6.11.2017  Stella Dutton takes Texas kids along for a literary ride

From June 11 through July 16, Lone Star Literary will be featuring summer reads for Texas kids, and from time to time during these weeks, we’ll be featuring authors of children’s books. Today, meet Stella Dutton. Her most recent book is Pinto: The Chisholm Trail Pony, which commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Chisholm Trail. Another of her titles is Tex the Mockingbird, which introduces children to Texas landmarks. We interviewed Dutton last week by email.

LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE: Can you tell us a little bit about your background, Stella? Where did you grow up?

STELLA DUTTON: My parents were part of “The Greatest Generation.” My father was a World War II veteran and a cowboy storyteller. My mother was a dedicated homemaker who encouraged my dreams. They both remembered the Great Depression and told me stories of the Dust Bowl days. I was born and raised in Oklahoma City, the youngest of seven children. My family was originally from Texas. My maternal great-great grandfather used his oxen to help build the State Capitol in Austin. Another great-great grandfather was a Texas Ranger.

What were your interests as a child?

I have always adored art and animals. As a child, I loved creating characters and giving them voices. I also spent many afternoons taking my Pomeranian for walks. This puppy inspired some of my book characters. As a teenager, I wanted to be an actress, and I loved MTV.

When did you first become interested in being a children’s book author?

My father always recited funny stories and poems. He was quite a character. This inspired me at a young age to create fun stories. Years later, when my daughter was two years old, she was diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder. She was not walking or talking. I started making up stories and fun characters for her. These stories helped her with her speech therapy.

What books influenced you when you were growing up?

As a small child, I adored Little Golden Books. My favorite was The Poky Little Puppy [by Janette Sebring Lowrey and Gustaf Tenggren]. I also loved Dr. Seuss books and of course, Beatrix Potter. Later, I enjoyed Paper Moon [from Joe David Brown’s Addie Pray], Where The Red Fern Grows [by Wilson Rawls], and [John Steinbeck’s] The Grapes of Wrath.

What's your creative process like?

I always try to look at the world and observe what makes my children happy. A favorite animal, a trip to the zoo, or a picnic near sailboats — sometimes inspire my stories. Sometimes I think of the book title before I write the story. The story just works itself out. Sometimes, I don't even know how the story will end when I start writing.

How long does it take a book from to go from idea to concept to a book you hold in your hand?

The first part of the process is writing the story, editing, creating both a character outline describing each character’s personality, and creating an illustration outline for page placement. This part takes approximately one month. The second part is the illustration. This part usually takes one to two months depending on the illustrator. The third part is the printing process. This part takes two months. All together, approximately five to six months per title.

Do you have a “street team” of young beta readers that you test your ideas out on?

My children are my first audience. I always test my story ideas out to see if my kids enjoy them.

Your newest book,Pinto the Chisholm Pony honors the 150th anniversary of the Chisholm Trail. What was your inspiration for this book?

I always heard stories about the Chisholm Trail from my grandparents. My grandmother had actually met some of the old former cattle drivers when she was a child in 1910 rural Oklahoma. I wanted to create a story that would show children how the Chisholm Trail once was before it was covered in concrete. I knew that I wanted it fully illustrated, so they could actually see the chuck wagons, townships, rough terrain, and wild rivers that Pinto has to cross along his nineteenth-century journey.

Can you tell our readers a little bit about the book?

Pinto is searching for his mother's previous owner on the Chisholm Trail of 1869. Pinto also wants to be the first pony to assist the cattle drovers on the Chisholm Trail. Pinto starts out from his farm in Texas and travels through Fort Worth, Indian Territory, and up to the railhead in Kansas. Pinto teaches children to not give up when things get tough — be like Pinto and reach your goals.

This book is also educational, as it lists each town on the Chisholm Trail and displays a beautifully illustrated map. This is a commemorative book and it has been recognized by Chisholm150.org as an official part of the 150th celebration. The front cover proudly displays the Chisholm150 logo.

I admire how you make each of your picture books work seamlessly in collaboration with the illustrator. Why is this relationship so crucial to you as an author and how do you make that connection work?

Thank you! Before I write a story, I can picture the characters in my mind. I have been very lucky finding the exact right illustrator for each story. I always know which illustrator’s art style will go with which story. Communication is key when working with an illustrator. I always give them the manuscript, character outline, and illustration page outline. Soon the illustrator can envision the characters, and it helps create a lovely picture book that will stand the test of time.

What's the key to engaging young children with your books?

Fun, colorful, and whimsical characters that jump off the pages. Along with funny characters, I also create characters that have three dimensional personalities. Children love characters that talk about bravery, kindness, friendship, and determination. My fun school visits incorporate my quirky book characters being projected onto a screen, as I am reading. Children really enjoy these interactive school visits, as well as my storybook character puppets.

Last question: Is there a book that you wish you could make sure every child had in their library, one that no child should be without?

I would love for every child to be able to enjoy Pinto The Chisholm Pony. It is not only educational, it is also a book of encouragement, love, and determination.

* * * * *