The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Chad Otis

Chad Otis is an author/illustrator who thrives on heartfelt, humorous stories - with unique, vibrant characters at their core.

Chad has a BFA in design from the University of Washington's School of Art, Art History, and Design. He worked with Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney for over twenty years as an animator, illustrator, and creative director for digital content. He lives on the edge of the Rocky Mountains in Idaho.

Chad is the author and illustrator of Neat Nick’s Big Mess (Rocky Pond Books 2024), The Bright Side  (Rocky Pond Books, 2023), A Little Ferry Tale (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books 2022), and Oliver The Curious Owl (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2021). Additionally, he is the illustrator of Cold Turkey by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Kirsti Call  (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2021) and Cuddle Monkey by Blake Liliane Hellman (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books 2020).

For information on Chad, check out earlier interview (here).

His newest author/illustrated picture book, Hazel is All That, was released on July 8^th.

Welcome Chad! Thank you so much for stopping back by to chat about your books and writing.

Thanks for having me back!

Having author/illustrated four other books, do you have particular process? Such as starting with the illustrations or the text? Did it change at all for Hazel is All That?

The story concept always comes first for me. Like most of my books, I didn't start out thinking about social-emotional learning, or the stages of child development. I wanted to make a book about a unique, clever kid and a whole bunch of dogs just being their sweet, crazy, happy, sad selves!

Great premise. And you definitely succeeded with that goal. What was your inspiration or spark of interest for Hazel is All That? 

I love dogs, and I think it’s funny how often dogs DO resemble their owners. So, my original idea was about a girl who is allowed to choose her own dog to adopt. At the kennel, she starts by looking for a dog that looks like her. She quickly decides it would be better to find a dog that shares her personality instead. I thought this might give young readers the opportunity to watch her as she thinks through who SHE is in order to choose a dog most like her. Is she sweet? Mean? Tough? Shy? As you can see, the kennel became a walk to the park, and instead of choosing a dog to adopt, she is sparked into judging dogs after a triggering encounter. Her assessment of the dogs in the story becomes a deeper understanding that we all aren’t just what’s visible immediately - but more a collection of traits - over time, and in response to the world around us.

It's so interesting how things change as authors and illustrators start digging into creating picture books. Which part was the hardest part of creating Hazel is All That, the writing or the illustrating? What was the most fun part?

The illustration for Hazel was the hardest AND most fun part. I really wanted to make the illustrations support the story - the array of “colorful” emotions we all share, as well as Hazel’s colorful personality. This was a little bit of a departure from my previous books in which the palettes are more muted - so it just ended up being more colors to coordinate. Tough, but fun.

That does sound like a lot of fun. How long did it take from the first “seed” of the idea to publication for Hazel is All That?

The journey from idea to publication took quite a long time for Hazel. I think it was about eighteen months. A lot of this is often just tied to shopping the book around and setting the publication date. Creation of the book itself probably took about eight months.

WOW! That's pretty speedy for a picture book. What was the most rewarding part of the publishing process for Hazel is All That?

Working with Lauri, Jennifer, and Liz at Rocky Pond Books to craft the best story, illustrations, design, and marketing for my books is always a pleasure!

Is there a spread that you were especially excited about or proud of? Or perhaps one which is your favorite spread? Which spread are you most proud of?

 Text & Image © Chad Otis, 2025.

I’m happy with how the title spread turned out. I feel like the environment, the title treatment, and the characters all come together nicely. I also feel like the spread with all the dogs on one page, where Hazel is considering their changing emotions, is pretty fun.

It's fun to have these two questions back-to-back. I do love the colors reflected in the title. Many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in Hazel is All That? If so, could you share one or more with us?

There’s a hungry squirrel that takes an interest in Hazel from the start. It seems to think Hazel might be a good candidate for providing some sort of snack (it’s not wrong). Maybe he’s followed her before? I also used my thumbprint on the title treatment and in a few other places. Nothing like literally having your fingerprints on your work, right?

Look back at the title page and see if you find the squirrel and Chad's thumbprint. Thanks for sharing that nugget with us! Is there anything special you want your readers to know about Hazel is All That?

I’ve come to realize my stories are about planting seeds of self-actualization. It’s a very complex topic. But, as with my other books, I hope this can give kids a bit of a head start toward self-actualization. This is important to me because self-actualization came late in life for me (see The Bright Side), and I think the sooner we learn who we are, the better equipped we are to live a happy, healthy life. While kids might come away from this story proclaiming “Those dogs are silly!,” or “Can we go get ice cream!;” I’m hoping there’s a seed planted that might later sprout into a sapling of self-actualization.

I think both of those are possibilities, but I think there will be kids (and adults) who recognize the emotions of the dogs and Hazel's realization that she experiences all the same emotions. Are there any projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?

Yes! The dangers of screen time for kids has been on my mind a lot lately. I’ve been working on a story that I hope speaks to young readers (and their grown-ups) about that in a fun, but motivational way.

Intriguing! Have to keep our eyes open for news of this book. Last question, what animal or natural feature (place) do you want to learn more about? Why?

Nothing in nature is quite as fascinating to me as creatures of the sea! Especially the weird blind, luminescent, undulating, transparent things of the very deepest sea.

Well, we'll have to see if these creatures end up featuring in one of your stories one day. Thank you, Chad, for coming back to talk with me about your newest book. 

It’s my pleasure. Thanks again for asking me!

For more information about Chad Otis, or to contact him:

Website: https://www.chadotis.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ChadOtisDesign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadsbooks/