I’ve got the BEST picture book to share with you. It’s perfect for read-alouds, classrooms, sports teams, and all kinds of live action readings (ask me how I know!). While it looks to be about soccer (something that will draw in entire swaths of sports-loving readers), the book turns out to be about something else entirely.
Written by Meredith Rusu and illustrated by Martín Morón, There's a Griffin on my Back uses playful rhyme and imagination to explore confidence, sibling dynamics, and learning when to step into the spotlight, as well as when to cheer someone else on. This is the third book in the Mighty Moods series (we interviewed Rusu for another, There’s a Yeti in my Tummy!).
Griffin is both cleverly illustrated and marvelously written. The rhythm of writing is powerful and features teaching moments that are relatable to any kid (or adult). The illustrations are marvelous! That griffin has such funny emotions on their face, paralleling the emotions of this soccer-loving kid.
Highly, highly recommended!
Author Meredith Rusu lives in New Jersey with her husband and two young sons. She is the author of more than one hundred children’s books, notably There’s a Yeti in my Tummy (the first picture book in the Mighty Moods series), Anna, Elsa, and the Enchanting Holiday, Silenzio, Bruno!, and The DATA Set series under the name Ada Hopper. She has also written for many popular licenses including LEGO, Disney/Pixar, Peppa Pig, and Star Wars. When she isn’t writing, Meredith enjoys singing karaoke, spending time with family, and going on the occasional adventure or two. Visit her author website: www.meredithrusu.com.
We interviewed Rusu about her new book, inspiration, good sportsmanship, family, and more. Here’s what she had to say…
Please tell us about your new book, There's a Griffin on my Back...
There’s a Griffin on My Back is about a young boy named Robby who discovers he’s an amazing soccer player. He always scores the most goals for his soccer team, The Griffins. Robby is very proud when his parents and coaches reaffirm his skill, calling him “a natural,” leading Robby to believe he must have a super-powered imaginary griffin on his back that helps lift him to victory! But one day, his younger sister has her ballet recital, meaning the spotlight of attention is on her instead of him. Robby thinks his griffin can help him get that spotlight back no matter what . . . resulting in slightly chaotic consequences! Ultimately, Robby learns through a patient and forgiving lesson from Dad that “we all have talents—or griffins—that make us shine. But it’s important to share them at respectful places and times.”
What inspired you to write this book?
I have two sons, and I noticed when they were younger (and even now!) that when attention was focused on one of them, the other would naturally try to steal the spotlight and reaffirm their importance whether it was in sports, school, art, or even how well-behaved they were being. It’s natural for children to want affirmation of what makes them special. But one of the greatest lessons we can share with our children as adults is how to pass on affirmation to others and support what makes our friends and siblings shine, too.
Good sportsmanship is about so much more than winning or losing, and this book truly does a fine job of teaching that. How can coaches and parent volunteers incorporate griffins into their young sports teams?
I love the idea of personalizing team mascots to be larger-than-life creatures that kids can look up to and perhaps pretend to use to cheer on their friends! Young athletes will naturally seek the spotlight, but when they realize that they are able to provide that encouragement to others, it’s even more empowering. And especially for young children, I think using larger-than-life creatures to help make that point is a fun way to unite the team. Not every game will be a win—even griffins lose sometimes. But when kids work together to encourage each other to rise to their full potential, then win, lose, or draw, every game is a victory. And a special team mascot they can all embody is a great way to do that.
I love the dynamics of a family with two children, each with their own interests. How can parents and educators teach the book across age ranges?
From my experience, the sibling rivalry for attention is present from Day One. Not necessarily in an aggressive way, but in a way that when one sibling sees the other is succeeding, they want to, too. This can be in anything: Eating, playing, reading, sports, even hugs. The important thing to impress upon our kids, no matter their age, is that just because one sibling is doing well does not mean that the other isn’t. Sharing in each other’s successes is the best feeling of all. This is easier said than done for young children. And my hope with There’s a Griffin on My Back is that kids will see how good it feels to cheer one another on!
This is part of the Mighty Moods series. Can you please share what the series is about, and what other books are in the series?
The “Mighty Moods” series is a collection of original picture books that explores the creative ways children use larger-than-life creatures to express their BIG feelings. The first two books in the series are There’s a Yeti in My Tummy (which tells the story of a young boy who feels big and brave as long as he has his inner yeti!) and There’s a Robot in My Socks (which is about a young girl with a secret robot that makes every moment of her day go just the way she wants it to.) The Mighty Moods series teaches kids that big feelings are okay—and so are their inner yetis, robots, and griffins!
I love the illustrations! Please tell us more about your illustrator, Martín Morón, and how he was able to bring that griffin and sports to life?
Martín did a fabulous job with the illustrations! His artwork exudes the playfulness and energy of this series so well. He really understands how to convey the larger-than-life creatures behaving as an extension of their child, and seeing his illustrations, I fall in love with the imaginary creatures as much as I do the kids. I’m consistently in awe of the little details he brings to the page. Keep an eye out for the little sister’s favorite stuffed animal hidden throughout Griffin. It’s such a fun easter egg for the twist-ending surprise!
