also relished the laughter and learning that picture books provided us. That’s when I felt the urge to create these moments and experiences by writing my own picture books.

2. What are you working on? What’s next for you?

I’m particularly excited about two humorous projects that I have in the works. One is a funny, phonics-based picture book about a terrorized mouse that turns the tables, and the other is part of an Early Reader series featuring a goofy dog and the adventures she has with the creatures in her backyard. Both projects are inspired by my passion for literacy and ESL teaching, and by my hopes of sparking joy in reading.

3. Do you ever struggle to come up with your next project? Or do you have lots of ideas and

find it a challenge to narrow down your ideas?

I take part in Tara Lazar’s StoryStorm every year, so I tend to have tons of ideas for picture books. It can be a challenge to figure out which one to work on next. I start by drawing up a list of project ideas. I highlight the ones that appeal to me the most – say five or six. Then I write a pitch for each of those ideas. The pitch helps me develop the idea so that it has a relatable main character and a story arc with stakes, obstacles, conflict, and an unexpected ending. I rank the pitches based on uniqueness, marketability, and my enthusiasm. I draft the picture book that calls to me the loudest.

4. Was this always the title for this project? How did you land on this one?

The first draft of Not Pop-Pop poured out quickly – it’s wonderful when that happens. I slapped the working title of The Green Hoodie Man on it, then let it rest. When I pulled it out to revise before submitting it to my crit partners, I realized the title wasn’t catchy, didn’t match the voice, and wasn’t kid friendly. I brainstormed and asked my crit groups for suggestions, but nothing quite fit. Months later, a colleague mentioned how excited she and her husband were at becoming grandparents. She said her husband had asked to be called Pop-Pop instead of Granddad. And - whizz, pop, bang! – I had found my new title. Not Pop-Pop is catchy, fun to say, and grabs readers.

5. Was this the book that landed you your agent? What was that process like?

I’d subbed Not Pop-Pop to numerous editors and agents for almost a year when I saw an open call in the SCBWI Bulletin to closed house PRH/Waterbrook. The editor at Waterbrook made an offer, but it was contingent on my having representation. I’d met Liza Fleissig at a NJ SCBWI conference a few years prior and I admired her candidness. I approached Liza with the PRH/Waterbrook offer and after “the call” we decided that we were a good agent-client fit. And that’s how I got my agent, and how my debut picture book was published.

6. If you read this book to a room filled with kids, what message would you want the leave with?

With the sound words like PLOP and TOOT-TOOT, Not Pop-Pop is a fun read-aloud. I hope that it shows readers that Brian, the main character, sums it up perfectly when he says, “He’s not my pop-pop, but he’s someone’s pop-pop.” I want readers to know that with a small kindness like a smile or a wave, they can transform someone’s day. Everyone deserves kindness and respect. Life is about the connections we make and the people we touch.