Author Jonathan Graziano on Noodle, TikTok, and Picture Books- plus a GIVEAWAY! « Lydia Lukidis
Author Jonathan Graziano on Noodle, TikTok, and Picture Books- plus a GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my kidlit blog, Blissfully Bookish! This week, I’m thrilled to welcome Jonathan Graziano, a fellow children’s author and social media star whose hilarious videos and love of storytelling have earned him a huge following on TikTok.
Please say hi to Jonathan, who is here to discuss his new picture book, Milton Makes a Move, illustrated by Dan Tavis and published by Margaret K. McElderry Books.
BUT first- YAY! Jonathan is generously giving away a FREE copy of the book! Simply comment on this blog- contest ends September 11, 2026. (USA only, no P.O. Boxes)
Please describe the journey to publication and inspiration for Milton Makes a Move.
I find myself incredibly lucky to have such a remarkable team at Simon & Schuster who really believe in the stories I have to tell. Milton Makes a Move came up organically as Milton settled in to his new life with me and I saw just how much of a transformation he made from being a scared little pug into a True King. I thought about the change he went through and that kids—or anyone really—would be able to relate to that story.
What message would you like the book to impart to children?
That it’s totally normal to be scared and that you can’t be brave unless you’re scared first. I think there’s a lot of “don’t be scared” out there but instead it should be “be brave instead”.
Many readers know you and your beloved pug, Noodle, from TikTok. How did sharing your life online influence your journey as a children’s book author?
I never would have written any of these books if it weren’t for the encouragement I received from people when posting videos about Noodle. I had people in the comments asking for a book, you know? When there’s demand for something that has yet to be supplied, you know you’ve got something good. When Simon & Schuster reached out with the proposal to write a story specifically about Noodle’s Bones or No Bones videos, it just made perfect sense.
What is your writing process and does it vary depending on the project?
Thankfully the books I write are very short. I sit down and I write out the entire thing to have a draft even if I absolutely hate it. I then go through and switch out words for ones I really like, and change the structure of the story if I feel the beats are off. I also have a ton of friends who work in publishing and are writers themselves, so I lean on others for their expertise.
Please share your favorite books that inspired you.
I’m a huge fantasy guy! Name of the Wind, Uprooted, Strange The Dreamer. Any book that can take me far, far away from reality is a winner for me. Ready everything by Patrick Rothfuss and Naomi Novick!
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
You will always be your own biggest critic. Be kind to yourself even if it’s hard!
What song would be the theme song for your book?
“Party In the USA” by Miley Cyrus!!
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I am from a Goodnight Moon family! And Stellaluna 🙂
Bio
Jonathan Graziano is a Rochester native who currently resides in New York City. His eternal muse, Noodle, continues to inspire him each and every day. It is Jonathan’s hope that through this story he can continue Noodle’s legacy of spreading joy and kindness and encourage others to adopt and/or rescue a senior pet next time they’re looking to add a new member to their family. Jonathan is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Noodle and the No Bones Day, Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain, and Milton Makes a Move. You can find him on TikTok at @JonGraz.
Links
