Interview: David McMullin

Little Thoughts Press Issue Twelve: Better Together with a sneak peek of the poem "School Library Donation Day" by David McMullin.

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David McMullin is a picture book author, illustrator, and children’s poet. His books include Free to be Fabulous (HarperCollins), Rock ‘n’ Roll Baby (Penguin/ Random House—March 3, 2025), and a soon-to-be-announced early reader series. His poems can be found in many magazines and anthologies. Honors include an SCBWI Ann Whitford Paul Award, an Astra International Picture Book Writing Contest award, and Madness Poetry champion. David is a full-time world traveler, bird nerd, and YouTuber. In past careers, he was a Broadway actor, an educator, and a children’s librarian.

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Little Thoughts Press: "School Library Donation Day" is quite a feat of rhyme and rhythm! Do you have any tips or techniques to offer to young writers who are experimenting with rhyme or meter for the first time? Can you recommend a few rhyming poems that are your personal favorites and that you think are especially strong examples of the form? 

David McMullin: First, don’t worry about the rhyme and rhythm. Most important thing is a good idea or story. If the story is bad, no one will want to read it in the first place. If the rhythm and rhyme aren’t perfect, no one will care. But, it’s always nice to get it right. The easiest way to start is to copy. Find a popular nursery rhyme and exchange its words with for own. Don’t be afraid to use online resources like a rhyming dictionary or thesaurus. I’ve heard people ask, “Isn’t that cheating?” No way!  They are great tools. While using them, I often find new ideas that make my writing even more creative.

Some poems I recommend are: "Sick" by Shel Silverstein from Where the Sidewalk Ends. This is the first poem I ever memorized. "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore is expertly written!

I also recommend all young poets take a look at the Mother Goose nursery rhymes.

Little Thoughts Press: You’ve had a number of careers in addition to being a writer, including as an educator, a children’s librarian, and a Broadway actor! How have these past experiences informed and influenced your approach to writing and specifically your writing for children?

David McMullin: It is definitely all connected. From acting, I learned to be creative, to take chances, to tell a strong story, and to collaborate. As an educator, I spent time with hundreds of kids, and as a librarian, I read thousands of children’s books. It all led to where I am today.

Little Thoughts Press: Our Better Together issue is all about community and people working together to make the world a better place. What are some actions, big or small, that you take to help make the world better? Are there any organizations that are doing good, important work that you want to shout out?

David McMullin: If you are a writer, you have a great head start. A good story can entertain, teach, help the reader understand themself better, and help them understand others. I always like to consider how my actions affect others. I’m happy to see We Need Diverse Books making positive changes in the world, and I’ll give a shout-out to all the librarians out there!

Little Thoughts Press: How did you get started writing kid-lit and what do you find most challenging and rewarding about writing for kids?

David McMullin: After I left my career as a singer and dancer, my brain kept letting me know that it needed me to stay creative. My free time was too free. Art and writing seemed like a natural way to fill the void. When I was young, I had a few learning disabilities. Reading was challenging, and I never wanted to pick up a book. Now, I want to help kids who are like I was, by creating fun, short poems and stories that encourage them to give reading a try.

Little Thoughts Press: Which kid-lit authors and books were your favorites growing up?

David McMullin: My all-time favorite book is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The Roald Dahl books are a close second, especially James and the Giant Peach. I also loved the Dr. Seuss books. Those started my love of rhyme.

Little Thoughts Press: And what about today? Any kid-lit writers you love and want to shout out?

David McMullin: From the books that came out last year, I loved Dinos that Drive by Suzy Levinson and Boing! by James Carter.

Little Thoughts Press: What advice would you give to young writers?

David McMullin: My advice is to start small. A poem can be short, just one to three lines. Have fun, make it simple.

Little Thoughts Press: Is there anything else you wish I had asked? Any upcoming projects, publications, or other news you'd like to share?

David McMullin: March 3rd is the release of my board book Rock ’n’ Roll Baby with Penguin/Random House, and I have an early reader series coming out next fall. I can’t wait to share those books with the world!