Longtime resident Joan Robb has always felt that Fairfield is a special place. She raised her children in the Lake Hills neighborhood and has spent 23 years teaching at Dwight Elementary School. Those two communities are the very reason she’s come to love Fairfield so deeply. The grandmother of three is becoming known around town for a new reason: she is now a children’s book author, bringing her love of storytelling to a whole new audience.
Q: Did you always want to be a children’s book author or was this path a surprise at the point in your career?
A: I have always loved writing and writing a book has played at the back of my mind. I also love social studies, and this book really comes from a combination of a love of those two subjects, but also necessity. My entire social studies curriculum for the year is around Fairfield and Connecticut, and while there are resources that kids can access about CT there aren’t any books that a 3rd grader could read themselves that included the content I need to teach around Fairfield. For many years I’ve thought, I’m going to write that book!
Q: What sparked the catalyst for writing a children’s book? Was there a specific moment that made you think, “This could be a story”?
A: History is a story and an important one. I always tell my students that they should aspire to be a kid who knows something about the world. When you can inspire 8 and 9 year olds to get excited about social studies topics, it becomes part of who they are and their future interests.
Q: How did your experience as a teacher shape the way you approached writing the book?
A: I think I speak “kid.” Having the story told by Mason, the voice of a peer, (also my grandson’s name) was the first decision I made. Adding the pesky little brother, Teddy, (named after my son Michael’s golden retriever) added the funny voice that I hoped would engage young readers. My nephew who recently retired as an NYPD Lieutenant, is also an artist. After retiring last year, he and his family moved to Tennessee where he is enjoying 30 acres of peace and quiet! I reached out to him after I’d written the first few chapters and asked if he would be interested in illustrating. He was immediately on board. I could not have done this without him. I think kids (and adults) do judge books by the cover and illustrations play a big part in carrying a picture book. My nephew Will, did a beautiful job with the illustrations.
Q: You had a built in focus group. Did you test any early ideas or illustrations with your students? If so, what did they think?
A: I really didn’t. I shared the work in progress with my own children and one of my wise guy sons was particularly helpful with Teddy’s silly comments. I’m not very comfortable with the self-promotion piece, but when the book went live on Amazon, I showed my current students, and they were wildly excited. “You’re famous!” one of them yelled. They also wanted to know if it meant I was rich! lol
Q: Was there a specific image in your head early on that you absolutely wanted to appear in the book?
A: I think the story of the burning of Fairfield was first in mind. That whole time period in Fairfield is so interesting and that particular event is pretty amazing and my students are always excited by it.
Q: What has surprised you most about the process of writing a children’s book? What part of the creative journey brought you the most unexpected joy?
A: I think when you are writing about something you love, in my case, my town and history, it all flows easily. The amount of collaboration necessary between author and illustrator was surprising, but again, in my case, it was super comfortable because I was working with my nephew. I’ve always considered myself to be a strong editor, but because I knew the text so well, I found that I missed simple editing errors. A couple were caught by my nephew Will’s 7 year old daughter! I think being able to work with my nephew made the whole process extra special. And of course having the finished book in hand is a thrill. I’ve had so many former and current students ask me to sign their books and that is a uniquely sweet experience.
Q: Has becoming an author opened up new teaching moments?
A: It’s funny, several of my current students are determined to write books now. I guess they’re thinking, If she could do it… I love that! Any time my kids are inspired to learn more or try something new, I’ve done my job.
Q: Is there a message or theme in the book that feels especially important for kids today?
A: I hope the message is to appreciate the uniqueness of our town. From its history to its coastal location to its diversity, we live in a pretty special place. I also hope there is a message of what it means to be a citizen who participates in making where they live a better place, and part of that is knowing all about the past and the changes over time.
Q: What’s next? Any next ideas brewing? Is this maybe the first in a series?
A: My ideas brew in the summer! During the school year I am fully engaged in my teaching role. We’ll see what this summer brings!
Q: When you think about your long-term impact as a teacher and now as a children’s book author what feels most meaningful?
A: I always tell my students that my goal is for them to care as much about their learning as I do…and I care a lot! My message every year is “Be a learner and a good human,” because I think those two things lead to a good life. This past summer when I came to my classroom to set up for this year, I found a note scrawled on a white board that one of my former students must have written on the last day of the prior school year. It said, “Mrs. Robb, always remember, be a learner and a good human.” Moments like that are wonderful reminders that I’ve made a difference in a child’s life.