What inspired you to write “What Underwear Does A Zebra Wear?”
Elle: I was a pretty shy child so I would study jokes and then tell them at birthday parties. It gave me confidence and helped make lots of friends, kids as well as adults. It’s hilarious that when I was 6-years-old, I would tell my 2-year-old brother “a-guy-walks-into-a-bar” type jokes. He was my “audience” to test my jokes on. When Henley started coming up with jokes and making people laugh I decided to make a book so everyone can share the joy. Also, the jokes are unique because they are funny even to the 2-year-olds. The illustrations are so colorful and beautiful that even one year olds are absolutely fascinated by them and love to flip the pages of the book.
Elle, what was the best thing about writing a book with Henley?
Sharing the book with hundreds of people and hearing that the humor in it brought their family closer.
Henley, what was fun about writing a book?
Sealing the envelopes and signing an “H” inside the books. (We mailed about 300 books to friends with kids, as well as to hospitals and charities). Henley helped sign the books and seal them.
What do you hope other families get out of reading “What Underwear Does A Zebra Wear” together?
Elle: The book is not about the right or wrong answers. We want to inspire parents and kids to see the world through the lenses of humor, be silly and creative, snuggle and laugh together.
Where did the jokes come from?
Elle: We usually got ideas for the jokes from watching animals at the zoo or a farm, or reading books.
What is your favorite joke?
Elle: Mine is a tie!
What’s a Horse’s favorite drink?
Lemo -NEIGH- d!!!
What underwear does a Zebra wear?
a “Z”-Bra!
Henley and I once walked up to a crowd of tired visitors gathered next to a zebra cage at Phoenix Zoo and told them this joke. You should have seen their exhausted grumpy faces transform and light up with a smile! I bet that was a highlight of their trip to the zoo!
Henley: My favorite joke involves CANDY!
What type of candy did archaeologists find in the pyramids?
Pyra- MINTS!
Tell us about your puppet show featuring characters from the book.
Elle: It’s hilarious and very animated! We sawed and customized many of the puppets ourselves. The the Zebra in a red bra is the host and the animals act out the jokes. The kids from the audience love to cheer, applaud and walk up to the theatre to participate.
Elle and Henley invite you to join them for a book launch party on Saturday, August 11, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Mill River Park Carousel. There will be unlimited rides, the Kona Ice Truck and free copies of “What Underwear Does A Zebra Wear.” Plus, Elle and Henley will perform their puppet show! If you want to join in on the fun, email Elle at [email protected] to RSVP!
Purchase your copy of the book here! It is available for FREE on Kindle until August 14.
