Welcome in Spring with a Good Book -- The Olive Branch, Red and Yellow's Noisy Night by Josh Selig (Author Interview and Review)

Series: The Olive Branch
Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Published: April 2012
Age range: from 4 to 7
28 pages
ISBN: 1-4027-9070-8
ISBN13: 9781402790706
$14.95 US ;  $17.95 Canadian
Hardcover with Jacket
all in color
9 X 9

Summary:

Red and Yellow live together in the branches of an olive tree--but these two friends are as different as can be, and sometimes have trouble co-existing peacefully. Red wants to play loudly on his strummy, while Yellow longs for sleep. This adorable bedtime story about tolerance and conflict resolution is based on an animated TV show that currently airs on over 100 channels around the world.

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I recently had the opportunity to read Red and Yellow's Noisy Night by Josh Selig with Savannah, and she loved it.  But, before I go into further detail on my review of this amazing book, I wanted to share an interview with the author, as part of his March Mommy Blog Tour.  Enjoy!

1. What inspired Red & Yellow’s characters?

JOSH:  Well, Red is based loosely on a friend of mine in college who was a wonderful dancer.  She was spontaneous and intuitive and free.  Yellow is based on Malcolm Butler.  He is the IT Director at my company, Little Airplane.  Malcolm is very brilliant and he likes everything done in a certain way.

2. Why did you choose an Olive Tree?

JOSH:  I spent some time working in the Middle East where olive trees are very common and beloved by all.  They provide everything from oil to wood to shade.  And there's no better symbol of peace than an olive branch.

3. I have to ask, which one do you best identify with – Red or Yellow?

JOSH:   I am more like Yellow but I would like to be more like Red.  I think Red gets to have more fun.

4. Have you ever played a “strummy”?

JOSH:  As a matter of fact, I played the electric guitar when I was a teenager.  Mostly Ted Nugent and Rolling Stones songs.  I was in a little band and we played in my friend's basement and we used a cardboard box for a base drum because we couldn't afford a real one. 

5. Why do you think Red & Yellow are so popular with kids?

JOSH:  In addition to just being very cute, they show kids that all problems can be resolved with patience, empathy, and a little creativity.  I think that's a message that has great appeal to all ages.   

6. If there’s one thing everyone—even adults—could learn from Red & Yellow, it would be that…

JOSH:  We all need one another.  Any conflict can be resolved peacefully.  It doesn’t matter what the question is, love is always the answer. 

7. What’s your favorite thing about coming to work every day?

JOSH:  Having smart people around me who are good at all the things that I'm not good at.  I'm amazed every day by the talent of our designers, animators and producers.  I am very lucky to work with these folks.    

8. If you could have one wish, what would it be?

JOSH:  I would like to be able to spend more time in the country.  I've been a city person my whole life and I find myself wishing, for the first time, I had a small house on a hill with a little dog and a family.

My Thoughts:

What would you do if you were trying to go to bed and the person next to you decided to play their strummy loud?  Well, this is what happened when Yellow tries to get a good night's sleep.  Red, is not tired, and want to play his strummy.  As young readers follow along, they will learn about conflict resolution and mutual respect, as they read about two different friends finding a way to get along and enjoy the night (either sleeping or playing their strummy).  And, in the end, Red continues to play his strummy, but in a quieter, more soothing tone, which lulls Yellow to sleep.

I can't get over the illustrations in this book.I found myself in awe as I was flipping through the pages and reading this cute story to my daughter.  Savannah loved pointing out the characters (Red and Yellow) as I read the story, as well as the stars in the sky.  

I can't wait to read additional books by Josh Selig, as he does an amazing job in teaching young children about to get along and work through conflict in a positive way.  

About The Little Light Foundation and Founder/Author, Josh Selig:

Based in New York City, The Little Light Foundation is a nonprofit charity whose goal is to create original media that helps children around the world learn about conflict resolution and mutual respect. Josh Selig, the founder of the company, is the creative genius behind popular TV shows such as The Wonder Pets. To ensure that The Olive Branch reaches the widest possible audience, episodes are available to any broadcaster in the world for just one unit of that country's own currency. 

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher, in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.