Hollis Wilder is the owner of Sweet! by Holly, which is a cupcake shop located in Orlando, FL. She is also a two-time Winner on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars”. Besides running a successful business she also does a lot of motivational speaking and is releasing a cookbook in May 2013 called “Savory Bites: Meals You Can Make in Your Cupcake Pan”. Media Mikes had a chance to ask Hollis a few questions about cupcakes as well as her new book.

Mike Gencarelli: When you opened your store, Sweet! by Holly, did you ever think you would be where you are today?
Hollis Wilder: Absolutely not! But in truth I did not plan most of the incredible things that have happened in my life, personally or professionally. What I have gotten far exceeds what I was hoping for!

MG: How does it feel to rank in the The Daily Meal’s Top 50 Cupcakes in America this year?
HW: Always great to get recognition from media sources, but the most important confirmation comes daily from regular customers who like what we are making and keep returning to buy more.

MG: Besides cooking you also deliver motivational talks and presentations to colleges and companiesabout empowerment, success and personal growth; tell us about that side of you?
HW: I speak about how we all need to find our own, “cupcake,” whatever that might be. Trust your inner voice and not the white noise around you. Food is a vehicle for me to communicate what is of value to me and how I try to give back to my community. I try to share the information that I have collected during my own personal journey. I love nothing more than helping others find their own excellence and develop the courage to pursue it.

MG: How did you decide to become an author with “Savory Bites: Meals You Can Make in Your Cupcake Pan”? Can you give us a sneak preview as to what we can expect from the book?
HW: I was pursued by one of the top publishers in the country, Abrams. Savory meals all prepared in a cupcake pan. It’s all about creating homemade culinary experiences without sacrificing convenience. also, I promote what I call, living life in portions. Instead of dishes that have no beginning or end, like a casserole, I put meals in the perfect portion of a traditional cupcake pan. I am promoting use of the savory bites in our new concept potluxe dinners, a reconstruction of old-fashioned potlucks but with a cutting edge perspective on ingredients and portions. Lots more to come on this as we approach release of the book in May.

MG: What else do you have planning in the cards for 2013?
HW: If i think about all the wonderful projects on my plate for 2013, I get totally overwhelmed. I’ve learned to stay in the moment and do what’s in front of me and things work out. I wrote the cookbook while running a growing business and managing a family with two small children, so basically I was creating meals and testing recipes while everyone was sleeping. This year will no doubt bring more challenges, successes and failures, but in the end I am grateful for all the incredible opportunities I have been given to challenge myself to be the very best Hollis I can be!

Author: Dorling Kindersley
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Release Date: June 20, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“The Star Wars Character Encyclopedia” is truly the definitive illustrated guide all your favorite characters of the Star Wars galaxy!  This universe of characters is constantly expanding and growing, this book is an amazing introduction for kids to this vast universe.  It is also a great way to learn more about your favorite “Star Wars” characters.  I am a big “Star Wars” fan but there are still various droids and secondary characters that I do not know the names and back story for. This book really packs the power of the force from all six “Star Wars” movies.  So if you are a “Star Wars” fan or trying to introduce the series to your children (like myself), then The Star Wars Character Encyclopedia is a must buy!

Official Synopsis: The Star Wars Character Encyclopedia is the definitive illustrated guide to Luke Skywalker, Jabba the Hut, and all of your favorite characters of the Star Wars galaxy! Feel the force as you flip through pages of profiles of all your favorite characters from the Star Wars galaxy. With stat boxes, expert text, incredible movie stills, and more than 200 profiles, this is book is a must have for Star Wars fans of all ages.

This book literally features over 200+ characters from the six “Star Wars” feature films.  There is everyone from the lovable heroes Luke Skywalker to the villainous Darth Vadar. If you are a “Clone Wars” fan, then DK Publishing also released “Star Wars Clone Wars Character Encyclopedia”, which dives just into the animated series. I recommend both books since they are “Clone Wars” just expanded on the “Star Wars” universe. In the short of it, if you ever want to learn about “Star Wars” and other great franchises, DK Publishing is where it is at!

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Author: Hannah Dolan
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Release Date: September 19, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you want to know anything about LEGO Star Wars…then this is a book for you! Thanks again to DK Publishing to delivering such an in-depth and excellent source to this wonderful brand. This book showcases over 300 mini-figures from this series within its 200+ pages.  If that isn’t enough this book also includes exclusive LEGO Star Wars Han Solo mini-figure   Whether you are looking to introduce your kid to LEGO Star Wars or refresh yourself, this book is a perfect way to learn everything you need to know about LEGO Star Wars.

Official Synopsis: DK is bringing two of the world’s most popular properties together again in a fun, chunky format that kids and adults are sure to love! This illustrated encyclopedia features in-depth profiles showing interesting and never-before-seen elements of all your favorite LEGO® Star Wars® minifigures. With more than 400 captivating images and tons of fascinating facts, the LEGO® Star Wars® Character Encyclopedia is sure to keep both LEGO lovers and Star Wars fans reading for hours!

Overall, I am was not sure what to expect with this but honestly I was totally blown away.  Within the book are some really great detailed pictures with a lot of fun and obscure facts throughout the LEGO Star Wars history. The presentation of each character is crystal clear and you can tell that a lot of time and preparation was put into the development of this book.  I consider myself a LEGO Star Wars fan and yet this book delivered some facts that I even didn’t know. I look forward to sharing this book with my 7 month old daughter to start introducing her to this amazing universe of characters.

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Author: Simon Beecroft
Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Release Date: September 21, 2009

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

DK Publishing is known for taking care of the nerds with books focusing on  Star Wars, Harry Potter and Batman and much more. This Visual Dictionary looks into the world of LEGO Star Wars, it is a blend of characters with showcasing on the current available LEGO Star Wars sets. To top off the coolness of this book, it comes with an exclusive Like Skywalker mini-figure. If you are looking for the go-to book for LEGO Star Wars, I would highly recommend “LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia”. This book would be perfect if it ran a little longer, it clocks in at under 100 pages.

Official Synopsis: In true DK style, LEGO® Star Wars™: The Visual Dictionary elucidates, illuminates, and excites even the most discerning LEGO Group, Star Wars™, and minifigure fans around the world. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, and more are brought to life with dozens of little-known facts and hundreds of photos of accessories, vehicles, weapons, and even the Death Star! Learn about the history, manufacturing, and construction of the minifigures of the Star Wars galaxy, and come away a LEGO® Jedi Master.

One thing this book was successful at was making me want run out and purchase some new LEGO Star Wars sets.  Luckily Santa Claus brought me the new LEGO giant R2-D2 set, so this book has inspired me to get to building that set ASAP.  Even though I prefer “LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia”, this book has more detail in various aspect of LEGO Star Wars, not just the characters. So it is recommended to have both book as a companion to each other. With the LEGO Star Wars universe only growing each year, I am excited to see what DK Publishing is planning next.

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Author: Better Homes and Gardens
Hardcover: 548 pages
Publisher: Wiley
Release Date: December 10, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

My wife and I recently got a new slow cooker, double the size of our last, so we have been dying to try out some new recipes. When I started looking around at newly released slow cooker recipe books there is no shortage but none of them really stood out like this release from Better Homes and Gardens.  Just the look and feel of the book really drew me in.  It comes in a nice hardcover with a binder feel and tabbed pages.  It is very each to leave open and view on the counter while cooking.  What I also liked about the book is simply the title recipes that you can prepare “year-round”, I think that is key.  They are all also low maintenance and low-fuzz and that is a must for us.  We have little time to prepare dinner and these include the recipe for success.

Another main draw for me is that there are over 500 recipes included throughout.  The sections included in this book are breakfast and bunch, soups and stews, sandwiches, casseroles, meat,  poultry, and desserts.  There is also a section for those looking for even healthier food with “Skinny Slow Cooker”. There is something for everyone here for sure within these delicious recipes. What I also liked about this book is that is for the everyday cooker and actually attempts to help you cook… and cook well.  There are tips and guides in order to make the recipes extra yummy. I like to think that I am decent cook, not as good or creative as my wife, and this really spoke to me and inspired me to cook.

Let’s get to some of the yummy recipes now.  In the casserole section, I turned immediately to the recipe for “New Potato, Broccoli, and Chicken Casserole”.  I couldn’t help but prepare straight away. Let me tell you it was beyond amazing! I am usually not one to try something off the “skinny” menu but I turned to the “Slow-Cooked Beef Fajitas”, I couldn’t say no…and I am sure glad that I didn’t.  I recently tried “Ratatouille” in Disney World and I really liked it but the recipe here to be honest is so much better…sorry Disney. What is a recipe book with out great desserts! I am a big fan of brownies and I couldn’t say no to “Fudge Brownies with Strawberries”.  Let’s just say when I make them again, I will be doubling the recipe, since I couldn’t get enough of these.

What is also very attractive about this book is that it comes packed with hundreds of mouth watering photos, which really left me wanting to run out to my nearest Publix supermarket in order to get more groceries.  I have a feeling that this book is going to get used quite a bit over the next few months.  It is going to take a long time to make over 500 recipes, especially since I do not think that there is one item in this book that I wouldn’t want to eat immediately. Released perfectly timed for the holidays, this will make a nice Christmas gift for anyone! It is also very reasonable priced for the quality of product that you are getting.  I look forward to the next release from Better Homes and Gardens

Author: Daniel Falconer
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Harper Design
Release Date: December 14, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of “The Lord of the Rings” franchise and what Peter Jackson has done to the series, then “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Chronicles” is definitely for you.  The book focuses the art and design of the first film in the new trilogy “The Hobbit”. With Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson behind this film you know that it is going to hold the same charm that he brought over 10 years ago. I have to admit that Harper Design delivered here my favorite making-of film adaptation of the year. This is sure to leave every fan of the series literally drooling for more and counting down the days till next December for “The Desolation Of Smaug”. Perfect gift for the holiday season!

When you hold this book you just feel like you are holding a map of Middle Earth.  The cover is edged with a lot of detail and overall quality. Inside the book is jam-packed with over 1,000 images of every aspect of the production from concept artwork to photographs and development paintings.  Amongst the images is commentary from their artists including the concept art directors, Alan Lee and John Howe and others from the Art Department and Costume Department at Weta Workshop. I also need to point out that the book also has a very cool bonus fold-out map printed in glow-in-the-dark ink and a giant four-page fold-out of Bilbo’s contract. I mean that is worth the purchase alone.

I feel like the this book acts like a visual special features in book form. The detail of these pictures are just amazing.  We get to meet and learn about every aspect of the film’s characters, especially those awesome dwarfs. You see everything from costumes to hair to make-up etc.  Since this book was put together by Weta Workshop senior concept designer Daniel Falconer, you know that that means quality. This is official and guarantees that this book comes back with insider information and the top notch visual imagery. If you are a fan of this movie, then this book is a perfect companion and will hold you over until the extended Blu-ray release in 2013…or until you see the film again in theaters.

Author: Neil Gaiman
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: William Morrow
Release Date: November 1, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are familiar with Neil Gaiman’s work, then surely you know about his best selling book “Stardust”, which was first published back in 1999. If you haven’t and enjoy classic fairy tales- then this book is for you.  This book is a really quick read and just very fun.  There is romance, action and everything you can want in a fairy tale story. Of course, it goes without saying that the book is far superior to the movie adaptation, in case you made the mistake of watching that film before reading the book.

This new “Gift Edition” of the book comes beautiful trim-look within its clothbound hardcover.  There is a new gold-stamped cover, as well as a new interior design with a illustration and chapter opener by artist Charles Vess. The new release also includes an introduction by Neil Gaiman, as well as the author’s postscript, “Wall: A Prologue” and updated acknowledgements. If you own this book already, I am not sure it really warrants a repurchase but if your copy is running a little ragged this looks very sharp on the bookshelf.

Official Synopsis: Tristran Thorn will do anything to win the cold heart of beautiful Victoria Forester—even fetch her the star they watch fall from the night sky. But to do so, he must enter the unexplored lands on the other side of the ancient wall that gives their tiny village its name. Beyond that stone barrier, Tristran learns, lies Faerie . . . and the most exhilarating adventure of the young man’s life.

With the holiday’s right around the corner, this would be a nice gift to give to friends that are Gaiman fans or even better those that are not and looking for a way to get introduced.  This is a great way to get into Gaiman’s work.  Plus, who doesn’t love a timeless fairy tale?  If you are a mega-fan you might want to check out the “Gift Edition: Deluxe Signed Limited”, which comes in a collectible slip case.

Author: Jim Pauley
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Santa Monica Press
Release Date: December 15, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When I think about The Three Stooges, I think about the classic days of Hollywood.  I think about real sets and classic film production.  If you are a fan of The Three Stooges, like myself and have the same questions, then “Hollywood Filming Locations” is for you. It exploring the original locations that were the sites of the Stooges’ most famous Columbia Pictures short films made in and around Hollywood between 1934 and 1958.  The book is really well done and beautifully delivered, thanks to Santa Monica Press.

The details of the book are jam-packed with numerous archival photographs, some of which are rare and never-been-seen before or published. They also range from some really neat candid shots to classically vintage publicity stills.  Then there are simple screen captures from films and other contemporary photographs.  This isn’t just photos of The Stooges though, there is a focus on the location themselves within aerial views and maps detailing this locations. This book isn’t just photos though, there are quotes throughout from the Three Stooges’ directors, supporting actors, and family members.

Jim Pauley is definitely the author for this book.  He is a noted expert on the Three Stooges filming locations.  He has written articles on this subject since 2001 published in “Three Stooges Journal”, which is released by the Three Stooges Fan Club. He really gets a chance to show his love for this trio of comedic legends.  There is also a very sharp foreword from film critic Leonard Maltin. If you are a Stooges fan , then this book is a must have to show Hollywood’s cinematic history and the legacy of these comedic geniuses.

Kevin J. Anderson is the co-author of the book “Clockwork Angels: The Novel”, which is based on the band Rush’s latest album. The novelization is co-written with Neil Peart, who is the drummer and lyricist for the band. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Kevin about this collaboration and his work with Rush.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you end up collaborating with Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart on “Clockwork Angels: The Novel”?
Kevin J. Anderson: Neil and I have been friends since around 1990; I’ve always been a Rush fan, and he reads my novels. My first novel, Resurrection, Inc., was inspired by the Rush album Grace Under Pressure. Over the years we’ve toyed with the idea of doing a novel/album crossover project, but the stories and the schedules never synched up. As Clockwork Angels began to take shape, though, it had that right set of ingredients. As he developed the story for the songs, he suggested that I do the novel.

MG: Since Neil wrote “Clockwork Angels” as a concept album, did that make the adapting process easier?
KJA: He’s always given me props for my worldbuilding skills, and when he started putting the songs and the story together, he turned me loose to let me develop the world, to see how the pieces fit together (like “Clockwork,” naturally!). Neil had most of the framework for the story, which is set out in the songs, but I helped connect the dots, added extra characters, fleshed out the scenes. But I didn’t change anything in the album or the songs—Neil wrote what he wanted to write, and I developed a story that captured it as best I could.

MG: What was your inspiration for the dystopian fiction featured in the story?
KJA: Oddly, we consider this a “nice” sort of dystopia. Yes, the Watchmaker controls a lot of people’s lives, which is a bad thing if you’re a square peg and the rest of the world is made of round holes, but for the vast majority of the population, this really is an idyllic sort of world. But our character is a dreamer and wants something more.

MG: How did you end up merging this story with the steampunk subgenre?
I’ve been writing steampunk since 1989 (before the term was ever invented, I think), and Neil liked that aspect. He had the idea of a steampunk motif from the very beginning, and it was always part of the canvas as the story and music took shape.

MG: Tell us about your work with artist Hugh Syme?
KJA: Hugh had already done some of the paintings for the CD booklet before I started writing. I used his artwork for details and inspiration, and he read the drafts of some scenes as I delivered them. Hugh had an uncanny knack for taking a detail or a metaphor at the core of the story (something even I didn’t realize) and pulling it to the surface, which would send me back to the draft to emphasize that part and add new scenes. We worked closely together for the illustrated booklet that accompanies the unabridged audiobook (which Neil Peart narrates), Hugh and I getting the finished content, design, and layout done for Brilliance Audio in only a few days!

MG: I think that this novel would make a great movie…(Hint Hint)!
I certainly wouldn’t disagree with you, but it doesn’t matter what I think. Some movie producer has to get that idea in his or her head!

MG: Do you feel that there will ever been another additional chapter to this story?
KJA: Not as an endless series of book after book. But Neil and I love the world and the characters, and we feel that some of the side tales might be worth exploring. Not in the immediate future, though. I have two massive books I’m writing, and Rush has this tour thing they’re on…

MG: What is your favorite song on the album “Clockwork Angels”?
KJA: It often changes as I keep listening to the album. Right now, the one that seems closest to my heart is “Headlong Flight,” which means so much to the story and means so much to me about my life.

MG: What do you have planned next? Any plans to work with Rush again?
KJA: Right now I am editing MENTATS OF DUNE with Brian Herbert, my next major novel in that series, and I am beginning a new trilogy in my gigantic “Seven Suns” universe, THE DARK BETWEEN THE STARS. It’ll probably be a thousand pages long, and as of today I hit the halfway point! And I have two other novels ready to be cued up in the new year. It’s too soon to think about doing anything else with Rush —they’ll be touring for quite some time yet.

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Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Adam Rex
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: January 8, 2013

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors. Coraline is one of my favorite stories in the last decade. It may be a little too scary for some kids but I am a big kid, so it is ok. This book is aimed a much younger audience. On the book cover it says Newborn to 4 but Amazon is listing the book as 4 and up. I feel that this book is much more suited for under age 4. It may not be my favorite book from Gaiman but more important my daughter loved it and that is all that matter.

The story of Chu is short and sweet. It follows a a little panda that packs a big sneeze and as the book reads, “when Chu sneezes, bad things happen”. It is a very simple story and does get a few laughs even for the adults like myself that was acting out the lines. I felt like some of the words could have rhymed a bit better but overall it was still a cute and fun book.

Adam Rex has delivered some very colorful and interesting illustrations. As I was reading this book to my 6-month old daughter, she was literally grabbing the pages right out of my hand and turning them. The book itself is a little short in terms of quality but at least it has great replay value. I believe I ended up reading this book about 5 times in one sitting.

Author: Sally Symes
Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Board book: 22 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; Brdbk edition
Release Date: December 11, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Whose Toes Are Those?” is a very cute book, which let preschoolers keep guessing who’s hiding. Whether it is tails, toes, noses — it is short running 22 pages but has enough to keep the little reader interested throughout and also keep coming back to see which each animal is peeking out.  This is a really clever book and recommend for all parents looking to keep your little one entertained and also stimulated.

Premise: Whose tail? Whose toes? Whose twitchy nose? Who is that hiding behind a big hunk of cheese? What has a cold wet nose, a big pink snout, or a long gray trunk? In this lift-the-flap book for the very young, simple, repetitive text and bold, bright illustrations combine to make a funny guessing-game of a book.

The book is worded from author, Sally Symes.  It is repetitive like advertised but very effective and memorable.  She is also the author of “Yawn”.  The book is perfectly illustrated by Nick Sharratt, who also worked with Sally Symes on “Yawn” and also is the author-illustrator of “What’s in the Witch’s Kitchen?”, “Dinosaurs’ Day Out”, and “The Foggy, Foggy Forest”. The illustrations are sharp and very colorful. I look forward to the next installment!

Author/Illutrator: Leslie Patricelli
Reading level: Ages 1 and up
Board book: 26 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; Brdbk edition
Release Date: December 11, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Leslie Patricelli is back with her one-haired wonder returning to this time share the love. “Huggy Kissy” is a wonderful children’s book and one of mine and my 6-month daughters’ new favorite. The book makes you want to smother your children with love and affection and I am A-Ok with that! I call this book a must-read for all parents to share with their children. It is being released in perfect time for stocking stuffers! Hint-Hint!

Premise: When you’re an adorable bald baby, your family finds lots of ways to show you how much they love you: Mommy lifts you uppy, Daddy kisses you on the tummy, and everyone wants to snuggle. What’s not to love? With comedy and warmth, Leslie Patricelli offers a universal tribute to love and affection in a board book full of instant appeal for little valentines everywhere.

Author/Illutrator, Leslie Patricelli has released many board books based around this character and honestly I cannot get enough of them. Each one is better and cuter than the next. After reviewing, Patricelli’s Christmas entry “Fa La La”, I was excited to see what she has planned next and here it is already with “Huggy Kissy”. I say, “Keep them coming Leslie!” I can’t wait to see what is planned next.

Author/Illustrator: Mary Murphy
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: December 11, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I find that as a father of a new born girl, 6 months now, I am guilty of smothering her with about 354 kisses per day since she was born.  I am very big fan of author/illustrator’s Mary Murphy’s “I Kissed the Baby!”.  This book is a great follow up to it and is equally as cute.  If it does nothing else it will make you give many kisses throughout to your child, which I think is worth the prize of the book alone.

Premise: A giraffe kiss is very tall — just turn the page and see! Elephant kisses are long, of course, while tiny mice and bubbly fish have kisses all their own. Using a clever split-page format that makes for charming surprises, author-illustrator Mary Murphy shares a series of animal kisses that are sure to have babies and toddlers gurgling, giggling, smiling, and leaning over for their kisses, too.

Mary Murphy delivers not only a wonderful book her but also beautifully illustrated.  It is simple yet enough to keep the attention.  Besides the “Kiss” books, she also has done other great kids books including “Utterly Lovely One”, “Panda Foo and the New Friend” and “How Kind!”.  I look forward to what she has has planned next.  Another gem from Candlewick, though being released in time for the Holidays. This book could be a nice Valentine’s Day give also!

Author: Maggie Malone, Jennifer Lee
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: November 1, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I saw the film “Wreck-It Ralph”, I thought that my prayers were answered as a video gamer that grew up in the 80’s.  This book shows just how much work went into this film and really allows you to appreciate it much more.  I had seen this film prior to reading this book and it literally made me want to run out again to see it.  If anyone reads this in reserve order you will surely get the immediate urge to see it. It is literally a perfect companion to this fantastic film.  The film is so extremely colorful and creative and unique and this book compliments all those aspects very well. Perfect idea for a Holiday gift!

The collaboration between authors Jennifer Lee and Maggie Malone really show that they love this film themselves and are looking to share it.  Jennifer Lee was a writer on “Wreck-It Ralph” and Maggie Malone is the director of development at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where she has worked on films including “Tangled”, “Tinker Bell”, and “The Princess and the Frog”. They succeeded in developing and delivered a very sharp book that makes you unable to put down.  It is very in-depth and goes into great detail on each of the video-game worlds created for this film.  There is specific focus on the design process and character development, which I enjoyed the most. It was cool to see the evolution of Ralph and how he came about. I also enjoyed the different interviews with the people behind this film. The artwork in the book is beautifully presented and very colorful.  Great job, Chronicle Books – yet again!

There is a preface included by Pixar’s John Lasseter, which nicely sets the mood for the book.  Rich Moore, the director of “Wreck-It Ralph”, gives a supporting foreword. Since this film takes aims at video games from the classic 8-bit arcade games to the video games of today’s high-def digital age. Both periods of gaming are perfectly respected and honored throughout this book. If you are looking for something to complement this great film or just something for your sweet tooth, then be sure to check out the “Sugar Rush” section. It made me crave some sweets ASAP, especially Devil Dogs.  Oh I miss Hostess already! If there is anything wrong with this book is that it ended, I would have love to kept reading for much longer.

William Joyce is the author of the “The Guardians of Childhood” series, which is being made into the film, “Rise of the Guardians”. William also served as executive producer on the film. William recently released the third novel in “The Guardians of the Childhood” series, called “Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies” and also a picture book “Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies”. Media Mikes had a chance to ask William a few questions about turning his series into a film and chatted about his new books.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your work on DreamWorks Animation’s “Rise of the Guardians”?
William Joyce: The upcoming DreamWorks Animation “Rise of the Guardians”, set for release on November 21, is based on my book series “The Guardians of Childhood.” It takes place 200 years after the team’s formation in the books; it tells the story of Jack’s recruitment to the team and centers around four of the guardians; Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost and the Easter Bunny. The Guardians of Childhood book series tells a sweeping tale of the ongoing battle between Pitch, lord of nightmares, and the eponymous guardians, consisting of figures such as the Man in the Moon, Nicolas St. North, the Tooth Fairy, Bunnymund the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, Mother Goose, and Jack Frost. I also worked as the executive producer, so I collaborated on all aspects of the film. Design, story, and casting.

MG: What was the most challenging aspect of bringing “The Guardians of Childhood” to screen?
WJ: Narrowing the story down to a 90 minute film, then bringing that story to the screen. Animated feature films are titanic endeavors, and take years to realize.

MG: Tell us about the next novel in the series “Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies”?
WJ: Toothania, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies, is the third and the newest in The Guardian series. It delves into the secret world of the third Guardian, the mysterious Tooth Fairy. This third chapter book presents you to Her Royal Highness, Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairies. There’s a lot more to her than has been previously understood.

MG: How many other book do you have planned in this series?
WJ: The Guardians of Childhood Series and The Guardians series will consist in total of thirteen books; the seven picture books in The Guardians of Childhood series and six chapter books in the Guardians of Childhood series.

MG: How did the idea for picture book “The Sandman: The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie” come about?
WJ: I’ve been working on a unified mythology for the icons of childhood since my daughter asked me if Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy knew each other. As a parent, I felt that Santa Claus, the Man in the Moon, all of them had become a little diminished. They deserve to be thought of as grand. Heroic. Epic. If Spider-Man has an origins mythology, then why not the characters we actually believed in? Creating a voice for their stories became my mission.

MG: Tell us about the road to “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” winning the Best Animated Short in 2011 Oscars?
WJ: We started Moonbot Studios three years ago, in my hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. It’s an unlikely place to have an animation studio. We are, I believe, the 104th largest city in the United States. But we love it. Shreveport is home. To do the short we had to mortgage our houses and hunt for every nickel we could rub together. It was a huge risk. But we believed in ourselves and the story. Most of our employees were fresh out of college. Working at Moonbot was their first job. When we won, the whole city, the entire state of Louisiana, went nuts. It was like a Frank Capra movie come to life. They gave us a ticker tape parade, a key to the city, and sang for he’s a jolly good fellow. Our lives became like the movies we’d been inspired by and loved. It was surreal, unspeakably happy and perfect. But now our employees are totally spoiled.

MG: What can you tell us about your next film “Epic”?
WJ: Epic is an upcoming 3D computer animated fantasy-adventure film based on my children’s book “The Leaf Men.” It’s an epic adventure that just happens to be in the secret world of a teenage girl’s backyard. A race o tiny beings threatened by an ancient evil. I like to think of it as an intimate epic. It’s being produced by Blue Sky Studios and directed by Chris Wedge, the director of Ice Age (2002) and Robots (2005). It stars the voices of Beyoncé Knowles, Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Knoxville, Aziz Ansari, Pitbull, Jason Sudeikis, and Steven Tyler. The film is scheduled to be released on May 24, 2013.