This interview originally appeared in the January/February 2026 Horn Book Magazine as part of the Publishers’ Previews: New Year, New Books, an advertising supplement that allows participating publishers a chance to each highlight a book from its current list. They choose the books; we ask the questions.

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Whether competing in a Sled Race, or, as in their second volume, playing Hide-and-Seek, best pals Wally Mammoth and Wolf find friendship winning.

Photo: Mandy Olson.

1. I was so sorry to hear of the recent death of Wally’s illustrator, Dalton Webb. What is your best memory of working with him?

For years, Dalton and I would meet every week or so at a coffee shop between our two houses. We’d drink chai and talk about books, life, and everything else; ­eventually we’d maybe get around to talking about the book we were making together. ­Sometimes we would even work. These hangouts were such a happy and regular part of my life, and I’m really going to miss them (as I’m really going to miss Dalton). But if I had to choose one best memory, it would be when he showed me his sketches for the first book. Dalton brought Wally, and Wally’s world, to life in a way that only he could have.

2. Why is Wally a woolly mammoth?

The name Wally Mammoth came to me out of nowhere, a 3 a.m. gift from my subconscious. (And with a name like Wally Mammoth, there was only one kind of animal he could be.) When I showed the idea to Dalton, he was as excited as I was about setting a story in the Ice Age.

3. Why do you think young children accept talking animals so easily?

I wonder if it’s just because they haven’t learned to not accept talking animals? Haven’t humans been telling stories about talking animals since we were chilling with the mammoths?

4. Everybody needs a Wolf. Who is yours?

Wolf plays a lot of roles in these books. Friend, frenemy, competitor, cheerleader, enthusiast, believer, skeptic. I’m lucky to have many Wolfs in my life. (Sometimes I am even my own Wolf).

5. How can books help children (or writers!) through grief?

Books are a comfort, an escape, a reminder that we’re not alone in our feelings. For me, grief has a way of shrinking the world. I get stuck in my own head. Spending time in someone else’s head can be just the thing.

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