Erin Danielle Russell, coauthor of the New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries tween series, is offering little readers a book that’s filled with fun. I recently spoke with her about her solo venture, How to Trick to the Tooth Fairy.
Tell me about your book, How to Trick the Tooth Fairy.
How to Trick the Tooth Fairy is about a feisty, little trickster, named Kaylee, who loses a tooth and plans to trick the Tooth Fairy. But, what she doesn’t realize is that the Tooth Fairy is the clever and undefeated princess of pranks! When the two of them meet, an epic prank battle ensues with magic, frogs, ice cream, and real cats and dogs raining from the sky!
Why did you decide to write it?
I decided to write How to Trick the Tooth Fairy because it’s the type of story I would’ve wanted to read as a child. I was a big Tooth Fairy fangirl because she was magical, like Santa Claus, and a girl, like me. I wanted to meet and become friends with her, so I gave Kaylee the chance to live out my dream.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
My book is all about friendship. Kaylee and the Tooth Fairy start as rivals for the prank princess title, but in the end, they realize they have a lot in common and that there’s always room for two prank princesses. The more the merrier!
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
I want readers to learn to keep dreaming and never give up on yourself. I wanted to be an author since I was five years old and wrote my own stories even though I could barely spell at that age! I continued writing and got better with time. We all have obstacles when we start something new, but the key to success is to practice, be patient, and believe.
The Dork Diaries has kept you and your mom busy for the last few years. What was the biggest surprise for you with the success of the series?
I had no idea Dork Diaries would become popular all over the world! It’s been translated into 42 languages so far, and I’m so happy to know my mom and I are writing stories children everywhere can relate to.
What’s next for Erin Danielle Russell?
I’m currently working on a second picture book and a middle-grade book. After writing How to Trick the Tooth Fairy, I’d love to write more fantasy.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
If you’re an aspiring author, I encourage you to read, read, read, and read some more! Books are like exercise for your imagination, and they’re fun too!
