Photo: Author Tricia Gardella, proud University of Leicester graduate (Class of 2019), celebrates 55 years of perseverance with a degree in Ancient History & Classical Archaeology, alongside her prolific storytelling legacy.
The Adventures of Mouse and the Magic of Picture Books
Tricia Gardella shares her creative journey, embracing family, traditions, and indie publishing to craft heartfelt picture books like the Mouse series, inspiring readers with timeless lessons and captivating adventures.
Tricia Gardella is a remarkable storyteller whose work is deeply rooted in the essence of family, tradition, and the beauty of exploration. With her award-winning flair for crafting picture books that entertain, enlighten, and inspire, she has carved a special place in the hearts of readers young and old. Her literary journey is as fascinating as the stories she creates. From her early success in the 1990s, bringing warmth and joy through her published works, to an unexpected twenty-year hiatus devoted to an entirely different creative pursuit, and her triumphant return to the world of writing through independent publishing, Tricia’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and an enduring passion for storytelling.
In her richly imaginative Mouse series, Tricia takes readers on a whimsical adventure through national parks and monuments, weaving tales that connect nature, history, and heart with an unparalleled sense of joy and purpose. Her ability to blend humour, curiosity, and meaningful messages — such as embracing differences and never giving up — marks her as a true craftswoman of the genre. Beyond her literary accomplishments, Tricia’s life as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother offers an inspiring backdrop to her work, filling every page of her books with authentic warmth and relatability.
As you delve into our exclusive interview with Tricia Gardella, you’ll uncover not only the creative mind behind beloved titles like Mouse Visits Six National Monuments and Absurd, Said Bird, but also her thoughtful reflections on life, creativity, and the power of never abandoning one’s passion. Tricia’s voice is one of authenticity, humour, and undying determination, and her stories remind us all to cherish the small, significant moments that shape our lives.
Tricia Gardella masterfully blends humor, heart, and life lessons in her picture books, enchanting readers of all ages.
What inspired you to return to writing after a twenty-year hiatus, and how did your time away shape your approach to your work now?
My hiatus was not planned. We bought a lovely old building in a small Gold Country tourist town at auction. I was sure someone in the family would love starting a business in it. Not. So, my husband said it was up to me.
I’d always thought the old bar would make a great ice cream parlor. My thought, I would set things up, hire people, and keep writing. My last book from those early years came out the year we bought the building. All my creative energy went into this new project.
Sixteen years later I’d had enough ice cream. I felt I was too old for the long years it took between books in traditional publishing. So I traveled. Then I lost my husband. Then came COVID. Now what? I looked around and there it was. A new thing called independent publishing had been born while I was away, and I was sure it had been born just for me.
Your books often highlight themes of family, traditions, and exploration. How have your personal experiences influenced the stories you write?
Family and traditions that come with family are most important to my life. But since I was a child, I’ve been curious about almost everything. What surprises me is that after 16 years selling ice cream to kids, not one story involving ice cream has ever come to mind.
What I especially love is thinking about how humans became who we are. Picture books chose me. They were the perfect genre for the many stories that hit me. I recently realized that most of my books deal with never giving up and it’s alright to be different—almost always with some silliness mixed in.
Can you share a memorable moment from your research or travels that directly influenced the creation of Mouse Visits Six National Monuments?
My passion at the moment is a series about a mouse who has learned to teleport to various national parks. Writing a series was never on my list. But the minute I saw the cover of my book Absurd, Said Bird, illustrated by Ginger Nielson, I knew I wanted to do more books with Mouse. So I asked Ginger if she wanted to do a series. Just so happened, she loved him too. The joy of this series is that the books seem to be the easiest I’ve ever written. After a little research, the book leads me. Looking back over our seven books, my heart sings at how the books seem to get better.
Someone asked why we didn’t do National Monument books too. My first thought was there were more national parks than we could ever do. Second thought, there’s more for Mouse to do at national parks. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Recently published, Mouse Visits Six National Monuments, is my solution. From now on, every fifth book of the series will feature Mouse visiting several related national monuments.
I was introduced to national parks as a young child and the need to protect these amazing places. My mission is to pass this sentiment on.
How do you balance your many hobbies, like cooking, gardening, and knitting, with your writing? Do any of these activities help fuel your creativity?
What was the process like working with illustrators, such as Ginger Nielson and Karen Donnelly, to bring your stories to life visually?
As I mention in my book bio, I’ve had the benefit of being able to try many things. Those mentioned in my bio are my favorites. But my favorite even above those favorites is writing picture books. Oh the guilt. My great grandchildren have nothing but books that I’ve made them because I rarely spend time on any of my other hobbies now. But the good news is that they bring ideas and memories that are always there when needed. Where’s Gramma is an autobiography of sorts, though I have never run a backhoe I have made things using concrete. That’s one of the fun things about this business. Illustrator Greg David (from UK) added the backhoe and I loved it!
The illustrators I have chosen come from all over the world and I have published more than one book with most of them. I love sending my manuscripts off to an illustrator. I rarely tell them what I see. I want to see what they see in my words. And so far I’ve been blessed.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors, especially those looking to write children’s books or return to a writing career after a break?
Some authors have a single book to offer. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is the perfect example, though she did publish a second book fifty five years later.
Some of us find it difficult to ever stop. I’m the perfect example. Here I am, with over 30 published books. Warning: Do not do what I did– especially if you are indie publishing. Writing and publishing are the easy parts. The challenge is finding a way to get the world to see what you have written. Indie publishing is very similar to throwing a glass of water into the ocean. Who is going to see your droplets if you don’t do something to show them off? This is called marketing. A word dreaded by many–and it never ends.
Here’s the conundrum. It’s difficult to get your book distributed if you only have one book. But it’s difficult to get a distributor if you don’t have several books that are selling well. Selling well seems to be the magic button. My problem? It’s not easy to focus on each of thirty books. Here’s the best idea: Make sure people know you and your writing in your first two to five books and if they like the books you do, they will then look forward to your next twenty-five. Maybe?
The biggest secret for success? Write good books. They will one day be discovered. That’s the plan anyway.
