Creator Corner: Author J. Torres and Illustrator Mike Deas
Welcome to Creator Corner, a blog series where we interview the creators of our recent and upcoming books. For this post, we interviewed Paisley & Peck: Pizza Barn author J. Torres and illustrator Mike Deas, whose book published September 8, 2026!
Owlkids Books: J, what are Paisley and Peck up to in the second book of the series?
J. Torres: Turnip’s cousin Slick visits from the big city. He is the worst houseguest. The worst! Shenanigans ensue.
Owlkids Books: J, how did your experience writing this book differ from the first book?
J. Torres: Not much, it was just as fun writing the farm friends and working with Mike on this one. Can’t wait do it again!
OKB: Mike, how did your experience illustrating this book differ from the first book?
Mike Deas: I went into illustrating the second book excited as I remember the fun I had working with J’s script on the first one. His layouts, panels, and timing flow together very easily and are a lot of fun to draw. Overall, it was easier to focus on the story and expressions than the first book as the world and characters are already established.
OKB: What’s your favorite moment in the book?
JT: When Paisley gets stuck in the cat door! Spoiler alert: how he gets out is kind of hilarious.
MD: My favorite moment in the book is when Paisley is trying to order a pizza for the first time. Drawing both Paisley and Peck’s building excitement contrasted with Slick’s cynicism was a ton of fun. The whole scene plays out over a single spread and it feels like a full story in itself.
OKB: What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
JT: I hope they get a good laugh! Maybe learn how to be a good friend and how NOT to be a bad houseguest too.
MD: Most of all I hope readers have a good chuckle and enjoy reading the books. Also J’s underlying themes of friendship and working together will shine through. Oh, and also having a valid credit card is important when ordering a pizza!
OKB: Most importantly, what are your favorite pizza toppings?
JT: Usually, mushrooms and pepperoni. But sometimes, ham and pineapple. Yes, PINEAPPLE!
MD: My favorite pizza toppings will always be pineapple and olives. My brother and I would always order this when possible and kids! But I also love banana peppers!
Thank you so much J and Mike for taking the time to do this interview and creating a wonderful book! We hope readers enjoy Paisley & Peck: Pizza Barn as much as we did!
Grab your copy today!
