Erin Dealey

Today we’re thrilled to welcome #kidlit author Katelyn Aronson back to the blog

to celebrate her new book CLOVIS SUSPECTS A SNEAK,

illus. Benji Williams (Page Street Kids).  

I love that it’s a cozy winter book about trusting friends. I appreciate the subtle reminders about friendship from our wonderful bull as he investigates a mystery. Bravo!

Must-read, and perfect for home or the classroom.

But don’t take my word for it…

“[T]he vividly hued illustrations are comically lively. Towering Clovis is blustery yet able to mend his ways […] and the all-animal cast is endearing. Gently conveyed lessons in friendship and trust.”

―Kirkus Reviews

“[A] sweet winter story to share. Fall in love with Clovis all over again as he learns―and teaches readers―about the benefit of the doubt and to make amends when they’ve done wrong.”

―SLJ

“The digital illustrations are filled with details and rich colors, using changes in typeface, some onomatopoeia, and the visual appeal of the pictures to add to Clovis’ cozy winter tale.”

―Booklist

Meet Katelyn Aronson

You may remember Katelyn Aronson from previous blog posts about CLOVIS KEEPS HIS COOL, or Book Birthday celebrations for some of her other wonderfully clever books: WHEN PB MET J , PIGLETTE’S PERFECT SURPRISE, and POO-DUNNIT? a Forest Floor Mystery

Or maybe you’ve watched her YouTube channel kidliterati.

She is a SoCal ex-pat who lives in an old farmhouse in France and works as a bilingual language instructor in Switzerland. If that doesn’t convince you how cool she is, read on, about her second Clovis book, writing, TRUST, and friendship.

Let’s ask some questions!

Q 1. I LOVE that this is a cozy #winter story and a mystery. Such a great combo. What was the inspiration for this second Clovis book?

Katelyn Aronson: Thank you, Erin! Well, as for the wintry setting, I liked the idea of seeing Clovis’s shop and the town of Cloverdale advance through the seasons, since the first book was set in the fall.

As for the intrigue, since Clovis inherited his shop from his beloved granny, it continues to be the stage of much of his life drama because he feels so territorial about it. I wondered how he might react if items started mysteriously disappearing and how paranoid that might make him! And, while I will avoid any spoilers here, I will say that I based the “sneak” on a few “visitors” we have at our farmhouse in France each winter…

Q 2. How does one get the green light for a sequel/ picture book? I know you’ve had this experience with your Piglette books (Piglette and Piglette’s Perfect Surprise / Illus. Eva Byrne/ Viking Books).

Katelyn Aronson: When it comes to character-driven fiction—in which a protagonist drives the plot—I always have sequels forming in my imagination. But I force myself to wait until a publishing house approaches me before actually writing out the manuscript, so as not to become too emotionally invested in a new project until it’s guaranteed to become a book. Just me protecting myself from unnecessary heartbreak, as we writers face enough rejection as it is!

Katelyn Aronson: With Piglette and Clovis, I was lucky enough to be asked by the publishers to write more and I was overjoyed to do so. Sequels unfold so naturally from a well-developed, multi-dimensional character. Once they are “born”, they go on living and having adventures, like a perpetual movie in my mind.

Illustrations

Q 3. What are your favorite spreads and/or illustrations?

Katelyn Aronson: Illustrator Benji Williams brought Clovis to life on the page this time around. The movement and expression he was able to convey attest to his talent and experience as an animator.

My favorite spot illustration is in the opening pages: the peeved Clovis gazing down at the fly that’s landed in his tea. Classic!

Katelyn Aronson: My favorite spread shows Clovis looking under the floorboards of his shop and we see just one giant eye peering through the knothole.

Interesting vantage points are as crucial to keeping a picture book interesting as various camera angles are to movie scenes. Benji is a master at them!

Q. 4 Do you ever hide any “easter eggs” in your picture books?

Katelyn Aronson: Yes! But very obscure ones, that probably only my “inner circle” would understand.

For example, in this recent Clovis installment, we finally discover the names of the original “hecklers” from book 1. They are Gunter, Hans, and Phil—a little joke I planted for my family.

My sisters and I grew up loving the 1997 George of the Jungle movie starring Brendan Fraiser. We thought it was hilarious. At one point in the movie, the vile “Lyle Van de Groot” hires a few henchmen named Gunnar, Gunter, Hans, Jan, and Phil to track down George. I chose my three hecklers’ names from there, and apparently this cracked my sister up when she read Clovis Suspects A Sneak this week. So, mission achieved.

*Here is the movie clip in case this brings back memories for anyone of my generation…

What’s next?

Q 5. What else is in the #kidlit queue for you?

Katelyn Aronson: Out June 2025 is my first picture book starring humans (and mermaids). Orpheline: A Mermaid Lost-and-Found Story, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, will be published by Candlewick Press. This one is probably my most poignant of stories so far.

After that, the third in the Clovis series releases October 2025: Clovis Meets His Match in which my bull-not-bully must face a rival shop owner in town. Prepare for quite the showdown between Clovis and his newfound enemy!

Wow! We can’t wait!

Endless thanks –merci beaucoup!– to Katelyn Aronson for joining us on the blog today

and Happy Book Birthday, Clovis Suspects a Sneak,

To learn more about Katelyn and her wonderful books, follow her on social media

X: @MademoiselleK8

Instagram: authorkatelyn

and check out her website: katelynaronson.com

Up next on the blog:

We chat with Sibert honoree Patricia Newman about her latest nonfiction, Giant Rays of Hope–Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea. (Millbrook / Lerner).

PS: I’m just going to put this here, friends:

*VOTE*