Interview with picture book author Justin Colón

We are thrilled to host Justin Colón on our blog today! Read more about his upcoming picture book, THE ZOMBEES. 

KLiC: What was your inspiration for THE ZOMBEES?

JC: I had an existing contract with Simon & Schuster in which I needed to provide a follow-up book to The Quacken. They wanted something that featured another punny creature, humor, spookiness, and some sort of chase sequence. With those parameters in mind, I researched portmanteau creatures and worked from there. I'm also a Halloween buff and beekeeper, so I'm sure that played heavily into it as well.

KLiC: Please tell us about your writing process. How long did it take you to write and sell THE ZOMBEES? 

JC: From pitch to acquisition, the process took about eleven months. I pitched the title and character concept of The Zombees, during a February Zoom call with my editor, Kendra Levin. She loved it, and I got to writing. By mid-March I submitted the manuscript, and by mid-April I received a request for a significant 'revise and resubmit'. I submitted it in June, and by July I was informed by the editorial team that they were passing. They asked if I would be open to keeping the concept but writing an entirely new story, one that wasn't so dark and featured a message of bee positivity. Fast forward to January, after I had put the manuscript to rest for several months, and an entirely new story, told in rhyme, came to me while showering. I was able to produce a full draft, almost identical to the one being published, within two days. Normally my manuscripts take months (even years). I attribute this quickness to working on the story for so long and exploring all other options beforehand.

 I think what's far more interesting, though, is how quickly Kaly Quarles illustrated the book. From the time she was hired, Kaly delivered final art in just three months. She rocked under pressure, and that's what allowed us to stick to our original publication date of 2025.

KLiC: What are your favorite illustrations in THE ZOMBEES?

JC: This book feels like the essence of Halloween. It's spooky, festive fun. Each time I sit down with it I discover something new that I love and hadn't noticed before. As a spread, my favorite illustration is of the silhouetted zombees leaving the graveyard behind as they fly into the moonlit sky. Some of my favorite individual elements are the worm that appears on each page. The cat re-enacting the zombees in the library. And all the delicious looking candies and desserts Kaly crafted. I wish I could snatch them out of the page and eat them. 

KLiC: What’s the one thing you want children to take away from THE ZOMBEES?

JC: As a beekeeper, I often work to educate the public about honeybees and how they're intelligent, hardworking creatures that generally don't attack unless provoked. But that's not my objective here. All I hope is that this story proves a fun read-aloud for the Halloween season. I love when I receive messages from families and educators that the little ones in their lives ask to read my stories on repeat. It's an incredible feeling to know your story has enthralled a child.

KLiC: Do you have any tips for pre-published authors?

JC: Aside from the usual advice, I encourage you to think about your story's theme and takeaway. If you had to sum up your story in one word, what would that word be? What is your story really about at its core? What is its point? What do you hope readers will gain and take away from the experience? 

Also, I would love to help you on your publication journey. I provide query and manuscript critiques, consultations, classes, and mentorship through my website: justincolonbooks.com/editorial-services

KLiC: What’s next for you? 

JC: Beginning in autumn, I'll be traveling the country to do events and school visits for The Quacken and Impossible Possums. And in spring of 2026, my next picture book, Vampurr (illustrated by Lenny Wen) publishes with FSG/Macmillan. 

KLiC: Is there anything you want readers to know about you or your book(s)?

JC: I will be doing spooky Halloween-themed school visits for The Zombees during late September through October. If you're interested in me visiting your school, feel free to contact me through my school visits page: justincolonbooks.com/school-visits

Justin Colón (he/him/his) is a professional actor and children's book author. His previous picture books include The Quacken (illustrated by Pablo Pino) and Impossible Possums, (illustrated by James Rey Sanchez). A lover of Halloween and zombie movies, Justin is also a backyard beekeeper. Though his bees sometimes frighten the neighbors, they’ve never tried to eat their brains— something Justin takes great pride in. He lives in New York, but you can visit him at JustinColonBooks.com.

Photo by Sal Peretti