Meet an Author
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/authorstudy.jpg?w=1024)
Matt de la Peña wrote Carmela Full of Wishes. TIME for Kids asked him some questions.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/matt.jpg?w=681)
Question: How did you become a writer?
Answer: I wrote poems when I was a child. Then I grew up and read a lot of books. I thought, “I could write a book, too.”
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MATTBABY.jpg?w=768)
Q: How do you write a picture book?
A: First, I imagine
imagine
KIERAN STONE/GETTY IMAGES
to picture something in your mind
(verb)
Imagine that you are relaxing on a beach.
the characters. I wonder how they see the world. Then I start writing.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/mattandkid.jpg?w=1024)
Q: Where did you get the idea for Carmela Full of Wishes?
A: It was a windy day. Dandelion spores
spore
ANTON PETRUS/GETTY IMAGES
a one-celled body produced by some plants and similar organisms that is able to grow into a new plant or organism
(noun)
The fern produced spores that would grow into new plants.
filled the air. A boy said, “Look, the sky is full of wishes.” It sounded like a poem to me.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Mattandseveralkids.jpg?w=1024)
Q: Who is the illustrator of Carmela Full of Wishes?
A: His name is Christian Robinson. He is a talented artist. I am always excited to see how he imagines my characters.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/illustrator.jpg?w=1024)
Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: I love visiting classrooms. Kids ask questions about my stories. We have fun conversations!
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/authorclass.jpg?w=1024)
VIDEO COURTESY THE KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, PUBLIC LIBRARY