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Interview with Brother/Sister Authors

by San Diego Bargain Mama

Becka and the Big Bubble is a fun and playfully written children’s book series that introduces a young girl who takes journeys around the world, transporting herself on a magic bubble (see review in the September Issue of the SDBM Newsletter). Adam Anthony Schomer and Gretchen Schomer-Wendel, authors of these award-winning books, are a brother and sister team who, besides sharing similar memories and passions, have been able to artistically personify their magic from cover to cover via our new, fun-loving, adventurous pal…Becka! I enjoyed sharing my time with the author duo, as they are soaring high with their book series to be released nationwide this month. The Becka-like excitement was in the air!

SDBM: This book series has taken off on its own flight, flying off San Diego bookstore shelves in the thousands practically right after the first shipments were stocked in the stores. Congratulations!

Adam, how did your previous experience in life (actor, soccer coach, and writer/producer) lead you to write these books?

I tend to do and be that which is growing inside me and is fun. So coaching, acting, doing improv, comedy, and writing, have always pushed my buttons and been a joy to do; a natural expression of that is bringing together the connection I have with kids to my love of performing and creating. And this journey of Becka's is now is my growth. Thanks for asking. I want to be more like Becka; and truthfully, when I write, act, play or coach soccer, I am in that Becka zone! So I am sharing it, as I am being it.

Gretchen, how has your past experience as a reporter and TV show host helped you as a writer today?

To be honest with you, I have learned from my past experience to write short and interesting articles. As busy people we have a limited amount of time. So when one writes make it worthwhile.

Why is it important that children explore our world and how can we as parents facilitate this?

(Adam) To help them gain a greater perspective and appreciation for what they have and live…what their parents provide, and a quick vision of a world outside their own. You get exposed to other ways of life - I mean if you are always living underground, would you dare to think you could also live above? It breaks you free of what you "thought" it had to be like. That is wonderful to give to children - to nurture their ability to dream. In the grander scheme of travel, it allows us to realize a grander community and perhaps direct our lives from the place of being one amazing family on Earth. How to facilitate: Take them with you! Doesn't have to be far either. Go to a farm or to the city or to Mexico. Vacations are wonderful, but some of the best are when I am simply exploring a new place or world. For example, I spent a few days at a high school in the heart of the Bronx, watching my friend teach. That is some perspective - you don't need to leave America always. I also remember my parents allowing me to fly alone to see my grandparents at a young age and go with another family on a soccer trip. Some of that independence and exploration builds [kids’] confidence to explore more. And a big part of that exploration is that solid home base - which is why Becka starts out and returns to her loving family.

How can we help our kids feel comfortable in other cultures and communities?

(Adam) Kids do feel comfortable in other cultures and communities until we start teaching that they are ”different“. Go in as parents accepting it and playing with it and the children feel that and join in. No joke, when coaching soccer I saw that that which normally would have been a stressful or anxiety-type of situation was easily remedied by me as the role model smiling and embracing the funny part of it. If you freak out when someone cuts his or her finger, then it becomes a freaky situation. Parents know that. We should encourage kids to experience other cultures, try their food, even find a pen pal from another country. It’s the little experiences that help kids gain comfort.

You’ve traveled extensively, Adam. Gretchen, you travel with your children now. Can you each give us some tips on traveling with kids?

(Gretchen)  When on the airplane or a long car ride pray long and hard for good behavior and bring a DVD player for movies! And of course bring along a ton of books, toys and snacks.

Here are 5 tips that we recommend:

1. TAKE A NIGHTLIGHT - Pack a nightlight for use in dark bathrooms in hotels or at Grandma's house.

2. BUY A SOUND MACHINE - Invest in a sound machine (usually between $10-$20). The soothing sounds will drown out your kids' little noises or outside noises (which may keep them awake) in a hotel room or in tight quarters at a friend's house.

3. TAKE FAMILIAR ITEMS - I always forget my daughter's dolls when traveling and of course she asks for them. So remember your kids' favorite comfort items.

4. ASK FRIENDS/FAMILY TO BUY BULKY ITEMS - To minimize overloaded suitcases I send my Mom a check in advance for $20 to cover diapers and wipes. Most friends and family are out at the grocery store preparing so they are happy to help. If traveling to a hotel, usually a concierge will buy you what you want if you give them notice.

5. HAVE QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR KIDS - Remember this is your QUALITY time with our kids. They will remember these trips more then anything else in their life, so enjoy your traveling time with them!

(Adam) I do not have kids, so I’ll go with Gretchen on this…although, as an uncle I have traveled on the plane with the little ones and I would say: allow extra time. Be prepared to play, play…and play with them. And by this, I mean that airports or long car rides, etc. are somewhat new to the kids. It is part of the adventure, so use it to your advantage to find the fun parts - the learning parts. I remember Clayton (my nephew) and I, while waiting at the airport, started making up music and drumbeats and singing lyrics to made-up songs. Eventually we jokingly asked people for donations too! Thing is, that wouldn't really be appropriate if I was with another adult...so the kids are a secret to my being able to have more fun too! I make new friends, as well.

Why did you specifically choose a bubble for Becka to travel on?

(Gretchen) As I child I loved the notion of being able to fly. I always wanted to float down my street - not too high - but high enough to be flying. And I always loved blowing bubbles. My kids love bubbles too.

(Adam) I won a bubble gum blowing contest when I was a kid.

How do you choose the locations to which Becka will travel, and can you tell us some of the other travels she has in store other than the mentioned four?

(Adam) We chose places we have been to or have a personal connection with, and cities that are inspiring and fun to explore. We are attracted to cultures that offer us intrigue. Next year Becka Goes to San Diego and Becka Goes to Chicago will be released.

What were your impressions when you traveled as children that have stayed with you to this day?

(Adam) Playing in the back of a station wagon; the journey is half the fun and you make up the fun!  Also, stopping at the Turkey Roost on the way up north in Michigan - it’s these events and unique places along the journey that stick out.  Also, as a high schooler I went to Spain. And holy cow, non-America! Like wait…so not everyone lives like...oh...wow...we can choose. And from there into adulthood I traveled farther and farther.

(Gretchen) I remember every trip we took with my parents. I learned so much from those new places and from having the quality time with my family. Travel really opens your eyes. We didn't travel far - sometimes just to the cider mill 45 minutes away to pick apples and ride on the tractor, but it was always an adventure. The station wagon is a very fond memory for me as well. I loved that car.

Adam, you worked with children in other countries. Based on your experience, how do you see that they differ from American children in their views of the world?

(Adam) I worked with high school age kids in Ecuador (in Quito). And they were not all that different. [They] wanted friends, to succeed, to have fun. The younger kids I met in the countryside were simply more grown up. I met and herded lamas with a seven-year-old. It was his day to do the herding (12 miles alone through mountains). So views of the world…don't know, really.

How can parents help fire up their kids' imaginations and encourage them to become more

adventuresome?

(Adam) Explore new places. Applaud mistakes, which shows its okay to try new things and not know if its right or if it works out. This gives confidence. I am a big proponent of giving more responsibility to children, too. Also, if we read and learn about other cultures, especially depicting positive role models, our children will take an interest in learning about other cultures and places and naturally the desire to know will fuel that adventurous spirit.

What do you suggest to parents who currently don't travel much with their kids, but want to instill the richness of other cultures and the sense of discovery?

(Adam) Books, software and TV can work to inspire. Then take that approach of finding the fun or newness in a simple thing like going to the airport or grocery store. I tell you what: if you had Indian music playing in your home sometime or served some new food, after a while kids open up to it. When I realized other people had not grown up with Humus I was astonished! We happened to live near many Middle Eastern people and restaurants. Discovery Channel is great too.

What are the top five key things from your books that you find important for kids to learn and emulate in life?

(Adam) Confidence! Go for it – like Becka's dream to blow a bubble and fly around the world. Play with what's in front of you! Go try new things. Get inspired; learn about cities and countries and cultures.  And really, [it’s important] that they [kids] know that their family loves them, so they have roots to go find fruits.

(Gretchen) I believe in what Adam said.  Family is where it is, no matter what kind of family you are from.  Also, play with what is in front of you.  Be in the moment!

Becka and The Big Bubble books are written by brother and sister team, Adam Schomer and Gretchen Schomer-Wendel, and illustrated by Damon Renthrope.  Support SDBM’s efforts and order your copies today (and save) at Amazon.com.