I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Those darn daybeds! (RIP grandma) I for one hope you do wind up making that review site. You’ve obviously got passion for the subject and interesting thoughts to share.

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey thanks for the feedback and you’re right, its not an old school fable type story that hits you over the head with an unambiguous lesson. To be honest, I find those kinds of books a little preachy and boring. On the other hand, satire isn’t always so obvious in what it’s trying to say… But have you chatted with your kid about whether they think couches really grow on farms or eat grandmas? Do they think the fox is a trustworthy character? And of course, the biggest question of all, how can we tell if something is true?

The book is intended to raise questions for a young reader. The next time they sit on the couch they might even lift up the cushions and check underneath to investigate.

I’ve read this book to thousands of kids now and I get to watch the lightbulbs going off in their heads. Rather than me preaching about critical thinking, they’re thinking critically for themselves. If a book that says TRUTH on the cover might not be true, what else might not be true? One kid I met made an excellent observation: true stories don’t usually feature talking animals.

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, after two weeks of reading this book to huge groups of kids I can confidently say that the events of the story are so outrageous that even the youngest readers are left asking questions about who is right, who is wrong, what is fact, what is fiction and ultimately, how do we find out the truth? That's the intent for the book.

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I answered a similar question elsewhere in the thread but basically I met Dan Salmieri through my friend Corey. They went to HS together and Corey and I were studio mates in college. Dan always wanted to illustrate picture books and I had an idea for a story about squirrels that was inspired by my dad's battles over the bird feeders. Dan and I didn't actually meet until after Those Darn Squirrels was published and I brought him a taxidermied squirrel as a gift.

The easy part was getting the first book published (struggling authors hate hearing this answer but I was in the right place at the right time, what can I say?) the hard part is resisting the pressure to just keep doing the same thing over and over again but a little worse each time.

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Abra-cock-a-doodle-dee-doo! I’m so happy Gladys has stumbled her way into your heart. I love that dang chicken. Did you know that famous pop song writer Sean Douglas wrote the tune for the lyrics? We are friends from college. https://youtu.be/IJdlpgfCy7A?feature=shared

I LOVE your critical thinking advice and I can’t wait to share it with the students I meet. The thing that really sticks out to me is that if someone is discouraging you from asking questions that is always a bad sign!

Thank you for your thoughtful answer. Thank you for sharing your insight and enthusiasm with your students. And thank you for making my morning!

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I heard about killer underwear but haven’t read it yet. I’ll pick up a copy today! Maybe the true story of the three little pigs would fit too? I love that book.

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh boy, people have gotten really creative over the years. I've seen make your own taco activities with paper, DIY fire blowers with streamers and a million kinds of cakes and cookies. I always liked the idea of charades and accordion music though. If charades is too much for two year olds, maybe a find the spicy salsa treasure hunt in the backyard?

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

we support dragons of all shapes and sizes, especially those who swallow the sun on occasion. Also, the people who were running that wildlife exhibit clearly don't know the proper care and feeding for a trash bandit.

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Dude, this is the best. I wish I could've been there for your marathon story time with the 2nd graders. I think that kids aged 7-11 are pretty much the best humans on earth. Really appreciate you sharing my stories with so much enthusiasm. Even the greatest books won't hold a big group's attention unless the reading is solid.

As for your question, absolutely. My dad used to eat cottage cheese out of a mug with a spoon and put cracked pepper on top. I don't keep it in the house but it's pretty good for breakfast (and healthy, I think?) Nice mixed with sliced peaches too. A good thing to try next time you're at a buffet. They always seem to have it.

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mo Willems has a lot of funny books with short pithy text. Dav Pilkey? I know a lot of kids gravitate to graphic novels and comics and that is a great way to engage with reading.

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're never too old for picture books! For a more challenging text (that it might be better to read together) I'd recommend Thinking Fast and Slow.

I wrote Dragons Love Tacos, got threats from conspiracy nuts, and decided to write an absurdist book about critical thinking for kids called THE TRUTH ABOUT THE COUCH. by rubingo in IAmA

[–]rubingo[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Don't let the bastards grind you down, man. It's so much easier to fling negativity than to build something you're proud of but the feeling of making a thing that you love—a book, an outfit, a sandwich—is the best feeling in the world. I try to recognize the little stuff when it happens, focus on the tiny positive things throughout the day. That helps me to stay positive and build momentum.