Interviews
Interview with Janell Cannon
Q: First of all, why did you choose a cockroach as the star of your next book?
A: There were many reasons, but one stands out. I felt that bats and snakes were unnecessarily feared and loathed by a majority of people, and if I could write a story -- as I did with Stellaluna and Verdi -- showing these creatures in a new, positive light, perhaps people would be just one more step toward appreciating all forms of life.
The cockroach probably has an even worse reputation than snakes and bats, so I present the story of Crickwing and some related science information in hopes that people will gain a wider perspective on this critter's place on the planet.
Q: In the notes included in the book, you mention that there are more than four thousand species of cockroach. What kind of cockroach is Crickwing?
A: Crickwing's scientific name is Blaberus gigantea. Sounds like he is a big blabbermouth!
Q: What inspired you to write this story?
A: Crickwing the cockroach exists near the bottom of the food chain -- he is constantly dealing with creatures larger and more powerful. He is always running for his life and trying to protect what little he has. His cricked wing is a symbol of how much it hurts to feel powerless and bullied.
I wanted to write a story about how easy it is to become a bully if one is bullied -- and how bullies eventually end up alienated from others. But most important is the idea that, with effort, it's possible to change one's path and find creative, constructive ways to deal with life's injustices.
Q: Did you find models for the characters in your book?
A: I borrowed a terrarium full of Blaberus gigantea cockroaches and studied them closely. I watched their life cycle and how they behaved. One of many things I observed is that they are very fastidious groomers. They wash their faces just as cats do.
Unfortunately, while I was working on the illustrations I didn't have enough time to go to the zoo and study each animal. So I relied on photographs in books and on the Internet for visual information that made it possible for me to draw the animals accurately.
Q: Do leaf-cutting ants really give a peace offering to army ants?
A: No. But similar to the great, green anteater they build in the story, their massive anthills are virtually impenetrable for army ants.
Q: In conclusion -- do you play with your food?
A: Of course! When I was a kid, one of my favorite foods to play with was Wonder Bread. This stuff is totally pliable, and one can squish it into just about any shape desired. It's one of the most sculptable foods available.
I love to cook and invent new recipes and, occasionally, to present food in unusual ways. Enjoying the visual aspects of a meal is just part of the fun of eating.
Q&A courtesy of Harcourt, Inc.
