We had the opportunity to meet Jennifer L. Holm, author of Turtle in Paradise, The Lion of Mars, Full of Beans, the Sunny series and the Babymouse series, while she was vacationing in Key West this summer.
Q: Please tell us a little about how you came to write Turtle in Paradise?
A: My great-grandmother, Jennie Lewin, was a Key West “conch”. Which is to say, she and her family emigrated from the Bahamas and settled in Key West in the late 1800s. I’d always been interested in that side of my family, so it seemed natural to write a book that takes place in Key West.
Q: How did it come to be graphic novel? What do you feel the graphic novel format brings to the story?
A: Fans of Turtle in Paradise had been begging me for years to make it into a graphic novel! I was so fortunate to have Savanna agree to adapt it. I was one of her biggest fans—she illustrated an incredible graphic novel called Bloom, that I absolutely loved.
I think that the graphic novel really helps readers—kids and grown-ups—visualize what Key West looked like during the Great Depression. It makes historic fiction more approachable.
Q: What was the process of creating the graphic novel like? Were you surprised by anything in the look of the book?
A: Savanna just took it and ran with it. Honestly, she did almost all of the work. I helped with the historical research. I was blown away by her interpretation. It feels so fresh. And I love the anime style.
Q: If you don’t mind saying, what are you working on now? What’s coming up next from you?
A: The fourth book in the Sunny series, Sunny Makes a Splash, is coming out in September! And my brother, Matt, and I are working on two new top-secret Babymouse books. We’re returning to the original graphic novel format with some extra surprises!
Q: What are you reading and recommending? For adults? For kids?
A: I’m reading Home at the End of the World, which is an adult book about Key West. For kids, you should absolutely check out Twins, by Varian Johnson.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about visiting Key West? What’s one thing visitors shouldn’t miss?
A: Wandering down hidden lanes in Old Town, especially around the cemetery. It’s like stepping back into the past. Also, I love El Siboney. It has the most delicious Cuban food (be sure to try the pork!)
If you weren’t able to attend the virtual event featuring Jennifer L. Holm, Savanna Ganucheau and Hope Larson, presented by Books & Books, check out the video: