Andrew Ginsburg is no stranger to an audience, but his crowd has changed. A popular stand-up comic on the New York City circuit for over 20 years, he eventually realized where his true creativity and his true fan base really lived. Now an author, this Fairfield dad of three has pivoted to a different kind of storytelling, one rooted not in the spotlight, but in everyday life.
FLM: Tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Fairfield.
For 25 years, I was a stand-up comic, mostly in New York City. Then I began reading stories to my kids at night during our “book parties,” and found my true passion. I quickly realized that reading to them was far more meaningful than telling jokes to strangers, and I retired from stand-up. Now, I have my own personal training business where I only train people I like. I am also a 7-time bodybuilding champion and earned my pro card in 2023. My titles include “Mr. Connecticut," and my sons keep my trophies in their bedrooms. In 2017, I became a published author with “Pumping Irony: How To Build Muscle, Lose Weight, and Have the Last Laugh. It was a comedic, prescriptive fitness book for adults. Then I wrote another funny book called “Critter Caravan,” my first children’s story.
FLM: What was the inspiration for your new children's book?
AG: “The Colors of My Sky” was the book I always wanted to write. I wanted to write something more serious, with depth, and a significant message. I wanted to write a book that schools could use as a teaching tool. My oldest son, Ben, was obsessed with butterflies when he was little. We’d buy those butterfly kits and watch them sit in a chrysalis forever before they finally emerged as a butterfly. So, butterflies were always in my back pocket. All three of our kids have blue eyes, even though my wife and I don’t. Where did they come from? Who knows? There are a lot of jokes there. Anyway, one day Ben goes, “My eyes are the sky, Remi and Leo’s eyes are the ocean, Mommy’s eyes are the grass, and Daddy’s eyes are poop.” And that’s where the idea for the book came from. That blue was put on a pedestal above all other colors.
FLM: What finally pushed you from 'I have an idea' to 'I’m actually going to write this book'?
AG: My first book, “Pumping Irony: How To Build Muscle, Lose Weight, and Have the Last Laugh,” showed me that I could go the distance with a book. That was 40,000 words. “The Colors of My Sky” is around 600.
FLM: How did you initially partner with the illustrator? What was that collaboration like?
AG: My publisher, Samiha Hoque of Sorra Books, gave me three illustrators to choose from. It was clear from the start that Mohammad Asadullah was the person I wanted to work with. He did an incredible job, and I am so grateful to him for bringing this story to life in the way that he did.
FLM: How did the artwork change or elevate the story beyond what you originally imagined? Were there any moments where the illustrator captured something you hadn’t even put into words?
AG: The artwork transformed the story completely. Kids are so visual, so having these beautiful illustrations of butterflies to look at makes the book a work of art. One thing he did that I love was that he didn’t give any of the butterflies eyes. We never discussed this, but I imagine he did it because these butterflies “don’t see color.” They value all colors as equals.
FLM: What themes in the book reflect the values you’re trying to teach your children at home?
AG: To celebrate our differences and to treat everyone with kindness and respect.
FLM: What is a piece of advice that has stuck with you as a dad or during this process of publishing a children’s book? What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about attempting something different or new?
AG: I’m a big believer in following the charm. Whatever you find charming at the moment, and that may change, is what you should be doing. If it’s dancing or painting or writing a children’s book, that’s what you should do. And, if it’s the latter, get yourself a copy of “Writing Picture Books” by Ann Whitford Paul. It will teach you everything you need to know.
FLM: Is there a hobby or passion outside of writing that readers would be surprised to learn about? Did this creative process impact any other creative endeavors? Or did those pursuits inspire the book?
AG: Being a stand-up comic for 25 years taught me how to write funny and be succinct. Both of those qualities come in handy when writing picture books. I have also been practicing transcendental meditation since I was 21, and I believe it has greatly enhanced my creativity. As for surprising things that I’ve done, I won a JFK Jr lookalike contest this past March in New York City. My friend, Lisa Lampanelli, calls me “Jew-FK Jr.”
FLM: How does your role in the community intersect with the themes or spirit of your book?
AG: I try to be nice to everybody I come in contact with. As an author, I love going to my daughter’s preschool at Trinity-Parish and reading to her class. This spring, I am visiting 24 schools in Connecticut and New York City to entertain and, hopefully, inspire students to embrace change and celebrate what makes them different. Last week, I got to visit Ben and Leo’s school and present my book. That was a dream come true. Thank you, Mr. Brophy.
FLM: Has writing this book sparked ideas for what you want to create next?
AG: I want to keep writing more. If I’m not working on something, I get antsy.
FLM: What do you hope kids say or feel after reading your book?
AG: I hope they accept everybody as equals.
FLM: What has been the most rewarding part?
AG: Being able to read to kids. That is my true passion. I finally found shoes that fit.
You can find The Colors of My Sky on amazon.com. Follow @andrewginsburg for event updates.