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Trick or Treat with Kris Tarantino!
- Heather Macht
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
Hi, readers, writers, and sleepy monsters, too! Are you ready for monster-sized fun? Then you won’t want to miss this interview with the extremely talented Kris Tarantino, author of Bedslime Blues—the follow-up to Be My ValenSlime.
When it’s time for bed, monsters really put their feet down. Iggy refuses to take a bath, Zee-Zee’s pajamas are a sticky mess, Fleck pouts and stomps when it’s storytime, and even Snoodle—the happiest monster of them all—can’t escape the dreaded bedslime blues. With all the fussing, fidgeting, and foot-stomping, how will these grumpy, growly monsters ever settle down for a night of sweet monster dreams?
Want to know more about Kris and her newest monster tale—PLUS want to find out if she’s handing out Tricks or Treats? Read on, if you dare… 🍭🍬
Q: Hi, Kris! Thanks so much for joining the spooky-cool fun at #SeasonsOfKidLit. We're thrilled to have you here with us celebrating your newest book, Bedslime Blues. Can you share a little bit about your new book with our readers?
A: Thanks for having me! BedSlime Blues is about the same group of monster friends who first appeared in Be My ValenSlime—Snoodle, Iggy, Zee-Zee, and Fleck—and how they don’t want to go to bed. Iggy doesn’t want to take a bath. Zee-Zee’s jammies are itchy, and so on. With all their stomping and clomping, the bedslime blues are impossible to escape. Readers will laugh along and wonder if these grumpy monsters will ever lie down for a peaceful night of ZZZs.
Q: What gave you the idea to pair monsters with getting ready for bed? Whose idea was the sequel – was it yours/the publishers/both of you?
A: My publishing team decided. Once ValenSlime was in the final art stage, my editor had internal meetings with sales and marketing regarding what kind of story should follow. The team picked bedtime since it’s an evergreen kid lit category with year-round sales potential.
Once the team picked bedtime, I needed to write a story that reflected how these monsters—who generally don’t like anything—also don’t like bedtime. I thought about how that would look within typical bedtime routines. And since this was a series, I knew I needed to keep some elements from Be My ValenSlime to anchor this next story. For example: I kept key words, like wowza. I kept each monster’s character traits. And I kept a similar opening to the story.
ValenSlime opening: Meet the monsters! A tad gruffy. A bit grumpy. And definitely not lovey-dovey.
BedSlime opening: Meet the monsters! A tad gruffy. A bit grumpy. And definitely not ready for…BEDTIME!
Then there was the title. It had to contain the word ‘slime’. The original title was BedSlime for Monsters. But the team wanted something punchier. So, I spent a weekend brainstorming and landed on BedSlime Blues. I thought it was hooky and fit the monsters—they could be singing the blues, the bedslime blues (not literally singing, but grumping about it). My editor loved it!
That is SO cool! Thanks for sharing a peek behind the publishing curtain with us.
Q: Your first book had Christian themes/verses blended into it which added an extra layer of uniqueness. Does BedSlime Blues have the same? What advice do you have for readers who are looking to do something similar – pair a typically spooky theme with religion?
Yes, BedSlime Blues is tied to Psalm 4:8. I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone Lord, will keep me safe. There’s a good combination of silliness and sweetness as the little monsters finally wind down, one by one, showing young readers the big concept of God’s perfect peace, what it is and how it feels. The verse is not obvious throughout the text as in Be My ValenSlime (1st Corinthians 13:4-5, 7), but the theme of finding peace is definitely woven throughout.
I haven’t landed on a story that pairs a spooky theme with religion. That’s tricky.
My advice to writers looking to pair Faith with story is to read as many Christian picture books as you can find. I know, this is not the answer you probably hoped for, and we hear it all the time, but it’s honestly the truth. Many things in the Faith space have been done before, but maybe you can present it in a different or fresh way.
Q: What's one tool that's been useful to you as an author?
A: It’s so important for an author to learn the basics of Canva. There’s a free version, which I use. It’s a great graphic design source for authors. I’ve made bookmarks, postcards, flyers, and social media posts. In my opinion, it’s becoming more and more expected for authors to have graphic design knowledge and a willingness to promote their books through these tools. You can self-learn or take a webinar. I took a webinar with Susan Johnston Taylor through the Writing Barn.
Q: What’s the most challenging part about being a #kidlit creator? How about the most rewarding part?
A: Most challenging – Constant rejection.
Most rewarding – Getting a story acquired by an editor. Then watching how the art brings the text alive. Finally, holding the finished book in my hands!
BONUS: What’s both your favorite and least favorite candy? i.e. what would you be thrilled to receive in your candy bag, and what would you desperately try to trade?
Fav – Candy Corn
Trade – Super sour candy
Would you like to leave a Trick or a Treat for our readers?
I'd like to leave BOTH!
Trick for School Visits:
My advice to other writers wanting to enter the School Visit arena is: Put together several engaging presentations (I use PowerPoint). Going in and just reading your book is not enough. Your presentations should contain slides with both writing (often phrases) which are paired with lots of visuals. Your presentations should also include spots for audience involvement and volunteer participation. I use 4 different presentations; each tailored to different grade levels. You can’t give the same presentation to Kinder as you would for 4th grade. And keep in mind that the older grades need to learn something besides having fun. I recommend reading the book Sell Books and get Paid doing Author School Visits by Kim Norman. I also recommend joining two Facebook groups: Kim Norman’s Cool School Visits for Authors & Illustrators, and Michelle Cusolito’s Creating Engaging School Visits.
Treat: My amazing publisher is offering a super sweet treat! They are giving away a copy of Be My ValenSlime AND Bedslime Blues to two lucky readers!
OH MYYY! Thanks so much for such a monstrously magnificent trick and treat! And thanks again for stopping by - it was such a pleasure getting a closer look at your new book.
Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter Kris's book giveaway, 1) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by and 2) share her post on social media. Monster-themed GIFs are encouraged, too!
Please Note: Books/giveaways will be shipped in the U.S. only.
*Special Reminder: Those who like, leave a comment on, and share all posts will be entered into a drawing and be eligible to win:
One (1) of five (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Editor Lynne Marie & Author Heather Macht and/or
A Query Critique from Agent Lynnette Novak with The Seymour Agency
Winners will be drawn and announced on or about 10/22.
Bio: Kris Tarantino is a children’s book author whose work is filled with humor and heart. Her newest picture book, BedSlime Blues ships 2/3/2026 (WaterBrook/PRH), illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator Cori Dorrfeld. Kris’ first book, Be My ValenSlime (WaterBrook/PRH), received a Starred Review from School Library Journal and Praise from Publishers Weekly. Kris is a member of SCBWI and speaks frequently at conferences and schools. Most recently, she was selected to participate in the 2025 Storyfest Literacy Day in San Antonio, TX, part of the school district’s yearly celebration of books and reading. In 2024, Kris was part of the TLA Panel Texas Picture Books and Early Readers Authors & Illustrators and the Texas Authors and Illustrators Meet & Greet. Also in 2024, Kris was selected to be a faculty presenter at the All Y’all Texas SCBWI Conference.
For more about Kris, check out the below links:
Website: www.kristarantino.com
X / Twitter: https://x.com/Kris_Tarantino
Amazon (for book reviews and purchases): Amazon.com: Kris Tarantino: books, biography, latest update
