Interview with A.J. Irving, Author of “The Wishing Flower”

What do you hope readers take away from The Wishing Flower?

I wrote this book because I wish books like The Wishing Flower had existed when I was growing up. It is so important for children to feel safe about their feelings. I always want my readers to feel seen, safe, and loved. I was a shy, queer girl who “felt inside out and home and at school.” I wished for a friend who truly saw me, and just like Birdie my wish came true. I hope The Wishing Flower inspires children to feel brave and proud about being themselves. I hope Birdie and Sunny’s story helps them spread their wings and soar.

The Wishing Flower is your second children’s book. How was the process of writing your second book different from the first? What were helpful takeaways?

The writing process was actually very similar because Dance Like a Leaf and The Wishing Flower were inspired by my life. These stories truly came straight from my heart. Lyrical writing feels very natural to me. I start every project with pen and paper, which transports me back to my childhood. The first lines for both books came to me when I was outdoors. I have always felt connected to nature. I think this comes through in my work.

I received several rounds of rejection for various projects after Dance Like a Leaf was published. I worried I would never sell another book. I started writing The Wishing Flower after an inspirational phone call with my agent. I had never been this excited about a manuscript. I went to bed and woke up thinking about Birdie and Sunny. Then Covid hit. I put the story away for many months. Writing felt impossible. But over the years, I have learned to trust that the words will come to me when I’m ready.

On your website, you say, “I always hope to capture the magic of childhood in my work.” What are some moments in your life or in your work that speak to this childhood magic?

Children are more present and in tune with the world around them. They are curious and inquisitive. Everything feels special and magical. They savor every moment. I will always remember the first time I encountered fireflies during a family reunion in Missouri. Magic. The scene of Birdie and Sunny watching the geese disappear is something I have done since I was a kiddo. Magic. I think the magic of childhood is all about finding wonder in the small moments.

What are some of your favorite children’s books that you feel also capture this magic?

Dusk Explorers by Lindsay Leslie and Ellen Rooney takes me back to summer nights playing with my neighborhood friends. Bus Stop by Angela H. Dale and Lala Watkins captures the excitement of playing in the snow while waiting for the school bus. When You Can Swim by Jack Wong explores the adventures children will experience once they learn how to swim.