Spotlight & Interview NIMPETOAD by HENRY, JOSH AND HARRISON HERZ @Nimpentoad

The clever little Nimpentoad leads his fellow Niblings through the perilous Grunwald Forest, overcoming obstacles and encountering strange creatures along the way. Kids enjoy the adventure and stunning illustrations. Parents appreciate a story that discourages bullying, and emphasizes teamwork, creativity, perseverance, and leadership.

Twignibble is a very smart and mechanically adept sloth, with animal friends all over the world. When he learns that his friends are in danger from pollution and poaching, he builds a helicopter to visit them. Twignibble helps each friend by making them a special gadget. Kids love the cute animals and funny inventions; parents appreciate a book that promotes resourcefulness, empathy, and protecting the environment.

Adults who fondly remember from their childhood reading the classic Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling may also recall that they were not illustrated, and that the original language may not be easily accessible to kids. Our How the Rhino Got His Skin is fully-illustrated, with language updated for today’s young readers. Kids love the whimsical illustrations and humor; parents appreciate a book that discourages bullying.

Henry Herz writes fantasy and science fiction stories for children, aided in this noble endeavor by his two young sons, Josh and Harrison. Henry's love of the fantasy genre began in elementary school with Where the Wild Things Are and The Lord of the Rings, and continued in high school, college, and beyond playing Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer. Henry is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, and writes for the San Diego Children's Book Examiner. For more information, visit www.henryherz.com.

Like their father, both boys are big fans of fantasy, science fiction, and the annual Comic-Con convention. They have an entrepreneurial bent too. They've started three web-based businesses selling LEGO party favors, custom cast bases for Warhammer, and painted concrete yard sculptures. Their efforts have been featured on Young Entrepreneur Magazine, Wired GeekDad, CNN iReport, TheOneRing.net, and the Warner Brothers' website for The Hobbit movie.

You can find more information:

Website /blog  * Twitter * Facebook 

I was lucky enough to meet Josh and his father, Henry at the Orange County Children's Book Fest and thought the family had wonderful ideas for books!  

1. Do you have a secret talent?

I like to build stuff with LEGO. It's fun, and I enjoy the challenge of coming up (or improving on) ideas. I customize the mini-figures by changing out parts and painting them. I guess that talent isn't a secret anymore.

2. What makes you cringe? 

I like the beach for its calm, but I can't stand having sand between my toes.

3. What was the easiest thing about writing this book?

The easiest part of writing Nimpentoad was giving feedback to the artist. All I had to do was ask myself what I liked and did not like.

4. Is there a word you love to use?

Bagel. I don't know why. Honestly. Just bagel.

5. Any real or imaginary pets?

I have a real pet Crested Gecko named Boonie. He is chubby and his feet stick to anything, even glass. The imaginary version of Boonie can fly and has laser vision.