The Joys of DUCK DUCK TACO TRUCK with Laura Lavoie

Five Questions with Laura Lavoie, author of DUCK DUCK TACO TRUCK, illustrated by Teresa Martinez

From idea to pub date, how long did it take to cook up your book?

About three years! I wrote the story pretty quickly in July 2021, serendipitously won a critique from Frances Gilbert at Doubleday shortly thereafter, and when Frances got back to me with the critique she asked me to do an R&R with the intention of taking the story to acquisitions. She officially offered (serendipitously) on my daughter's birthday in September 2021, and the pub date was scheduled for June 11, 2024 (pubbing on my mom's birthday... quite serendipitously)!

Describe your book in 3 words.

Food. Feathers. Fun!

What “ingredients” make a kidlit book “delicious” to you?

I find humor, and particularly humor that leans a little dark, especially delicious. But I also love stories that tap into some human part of us that really makes readers feel seen... especially readers who might not feel seen quite as often. So, while this might be a cliche answer, humor and heart! (Bonus points if it's a little spooky, too... that's the cherry on top!)

This is your first published rhyming book! Tell us all about the joys (and challenges) of writing in rhyme.

The joys are that rhyme is so much fun to write! I've found that I actually really enjoy the challenge of having some constraints in my writing; of having limits on what words I can use or needing to search for that perfect right word to make a line work. I also did myself a favor and kept the rhyme pretty simple for this first go. That said... writing in rhyme is hard! I spend hours counting meter on my fingers, searching for how many syllables are in particular words and if they have different regional pronunciations... that sort of thing. RhymeZone has quickly become one of my BFFs! I also want to give a shoutout to one of my critique partners, Jen Broedel, who is an absolute rhyme wizard and has taught me everything I know.

What is your ideal taco, toppings and all?

Honestly, I love all kinds of tacos and picking one feels hard! But for summer, I love a sweet potato taco: sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, cilantro, topped with coleslaw and a squeeze of lime.

Two Questions About the Book with Audrey and Gennie

What’s your favorite ingredient of this story?  

[Audrey Perrott] It's a perfect rhyming book -- the story moves with each couplet, the tension and stakes increase at just the right pace, the page turns surprise and delight, and the plot is chef's kiss!

[Gennie Gorback] The engaging rhyme paired perfectly with the fun story and made this story the perfect read aloud! Warning: do not read this story aloud while hungry! Your stomach grumbling will make it difficult for listeners to hear the words! 

What food did this story inspire you to make? 

[GG]  I made taco burgers. In an effort to avoid spoilers, I will NOT explain why I made this recipe. You will just have to read the book to find out why I was inspired to create this recipe.

[Laura Lavoie] If you want to make sweet potato tacos at home:

1. Dice up one whole sweet potato and cook in a pan on medium heat with olive oil and a bit of water (quantities don't necessarily matter here... you're just trying to prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking to the pan). You want to keep your pan covered with a gap to let steam out, particularly if you're adding water, but be sure to stir occasionally, too.

2. Add in your desired amount of black beans and corn once the sweet potatoes start to get tender. (I typically use a full can of black beans and about half a can of corn),

3. Then mix in your favorite spices. (I like to do cumin, paprika, a bit of chili powder, and a dash of salt).

4. You can get a bag of coleslaw mix to keep it simple. I prepare my own dressing by mixing mayo with white vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar to my desired consistency. Don't forget to add some cilantro to your slaw mix!

5. Either a hard or soft taco shell works well for these tacos.

6. Then squeeze some fresh lime juice on top!

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