Mrs. Gourd- Author Interview and Giveaway

6/16/2026

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jody Bucher. All opinions are my own.

Book Information

Mrs. Gourd
Written by Jody Bucher
Illustrated by Monica Violet Joy & Asha Butler
Ages: 4+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Ingram Spark (2026) | ISBN: Hardcover: 979-8-9894987-1-0 | Paperback: 979-8-9894987-0-3

Publisher’s Book Summary: Anyone who’s had to put children to bed knows how unpredictable the routine of bedtime can be. Enter—Mrs. Gourd. When Mom finds herself at her wits’ end, Mrs. Gourd’s unexpected arrival changes the course of bedtime—in a good way. Taking charge in her persnickety, silly way, Mrs. Gourd wrangles in bedtime, leaving the reader amused, and best of all, those little ones drifting off into dreamland. When all else fails, it’s Mrs. Gourd to the rescue!

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Author Interview

Where did you get the inspiration for Mrs. Gourd?
Mrs. Gourd is a true story—all of it! I created the Mrs. Gourd character on the spot (or “Johnny-
on-the-spot,” as she might say) during an especially chaotic bedtime. At the time, my daughter
was six and my twin boys were four. That particular night was exceptionally crazy. We were all
having fun, of course, but sippy cups were flying, dogs were jumping on the bed, and while
everyone was giggling and having a great time, I was feeling completely exasperated. I slipped
into the bathroom for a deep breath and entirely unplanned, slipped into a character I named
“Mrs. Gourd.” Each night after that, she was called on to help with story time and went on to
make bedtime history. So, the “Mrs. Gourd” story from start to finish is exactly what happened
that fateful night she arrived!

What was your writing process like for this book?
Over time, as Mrs. Gourd became a beloved part of our family and was introduced to extended
family and friends, and my husband, encouraged me to write the book.
I actually began by writing and telling the story in my head. As I worked the words around every
which way, I would visualize the illustration that would accompany each page. It took some time,
but I’ll never forget the final breakthrough when the story finally came together.
I was on an airplane headed to Toronto, Ontario, to visit my sister when it happened. As I
thought through the words for each page, I began to laugh and laugh, not even realizing I was
giggling out loud. I quickly jotted down the words and finished the book.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
Weaving a tale that brings joy, sparks imagination, and creates meaningful connections.
Ultimately, Mrs. Gourd helped me, a frazzled mom, find calm in the midst of chaos. That night
could have turned out very differently. By taking a pause, I found something powerful that
brought fun, laughter, and our family together in such a meaningful way. To have my books
inspire those same moments of connection and joy is an honor. And of course, hearing giggles
with the turn of every page is pretty special, too.

What are you working on now?
One night, Mrs. Gourd was on safari and her sister had to fill in. Soon, the world will be
introduced to Ms. Cantaloupe. I can’t wait!

What is your favorite book?
One of my favorite children’s books is 13 Words by Lemony Snicket. One of my daughter’s
preschool teachers told me how much she loved the book when they read it during story time.
Curious, I purchased a copy for us to enjoy at home. I’ll never forget reading it to her for the first time. I was giggling so much that I could barely make it through the story. It was clever, unexpected, and completely delightful. I could instantly see why she loved it so much and I think she was only four years old at the time! That book reminds me of the magic a great children’s story can create, not just for kids, but for the adults reading along, too.

Giveaway

Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of five signed paperback copies of Mrs. Gourd. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a signed hardcover copy with a personal note from the author, two pairs of Mrs. Gourd dress-up glasses, a gingham check picnic blanket, and a Jellycat Bashful Toffee Puppy stuffed animal.