This is an interview about Popsicles in Space, presented in partnership* with Marlo Neuhaus-Franks and The Children’s Book Review.
Marlo Neuhaus-Franks, an assistant principal and mother of two, has penned her debut children’s book, Popsicles in Space, inspired by her own parenting experiences.
In this engaging interview, Neuhaus-Franks shares the unique journey that led to the creation of her book, which transforms bedtime struggles into magical adventures. She discusses how her son’s bedtime challenges and a spontaneous question about astronauts eating popsicles sparked the idea for a story that would captivate young readers and provide a creative solution for parents facing similar nighttime battles. Neuhaus-Franks offers insights into her writing process, the balance between fantasy and reality in her narrative, and the important themes of imagination and creativity woven throughout her work.
Bianca Schulze: What unique inspiration led you to combine popsicles and space adventures in a children’s book? Did your own children’s bedtime challenges directly inspire elements of the story? Or did your professional experience as an assistant principal influence the creation of this book?
Marlo Neuhaus-Franks (MNF): The inspiration for “Popsicles in Space” came naturally from my experience as both a parent and an educator. Organically, I would give parenting the biggest credit. My second child, a particularly spirited child, consistently presented unique bedtime challenges that required creative solutions (only recently has it been easier to get him to bed). One night, in the midst of our usual bedtime struggles, I noticed he was wearing space-themed pajamas. I playfully suggested, “Maybe tonight, you will dream about being an astronaut.” His puzzled yet intrigued response, “Do you think they eat popsicles in space?” sparked an idea. Encouraging him to find out by getting to bed quickly worked wonders, and I realized I had the foundation for a story.
I have always sought innovative ways to engage children and address their needs as an educator. My professional background influenced the structure and educational elements of the book, ensuring it was both entertaining and beneficial for young readers. Writing the story during our family’s transition to Colorado allowed me to blend personal and professional insights into a narrative that I hope resonates with other parents and educators facing similar challenges. Over the years, I revisited the manuscript, and last year, I finally decided to bring this heartfelt project to life.
The book celebrates bedtime as a gateway to adventure. Was this a deliberate choice to help children look forward to sleep?
MNF: Absolutely! As I mentioned earlier, my son has always been a challenging sleeper, leading to many exhausting moments. I was willing to try anything to make bedtime smoother, especially after the long days. If someone had suggested spinning around 20 times on my head, I probably would have done it! The idea of turning bedtime into an exciting adventure made it easier for him to settle down each night. You’ll see in the book how he gradually takes ownership of his bedtime routine, turning it into something he looks forward to. It’s a playful and empowering journey that I think all kids can relate to and enjoy! This may not have always been the answer, and I have many other tricks we tried throughout the years!
How did you develop the character of Landon and his colorful pajamas?
MNF: Landon is actually my son. I originally wrote it using his name, and when it came time to publish, as I was going through the editing process, he and I spoke and allowed me to use his name. He was slightly reluctant at first given he is a teenager now, but ultimately, he came to me and agreed that the story was better with his name. I was relieved, as I could not imagine using any other name. I am not sure that is appropriate in the world of writing, but it was important for me to picture him in those moments because it is our story and our journey!
Why do you believe the themes of imagination and creativity, as explored in your book, are crucial for the development of young readers?
MNF: Imagination and creativity are like superpowers for young readers, helping them see the world in endless, exciting ways! This is where I believe my background in education comes in to play with the ability to write relatable children’s books. Through imagination, children foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making learning an adventure rather than a chore. In “Popsicles in Space,” these themes transform bedtime into a magical journey, showing kids that their dreams can take them anywhere. Plus, it’s just plain fun—who wouldn’t want to imagine eating popsicles while floating in space, fighting a dragon, or digging up T-rex themes?
Can you tell us about your creative process in developing the various dream adventures Landon experiences?
MNF: As a mom of boys, I drew inspiration from what felt most natural in our household at the time—firefighters and dinosaurs were huge hits, probably influenced by what was popular on TV at the time. These are the things my boys dreamed about becoming when they were young. It was actually quite challenging to narrow it down because I had so many ideas, but I needed the story to fit within a week’s time.
How did you balance the story’s fantastical elements, such as space adventures, with relatable experiences, like laundry day?
MNF: Balancing fantastical elements with relatable experiences mirrors the daily challenges mothers face. Just when you find a trick that works, something like laundry day can throw everything off, bringing back that familiar sense of parental failure and the overwhelming pressures of motherhood. This story captures those real moments when we dig into our invisible toolbox to make things work.
Tell us about working with the illustrator Natia Gogiashvili and what you feel her artwork adds to your story.
MNF: I found Natia on Fiverr as I do not have an artistic bone in my body (in that way). I had offered a few opportunities for people I knew who are artists, but ultimately, life just always gets in the way as they were also parents, and I’m not sure they ever thought it would go beyond the Google Doc I had written. I sampled two artists, and she nailed my vision for the spread of the actual dream of him in space! The colors, the fun experience of him floating around on planets while holding the popsicle. It was that moment for me that I suddenly felt like, I have to do this!!!
As a first-time children’s book author, what unexpected challenges did you face in the writing and publishing process?
MNF: The marketing, the social media, the ads, etc. I am still trying to figure it all out and feel like I am winging it daily. I used to be a much more active person on social media, but always just for my own experiences and never with the understanding of how to use it in a business manner. I am uncomfortable being in people’s faces so much, and that has been an adjustment. I am trying to learn how to engage people in a way that feels organic, but it is definitely a huge learning curve.
What message do you hope children and parents take away from this book?
MNF: I hope children and parents find the fun in bedtime. I hope parents have a story that, even if it is short-lived, they have a tool/idea they can use as they face those difficult bedtime dramas. Bedtime for some children is very hard and it is when parents tend to feel most at a loss, but it is also such a special moment between parent and child. It was for me, anyway. Any time, as a young mother, that I could not feel like I was the only one failing at this process was a win for me. I hope others can feel that way, too. I want children just simply to find joy in imagination, creativity, and excitement around bedtime.
On my website, I also sell pajamas that go along with the book. I haven’t dug too much into this part of the process as the book release is my priority, but the pajamas are “color your own” pajamas. I think parents can enjoy these with their children and really make it a fun experience!
Do you plan to write more books featuring Landon and his dream adventures? If so, can you give us a hint about what’s next?
MNF: Absolutely. Landon, my spirited little guy, has faced many challenges, and we’ve had to employ many strategies to support him, especially after he was diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia in 4th grade. Our journey involved many in-the-moment parenting tricks and constant advocacy for him in school. I want readers to connect with those struggles and find support in our shared experiences. I’m excited to share one particular tool that helped during his moments of dysregulation with other parents.
But first, I plan to create a girl’s version of Popsicles in Space, titled Lollipops in Space. Although I don’t have daughters, my career has given me the opportunity to work/coach/mentor many girls, and I’ve always felt compelled to support their strength, creativity, and leadership. The character, Megan, will embark on epic adventures that resonate with girls’ dreams, blending familiar elements with new, empowering experiences. Like, you can be the princess, but you can also fight the dragon, all while enjoying a yummy lollipop!
About the Book
Written by Marlo Neuhaus-Franks
Illustrated by Natia Gogiashvili
Ages 2+ | 42 Pages
Publisher: Snap Snip Polish (2024) | ISBN-13: 9798990512603
Publisher’s Book Summary: Do they eat popsicles in space?
Join Landon as he is guided by his colorful pajamas and boundless imagination in his dream adventures where he finds out who loves popsicles as much as he does.
From exploring the wonders of space to battling dragons as a brave knight, Landon’s dreams know no bounds. But when laundry day leaves him with plain pajamas, Landon discovers the power of his own creativity as he crafts his own adventure.
With each new night comes a new adventure, and Landon learns that no matter where his dreams take him, there’s always room for popsicles – even in space!
Popsicles in Space celebrates the power of imagination and the joy of bedtime adventures, perfect for young readers and dreamers alike. Get your copy today and let your child discover the sweetest bedtime adventures in the galaxy – with popsicles in hand! Let their dreams take flight!
Buy the Book
About the Author
Marlo, a devoted mother of two boys and assistant principal, invites you into the enchanting world of her children’s book—a heart-warming tale born from her own parenting journey. Faced with the challenge of a spirited son who resisted bedtime,
Marlo weaves a delightful story of resilience and imagination. Through her creative narrative, she shares the endearing journey of a little boy who, like her own, found unique and imaginative ways to make bedtime a joy for everyone involved. Join Marlo as she blends the realms of motherhood, education, and her love for dance, crafting a narrative that resonates with the warmth and creativity that define her life’s extraordinary dance.
This interview—An Interview with Marlo Neuhaus-Franks, Creator of ‘Popsicles in Space, presented in partnership‘—was conducted between Marlo Neuhaus-Franks and Bianca Schulze.
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