Title: Ebenezer The SneezerAuthor: DeCorey Hale
Illustrations By: Lauren Lacy
Summary: Most of us have been overwhelmed with sneezing, whether it be allergies, a little sniff of pepper, or an unknown cause. The character in this story, Ebenezer, has a case that is worse than your everyday sneezing attack. The poor fellow sneezes on everything in his path. The author uses rhyming words and whimsical humor to tell the story of a man with the bad case of the "sneezies". Of course, the blogger in me likes this book because I love all the diversity that is defined. From the author, to the illustrator, we see both coming together to create a book for children that will be a favorite for many years. As a teacher, I gravitated to this book because it breaks the mold and opens up questioning that helps young readers engage in the story. The story gives a great connection for journal entry questions: What would you do if you could not stop sneezing? How would you help a person that could not stop sneezing? Do you think Ebenezer was allergic to something?
Interview: DeCorey Hale is from Sylacauga, Alabama, which is near my hometown Rockford, Alabama. Ever since the release of Ebenezer The Sneezer, he has made appearances at many different educational facilities reading Ebenezer The Sneezer and encouraging the love of reading. Mr. Hale is a man on a mission and wears many hats in his community. I am glad that he was able to take some time out of his busy schedule and answers a few questions. The opportunity gives everyone a closer look into the man behind the book, Ebenezer The Sneezer.
Tell us a little about yourself perhaps something not many people know?
Well I have a very big imagination. It never left me. And people can never guess my two favorite movies. They are The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
What made you want to write books for children?
Well I actually wrote this book for my daughter, Nylah, when she was 2 years old . She is now 11. It started out as a bedtime story for her, and now it's my first book.
Well I actually wrote this book for my daughter, Nylah, when she was 2 years old . She is now 11. It started out as a bedtime story for her, and now it's my first book.
What was your favorite book or books as a child?
Of course, anything by Dr. Seuss. I loved the Berenstain Bears. As well as James and the Giant Peach. It really opened my mind as far as my imagination goes.
Of course, anything by Dr. Seuss. I loved the Berenstain Bears. As well as James and the Giant Peach. It really opened my mind as far as my imagination goes.
How did you get your ideas for this book. How did you prepare?
Well, it was just on a while. I looked around and thought about sneezing for some odd reason. So I decided to write a story about someone who sneezes. Then I had to come up with a name that rhymed. Thus, Ebenezer The Sneezer was born.
Well, it was just on a while. I looked around and thought about sneezing for some odd reason. So I decided to write a story about someone who sneezes. Then I had to come up with a name that rhymed. Thus, Ebenezer The Sneezer was born.
What do you plan on doing next in terms of children's literature?
Well since this started out as a bedtime story, I had also written little follow up pieces here and there. So I'm strongly considering turning Ebenezer into a series.
Well since this started out as a bedtime story, I had also written little follow up pieces here and there. So I'm strongly considering turning Ebenezer into a series.
What advice do you have for young people who want to be writers?
As soon as you think of what you want to write about, jot it down. Dreaming is half the battle. Then I say go for it! It took me 8 years, but here I am.
Where can people buy your book?
It is available on my website, www.decoreyhale.com
What was one of the most surprising thing you learned in creating this book?
Just how tedious is is to write, then edit/correct. Then go back and do it several more times. It is quite a process.
What were some of the challenges that you faced writing this book?
Well, I have a full-time job, so that takes up a lot of time. I also co-own a beard care line, so that is time-consuming as well. So for me, just time management.
Thank you, Author DeCorey Hale! I cannot wait to see what you come up with next!
And A Special Thanks to Dana Hale for the Photos in the Library! Dew4U Photography!
Thank you, Author DeCorey Hale! I cannot wait to see what you come up with next!
And A Special Thanks to Dana Hale for the Photos in the Library! Dew4U Photography!
