Janan Cain is the bestselling author/illustrator of The Way I Feel, a picture book which helps children find words for their emotions. Her latest book, Roonie B. Moonie: Lost and Alone, continues the theme of helping children understand their feelings. Following in The Way I Feel's award-winning footsteps, Roonie B. Moonie is currently a finalist for ForeWord Magazine's Children's Book of the Year award and the Independent Publishers' Children's Book Award, both of which will be awarded at this years BookExpo America at the end of this month. I had the chance to talk to Janan about her artistic inspirations in the following interview.

• As someone who's done both, which do you like best: writing or illustrating? Why?
  Illustration is my favorite form of expression, without a doubt. I worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for over 20 years in the corporate world before trading in my paint brushes for diapers. While I was home raising my two daughters, I attempted freelance illustration during their nap times which proved very difficult as I couldn't always count on a consistent work schedule. Somehow I always manage to create artwork, which I realize now is necessary for my sanity. As much as I love to read, I find writing very challenging and have the utmost respect and admiration for authors who seem to write effortlessly. That is a gift I don't possess.
• Roonie B. Moonie is such a fun character. How did you come up with him? Did he spring fully formed from your head, name and all, or was it a more gradual process?
  In a sense, Roonie sprung from my garden! I have a studio overlooking my lush yard which has inspired me to paint nature stylistically. With such a variety of interesting shapes and intense colors, flowers and foliage practically draw themselves. In a garden setting, my main character obviously needed to be a bug. I thumbed through my files for inspiration and discovered a sketch I intended to paint years ago. It was a woman's head sporting a beehive hairdo complete with bees buzzing about. I loved the idea of putting this silly twist at the end of the story. In short, Roonie is a combination of my passion for gardening and a long-forgotten sketch.

  Roonie B. Moonie's name was another story: I had already settled on his first name because I was drawn to it although I can't explain why. While visiting with my extended family at a birthday party, we gathered around the patio table and brainstormed a last name for Roonie. I wish I could credit one of my siblings, parents, nieces, nephews or children, but I can't remember who suggested "Moonie." Sorry, family.

• Both Lost & Alone and The Way I Feel deal with feelings and emotions. What is it that draws you to this topic?
  The concept for The Way I Feel was born shortly after my second daughter while I was searching for a basic children's book on emotions. I found that nearly all word books focused on language for the physical world around us-- car, boat, red, blue. No books presented emotions in a simple and straightforward way, so I created a picture book designed to give children language to better equip them to express their feelings. The success of The Way I Feel confirmed that other parents are searching for picture books to help teach their children, not merely to serve as entertainment.

  I've always felt strongly that children need to learn a few simple tactics for dealing with dangerous or scary situations. They also need to be taught the importance of trusting their instincts during times of insecurity and doubt. It's common for parents to sometimes lose sight of their children--who would benefit from a few basic safety strategies. As with The Way I Feel, I set out to create a book to serve as a catalyst for conversations between parents and their children. Roonie B. Moonie: Lost & Alone offers parents the opportunity to discuss staying safe in dangerous situations.

For more on Ms. Cain's inspirations and some advice to aspiring authors, read onward.