We were lucky to catch up with Rebecca Kelly and Kevin Kelly recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Rebecca Kelly and Kevin Kelly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
We have experienced three significant challenges in our efforts as children’s book authors: the ability to be profitable and self-sustaining, the necessity of self-promotion, even when picked up by major publishers, and the competition with vast amounts of published, self-published and AI-generated books. Each of these factors presents unique situations to be addressed, and all are intertwined in that profitability (which determines whether or not the profession is viable) hinges on the ability to successfully promote one’s work on social media and stand out from the increasing competition.
As creators of the “Finder’s Creatures” series, we’ve made it our mission to develop books that not only entertain but also foster cognitive and problem-solving skills in young readers. We believe this approach is more crucial than ever in an age in which critical thinking is paramount. We’ve been developing curriculum materials and teaching packets to accompany our books to help educators integrate quality literature into their lessons while promoting social, emotional and cognitive skills. This approach not only assists educators in navigating the overwhelming number of book choices but also ensures that children engage with content that supports their educational development.
As professors and researchers in communications design, we’re also exploring how the traditional publishing industry can adapt to remain relevant in this changing landscape. We believe that by focusing on quality, educational value and innovative storytelling techniques, authors and traditional publishers can continue to play a vital role in children’s literature.
While the influx of self-published and AI-generated books presents challenges, we see it as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of critical literacy skills and quality storytelling in children’s literature. By creating engaging, educational content and supporting educators with curriculum resources, we aim to contribute positively to this evolving industry landscape.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
We’re Kevin and Rebecca Kelly, a husband-and-wife team passionate about creating children’s literature that not only entertains but also develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills in young readers. Our journey into the world of children’s books began at the intersection of our diverse backgrounds in design, education, and communication. We both had similar pivitol memories as children at the coveted “book fairs” that informed our adult perceptions about children’s book and what were those gaps that we sought in books.
Kevin, with his expertise in graphic design /branding for Fortune 500 companies (pixelpushersdesign.com), brings a unique visual perspective to our work. Rebecca, a professor at Syracuse University with a background in communications design (tbdesigned.com), contributes her academic insights and understanding of effective educational strategies and the implementation of those strategies. Together, we’ve created the “Finder’s Creatures” series, (a graphic novel for younger kids, with girls as leaders and problem solvers) which encourages children to use observation and deductive reasoning to solve mysteries alongside the characters.
What sets us apart is our commitment to developing critical literacy skills through engaging storytelling. We believe that in today’s information-rich world, it’s crucial for children to learn how to analyze, evaluate, and think critically about the content they consume. Our books are designed to be both entertaining and educational, fostering skills that will serve children well beyond their reading experience.
We don’t just create books; we develop comprehensive educational resources. Recognizing the challenges faced by educators in an increasingly complex publishing landscape, we’ve expanded our offerings to include curriculum materials and teaching packets. These resources help teachers and librarians integrate high-quality literature into their lessons while promoting critical literacy skills.
Our work extends beyond the page. We’re actively involved in researching and addressing the challenges facing the children’s book industry, particularly in light of the rapid increase in self-published and AI-generated content. As educators and researchers, we’re exploring how the traditional publishing industry can adapt to remain relevant while maintaining a focus on quality and educational value.
We’re most proud of the impact our books have on young readers and educators alike. Hearing stories of children eagerly engaging with our books, asking questions, and developing their analytical skills is incredibly rewarding. We’re also proud of our efforts to support educators by providing them with tools to navigate the overwhelming number of book choices and ensure that children engage with content that supports their educational development.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, we want them to know that when they choose our books or educational resources, they’re not just getting a story – they’re getting a carefully crafted educational experience. Our work is grounded in research, informed by years of experience in education and design, and driven by a genuine passion for fostering critical thinking skills in children.
We’re also deeply committed to addressing the evolving challenges in children’s literature. From the oversaturation of the market to the impact of AI-generated content and the complexities of book selection in schools, we’re actively working to find solutions that benefit young readers, educators, and the industry as a whole.
Ultimately, our mission is to create books and educational resources that not only captivate young minds but also equip them with the skills they need to become discerning, thoughtful readers and thinkers. We believe that by focusing on quality, educational value, and innovative storytelling techniques, we can make a meaningful contribution to children’s literature and education.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Wow. This is a hard question but at the same time, not. Being “creatives” is who we are. Becoming a creative was inevitable – it was just a natural development in our personalities from the get go. As an educator (in my other job) I must take issue with the idea that one is either born a creative or forget it. Untrue. That was the old way of thinking. Anyone can be taught to think creatively. It is our goal to teach kids that you can become a creative thinker, even when you think you aren’t.
To put that in another way, we think the most rewarding part of being an artist and author is the magical ability to shape young minds while wearing pajamas working late into the night. It’s like being a wizard, but instead of a wand, you wield a pencil (and the equally important eraser).
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating worlds that can transport children to places where animals are superheroes and where they save the adults, and observation and thinking differently to solve problems are key. We created the worlds we wanted when we were kids. It’s like being a Pied Piper, but instead of leading kids to what we want, they are being led into a world of their own self discovery, leadership, imagination and critical literacy that serves kids for the rest of their lives.
But it’s not just about the kids. As designers and artists, we get to experience the “flow” of creativity; one minute you’re staring at a blank page, and the next thing you know, it’s 3 AM, you’ve created a masterpiece, and you’re covered in macaroni and glitter mixed with potato chip crumbs.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect is the knowledge that somewhere out there, a child is clutching your book to their chest, declaring it their favorite. It’s a powerful feeling to know that your creation can move people intellectually or emotionally, especially if that emotion is “I am this character” or “this character gets me.”
Let’s not forget the fan mail. Nothing quite compares to receiving a crayon-scribbled letter from a 7-year-old who says your book inspired them to become a detective pirate. It’s moments like these that make all the late nights, endless revisions, writer’s block, and accidental coffee spills on manuscripts worth it.
In the end, being an artist or creative is like having a superpower – the ability to make people laugh, cry, think, and occasionally snort milk out of their noses (we still think that is funny).
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At the heart of our creative journey lies a profound mission: to cultivate a generation of “thrivers” through the power of storytelling. We are seeking to be sly chefs hiding nutritious broccoli in delicious mac and cheese; we craft children’s books that are both entertaining and educational, seamlessly blending critical literacy skills with captivating narratives, attempting to not come off as “this is an educational book.”
Our goal is multifaceted, addressing the needs of various partners in a child’s educational journey:
1. For children: We create engaging stories that spark imagination while subtly imparting essential skills.
2. For parents: We provide tools to support their children’s growth, offering stories that open doors to meaningful conversations about critical thinking, empathy, and problem-solving.
3. For teachers: We develop comprehensive curriculum materials to help our overworked teachers to extend learning beyond the pages of our books.
Our approach aligns with educators like Michele Borba and other academics studying similar topics, such as Carol Dweck (growth mindset), Angela Duckworth (grit and perseverance), Daniel Goleman (emotional intelligence), and Howard Gardner (multiple intelligences).
Through our books, workshops, lectures, and consulting services, we aim to build a foundation for success that extends far beyond the classroom. We strive to prepare students for academic achievement but also to equip them with the tools to navigate life’s challenges, fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills that will serve them well into adulthood.
By addressing these crucial developmental areas early on, we’re working to create a ripple effect (another book in the works) of positive change. Our creative journey is driven by the belief that by nurturing these essential skills at an early age, we can help shape a future generation of confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to face the challenges of tomorrow with grace and determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheWriteKellys.com
- Instagram: @the_write_kellys
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theWriteKellys/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrebeccadaviskelly/
- Twitter: @WriteKellys