Creator Corner: Author Naseem Hrab and Illustrator Kelly Collier

Welcome to Creator Corner, a blog series where we interview the creators of our recent books.

Naseem Hrab and Kelly Collier are the author and illustrator of the Snail & Stump series. In this interview, Naseem and Kelly discuss their new book How to Staycation Like a Snail, and the joys and challenges of making the book. This is their second book in the series, publishing September 15, 2024!

Owlkids Books: Naseem, how did writing the second book in the series differ from writing the first book?

Naseem Hrab: Writing How to Staycation Like a Snail differed from writing How to Party Like a Snail in that I had to ensure things stayed fresh for established fans while also understanding that How to Staycation Like a Snail might be the first Snail & Stump book for other readers! You’re juggling a few potential audiences at once, and trying to ensure the book is super satisfying for both!

Owlkids Books: Kelly, what was the most enjoyable part of illustrating this book? What was the most challenging part?

Kelly Collier: It was so much fun to revisit these characters! I really enjoy working with Naseem so that was my favourite part. The most challenging part, was keeping these characters in the same scene (because Stump is rooted in the ground) without it feeling repetitive.

OKB: Naseem, what can we find Snail getting up to in this new addition to the series?

NH: In How to Staycation Like a Snail, we learn that Snail has some experience traveling to far-off places, but he really prefers just to putter around the glade, rediscovering his favorite parts of it with a close friend. Just like How to Party Like a Snail, it’s a book about being true to yourself and feeling comfortable in your own shell—no matter what other folks are doing around you!

OKB: Kelly, what was the inspiration for the characters (Snail and Stump) in this series?

KC: Naseem was the one who saw an opportunity to create a series from these characters, so I can’t take credit for that. But I love how she has developed their friendship throughout the series and thoughtfully created characters we can all see ourselves in.

OKB: Naseem, what was the most enjoyable part of bringing this story to life? What was the most challenging part of the process?

NH: The most enjoyable part of bringing this story to life was getting to work with Snail and Stump again! I love getting to work on a series and revisit characters I love again and again.

Writing books in a series is easier in some ways—I now know the characters and their world well, but it’s challenging in other ways—you don’t want things to feel too repetitive or formulaic!

I got great advice from my friend Ryan, who is also a writer. He told me that we can and should still see Snail and Stump grow in each new instalment and learn new things about them—his advice was very freeing! So, we get to see a bit of a different side of Snail in this book!

OKB: Kelly, what is your favorite moment (or spread) in the book?

KC: My favourite page is near the beginning when we see Snail traveling on a plane, and eating at a restaurant.

OKB: Naseem and Kelly, what do you hope readers will take away from this book?

NH: I hope readers take away at least three things:

First, I hope teachers and librarians see this book as a great conversation starter after breaks from school, such as summer vacations, winter breaks, March breaks, and more!

Second, that exploring and appreciating the nearby joys and beauties of one’s own neighborhood or city is important to your own health and the health of your community. We need to appreciate and maintain our own homes.

Third, I hope readers take away the feeling that they don’t need to keep up with the Joneses or whatever everyone else is doing. There are all sorts of reasons that someone might prefer staycations to faraway journeys, including financial reasons, familial obligations, anxiety, environmental concerns, or simply preference!

Don’t knock a staycation until you’ve tried it!

KC: I see a lot of parents struggle to make memorable summers for their kids (myself included) and there is a lot of pressure to make sure your kids have an epic trip or adventure to talk about when they return to school. I think it’s important to remember that the remarkable can also be close to home if you look closely!

OKB: Naseem and Kelly, what is your favorite thing to do during a staycation?

NH: Gosh, I love a staycation! My favorite thing to do is visit new cafes I haven’t had the time to venture to in my city. I truly love croissants and ice cream, and there’s no greater joy for me than trying a new spot. I also just love puttering around my condo, pretending to clean while really taking naps. I am truly built for the very small joys!

KC: We go to the local wading pool and eat ice cream!