A Chat with Little Medusa

By Jennifer Buchet, Author

Hello, dear readers! A few days ago, I caught up with Little Medusa at the playground. She is starring in my upcoming debut picture book, LITTLE MEDUSA’S HAIR DO-LEMMA (Clear Fork/Spork Publishing, 2020).
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Here’s a snippet from our chat:
Jenny Buchet: Hi Little Medusa, it’s so nice to see you! 

Little Medusa: *giggles* Ms. Jenny, you don’t have to hide in the treehouse ---I won’t turn you to stone! I’m not that kind of Gorgon.

JB: Sorry, habit when talking to your family. But you’re definitely one of a kind, Little Medusa.

LM: Sure am! Addie, say “hi” to Ms. Jenny.

Addie: Hissssss

JB: Hi pretty girl! But um, maybe she could slither somewhere else than right beside me, Little Medusa?

LM: *laughs* Come on Addie, let’s do the monkey bars!
*Several minutes pass by as we hang around*

JB: So Little Medusa, you had a little trouble when you first got Addie, didn’t you? 

LM:  A lot of trouble! Mama said I had to keep Addie on my head, but I don’t like it when she slides through my hair. It’s all itchy and stuff. And she tangles my hair up, too.

JB: No one likes knotty hair.

LM: Nope. But worse… well….you know what Gorgons can do once they have a snake, right?

JB: They can turn things to stone.

LM: *nods* But I don’t want to turn anyone to stone, especially my friends.

JB: Maybe it’s the blood rushing to my head, Little Medusa, but isn’t it traditional for Gorgons to keep snakes in their hair? And don’t you all enjoy turning folks to stone? I think our readers might be confused, too.

LM: Nope, not this Gorgon girl! I’m one of a kind, remember? Race you to the rocket ship!

JB: *panting* Wait…what…what do you do with Addie then? What does Mama say about all this? Our readers will want to know.

LM:  I’m not telling! Your friends will just have to read the book, Ms. Jenny!  Hey, wanna touch Addie?

JB: Um… to be honest, snakes give me the willies. 

LM: Don’t worry, Addie won’t bite. Snakes won’t bite unless they’re scared or feel threatened.

JB: That’s good to know. I always leave wild snakes alone.

LM: You should! Here. Touch.

JB: Please don’t wave Addie under my nose—she’s slimy! 

Addie: Hiss!

LM: No she’s not! She’s shiny and soft. Trust me. Touch her tail.
*A few minutes passed as I worked up the nerve to touch Addie*

JB: Wow, you’re right! Addie’s not slimy. She feels cool and soft, like silk.  

Addie: Hisssssssss

JB: Your hissy kissies are tickling me, Addie! Hahaha!

LM: Ms. Jenny, can we please go swing now?

JB: Sure! Last one there is a rotten egg! 

After our fun in the park, I gathered up my courage and donned a boa bonnet for an evening out with Little Medusa’s family. And I’m happy to report that no one stared me into stone.
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LITTLE MEDUSA’S HAIR DO-LEMMA slithers onto bookshelves in late 2020. This humorous tale explores the universal theme of staying true to oneself and involves conflict with familial norms and traditions. The story also has several STEM connections to explore, including the fascinating origins behind the original Medusa tales and learning more about snakes. 

Jennifer Buchet is an award-winning author and fantastically fun pre-kindergarten teacher. She's written everything from angst-filled diaries and fourth grade newspapers, to commercials and blogs. Yet her heart has always belonged to kid lit. 

If you want to chat with Little Medusa or Ms. Jenny, you can reach them via:
Twitter: @Yangmommy
Email: Jennifer@Buchetbooks.com
Website launching soon!

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