Ever wonder where those missing socks go?
Meet Figaro!
Now Available!Q & A with Nicole B Roberts
(These were my answers from the initial press release interview in 2016)
What inspired you to write this book?
I originally made up the story to tell my kids. They liked it so much that I thought other kids would like it too. Everyday they asked me how my book was coming and if I had any new pictures (illustrations) to show them. It really fueled me to keep going because it made them so happy to see the process and watch the characters come alive.
Summarize your book.
Figaro The Sock Fox is about a sneaky sock thief who takes your socks when you are sleeping, but it turns out that he is not that bad of a guy. He is simply providing for his cute family of furry foxes that are waiting for his safe return home.
What is the overall theme of your book?
Figaro on the surface is just about what happens to your missing socks, but it teaches us that our initial perceptions aren’t always accurate and that most people (or foxes) that we think are “bad guys” are really not as bad as we think.
Where does this book take place?
Figaro takes place in any home where people wear socks… and can’t seem to find the matches every now and then.
Who are the main characters and why are they important to the story?
Figaro is the main character, he shows us that people and things aren’t always what they seem.
Fiona (his wife), and Ferdinand, Fawna, and Freddy (his children) show us that a little creativity and work can change ordinary things into useful works of art.
Why do you think that this book will appeal to readers?
Young children will be captivated by the bright colors and artwork. They will love seeing Figaros little paw stealing a different sock on each page, and will feel connected to the story because they know what it’s like to not be able to find matching socks. It will turn a boring task into a memorable story. Every time they can’t find a mate, they will whisper under their breath, “Figaro was here…”
How is your book relevant in today’s society?
Our world has lost a little magic and we need it back. Figaro reminds us that things we think are problems don’t have to be. It reminds us that people we think are problems, don’t have to be. It reminds us that our perspective and attitude changes everything.
What makes your book different from other books like it?
First, this story was inspired and fueled by children themselves- by their imagination, their enthusiasm, and their desire to have unexplainable things (like why you can’t find your socks) be fun and magical. Second, the images are all hand-drawn, individual pieces of art. Because I am the author and illustrator, the manuscript and the images are cohesive, not an after-thought. They evolved and were created together.
What do you want readers to take away from your writing?
I really just want to bring a little magic to homes everywhere. Kids get excited about Santa, the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy because they EXPECT them to sneak in their house at night bring them something. They GET something out of the deal. And if they don’t get something they are disappointed. How magical is that?
Figaro teaches kids they can finally get excited about giving something away! They can wake up and see something missing, and feel like magic happened in their home. They get to feel like they helped someone and made someone elses life better. THAT’S MAGIC!
How did you learn about the topic?
As a mother of 3 I have sorted and folded A LOT of socks and have an entire basket of socks with no mates. Sometimes you just need an explanation so you don’t go crazy, so I made up my own. Now when I look at that basket I can smile instead of cringe.
Can you give us a short bio?
Nicole B Roberts is a creator. She loves to write, paint, draw, sew, crochet, bake, and garden. If creativity is involved, so is she. But her crowning achievement is the home and family she has created with her amazing husband Tim. They have 3 smart, strong, sweet children (Roman, Regan and Renly), 2 black and white dogs, 1 Bengal cat and a whole lot of chaos and love. Her goal is to never stop looking for the treasure in the ordinary and the magic in people, for she truly believes that “You find what you look for.”
What other books have you written?
So many inside my head, but they are still a secret.
Additional Resources
Figaro Stealing Socks coloring page