Stephanie Lucianovic-End of Something Wonderful
When picture book author set out to demystify death for children, readers of all ages discovered much wisdom and charm in The End of Something Wonderful.
Bevival: Exit Interviews is also on your favorite podcast platform.
Please follow and leave us a review!
JA: What inspired you to write about death and dying?
It was two-fold: finding a way to help children process the death of a pet in a picture book and my eight-year-old son’s fascination with graveyards.
JA: What does death literacy mean to you?
I think it’s important to take the fear out of death and dying, especially for children. Too many parents want to “protect” their children from the idea of death. Those conversations need not be difficult or sad or scary.
JA: What is your current state of mind?
Exhausted.
JA: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Happiness is a fraught word, but my idea of full contentment is having loved ones that are healthy and happy most of the time. Nothing is perfect and no one is happy all the time nor should there be pressure to be so.
JA: What do you believe is life’s most essential lesson?
Being kind while having a well-developed awareness for self-protection/self-preservation.
JA: Do you have a favorite quote?
“When you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other book does.” [Nora Ephron] and “Get in good trouble” [Congressman John Lewis].
JA: What are you reading, what’s on your bedside table?
Mr. and Mrs. Bunny: Detectives Extraordinary by Polly Horvath and I’m listening to In The Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune on my hikes.
JA: Do you have a favorite writer or book?
As a writer of books, I’m reading all the time. It’s literally impossible for me to have a favorite book or author. However, the author who made the biggest impression on me before I started writing for children is Julie Fogliano. I will always credit her picture book And Then It’s Spring as the reason why I started writing picture books of my own.
JA: What book would you like to be buried with?
Betsy Was a Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace.
JA: What is your exit plan? How would you like to die?
Without pain or having it be too drawn out and with the full knowledge and certainty that those I leave behind will be safe, healthy, and happy.
JA: If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be?
A pampered bookstore cat.
JA: If heaven exists, what would you like to hear when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
“Would you like a glass of wine in the library?”
