Author Interview – Richard Lopez – picture book

Guide to categories: Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children

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Join Us for This Tour from Feb 19 to Mar 17

Book Details:

Book Title:  Looking for a Leprechaun by Richard Lopez
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 30 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Three Little Birds Publishing
Release date:   Apr 2023
Formats Available for Review: print-softback (USA), ebook (PDF)
Tour dates: Feb 19 to Mar 17
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

Looking for a Leprechaun is the story of a boy named Rich who lives in a magical world, but everywhere he turns he hears people saying he doesn’t belong. When a fairy tells him if he finds a Leprechaun it will help him find where he belongs, Rich sets out on an adventure. The search for a leprechaun is difficult. Close to giving up, Rich hears some words of wisdom. Will he be able to find what he is searching for? What if it’s been inside him all along?

Young children and their parents will be amazed by the positive story and exquisite illustrations of this Mom’s Choice Awards Gold recipient. Looking for a Leprechaun has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products and services.

Buy the Book: Amazon Audible B&N ~ BAM add to Goodreads

Meet the Author – Richard Lopez:

Richard Lopez is an award winning children’s author originally from Hialeah, FL. He has a high school diploma and has worked in healthcare information technology for the past 15 years. He started to focus on writing in 2003 when he went back to school and completed a certification for Sound Engineering at S.A.E. He had a few poems published in books by the International Library of Poetry. The Best Poems and Poets of 2003, Invoking the Muse, and The Best Poems and Poets of 2005. He currently resides in St. Petersburg, FL and enjoys going to see live music, and being outdoors. He started Three Little Birds Publishing for his work on children’s books. Looking for a Leprechaun is his first children’s book.

connect with author: website instagram ~ goodreads

My Author Interview with Richard Lopez

When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

I had the idea of writing a children’s book about 5 years ago. It was just an idea that passed through my head, I didn’t give it much after-thought. In January 2023 I decided that one of my goals for the year would be  to write my children’s book. I think once I gave myself a deadline it pushed me to complete the project.

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

I’m always looking for new and exciting things to do. When I moved to St. Petersburg I started a directory website – it’s a passion project, so I put some time into that.  You can find me outdoors walking my dog, going to museums, markets, catching some live music, concerts, festivals, camping, the beach, or playing pickleball to name a few

What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?

When I was young, I was big into fantasy and comic books. As I have gotten older, I’m more drawn into philosophy and stoicism. 

What is your vacation destination? Why?

Costa Rica. It’s a beautiful country that has a little bit of everything. Volcanoes, waterfalls, surfing, fishing, great food, and the people are nice. Pura Vida!

Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?

When I had the idea of writing a children’s book, I knew that I wanted to make it about my life in a fantasy world with a happy ending, so the person in mind was one of the first pieces to the puzzle. I wasn’t sure if I was going to use my name as the character in the book, but in the end, it only made sense since the main character is based on me.

As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

My favorite children’s books is Where the Wild Things Are. I recall reading it many times as a child and found it very exciting and imaginative.  

What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

I would say to not be afraid to tell your story and enjoy the journey. English class, reading and writing don’t have to be your favorite subjects for you to be a writer. Like most meaningful things in life hard work is not always easy, but if you apply yourself and keep following through, I think anyone can be a writer. 

Thanks for joining us today, Richard. My readers and I enjoy getting to know authors.

Views expressed in this interview/guest post do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog host.

Giveaway:​

Win signed copy of Richard Lopez’s LOOKING FOR A LEPRECHAUN (one winner – USA only) (ends Mar 24)

Looking for a Leprechaun by Richard Lopez Book Tour Giveaway