“Joyful books, for readers both young and old.”

Hello and Welcome to my Blog, Jewel Noir!

I am Dr. Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle, an Emeritus Professor from Sac State and an author of textbooks and children’s books (PB & MG). I started out with humble beginnings, being raised in poverty by a single parent mom in a rural village in Illinois. I was educated at the University of Redlands with a Double BA in Psychology and Music, where I graduated Cum Laude. Then I continued my education at Stanford University GSE, where I obtained a PhD in Child and Adolescent Development. After 30 years in the field, 28 years as a Professor, I am retired and focused on helping others with my writing. This bi‐monthly blog is one way that I am helping. I hope it is informative and helpful to those who read it.

Humor’s Importance in Literature for Children: It Really Can Help ‐ Kari Ann Gonzalez

Posted August 1st, 2025
  1. How long have you been writing children’s literature and how many books have you traditionally published?

    I have been writing seriously for eight years. My debut picture book How To Hatch A Reader released in 2023 and won the Northern Lights Award for humor. I have 5 more picture books releasing in the next few years.

    1b. What is the name of your favorite book?

    Tough question. I have so many favorites! One of my newest favorites is The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed, illustrated by Hatem Aly. I love the near rhymes and play on anticipation. It sets the perfect pacing for this laugh‐out‐loud romp.

    1c. Which of your books contain humor?

    I try to add elements of humor to all of my stories. You will find a heaping dose of laughter and puns in How To Hatch A Reader and my newest book in the series, How To Hatch a Writer.

  2. Why is it important for you to write books with humor, personally?

    I love to laugh and lose myself in good books, I always have. I learned early on that my children’s favorite books were those where they laughed and also learned something. Those reading preferences certainly shaped me as a writer.

  3. In what ways do humorous books impact children in a positive manner?

    Laughter lifts our spirits! Humor also stimulates cognitive development, sparks imagination, and improves reading comprehension. There is so much to love!

  4. Do you know of any literature or evidence‐based articles about the impact of humor on children in kidlit, perhaps one or two articles?

    Here is a link to a Scholastic blog:

    https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/funny-kids-books.html

  5. Any new books or events on the horizon that you want to mention?

    • How To Hatch A Writer illustrated by Rachel Suzanne releases September 9th, 2025
    • If You Live On A Farm illustrated by Marie Hermanson releases 2026
    • Goat Maa‐th releases illustrated by Bonnie Kelso releases 2026
    • How To Hatch A Story illustrated by Rachel Suzanne releases 2027
    • More titles to announce soon!

    I am launching my next book on September 14th, 2025 at Ruby’s Books in Folsom, California from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Come join me!

  6. How can people purchase your books?

    My books can be purchased through your local booksellers. I recommend checking out Bookshop.org to find your local independent bookseller.

  7. You are open to giving a free manuscript critique to someone who likes and comments on your interview on my blog. Which type of manuscript? How many words or pages?

    I would love to giveaway a non‐rhyming picture book manuscript critique, up to 1,000 words.

  8. Any other comments?

    Thank you for reading and visiting this wonderful blog! Please visit my website to learn more: https://www.karianngonzalez.com

Comment by Christina B on 08/04/2025
I enjoyed reading this! Kari, I am happy to see that you have new books coming out. I will check those out too. Congrats!
Comment by Steena on 08/04/2025
Lovely interview Kari and Kimberly! Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Rosi Hollinbeck on 08/02/2025
Humor is tough to write, so I'm always interested in posts about humor in kids books. Thanks for this one. I'll check out Kari's book. I would love to win a critique. Thanks for the opportunity.

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