We’ve seen tons of witches in kid lit but not too many lunch lady witches. How did you come to develop Grunhilda? Did you have any kid lit (or real-life) inspiration? I was inspired by my friend Cheryl Wilson, who is a lunch lady. A proud lunch lady. I hasten to add that she is kind, thin, and small-nosed.

I also was inspired by Mary Poppins. Grunhilda is her opposite.

You seem to gravitate toward naughty or rude characters. What is it about them that appeals to you—and why do you think kids love them so much? We all feel naughty and rude once in a while. My characters just haven’t learned how to disguise their feelings. I suspect kids relate to the trueness of the emotion, even if it is exaggerated.

The book’s palette is perfect for its subject matter. How did you achieve that wonderfully grimy look? The first book had various oils and condiments spilled and sprayed onto the paper. The medium for the second book is wild flowers.

What do you think is next for Grunhilda? Grunhilda is going to star in a Hollywood biopic.

Did you have a favorite moment or scene to illustrate in this book? I particularly enjoyed the “family” argument on the broom, with the bristles on fire. Reminds me of many a family road trip.

I also enjoyed drawing the ancestors as full of elderly rage. My own ancestors are probably not too happy about it.