Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets: Interview with Stacy Bauer

Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets is a fun book with a really valuable lesson for kids too. If your kids love to eat sweets, chocolate and any other sweet treats then they would definitely be able to relate to the main character, Cami Kangaroo! Cami kangaroo learns the consequences of sneaking sugary treats between and after meals at her first dentist appointment when she ends up with cavities! This month we were lucky enough to interview Stacy Bauer, the brilliant author of the brand new book Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets.

Interview with Stacy Bauer

1. Tell me about yourself?

I was born and raised and currently reside in MN. I have been a teacher for 16 years and am married with 2 children, Cami who is 8 and Wyatt who is 6. I have been writing stories since I was a child and it’s always been my dream to be a published author. I wrote and published my first book in May.

2. What books or stories inspired you when growing up?

I’ve been passionate about reading and writing since I was young. I grew up reading the “Little House on the Prairie” books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, “Anne of Green Gables”, along with many other books. I remember coming out of the library with a stack of about 20 books each week all summer long!

3. Your new book, Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets is based on the antics of your daughter who ended up with cavities at her first dentist appointment! What advice would you give to parents who want their children to eat less sweet treats?

Oh gosh! I’ve tried it all with my daughter! It really depends on the age of your child. When my daughter was 3 (and she first started sneaking), I would talk with her and tell her why she shouldn’t eat too many sweets. Then I would hide them (which, as you’ll find out in the book, didn’t work very well). My kids eat very healthy- I always put their veggies on their plates first, when they’re the most hungry and they eat healthy snacks as well. We usually do one treat each day. Be a good role model for your kids! Of course you can eat whatever you want, but maybe eat your treats in private (locked in the pantry like I do- ha-ha). Now that Cami’s 8, if I find out she sneaks, that counts as her treat for the day and she usually doesn’t get one the next day either. And of course, since I’m a teacher, whenever I have a lesson I’d like to teach my kids, I get books to read to them (hint hint!).

4. In the story, Cami loves to eat all sorts of yummy treats. What is your favourite ice-cream flavour?

My favourite is anything chocolate, especially chocolate peanut butter! Cami’s favourite is mint chocolate chip and Wyatt (my son) likes “Superman”, which is some weird fruity flavour with blue, pink and yellow colours. My husband Will enjoys pretty much any kind of ice cream.

5. We heard this is the first book in the series”Cami Kangaroo and Wyatt Too.” Can you give us a hint on what the next book might be about?

Yes! The next book’s working title is “Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff”. It’s another story about my daughter and her issues with keeping her room clean. She likes to keep everything, doesn’t like to organize things and then, of course, loses things. I feel like this is a common problem among kids (maybe adults too?).

6. Finally, what advice would you give to someone who wants to become an author?

Research!!! I’ve spent HOURS and HOURS doing research. Read articles online, talk to other authors and join author Facebook groups. I’ve made so many author friends and they are so helpful! It takes time though. My first book took me a year from start to finish. Take your time, do your research and ask questions! If I can do it, you can too! It’s been an amazing journey.

Get 20% off Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets until July 8^th 2018

Great news everyone! If you buy Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets now, you will get 20% off, plus FREE shipping. The publisher will even personalise your book! This special offer will only last between now and July 8^th 2018. Visit the Rodney K Press website to get this offer now.

Take a look at our author interviews section for more interviews with brilliant children’s books authors.