Interview

In March of 2005, Johnathan Rand was interviewed about his new series of books, Freddie Fernortner, Fearless First Grader. Special thanks to Tyler Smigelski and Mrs. Whittmore's 2nd grade class for supplying the questions!

Q: Why did you start the Freddie Fernortner series?
A: For the past few years, I've had hundreds of people ask if I would ever write a series for younger readers. While I've always wanted to, I just never found the time. Recently I decided to 'hide out' for some time and get to work . . . the result was the first five books in the Fernortner series.

Another reason was that Mrs. Rand and I strongly believe in the power of reading. The earlier someone starts to read, the better, and we're hoping that the 'Freddie' books will catch on and get younger kids reading. We're making that a main focus of what we do. Lots of cool things are in the works, I can promise you that!

Q: Where did you get the name 'Fernortner'?
A: It was a name I heard on the radio a long time ago. I always remembered it, because it was so unique.

Q: Are the books scary?
A: Hmmm. You know, I think there are some scary parts . . . but I don't think that the books, for the most part, are really scary. I wanted to have a few spooky things happen to the characters, but I really wanted to focus on adventure and suspense.

Q: Are you going to write more than just five books in the Freddie Fernortner series?
I think so. I really had a lot of fun with the first five!

Q: Did you draw the pictures?
A: No. I wish I did, but my drawing skills aren't very good!

Q: Did you write about anything that actually happened to you when you were a kid?
A: Yes and no. I mean, when I was in first grade, I wanted to make my bike fly. I remember drawing pictures of what the 'flying bike' would look like. I made a big box fort when I was in second grade, and I think a lot of kids do that. So I wrote book 5, 'The Big Box Fort'.

Q: When will the other books be coming out?
A: By summer, all five books will be available.

Q: Freddie has a cat named Mr. Chewy, and he chews gum and blows bubbles. How did you come up with that?
A: (laughs) I just thought it would be funny. I remember once, a few years ago, I saw a cat that was chewing gum. It was hilarious! He didn't blow any bubbles, but I'll never forget how silly that thing looked. However, it's not a good idea to give your cat gum. Remember that!

Q: Are the Freddie Fernortner books going to have all the same characters?
A: Yes.