Author Spotlight with Julia Cook
Updated: Aug 6
Foster Book Club is honored to feature Julia Cook for our Author Spotlight! She is an award-winning children's book author, inspirational speaker, and former school counselor and teacher. "Parent’s Magazine," "The New Yorker," "Green Child Magazine," "The Huffington Post," "The Chicago Tribune," Yahoo.com, DrLaura.com and BabyZone.com have noted her books in their publications. And we're proud to include her book, Foster Care: One Dog's Story of Change (published by National Center for Youth Issues) on Foster Book Club's list.
Here is our quick Q&A with Julia Cook:
Why is it important to have a book that makes the reader feel represented?
A child is much more likely to read a book if they can find a part of themselves within the pages.
What inspired you to write children's books geared toward those in the foster care system?
Being in foster care is a steep climb for both kids and adults. I figured if I could write an engaging and relevant book that contains the skills needed to navigate this difficult experience, it might make this process easier for kids to understand and offer adults tools to help them more effectively.
What were some of your favorite snacks to eat or drink while you wrote your book?
I love to drink bubbly water, flavored water and hot tea. My favorite snacks to eat when I write are watermelon, grapes, and popcorn. (Oh, and gummy cherries!)
What was a book (or books) that you liked to read as a child?
I was not much of a fan of reading when I was a kid, but I loved to be read to. My favorite series growing up was The Box Car Children.
What are some recent children’s books that you have read and really enjoyed?
I have quite a few all-time faves - "The Giving Tree," "Hooway FOR Wodney Wat," "Mean Jean the Recess Queen," "The Ant Bully" - to name a few.
Check out our YouTube video interview with Julia
"In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world!" - Julia Cook
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