Steven Joseph is not only everyone’s favorite crankiness expert, but he is also an award-winning children’s book author. His latest book, Snoodles in Space Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back!, is the third installment in the beloved Snoodles series, captivating readers of all ages with its humor, adventure, and valuable life lessons.
In addition to being an author, Steven Joseph is a first-generation American, son of a Holocaust survivor, masterful attorney, seasoned negotiator, engaging speaker, and indefatigable marathon runner.
Quotes by Steven Joseph
Creating Snoodles:
Creating Snoodles in Space Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back was like blending the whimsical with the profound, where every child can be a hero.
The message:
In the universe of Snoodles, even the crankiest among us can find a way to shine and make a difference.
Teaching points:
Every adventure with the Snoodles is a chance to teach kindness to each other and the planet, to explore creativity, and the power they have within themselves.
What will parents and educators discover in Snoodles in Space Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back!?
- Books written for both adults and children, with humor and detailed illustrations appealing to ages 5 to 99.
- The book is ultimately about love, (there is interplanetary marriage in it) making it both fun and poignant for today and tomorrow.
- Important life lessons for children that also serve as valuable reminders for adults.
Educational and behavioral insights about kids
- The importance of avoiding “quick labeling” of children and how this can help in their development.
- Ask Steven to explain the common “CrankaTsuris” that kids have.
- Encouraging kids to rise to challenges—because if you ask them to rise up, they often will.
Reversing expectations about “misbehaved kids”
- Ask Steven to discuss combining pop culture inspirations of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and the classic Batman TV show.
- The idea of making the spoiled kids the heroes.
Redemption and positive change
- Redemption arcs in Snoodles characters and the belief in the notion that we all have the capacity to change.
- Messages of hope and change for kids as they can help make the world a better place.
Environmental messages and creative problem-solving
- Environmental stewardship, such as cleaning up rivers as is done in this book.
- Not doing things “willy-nilly” and how the character Willy Nilly Noodle is a commentary on how people sometimes do this nowadays.
Cultural and educational messages
- Instilling a love for museums and cultural exploration in children.
- Steven’s life growing up in NYC and the importance of going to museums.
- Subtle British humor that allows messages to be revealed naturally within the story.
Collaborative creation with Andy Case
- Dynamic and fun creative process with illustrator Andy Case.
- Inspiration from Andy’s music.
- Future projects, such as Escape from Snoodletraz.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
It is because I can create something that is total ridiculous and make it completely believable. It creates a feeling that there is magic out there when everything is possible.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
No. I write in my head while I run, and I just write it out afterwards.
Do you have a muse?
Maybe my wife in my first kid’s book – The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrankaTsuris. The crankiest dinosaur that all humans evolved from millions of years later.
Are you more of a fan of plot-driven stories or character-driven stories?
Character-driven, definitely. I love those runs when the characters just talk between themselves, and I just watch them.
Fill in the blank: “People will like your book if they like stories about…”
Loony Toon adventures!
What are your thoughts on typewriters?
I remember using manual typewrites with white out.
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
Library of Congress!
How do you name your characters? If you write nonfiction, do you ever change the names of your characters, and if so, how do you decide what names to change them to?
I get them to rhyme with Noodle or Poodle or Kidoodle!
What is your favorite website that you use to promote your writing?
My website.
If Hollywood bought the rights to your book, would you want it to be turned into a movie or series?
A series!
Who is your dream audiobook narrator?
I have to pick me!
How many words or pages do you typically write in one writing session?
Zero. I write when I run. Then I copy down what was written in my head.
Do you have any writing rituals?
Get an idea in my head, and have it built into a story over the course of a number of runs!
What are your passions/obsessions outside of writing?
Cooking and running!
Have you made any public appearances to promote your book?
Yes! I was signing books for the stars at the Oscars Gifting Room a year ago!
Who would you most want to read your book?
Any kid who is in need of a good laugh.
Do you ever use dreams as inspiration for your writing?
Some stories have come up first as a dream.
Are you a big reader? Do you own a large collection of books, or are you more of a borrower?
I am an attorney and that forces me to read all day long.
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
No, but I would love to rent a house on Block Island, Rhode Island, and just try to write.
What is an annoying thing that a non-writer has assumed about writers or the act of writing?
That is an easy question. They ask me how my hobby is going.
How do you measure the success of your writing career?
One review at a time!
Author links
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Buy it!
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