Dragons Love Tacos Author Adam Rubin Chats About Awesome Robots and Inspired Illustrators
by the Brightly Editors
Adam Rubin is the author of the awesome Dragons Love Tacos, the awesome Secret Pizza Party, and the upcoming — and also very awesome — Robo-Sauce. We were thrilled to chat with Adam about his new picture book, learn how Dan Salmieri, the talented illustrator behind all three books, played a pivotal role in inspiring Adam to create children’s books, and find out how Adam and Dan collaborate on projects. Read on for more!
What first got you excited about creating children’s books?
The first time I got really excited about creating children’s books was when I was introduced to Dan Salmieri’s work by my friend Corey. Corey and I went to college together and Corey knew Dan from growing up in Brooklyn. Corey is one of those connector type people who knows and remembers everyone. He’s responsible for three marriages. You can’t go out anywhere in NYC without running into someone Corey knows.
What happened next?
I was working as a writer at a Chicago advertising firm at the time when Dan and I swapped portfolios upon Corey’s suggestion. Dan and I hit it off over email and decided to work on a project together. I had never considered writing a book for kids, but I knew I had to jump at the chance to collaborate with such a talented illustrator.
How do you and Dan collaborate — do you work together, in the same workspace? Or separately?
Generally we work in separate places and check in over email throughout the process. However, from time to time we visit each other to check in on work in progress or collaborate more specifically on some element of a book.
Tell us about your new book.
Our newest book is called Robo-Sauce. It’s a story about a magic potion that turns squishy little humans into giant awesome robots.
Where do you find inspiration for your book ideas?
I find inspiration for book ideas all over the place. Often when I’m traveling or out for a walk, good title ideas will pop into my head. I write them down and then return to the list later to see if anything still resonates.
Finally, what book from childhood has stayed with you over the years?
My favorite book from childhood was Kids Shenanigans: Great Things to Do That Mom and Dad Will Just Barely Approve Of. I still keep it on my shelf for reference.
Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri have collaborated on half a dozen critically acclaimed picture books. Publishers Weekly called them “two of the weirdest, funniest guys working in kids’ lit today.” Adam and Daniel both live in New York City, where they like to hang out and eat snacks. To learn more, visit Robo-Sauce.com.