Author Interview: 20 Questions with Chris Gall

The 20 Question Interview with our very own Turkeybird is our feature interview that happens with all of the book authors, illustrators and poets we love!

Today the Turkeybird is busy imagining all the things that should really also be either or both dinos and trucks. Ever since he got his hands on Chris Gall’s Dinotrux the world of possibilities has opened up and when he found out about the second book he could hardly contain himself. So it was an obvious decision to say yes when Little Brown offered the opportunity to interview Chris. We’ll be posting a review for this fantastic series soon, but until then we wanted to share this very fun interview!
So, without further hesitation on our part, the Turkeybird’s 20 question interview with Chris Gall…

1. Dinos and trucks are super cool together! Why did you pick them?

Every time I look at a truck, especially the really big kind of trucks, I start to see them look like dinosaurs. They’re big, smelly, and loud and some kinds of trucks even look scary. So I thought it would be a fun idea to imagine what it would be like if trucks really had ancient, ferocious ancestors who evolved into the friendly helpful trucks we have today.

2. Crayons or Markers?

I have always preferred crayons to markers.

3. Why?

Because I can blend the colors and use them to shade my drawings in a way that is hard for markers. Plus, crayons don’t stink.

4. What’s your favorite color?

Schoolbus yellow!

5. Flying or Drawing?

That’s a tough one. I like drawing more I think.

6. Why?

Well, I really don’t have any limits when I draw. I can imagine anything I want and I can take myself there whenever I want. Airplanes need gasoline and good weather, so I’m more limited when I go flying.

7. I’m starting school soon and I meet my teacher this week. Do you think they will look like the Creacher? (That might be kind of cool! Just kind of. Maybe a little scary too.)

If your teacher looks like Creacher, make sure you get a picture and send it to me! Do not be afraid, though, because I am sure the school district has certified the Creacher for the safe instruction of children.

8. If you were five what would you read next?

I would read “Go Dog Go”.

9. What food do you like to eat? (I love yogurt and lots and lots of cereal!)

My favorite food is Swiss fondue (the cheesy kind).

10. When you were my age did you really want to draw on the walls? (Littlebug did a while ago and she had to clean everything herself!)

Actually I drew on my desk at school. I do not advise this, as I was made to clean ALL the desks in the classroom as punishment when my teacher saw that I had drawn the entire Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood!

11. I love to collect rocks! Do you like rocks?

Yes! I also like to collect rocks. In Arizona, where I live, the desert is full of very interesting and colorful rocks and I enjoy taking long trips into the desert searching for them.

12. Why?

Because rocks were made SO long ago, they are an important part of our Earth’s crust. I also think that some rocks, like crystals, may have mysterious powers we cannot yet comprehend.

13. My mom showed me some of the stuff you like to draw. Do you like to draw famous people a lot? (It seems like it might be kind of boring.)

I have drawn famous people in the past, but I still like to create places and creatures out of my imagination the best.

14. What was your favoritest book when you were five?

That was “Where the Wild Things Are”—of course!

15. Do you have a favorite animal?

I don’t have a favorite animal.

16. Why?

Maybe because I like so many different kinds it is hard to choose. However, when it comes to dogs vs. cats, I have to say I prefer cats because they have been shown by scientists to be smarter. (hee hee)

17. Swings or Slides?

I prefer slides

18. Why?

Because when I swing real high in the air, I am always afraid that I will fall out backwards!

19. Are you writing more Dinotrux books?! (I hope so!)

Yes! I am working on some beginning reader chapter books. The Dinotrux will finally get to talk!

20. Do you have any more super neat books coming out soon?

Yes! “Awesome Dawson” will be coming out in spring of 2013. It is the story of a boy who is always collecting the odd things that people throw away. He can turn these objects into incredible inventions—until one day one of his inventions gets out of control. Can he stop his invention and save the earth?

The Turkeybird Speaks: Thank you for your really cool interview Chris! My favorite part was hearing that you are coming out with the new Dinotrux books because I’ve been reading a lot on my own and those would be the best!

I think it’s so neat that you live in Arizona too. My Grandparents that are my mom’s mom and dad live in the top part of Arizona. I’m going to have to look for rocks there when we visit for Thanksgiving. I can’t wait!

Your books are the very best and I am so excited to read more! The Awesome Dawson book even sounds so cool! Thank you so super super a lot for your answers and for your neat books!

From Revenge of the Dinotrux by Chris Gall:

THE DINOTRUX ARE BACK… AND LOOKING FOR A SNACK!

Millions of years ago, DINOTRUX ruled the earth. But in the present day, people rule them! Their rusty fossils have spent decades stuck in a drafty museum surrounded by screaming kids, and now they’re ready to break out and let off some really old steam.

HONNNK!!! DINOTRUX ARE ON THE LOOSE!

Garbageadon eats cars, Craneosaurus peeks in windows, and Tyrannosaurus Trux climbs a skyscraper… Who will win the mighty standoff between man and prehistoric beast? Find out in this rip-roaring sequel to Chris Gall’s highly praised Dinotrux, featuring all your favorite trux and some never-before-seen ones!

Find Dinotrux by Chris Gall at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Find Revenge of the Dinotrux by Chris Gall at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Today’s post is part of our month long celebration of all things Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Make sure to stop by the LB Teens Site for more information about this title and more. For more information about our Book Publishers 101 feature take a look at this month’s opening post.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, for coordinating many of this month’s features and reviews! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.