The original spark of inspiration for writing a book about barf came out of seemingly nowhere (much like the urge to vomit). In 2020, the initial concept was a simple book, likely a 32-page picture book listing the various silly words we use for vomit. It’d be in alphabetical order, so a “ralphabet” book.

But then, my agent who was very enthusiastic about the idea, suggested I add definitions to each word. (And between you and me, I thought, How am I supposed to do that? They all mean the same thing!)

But then, I wrote those definitions (and it was actually pretty fun). Fast forward four years, and new we have, not a picture book, but a non-fiction title for middle grade readers. THE BIG BOOK OF BARF, in its final, shipped-to-the-printer form is 288 pages and weighs in at nearly 3 pounds! (It’s not called BIG for nothin’.)

But then, there’s no denying the book overflows with silly stuff. There’s plenty of science schmooshed in there too. Perhaps because I began writing in the midst of a pandemic when respect for science was, sadly, in decline, I was all the more determined to ensure the non-fiction elements were accurate and trustworthy. Kids deserve that. The more I researched, the more I discovered how much I didn’t know I didn’t even know about the human body and the way it helps us before we even know we need it. It’s incredible.

Curiosity cajoled me to keep asking questions and foraging for facts. My ultimate aim was to create a science-based book with an intimidation factor of minus 10 so that even kids who are reading reluctant or think science is “boring” might feel free to wander in. The book is intentionally divided into easy-to-digest “chunks” so young readers can enjoy it a bite at a time (and then spew the facts around to their friends!). And yes, it’s still divided into “ralphabetical” order.

I can’t wait to visit schools and libraries to share what I’ve learned and to hear what readers have to say about it.

But then, I may end up hearing a lot of kid’s “hurl-rific” stories. I’m more than okay with that.

“Curiouser and curiouser!” cried Alice. ~ Lewis Caroll

Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. ~ Lewis Caroll