Authors
Ann EM Poorboy
Short Bio
Ann EM Poorboy, author of the charming Haiku the Bunny series, crafts stories that weave the simple joys of nature and animal friendships. Ann brings warmth and a deep appreciation of family values to her children’s books.
Medium Bio
Ann EM Poorboy is the creative force behind the beloved Haiku the Bunny series, where gentle tales of nature and friendship teach valuable life lessons. A resident of North Carolina, Ann creates engaging narratives that resonate with children and parents alike. Her works are celebrated for their humor, warmth, and their emphasis on inspiring three behaviors, kindness, usefulness, and honesty.
Long Bio
Ann EM Poorboy is a prolific children’s book author best known for her Haiku the Bunny series, which captivates young readers with adventures set in the serene Fluffernook Valley. Based in North Carolina, Ann has always been drawn to books and storytelling that highlights the beauty of the natural world and the intrinsic value of kindness and honesty. Ann is not only a writer but also an advocate for sustaining natural places, rural communities, and kindness to animals, firmly believing in the power of literature to inspire and educate. Her books are a testament to her passion for creating stories that both entertain and teach, making her a beloved author among families seeking meaningful and enjoyable reading experiences.
Author Interviews for Press and Media Use
Author Interview with Ann EM Poorboy: The Story Behind the Haiku the Bunny Children’s Books
Q1: Can you share how the idea for Haiku the Bunny came about?
A1: Absolutely! The idea was born from a rather unexpected moment my husband and I experienced while driving in Berlin, Ohio. A small, brave bunny unexpectedly jumped in front of our truck. Instead of the typical outcome, this little bunny hopped up and threw out a big bunny kick, like he was going to fight the truck. Then he hopped away safely, leaving us in awe of his courage. We couldn’t stop talking about it, and even annoyed our waitress a little retelling the tale. On our drive back to North Carolina, I started texting the book into my cell phone. By the time we got home, it was complete.
Q2: What motivated you to turn this experience into a children’s book series?
A2: At first, the plan was to write one book that we could share with our friends and family. It also could serve as a legacy for our family. And after handing out a few copies, it gained momentum fast. People were touched not only by the bravery of that little bunny and felt that it was a story worth sharing in a way that children could appreciate and learn from. From there, the stories just started flowing, all still written in my cell phone. I wanted to create a character who could not only entertain but also teach important life lessons through simple, nature-based stories that honor rural communities.
Q3: Can you describe the main themes of the Haiku the Bunny books?
A3: The main themes revolve around friendship, kindness, and curiosity. Each book in the series follows Haiku as he explores his surroundings, helps his friends, and solves little mysteries. It’s about encouraging children to be observant and caring towards others.
Q4: Who is your target audience, and how have they responded to the books?
A4: Our target audience is primarily young children, ages 0 to 7, who are just exploring the world of reading and learning about the values of kindness and friendship. The response has been incredibly positive, with parents appreciating the wholesome content and kids loving the adventures of Haiku.
Q5: What does your creative process look like when developing a new Haiku the Bunny story?
A5: It starts with observing the natural world and the behaviors of animals, which often spark ideas. My husband Bill and I talk about real-world experiences we have had and then I use these ideas, to craft the story, focusing on making it engaging and meaningful for young readers. Two of the stories were written, while Bill was competing in sporting clay competitions, again, all on my cell phone. It’s an odd way to write, I realize, but it works.
Q6: Are there any personal experiences or other inspirations that you draw upon when writing these stories?
A6: Many of Haiku’s adventures are inspired by our own experiences with nature and animals, as well as the stories and events that we found intriguing in our childhoods. We try to infuse these elements with a sense of wonder and learning that resonates with the young at heart.
Q7: What has been the most rewarding part of creating the Haiku the Bunny series?
A7: The most rewarding part is hearing from parents and children who tell us how much Haiku has touched their lives. Knowing that our books are part of a child’s reading journey and helping shape their understanding of important values is truly fulfilling. People just seem to gush over Haiku. He’s a character people are falling in love with. Comments I have heard include, it’s a book that isn’t embarrassing, he’s such a sweet bunny, my kids make me read it to them over and over again, stuff like that.
Q8: Could you tell us more about your website and what readers might find there?
A8: Fluffernook.com is our dedicated platform for all things Haiku the Bunny. One of the highlights of the site is Free Story Sundays, where we offer a new Haiku story to our readers at no cost each week. It’s a wonderful way for families to start their Sunday with a fresh adventure. Additionally, we have “Letters from Haiku,” where Haiku writes to his fans about his latest discoveries and lessons. It’s a fun way for children to stay connected and engaged with their favorite bunny.
Q9: Where can interested readers purchase the Haiku the Bunny books?
A9: Our books are available at various live bookstores, some of which are listed on Fluffernook.com. You can find a local store near you and support small businesses. Additionally, all the Haiku the Bunny books are also available on Amazon.