Interview with Mom’s Choice Award-Winner Chandra Lockett

Mom’s Choice Awards is excited to announce another post in our interview series where we chat with the inventors, designers, publishers, and others behind some of our favorite family-friendly products.


Welcome, Mom’s Choice readers! Today we were able to get together with Chandra Lockett, who recently won a Mom’s Choice Award for What’s in a Name? and Bubble Trouble. Part of Chandra’s Oinkers and Bananas series, these titles bring together heartwarming lessons with fun, adventurous storytelling to inspire and teach children important life values. Each book in the series features adventures with heartwarming lessons that help kids ages 2–10 grow in confidence, kindness, and self-discovery.

MCA: Chandra, we’re so glad you could join us today! First, why don’t you tell us about a bit about yourself.

I’m a mom, storyteller, and advocate for helping children embrace their uniqueness through fun and imaginative stories. My inspiration came from my kids, who challenged me to create bedtime stories that captured their attention and hearts. In addition to writing, I love spending time with my family, exploring creative outlets, and finding ways to connect with children through storytelling and meaningful life lessons.

MCA: What was your path to becoming a writer like?

My writing journey began with bedtime stories for my kids. They wanted stories that were funny, engaging, and heartfelt, so I created Oinkers and Bananas, a monkey and pig who embark on wild adventures and learn meaningful lessons. Their joy and excitement inspired me to write stories that could impact children beyond our home, encouraging creativity, confidence, and the power of friendship.

MCA: What was your inspiration for writing What’s in a Name?

What’s in a Name? was inspired by my desire to help kids understand that being different isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower. I wanted to create a story that shows children they are wonderfully unique and that their value doesn’t come from fitting in but from being themselves.

MCA: Would you provide a brief summary of the books and indicate what ages they’re geared toward:
  • What’s in a Name?is a story about self-discovery and embracing what makes us unique. It teaches children that their differences are their greatest strengths and that everyone is perfectly created just the way they are.
  • Bubble Troubleexplores the consequences of not following instructions through a lively, fun-filled adventure. When Oinkers and Bananas create a bubble-making contraption, chaos ensues because they didn’t pay attention to the rules. This story teaches children that while there are consequences to actions, love and support remain constant.
MCA: What would you like young readers to take away from your books?

Each book in the Oinkers and Bananas series is packed with meaningful life lessons for children. What’s in a Name? teaches kids to embrace their differences as unique superpowers, reminding them that they are perfectly created just the way they are. Bubble Trouble explores the importance of following instructions and shows that while actions have consequences, love remains unwavering. These stories emphasize self-discovery, accountability, and the value of kindness and perseverance, offering lessons that resonate with children and adults alike.

MCA: Important lessons indeed. What kind of response have you received from readers?

Readers have shared how much they love the relatable characters and the way the stories blend fun with meaningful lessons. Parents and teachers often say that the books spark great conversations with kids, and children are captivated by the humor and heart in each story. It’s been wonderful hearing how the series resonates across different ages.

MCA: What is next for your writing endeavors—do you have anything in the pipeline?

I’m thrilled to share that the next adventure, Sight Unseen, is currently in the works, and it’s about perseverance and finding the people who see your true value. This fifth story in the series will teach children that success doesn’t always come on the first try, but with persistence, great things can happen.

To bring Sight Unseen to life, we’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign. The funds will help us create the new book, sensory activity trays, plush dolls, and even teacher guides for classrooms. This is an exciting time for the Oinkers and Bananas adventure, and we’re inviting everyone to join us on this journey.

MCA: How exciting—four books published and a fifth on the way. And so many appreciative kids and parents looking forward to your next book. Please stay in touch!

You can learn more about Chandra Lockett and her award-winning books, What’s in a Name? and Bubble Trouble, by visiting her MCA Shop page

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