Cover Reveal Q&A: RUTHIE ROSE’S BIG IDEA by John Schu and Holly Hatam

I’m honored to reveal the cover for Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea by John Schu and Holly Hatam (coming March 4th, 2025 from Candlewick Press). But before we take a look at the cover, I wanted to ask John and Holly about the book.

Travis: John, what inspired Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea?

John Schu: Hi, Travis! Thank you for revealing Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea’s cover. I LOVE Holly Hatam’s cover art and Heather McGee’s cover design. 

Ruthie Rose started talking to me around 8:00 a.m. on a Friday at O’Hare International Airport as I was boarding a flight to LaGuardia Airport to work on Louder Than Hunger. 

She said, “I woke up this morning with a big, bright, beautiful idea.” 

I recorded that sentence in my notebook as I walked down the jet bridge. 

Around noon on Sunday, she told me that her BIG IDEA was to create The Poetry Place in her school library, a space that celebrates poetry and possibilities. I had so much fun writing Ruthie Rose’s story! 

Travis: Where/when do you get your best big ideas?

John: I love this question! 

I get my best ideas . . . 

*in the shower. 

*during joywalks. 

*while watching musicals. 

*in the Broadway Lounge at the Marriott Marquis (1535 Broadway, New York, NY)! 

*beside the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. 

*when I’m celebrating stories with students. 

*whenever you and I hang out during the American Library Association’s Annual conference. (I’m looking forward to seeing you in two weeks in San Diego!) 

Travis: You travel all over talking about books. What’s one place you’ve visited that doesn’t get enough credit for being great? 

John: I’ve visited schools in Amsterdam, Los Angeles,  Chicago, El Paso, Lima, Prague, Lima,  Seoul, Naperville, Grand Rapids, and many more places.

Are you familiar with Accident, Maryland? I’ve been there twice. The first time was on April 2, 2019, to celebrate Ali Schilpp being named the 2018 School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year. 

The second time was on May 10, 2024, to celebrate the 2023-2024 Maryland Teachers of the Year. Both experiences were magical and memorable and inspired BIG, BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL IDEAS inside my heart! Thank you, Ali! 

Travis: Holly, what inspired the illustrations for Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea?

Holly Hatam: The inspiration for the illustrations in Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea came from my own love of poetry and art. I wanted Ruthie’s idea bubbles to be bright, bold, and filled with glitter and magic. The entire book’s color palette is joyful and vibrant, reflecting the excitement and creativity of Ruthie’s journey.

Old books and bookstores were also a significant source of inspiration. I often spent my weekends browsing through second-hand bookstores, searching for antique poetry books. I would then scan the pages into my computer to incorporate them into the illustrations, giving the artwork a unique and nostalgic feel.

Diversity and inclusion are always at the heart of my art. As a person of color, and with my son being biracial, representation is incredibly important to me. In every book I illustrate, I strive to represent as many nationalities as possible, ensuring that all children can see themselves in the stories I create.

Travis: How did you make the art for Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea?

Holly: The art for Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea is all done digitally in Photoshop. I use special brushes to give it a traditional feel, and I love incorporating photography, textures, and hand-drawn details. This blend of techniques helps me create rich, engaging illustrations.

Travis: Final question, Holly: What snack puts you in peak creativity mode?

Holly: I’m a bit of a popcorn monster! I love snacking on popcorn, salsa and chips, and 90% dark chocolate. These snacks keep my creative juices flowing and make my work sessions extra fun!

Thank you, John and Holly!

And now, for the first time, the cover for Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea, written by John Schu, illustrated by Holly Hatam, art directed by Ann Stott, and designed by Heather McGee. Publishing March 4th, 2025 by Candlewick Press.

(Click to enlarge)

Filed under: Cover Reveal