Today, our guest is American children’s author and illustrator Monica Bruenjes, who is the creator of the delightful book series for young children, Penguin & Peep.
Welcome to the ACW blog, Monica! We’re glad to have you. Thank you for answering our questions.
Fast Five
Cricket or rugby?
My husband played rugby. I’ll have go with that!
Hobbits or Mad Max?
Definitely Hobbits!
Books or TV?
Both!
Sun or snow?
Sun! So, how did I end up living where there’s so much snow?
Desert or sea?
Sea
Getting to Know Monica Bruenjes
Where are you from?
I grew up in California but now I live in Fairchild, Wisconsin, USA.
What’s something interesting or unusual about you that not everyone knows?
I’ve never had my ears pierced. I consider it one less thing I’m tempted to shop for. Generally, I don’t wear much jewellery anyway though.
What is your town or city most famous (or infamous) for?
Fairchild is a tiny town of about 500 people, but it used to be the largest city in the area during the logging days. Carole Landis, a movie star from the 1940’s, grew up here and if you visit our little library you’ll get to see a nice display and sculpture donated by her fan club. I think it’s weird, most people like Carole and my mom, end up leaving WI to go somewhere else like CA, but I did the opposite. I grew up in CA and then came to live here!
Do you have a pet that keeps you company when you write?
Yes, my dog Goldie has a bed right by my desk. She’s good company but also good for exercise because she’s frequently barking for me to let her go in and out. Getting up and down from my desk is sometimes annoying, but it’s good for the circulation! We live in the country so it’s pretty safe to let her be out there on her own for a few minutes at a time.
What do you like to eat or drink when you’re writing?
Tea! In college I got my first taste while learning Japanese. I didn’t like it at first, but green tea eventually won me over and I discovered I like black teas a lot too!
Have you ever met a person in real life who is a doppelgänger (lookalike) for a character in your book?
Not a person…but plenty of penguins! My character Penguin was very much inspired by the real penguins who live at SeaWorld in San Diego. He looks most like an Adélie penguin, but I was inspired by all the different kinds they have there, including the warm weather penguins who live outside.
About Monica’s Writing
What’s your favourite part of the writing process?
Brainstorming! I love that feeling when a new idea just starts to form. Of course, I always think it’s the best story ever, but time reveals whether that’s actually the case, lol.
How does your faith impact your writing?
I like to use biblical themes in my work. Characters may not always do the right thing, but I always want to make it clear (especially when writing for kids) what the right thing would have been and how they can make amends. I think about discipleship a lot, and how when I was a kid I didn’t always know the best way to live out my Christian faith. How would I advise my former self? I think of verses that encourage me now and use them as inspiration.
What’s your biggest writing challenge?
Longer plot lines and weaving multiple plot lines. Penguin & Peep is short and funny with very simple stories. I’m trying to write other stories with a bit more depth, but it’s very hard!
Who or what are your main writing influences?
There’s probably too many to count! For Penguin & Peep I was inspired by Japanese mascot characters. I love the simplicity of the Hello Kitty characters, Kogepan, and Aranzi Aronzo. The characters all have a lot of personality, but their designs are simple, cute, and appealing with stories that match that aesthetic. I really tried to keep their stories simple and funny like the comics I’ve read with these Japanese characters,
About Penguin & Peep: Feathered Friends
Describe Penguin & Peep: Feathered Friends in one or two sentences.
Penguin lived in the zoo alone, but one day peep flew by and became his friend. Now she shares her world with him, and they have happy days together.
Who is the target audience for your book?
Kids who love comics and graphic novels, ages 6-9, and like the books, Narwhal & Jelly, Baloney & Friends.
What inspired you to write Penguin & Peep: Feathered Friends?
I wanted to explore a very simple version of a buddy comedy with friends who are opposites but somehow manage to get along and always want to be together. I think I’m more like Penguin (shy and introverted) and I’m always trying to understand the Peeps (bold and extraverted) in my life. Sometimes I want to be a Peep, but it doesn’t come naturally to me. I really admire people who just go for what they want without hesitation!
Which Biblical themes did you explore in your book?
The friendship that Penguin & Peep have is really inspired by the kind of unconditional love Jesus has for us. He knows our flaws, but we’re accepted as we are. Penguin & Peep are that way with each other. Each one knows the other is not perfect, but they both never stop being a true friend to the other.
What would you like readers to take away from reading Penguin & Peep: Feathered Friends?
Since Penguin & Peep is all about friendship, I’d like for readers to understand different ways they can be a good friend and work through misunderstandings. You can have a friend who is very different from you and still have a great friendship with them if you’re both willing to try!
Will you have more books in Penguin & Peep books coming soon?
Yes! There is already a second book out and more are on the way. I don’t have a set release date for Book Three, which got delayed when I found out I’m pregnant! I hope to release it sometime in 2023.
Thank you for having me as your guest today!
About Monica Bruenjes
Author Monica Bruenjes specializes in creating original animation, illustration, and comics! She holds a MFA in 3D Animation from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Prior, she lived in Japan for a year while completing a double-major for a BA in Art and a BA in Japanese. Originally from California, she now lives in Wisconsin to be near family, bears, deer, and the occasional porcupine. She and her husband Ryan are preparing to welcome their first child. For more information, visit https://artistmonica.com/
Penguin and Peep look so cute and such a fun story!
Thank you!