STARTING THE NEW YEAR OFF WITH ZEN, ZENGUIN THAT IS!
- rateyourstoryweb
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
*Note: Originally scheduled for 1/5 but we encountered a glitch.
The holidays can be busy and loud – for adults, especially for kids, and even more so for kids with anxiety. So, this is a perfect book for January – one that reminds us all to chill, ground and find our special calm amidst the after celebration chaos!
We’re grateful for this cool opportunity to Interview Danna Smith, the author!
RYS: Which came first, the Title or the concept? How?
DS: First, I’m happy to be here! Thank you for the opportunity to share Zenguin with your readers!
Like many of my books (Swallow the Leader, One Blue Gnu, and Peek-a-Boo Haiku), Zenguin started with the title. I like to play with words, mix them up to see what I can come up with. After that, it’s like a word puzzle for me to take a title and create a story around it.
RYS: Who was Penguin, the main character, inspired by? Were any of the other characters inspired by people, or just creative concepts?
DS: After I came up with the title, I knew Penguin had to have a problem to solve. I, like many others, including children, struggle with the feeling of anxiety, so this emotion felt like the perfect fit. As Penguin learns Zen techniques from his friends, he practices and earns the title of Zenguin.
RYS: How did you decide which creatures to include in the book? Did you do a lot of research on Antarctica to create the narrative?
DS: Absolutely, research is crucial even for a fictional picture book. I prioritize accuracy in depicting characters, their habitat, or their cultural setting. Children are highly observant; they absorb details from the story and illustrations, learning significantly from both.
RYS: We must admit, we honestly love this book! It has so much to offer the child reader (and even adult reader LOL) - a character they can connect with, a problem they can identify with, a character arc, even some tension, not to mention social emotional learning! Speaking of the takeaway value for the reader, how did you decide on those particular coping skills?
DS: As a bit of an anxious penguin myself😊, I've gathered quite a collection of coping skills over the years. When putting this project together, I chose the techniques that are the easiest to understand and the most straightforward for kids to use in their own lives.
The fun part was matching those wonderful skills to our animal friends! Blue Whale introduces breathing techniques—it just makes sense since he's a master of blowing air, Seal teaches yoga and stretching because their graceful, head-up posture reminds me of the Upward-Facing Dog pose, and Gull, with those big, impressive wings, seemed perfectly suited (with a little imagination, of course!) to raking a calm, beautiful zen garden. I truly hope these skills bring a little peace and calm to everyone who needs it!
Illustrator, Sydney Hanson, did an amazing job bringing the characters to life with her beautiful style of warm, fuzzy critters using a palette of calming colors!
RYS: Adults often find crocheting or knitting to be very calming, so we particularly love the scene where little Pip got tangled in her yarn. Was this choice intentional to nod to that? If not, how did you come up with the idea?
DS: Yes, using knitting as a calming technique was intentional, plus I thought it would be a great way to add tension to the story by creating a way for Zenguin to pay it forward and help someone in a stressful situation by using his newly learned zen techniques. The character, Pip, Zenguin’s little sister, is a nod to my daughter-in-law, Miranda, who knits the most beautiful sweaters!
RYS: What research did you do to create the back matter? Was the backmatter your idea, or the publishers? Did it go through many revisions?
DS: Most times, I create “optional” back matter at the end of my manuscripts. Many publishers choose to use what I provide. In this case, Workman Kids chose four of the six ideas I presented.
RYS: You have enjoyed a continuous career, with over twenty-five books to your name. What tips do you have for authors trying to continue their success in this business, especially during challenging times?
DS: Keep that pen moving! Seriously, pour those ideas out onto the page. While I've been lucky enough to have many of my books acquired, trust me, I get plenty of rejections too! My guiding philosophy is that by simply writing more, you dramatically increase your chances of landing that amazing offer.
Also, don't be afraid to get a little "weird" with it! Your stories shouldn’t match what's hot in the marketplace right this second. Write whatever fascinating ideas bubble up in your mind, even if they feel a bit unconventional—as long as they're age-appropriate, of course!
I write all sorts of things: some quirky, some safe, and a whole lot of stories in between. I just have to let my creativity flow. You truly never know what a publisher is secretly hoping to find!
RYS: What are your thoughts about quiet books, and the best way to write one that will sell?
DS: For an effective quiet book, the narrative should center on a universal theme that resonates with young children, the text should be minimal, allowing the experience to speak for itself, and the tone should be gentle. A lyrical writing style is the perfect complement to the quiet book format.
With that said, sometimes you’ll hear an editor say your manuscript is too quiet. In my 25 years of writing for publication, I've seen all genres—including the quieter, more reflective books—swing back and forth like a pendulum. Biographies, ABC books, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) titles all experience these waves.
Here's the good news based on experience: When a certain type of book really floods the market, publishers inevitably start looking for something fresh and different.
They might not be actively looking for a "quiet book" right this minute, but believe me, the pendulum will absolutely swing back, and they will want quiet! It's a fundamental rhythm of the industry—it's just a matter of time.
RYS: What do you do to maintain your zen?
DS: To maintain my zen, I do yoga, listen to soothing music, and create things with my hands—like painting, paper crafts, or puzzles—to give my mind a rest.
RYS: Please tell us what’s on the horizon for you – what are you working on?
DS: Right now, I have five books in various stages of publication, from editing, working on contract negotiations with my agent, and events and promotion. Mum’s the word on some of my forthcoming books, but keep an eye out for I’m a Drone (A Little Golden Book Summer 2026), Grow, Grow, Little Baby, which I co-wrote with friend and author, Linda Whalen (Zonderkidz 1/66/2027), and Snorkel Pig (Workman Kids 2027).
Thank you, Danna, for this wonderful book, which we truly enjoyed!
You’re so welcome —Thank you for having me!
When Danna was a child, her favorite "toy" was a pencil. Today, she is a poet and award-winning author of over twenty-five books for children. When she isn't writing, she's reading, painting, or exploring the trails around her home in Northern California. You can learn more about Danna, her books, and poetry at www.dannasmithbooks.com and
RATE YOUR STORY is excited to announce an upcoming haiku poetry workshop with Danna!
This event is open to both Rate Your Story Members and Non-Members, but only registered RYS Members will have access to the replay. Registration includes a digital copy, paperback or hardcover copy of her book, How Do You Haiku! E-mail RYS.CyberOffice@gmail.com for registration details.
Thanks for this great post all about the adorable ZENGUIN. Can't wait to read it.
Thank you for sharing about Zenguin and encouraging us to let our creativity flow. As a fellow "anxious penguin"and knitter, I can't wait to read this book. I'm also going to sign up for your Haiku workshop!😊