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Kim Wayans & Kevin Knotts Exclusive
Every time a child comes up to us at a reading or signing and remarks 'Amy looks just like me,' really warms our heart.
After the success of All Mixed Up, married authors, Kim Wayans and Kevin Knotts have followed it up with Happy Birthday To Me, the second in the series of books about the mixed-race fourth-grader Amy Hodgepodge. We put some questions to the couple to find out a bit more about the Amy Hodgepodge series and their plans for the future:
Do you think it is important that children are exposed to cultures other than their own?
Yes, very important. Exposing children to other cultures enriches their lives and teaches them to appreciate and embrace diversity.
How have people (kids, parents, educators) in the U.S. responded to the Amy Hodgepodge books?
Thus far, the response has been very enthusiastic. Many educators, kids and parents have sent us letters thanking us for creating a series that provides positive role-models for multiracial children, and reflects the reality of the hodgepodge world we live in. Every time a child comes up to us at a reading or signing and remarks "Amy looks just like me," really warms our heart.
What influenced or inspired you to create the series?
We were inspired to write the series by our beautiful nieces and nephews, many of whom are mixed-race children. We wanted them to have a hero, too!
What do your mixed-race relatives think about Amy Hodgepodge?
They love it! We have one little niece who carries the books with her wherever she goes.
Rusty seems an interesting character, and many children from poorer backgrounds could identify with his ability to make the best of his situation. Are there any plans for a spin-off series featuring Rusty?
Funny you should ask. My husband and I have been toying with the idea of spinning both Rusty and Cole off into their own series, but first we have to make sure AMY HODGEPODGE is a big success. The overwhelming response to Rusty's character really caught us by surprise. It's amazing how his struggles are resonant with so many young children
Are there any plans to take Amy Hodgepodge to the big screen or expand to other areas in addition to books?
There again, that's another thing that depends upon the success of the book series. We certainly are visualizing a movie. So if you want to see Amy on the big screen, buy the books and spread the word to all your friends and teachers, too!
What's next for Amy and her friends?
Well, in the fall we have the third book in the series, "Lost and Found" coming out. In that story, Amy and her friends go on an exciting overnight wilderness trip. After that, there are more books to come, so stay posted to Amy's website at www.amyhodgepodge.com for all their latest adventures!
Win a copy of Amy Hodgepodge: Happy Birtyhday To Me:
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