Let's Talk: Going to the Zoo by Lisa Jacovsky

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lisa Jacovsky will be awarding a signed copy of the book and the first book in the series and a coloring book of the illustrations (US only) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write juvenile fiction? What draws you to it?

That is a very good question and one I have asked myself. I found even when I started a second series that I wrote in the point of view of the character and from a child like voice. I think it is how it comes out when I write but I also think I love to connect with children. I find it easier to connect than with adults sometimes. Helping our children see something different means they will grow to be an adult that has the same values. I think doing that is the best way to make a change in this world. For me writing is about doing something good. I think that is why I gravitate towards children’s books.

What books were your favorite as a youth and why?

Always the supernatural books lol Anne Rice and Neil Gaiman were always my favorites to read. Also, any mystery like Nancy Drew was always a favorite. I have always been drawn to reading thrillers and mysteries, very different than what I write lol. Even today those are my favorite genres to read and even tv shows to watch. I just find those supernatural worlds fascinating. A good mystery is so fun to try to solve before I finish the book. It is so hard to not skip to the end lol. I end up devouring a book if it is that good then to see what the answer to the mystery is lol

What’s your favorite sweet treat?

Oh I'm a total chocoholic lol I love anything chocolate but my favorites have to be reeses and snickers peanut butter cup. Sometimes I'll change it up and want a kit kat or Hershey bar but I definitely have my favorites. I love ice cream too, chocolate peanut butter and mint chocolate chip are my two favorites unless I go down the shore. Then you have to get Kohrs ice cream with the swirl, nothing better on a hot day at the boardwalk.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

I always did want to be a writer, never knew what I wanted to write. I also really wanted to be a teacher too. I always loved working with kids and that was the one thing allowed me to do that. I always thought I would do something working with kids but never knew what else was out there besides teaching. Needless to say, I tried it and was not a fan lol I love what I do now in early intervention =)

What book is on your nightstand currently?

That would have to be the second book in the Grishaverse, Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo. I watched Shadow and Bone and was completely obsessed lol Im the type of person I cannot wait for the next season takes too long so I buy the book lol l did the same thing with the outlander series, I love that I love reading so I don’t have to wait 😉

What reality show would you love to be on? Why?

Omg this is a huge one lol absolutely real housewives!! And there is one for my home state of NJ=) I absolutely love the shows, I think they are so fun but also full of strong, entrepreneur women who so are so inspiring. These family women, amazing mothers and wives and who had already or made their own business. I look up to so many from different states and would love to be on NJ or any really, just to be surrounded by these powerful women. I also think they just know how to have so much fun and show that no matter your age you can still have a good time=)

Favorite hot beverage. Why?

Definitely hot chocolate. Im a weirdo and do not drink coffee lol everyone asks me, how do you have energy then? Lol I'm not really sure but I do sometimes drink a protein shake so I know that helps in the mornings =) I live in NJ and having a hot chocolate on a cold winter day is one of the best things and honestly one of my favorite things about the cold. It really makes me feel good and tastes amazing.

You’re stranded on a desert island—which character from your book do you want with you? Why?

Honestly, it would have to be the vampire Lestat from Anne Rice’s books. She is one of my favorite authors and her series is one of my all time favorites. I feel like the Brat Prince is such a character that I would never be bored. He has such stories to tell from his past and present. He also has this personality that won him the title of Brat Prince which I think would just make anything fun lol. Also, being a vampire, he is one of the bunch that can fly so we would not be stranded for long😉 though I would not mind stay for like a year just to pick his brain and get to know his personality more lol.

Favorite pizza toppings.

Oh this is a fun one since pizza is my favorite food lol it depends on my mood but typically cheese is my favorite. I love pepperoni too and lately ive been getting pepperoni a lot on my pizzas. Except when I go down the shore. That big slice needs to be cheese because that’s a shore staple lol. Sausage is always good thought and I love Hawaiian for some reason with bacon and pineapple sometimes too lol

You’ve just won a million dollars and you’re not allowed to save any of it. What do you spend it on?

Oh this is an easy one lol traveling!! I absolutely love to travel and have a few trips coming up. I recently went to Costa Rica and fell so in love with the country. Seeing the world and being immersed in different cultures is such an incredible thing to be able to do. I feel blessed to be able to travel, have these experiences and meet new people. Learning about history, our culture is something I really enjoy and would do more of if I had the money.

Harper and Emma are two best friends who first met at the pool in the summer. Emma has Autism which affected her speech. Harper became determined to find a way to talk with her new friend and learned about Autism. Neither girl would allow anything stand in their way of becoming best friends.

Now, Harper and Emma are excited to go to the zoo for the first time. This is a new adventure for them which they are going on with their daddies. Once they get there, they are amazed at the different animals they see. Then, while admiring them, a group of children come by and begin to laugh and point at Emma. She had been flapping her hands and making noises in excitement watching these new animals. Harper is confused by this but does not allow the bullying to continue. She educates the bullies about Autism and who Emma is. The bullies eventually walk away however, one little boy stayed behind. He apologized for his actions and wants to be friends. The three new friends finish their day at the zoo exploring and meeting new animals making memories with their daddies.

Abou the Author:

Lisa Jacovsky currently is a Doctoral Level student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is excited for the possibilities having her Doctoral degree will bring her. She has been in the field of ABA since 2014 where she began her career working with adults in residential group homes. She moved onto working with children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2018 and is currently working in Early Intervention. It is her experience with children that inspired her to finally fulfill her dream of writing a book. Lisa began writing short stories when she was seven years old. Writing is a passion for her and one of the many things she enjoys. Lisa lives in New Jersey where she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working on the next stories of the Rascal Cat brothers silly shenanigans.

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Talk-Going-Lisa-Jacovsky/dp/0578246880/

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