Happy Thursday Critters! Author and illustrator Jane Smith is back with us today, and I couldn’t be more excited because her new book, NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT!, is absolutely hilarious, silly, and full of lots of giggles— my favorite kind! (To read our first interview with Jane, click here.) Jane is here to talk to us about her new book, process, and approach to creativity.

So without further ado, please welcome back Jane Smith!

It’s great to have you back!

Thank you so much, Lindsay! I’m thrilled to pieces to be here chatting about my hilarious new children’s book, Naked Butt Busts Out!

Tell us about your latest book.

Naked Butt Busts Out! is a laugh-out-loud picture book about being true to yourself. The story follows the cheeky little bunny, Naked Butt, who just want to be himself. But for Naked Butt, being yourself, means literally baring it all, and he discovers that everyone wants him to cover up his tail again! Especially his momma. So, he tries this best to keep his true self tucked under shirts and shorts, but when his clothes start feeling itchier and scratchier and tighter and tighter, Naked Butt can’t keep himself under wraps anymore—he BUSTS out! And to everyone’s surprise, Naked Butt’s hilarious city streak shows momma that standing out in the crowd isn’t just a good thing, it’s a lifesaver, and that being yourself can inspire others to uncover a whole new view of the world, too.

*Interior art from NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT! by Jane Smith*

What inspired you to create this book?

Naked Butt Busts Out! was inspired by the universal experience of kiddos just not wanting to get dressed!! This is such a hilariously familiar developmental stage for the age range that hits the picture book sweet spot that it felt like a solid heart for a story. And when I married it to the metaphorical concept of being yourself equaling being naked, the whole book began to come together.

Can you tell us a bit about your creative process? How do you approach new ideas?

I like to have multiple books projects in-progress at any given time! I generally work on a story as long and as far as I know what to do with it. Then I put it away and pick up another WIP, and then switch back later once I’ve thought thru what comes next. I find that the time away in-between intense bursts of activity on developing a project is actually the secret magic ingredient that brings it altogether and fuels my creative process.

I approach new ideas both playfully and seriously! Seriously in that I always right them down—no matter how ridiculous or off-the-wall. And playfully in that I like to give myself feel reign to explore an idea by doodling—maybe characters or little bits or bobs from the ideas—and by brainstorming word lists—like free word associations, little one liners of text, etc. Usually, it’s thru this exploration that I discover if I have the heart of something true that I can continue to build on.

How do you shake the rust off when you feel stuck creatively?

I have lots of little tricks for this—taking a walk, doing a little yoga, mediating, reading, going to the bookstore or library, watching a movie or TV show, baking, cooking a new recipe, visiting a friend who lives close by, calling a friend who lives far away, doodling with no expectations. And if all else fails, take a nap!!

What do you find inspiring right now?

Right now, I’m very inspired by the wide world of indie publishing possibilities available to authors and illustrators! I think in an industry where the labors of creative professionals are very undervalued, while also being the bedrock of the whole industry, it is exciting that indie publishing provides affordable, accessible opportunities to take the reins as both creative artists and professional businesspeople.

Any new books that you are loving right now?

Two books I read recently that I can’t stop thinking about are: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (newly released last fall) and The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (classic published in 1959). Both are gorgeously written and stay with you long after you finish the final page.

What’s up next for you?

More children’s books!!! I can’t share any details yet, but I’m excited, so stay tuned…

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

Your creative work is meaningful! Your creative effort is meaningful! But it will never matter MORE to anyone else than it does to YOU. So do not ever shy away from being your own best advocate, regardless of whether or not you’re agented, regardless of whether or not you’re traditionally published.

And last, but not least, favorite book character?

This is so hard! I have so many favorites! Ha ha! Ok—today I’m going to say Max and Ruby from Rosemary Well’s beloved series. How can you not adore this hilarious pair?!

Huge thank you to Jane for stopping by Critter Lit today! It was so great to catch up with you and hear about your hilarious new book! Congrats!

JANE SMITH is the author-illustrator of nine children’s picture books, including the popular Chloe Zoe series, Hello, New House and Miss Meow. Naked Butt Busts Out! is her first self-published title. Jane enjoys knock-knock jokes, cartoons and making kiddos laugh. She lives in sun-kissed Wilmington, North Carolina with her husband and super star daughter.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JANE SMITH follow her on social media:

• Web Site: www.superjane.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @SuperJaneSmith

• Twitter: @SuperJaneArtist

• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6302142.Jane_Smith

• Super Readers Club Newsletter: https://superreadersclub.substack.com/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT!, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 6th! US addresses only please.