A Visit with Dilly, the pickle lover

4RV is honored to release A New Job for Dilly, written by Rena Jones and illustrated by Lisa Oakman. The story is fun-filled as pickle-loving Dilly tries to find a way to obtain sour pickles without "stealing" them.

I visited with Dilly the other day, over sour pickles and pickle juice, of course. He politely answered questions I asked.



Vivian: When did you first discover your love of sour pickles, Dilly?

Dilly: I tried my first sour pickle when I was just a pup. I was born in an alley behind a little place called the Pickle Barrel Deli. It was in the back, by one of the trash cans, that I discovered just how wonderful and yummy sour pickles tasted. I’ve been a fan ever since!

Vivian: You are a rather unusual rat. Why do you want to be able to “purchase” or earn your pickles?

Dilly: I’d like to earn them because it’s really hard to steal them. Besides, stealing is wrong, and I don’t want to go to jail. Getting chased by scary men or having pots and pans thrown at me is no fun either.

Vivian: That makes sense, Dilly. You know, most people are afraid of rats. Why should they not be afraid of you?

Dilly: I’m a nice rat, and I don’t want to scare or hurt anyone. I just want sour pickles.

Vivian: I'll have to agree that you're a nice rat, cuddly, too. Your author, Rena Jones, gave you a personality. Do other rats have personalities? Why aren’t most other rats considered personable?

Dilly: Rats have wonderful personalities, but we’re often misunderstood. That whole bubonic plague thing wasn’t our fault – it was the fleas that caused that mess. Rats are very social, and when kept as pets, they will come when you call their name. They also love to be petted and can even learn tricks. However, a lot of people don’t like us and think we’re scary, which makes me sad.

Vivian: Please don't be sad. Here have another pickle. Author Lisa Oakman drew your pictures so well. You’re cute as can be, yet “cute” isn’t a word usually associated with rats. Can you tell us what makes you attractive?

Dilly: I’m not really sure, but maybe it has something to do with my pretty, blue eyes and pink nose. Maybe it’s my feet, too – I think my feet are pretty cute, don’t you?

Vivian: Yes, very cute, but I like your eyes best. Dilly, where do you live?

Dilly: I live in Bigfork, Montana, but I’m not a native. I’m a brown rat, which is also known as a Norway rat, though my species didn’t come from Norway. Brown rats live all over the world, except in Antarctica. It is way too cold there for my little, pink feet. And, besides, there are no pickles in Antarctica, so no wonder no one lives there.

Vivian: *laugh* Good point. What is your favorite part of your story? Why?

Dilly: My favorite part was when I discovered the beautiful sour pickle in the trash truck. It was huge! It was also a moment of discovery because I knew exactly what type of job was best for me.

Vivian: I've often wondered: How did you and your story find your way to 4RV Publishing? By the way, we’re very glad you did, and I never thought I’d say that about a rat. You’re different in a very good way.

Dilly: Thank you, Ms. Vivian. I’m very happy 4RV Publishing told my story. Rena found out about 4RV through a writer’s message board you posted on. When you mentioned you wanted to give talented people a chance to establish themselves as writers, Rena saw that as an open door and walked through it. You sent her my contract on 08-08-08. Rena’s birthday is on the 8th, and it’s always been her favorite number, so it had to be a lucky sign.

Vivian: Will there be more stories about you? Do you know any titles yet?

Dilly: Yes! I find a special friend in A New Friend for Dilly and then in A Dinner Date for Dilly, I get to sample all sorts of yummy foods with my new friend. Both books are going to be great, and I’m sure Lisa Oakman will do a wonderful job with the pictures again. Rena has even more ideas for me, but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens with the first three books.

Vivian: Where can we read more about you and your search for a new job?

Dilly: You can find out more about me at the following sites –

Rena’s website
Rena’s blog
4RV Publishing
You can join my fanpage on Facebook by searching “A New Job for Dilly”

Also, on Rena’s website on the “Links” page, you will find a PDF of activities your children can do after reading the book. It’s fun stuff!

Thanks so much for interviewing me, Vivian. This blog tour for my new book has been lots of fun and I’m honored that I was chosen for the final stop. I hope everyone enjoys reading A New Job for Dilly, and a very special thanks to everyone who participated. I think now is a good time to celebrate – got pickles?

Vivian: Thank you for joining me today, Dilly. You have been a delightful guest.

Today is the last stop on the book blog tour, but the contest is still going.

Win an autographed copy of A New Job for Dilly. All you need to do is leave a comment on at least FOUR of the seven blog stops. Rena will put your name in a pot, and a winner will be chosen at the end of the tour. Please make sure she has a way to contact you. But remember, you have to reply to at least FOUR different stops to qualify. Rena will contact the winner at the end of the tour to find out how they'd like the book to be signed. Thanks and good luck.


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