Tabitha and Fritz Trade Places is one of the most creative and colorful books I have read to my children in a while!
They were instantly drawn to Tabitha the Cat and Fritz the Elephant as they begin their email relationship through “Lair-bnb.”
The book creatively follows these characters as they exchange lives and set off on a new adventure. The communication is done through technology with bright, imaginative pictures and funny jokes along the way. Each character experiences a series of ups and downs on their travels. Alas, when both animals realize that they miss their homes, they pack up and head home only to begin a beautiful friendship.
This book is full of personality, humor and problem solving as well as optimism and it will make a fantastic addition to your children’s library. I love the infusion of technology through computers and pictures. It’s a great representation of the world our children are growing up in. I hope you enjoy sharing in their adventures as much as I did.
Author, Katie Frawley sat down with us and shared her inspiration for this book!
What inspired you to write this book?
KF: As a lifelong bookworm, I want to help kids fall in love with reading. That’s really the goal of every story I write. I truly think there is a book out there for every kid. Even reluctant readers just haven’t found the right kind of book YET…and maybe for one kid, that right book will be TABITHA AND FRITZ!
What lessons are you hoping children learn from reading the book?
KF: I hope kids will be able to feel more gratitude in their own lives. It’s so easy for kids (and adults!) to focus on what other people have. Better toys, bigger yard, super cute unicorn tights. But I really believe that if you can’t be happy with what you have, you won’t be happy with what you think you want. Gratitude is the foundation of happiness. And happiness is pretty great, don’t you think?
Tell us about your illustrator and what inspired the images?
KF: Laurie Stansfield is absolutely incredible! When my editor told me she and the art director hoped Laurie would illustrate, I was thrilled. Her art is so warm, vibrant, and inviting. I was totally bowled over at every stage of the illustration process. Sketches, color, final art. The whole thing was a dream. The illustrations for this book turned out better than I could have possibly imagined. As far as what inspired the images, you’d have to ask Laurie! She had my text to work with (and limited art notes where necessary), but the art came entirely from her amazing brain.
How did you come up with an elephant and a cat as the main characters?
KF: Well, the thought of an elephant from the rain forest exploring a regular town cracked me up. I figured he could really get into some silly situations. Then I had to figure out a way to get him from one place to the other. WHY would he be in this strange environment? And that’s how I came up for the idea for Lair BnB and the vacation home swap!
What do you find to be the most challenging thing about being a mom?
KF: Lately, it’s been patience. We have five kids, aged 9, 8, 6, 5, and 1. And while I love these little weasels with every ounce of my being, they also test every ounce of my patience. I have found that if I’m able to carve out 30 minutes to an hour of exercise time for me (I either run or swim in the ocean), that goes a long way to keeping me more mellow and giving me the emotional reserves I need to keep my mom game strong.
What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
KF: This is a tough one! I have written and deleted about fifteen answers. I guess if I have to pick one favorite thing, I’d say it’s the deeper meaning they give my life. Raising these kids is an awesome responsibility, and it makes me feel important that that task falls to me. It’s a big job, and I really don’t want to screw it up! 😂 (Also, I like Saturday morning snuggles in bed. Those are the best.).
Why did you decide to use technology throughout the book?
KF: I didn’t originally intend for the letters to be exchanged electronically. My editor asked if I preferred old-fashioned letter writing, email, or a mix. I ultimately thought it worked best for the logic of the story if they were able to communicate quickly rather than having to wait for letters to travel halfway across the globe.
Who is your favorite children’s author?
KF: That’s like asking me to pick my favorite kid! So instead of just one, I’ll give you five in no particular order. Mac Barnett (for originality and sheer weirdness), Ame Dyckman (absolutely hilarious), Oliver Jeffers (he tugs on my heartstrings), Maurice Sendak (because we’re all a little wild), and Julia Donaldson (a joy to read aloud).
Will there be more books in the series?
KF: I sure hope so! I wrote the ending of this book in such a way that it leaves the doors open to future adventures for Tabitha and Fritz. So, nothing in the pipeline yet, but fingers crossed for more globe-trotting fun for this pair!
Head over to Amazon to grab your copy of Tabitha and Fritz Trade Places today!
About the Author, Katie Frawley
Katie Frawley studied English at the University of Florida (GO GATORS!) and earned a Master’s degree in British and American literature from Florida Atlantic University. Before having children, she had the distinct honor of teaching English to rowdy teenagers. When not banging away on the keyboard, Katie can be found testing new recipes with her miniature sous chefs, shooing iguanas away from her garden, or reading picture books to a captive audience on the couch. Katie lives in South Florida with her husband and five children.
Follow Katie on Instagram: @katiefrawley1
