A Conversation with Author Jessie Lynch Frees

Q: I hear this is your first book. How did you get started?

A: It started with my own children. They would ask me to tell them a story and I would make one up on the spot. I love letting my imagination run not knowing the ending till I finished the story. As my children grew there were fewer and fewer requests, so as a hobby I started writing in the evening on my husband’s computer.

Q: Who are you writing this book for?

A: I would say generally children 4 to 8, and of course cat lovers of every age.

Q: Tell us more about the characters in your book.

A: Jackie Winquackey dearly loves and protects her cats. They’re her children. The cats are really the stars, and each of the 43 will eventually develop its own name and personality. You know cats will certainly be cats, and with 43 you are going to see an awful lot of good-natured fun. My second book is with the illustrator now, and I have more Jackie Winquackey stories written for this series.

Q: How do the pictures complement your words?

A: I feel so lucky. Tizbit Books (the publisher) introduced me to Jerry Gebr. Jerry has a traditional style reminiscent of Norman Rockwell. His talent is revealed in the natural way he depicts the cats in this book. If you know cats, you will see their true nature in Jerry’s art. I wanted the cats to look so real that a child may see their own cat, point to it and say: "That's Tiger!" I just love Jerry’s work. The images are exactly how I imagined Jackie and her 43 cats.

Q: Why have you written your book in rhyme?

A: Rhyme is easier for early readers. It just seems to flow and adds an extra element of fun.

Q: Why did you decide to write this book?

A: I’ve always loved to read and I want to share my love of books and reading with others. I hope that I have written a book that children, and parents, will enjoy reading over and over again.

Q: Which children’s author inspires you most?

A: Dr. Seuss is my hero. If you want to take a trip on a rollercoaster try reading “Fox in Sox” aloud and fast. It will get your heart pumping. He certainly broke new ground.

Q: Tell me about your career as a radio host.

A: I’ve interviewed politicians, authors and celebrities on air for NJ radio stations for 35 years now. I’m lucky to have had the chance to chat with Bob Hope, Hubert Humphrey, Casper Wienberger, and many other luminaries over the years.