Rex's first interview with Donna Huber, Girl who reads!
A Conversation with Brenda Perlin and Rex Baughman
Two of the authors of Ty the Bull recently chatted about the book and the important message contained within its pages:
Everything seemed to fall apart for Ty when his parents got a divorce. At his wits end after being bullied endlessly, he started to ditch school. It wasn't until he met up with a skater named Peacock that things somehow turned around and he put the pieces of his life back together.
Brenda Perlin, author of the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles, and Kim Mutch Emerson, publisher at Master Koda Select Publishing, teamed up with 11 year old Rex Baughman to tell an illustrated story based on the real life of an average 10 year old kid. Here is the transcript of a recent conversation Brenda and Rex had about bullying, writing a book and more.
Brenda: Why do you think kids bully other kids?
Rex: Because.they are mad at themselves and they are not feeling good and they want everybody else to feel the same way they do?Brenda That is such a really good answer! I wouldn’t have thought of all that. So you think they have low-self-esteem?
Rex: Yeah
Brenda: What are some of the things kids have bullied you about?
Rex: Like your fat and your stupid.
Brenda: But you are not fat you are not stupid.
Rex: I know. But I don’t know why.
Brenda: You have said people even pick on your name.
Rex: I know. It doesn’t make any sense.
Brenda: Why do you think a story about bullies is important?
Rex: To make others feel like that they shouldn’t care about what other people say or think. Just move on and don’t think about it. Just ignore it.
Brenda: What has helped you the most against bullies? I mean have you even been able to just ignore them?
Rex: Usually, just say like what’s you're problem and they usually get stuck and move.
Brenda: That is great.
Rex: Yes, I just try to ignore them.
Brenda: That’s even better.
Rex: Yeah, I think so.
Brenda: What is helping you the most dealing with your parents divorce?
Rex: Probably not think about it.
Brenda: It’s not getting easier for you?
Rex: Not that easy.
Brenda: You are not alone . It’s a hard topic.
Rex: I know.
Brenda: What makes you feel better about yourself?
Rex: Ummm… I really don’t know.
Brenda: Yes, you do! Rex!
Rex: Oh yeah, when I do good in school or when I do good art work or learn a new trick on the trampoline.
Brenda: That’s a good feeling.
Rex: Yeah.
Brenda: We used your artwork for the book. Do you think your work has recently improved? If so, why and how?
Rex: Oh yeah, for sure. I have. Probably because I have been putting more time into it and more thought. And putting more details.
Brenda: You have a natural talent but of course you have to nurture it.
Rex: Yes, I have to be careful how I put the marks on them. It’s better when I take my time.
Brenda: Let’s change the subject, what’s your favorite subject in school?
Rex: History. Actually.
Brenda: Really, how come?
Rex: Well, I have three. History, writing and math. History because it is a pretty easy subject for me. I have a good memory so I can remember all the things I have to study for.
Brenda: That is good. It’s not because it is interesting?
Rex: I like writing too because you get to make up stories and math because you get to solve equations. History is probably my favorite though.
Brenda: What do you want to do when you grow up?
Rex: I would have to say an owner of a company that I made and designed.
Brenda: That was fast! You are such an individual! I love that. I think you’re big on being your own person Rex!
Brenda: How does it feel to have your name on the cover of a published book?
Rex: I feel FAMOUS! I feel serious in the business word.
Brenda: That is wonderful. You are making something of yourself.
Rex: Yeah!
Thank you Donna for the beautiful page!
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