The New Cat: An Interview with Author Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic
The New Cat is a touching and hilarious tale of a beloved cat and his attempts to teach a new cat (who is actually a baby) what every cat needs to know. Today, we get to hear from the author of this endearing tale, Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic. Read on to hear her favorite aspects of the new picture book and how much the book changed between the first and final drafts.
How much did the book change from your original draft to the final product?
Surprisingly, not too much! I wrote this book all the way back in 2014 (it was my very first attempt at trying my hand at picture book writing) and when it finally went on sub almost a decade later, it was pretty much the same version as the original. However, Carol and I worked together to tweak the text once Chris’ art was in. That’s always a necessary and wonderfully fun process. Geeking out over word choice and making the story as lean and emotional as possible is definitely why I am in this business!
What is your favorite line in the book?
“Best of all, he had lots of walls to yell at.” IYKYK, right, cat people? Not all cats do this, but enough do that there are articles out there on vet sites that answer the question, “Why does my cat yowl at blank walls?” Our cat, Hunca Munca, did this ALL the time, and my husband and I were so confused by it. Like, there was nothing there! What was he going on about? It was so weird and endearing. Just another of those unexplainable cat behaviors that make us adore the crazy creatures so much.
What is your favorite spread in the book?
There are way too many to choose one, but when I think of this question, I think: “What would I frame and hang on my wall if I had the choice?” Chris’ art makes this a really difficult choice, but I think it would be the spread with the baby’s naked tush on it. That adorable detail combined with the way Chris shows light and texture makes it a must-frame for me.
What of your current works-in-progress would be your heart’s desire to see successfully published?
ALL OF THEM!! Kidding. (Not really.) I have another cat book that effectively explains exactly why cats are weird that I would really love to see out there. It’s freaking hilarious and plays with two opposite perspectives. If I could get that one out there, maybe I will feel as I have done my duty to cat people everywhere.
Praise for The New Cat
“Lucianovic and Park dive deep into the sweetest aspects of sibling and pet affection. . . . A twist on both new baby and mortality of pet tales, all the stronger for the merger.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
“With humor and heart, this story reassuringly addresses how families can change and grow and accept new members without forgetting those who came before.”—Booklist
“Hunca Munca’s unforgettable role is captured with affecting precision in this visually magnetic book.”—Publishers Weekly
“Droll and affecting, in equal parts.”—Horn Book Magazine
Connect with the Author
Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic writes books in the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by a few kids, a few cats, and one husband. Her work includes The End of Something Wonderful, Touch the Sky, and The League of Picky Eaters.
Photo Credit: Jerrold Connors
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