Arthur Zarr is a quiet man with few friends. His life is rather plain, and his car is plain, too. But not for long! Mr. Zarr finds happiness and makes friends by building an amazing art car. What happens when Arthur enters his bedazzled car in the town’s annual Art Car Parade? In this whimsical story, children learn about recycling, community, friendship building, and the power of imagination. The book includes a “History of Art Cars” page for readers who’ve never heard of this creative form of artistic expression. It also has a subtle ABC theme, as Arthur Zarr adds objects to his art car in alphabetical order! Suitable for all ages, but especially children ages 4-8.
Targeted Age Group:: 4-8
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
My latest book is a children’s picture book called, “Arthur Zarr’s Amazing Art Car.” Like many of you, I’m inspired by experiences that have happened in my life. For instance, when I moved to Houston 18 years ago, I had never heard of an art car, but I began to learn about this creative form of artistic expression. Now, I love art cars, and I enjoy snapping photos of them around Houston. One day while carpooling my son to school, I thought of the idea for “Arthur Zarr’s Amazing Art Car.” I couldn’t waste a minute, and I rushed home to write that story. Over the next few months I explored my options and chose to self-publish. That took me on a two-year journey that, when I hold my beautiful book in hand, I don’t regret. I just launched the book in November 2015, and in the first two months I have already sold 490 books! I think I made the right choice to self-publish and self-market my book. It’s been so much fun. Houston is home of the first and largest Art Car Parade, and we also boast the country’s first Art Car Museum. It’s exciting that I’ve written and produced the FIRST book for kids that explains about an art car!
How Did You Come up With Your Characters?
The character of ARTHUR ZARR came to me as I was writing the book. I innately knew that I wanted the main character to be a sweet, grandfatherly type of figure. It’s hard to explain, but I felt that kids could relate to a character that perhaps reminded them of their grandfather. Arthur Zarr is a quiet man with few friends, but he is also creative. The reader might notice that when Arthur goes to his workshop one day, there is a ship in a bottle shown in the background on a workshop shelf. It’s a quiet reminder that perhaps Arthur tinkers around with boats and has an interest in the Navy and a maritime hobby. There are other people in the book, too, such as the many neighbors who finally start to notice Arthur as he builds his art car.
Book Sample
One day Arthur found a large acorn on the ground. “This is a beautiful acorn,” he said. He looked down at the acorn in his hand and looked up at the oak tree. My car is so plain, he thought. This acorn is just the thing my car needs. Arthur glued the acorn to the front of his car. Then he drove to the Farmer’s Market and bought his fruit and vegetables as he did every Saturday. No one noticed the acorn. No one noticed Arthur because he was such a quiet man.
Links to Purchase Print Books
Buy Arthur Zarr’s Amazing Art Car Print Edition at Amazon
https://bookgoodies.com/interview-with-author-cathey-graham-nickell/
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