Welcome Everyone!

We’ve got a real treat today, because Paulette Bogan—who is both an author and an illustrator—is here to share the brand-new shiny cover of her upcoming The Lots-of-Time Machine.

Thank you so much, Paulette, for joining us and sharing your cover! Let’s start things off by showing everyone what you created for The Lots-of-Time Machine.

Now, it’s your turn, Paulette! You’ve definitely got our attention with the title’s twist on *time machine* and the adorable racoon center stage. What can you tell us about what’s going on here?

Hi Sandra, thanks for having me! For the cover, I really wanted to hint at what this Lots-of-Time machine might be. I wanted the reader to wonder – what is that dog dragging? Who is this little raccoon? And why is there a plunger??

But what is even more fun is the secret cover! I was the kid who took all the dust covers off the book to see what was underneath. A friend, Barbara DiLorenzo, and her daughter Maddie suggested I do a secret cover. Take a peek!

You already had me leaning in close at the dog, racoon, and  plunger. And now a secret cover? It’s fabulous!

What can you tell us about what is between the covers?

I wanted to write a story about everyone being so busy all the time. I know I am. And I think we miss many of the little moments in life, being caught up in our “busyness”. In The Lots-of-Time Machine, Fifi and her little dog Felix find a way to bring the whole family together and spend some time doing things with each other. And, of course, there are a few twists and turns along the way.

I will confess here and now that I’m a big fan of yours and that I follow you on Instagram. You’re a master at drawing dogs and bunnies and bears. Why did you choose a racoon for Fifi (a name that some folks might associate with dogs)?

I follow you right back, Sandra, and I love seeing your posts about your books, your lovely family, and the beautiful vistas of Switzerland! Fifi, the raccoon, came about the way many of my characters do – I was sketching raccoons one day, and suddenly one had a tutu. I knew she had to be in a book. It was quite a few years later that she made her appearance. And the mane Fifi is my oldest daughter, Sophia’s, nickname! She was the only one of my three daughters I had not written into a book yet. I’m pretty sure she said, “It’s about time, Mom.”

And last of all, what are your hopes for The Lots-of-Time Machine?

Just by the act of reading The Lots-of-Time Machine to a child means someone is sitting down and spending time reading, looking at the pictures, and snuggling! Although the book’s message is to slow down and spend time with the people you love, I always hope there are some giggles when reading my books.

Thank you so much, Paulette! I do love the double resonance that occurs when someone spends time reading The Lots-of-Time Machine with a child. And knowing your books, I have no doubt that there will be giggles along the way!

Be sure to look for The Lots-of-Time Machine on July 2, 2024, when it releases. If you would like to pre-order it, you can already find it at Amazon,  Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org.

The Lots-of-Time Machine by Paulette Bogan

Fifi, the raccoon, is trying desperately to get her family to play with her. But everyone is too busy, busy, busy! What’s a girl to do? Together with her dog, Felix, Fifi comes up with an idea―one that will bring them all together and give them lots of time to play: it’s a lots-of-time machine! But what happens when Fifi’s brilliant idea doesn’t go quite as planned? Can Fifi and her family find a way to be busy…together? Find out in this endearing and relatable family story.

You can stay up to date with Paulette Bogan and her art at paulettebogan.com, on Facebook @paulettebogan, on Instagram @paulettebogan123, and on Twitter @paulettebogan1.

If you would like to know more about me and my writing, please visit sandranickel.com.