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Grok of Ages:
Interview with Gene Roberts
By Carin Chea
Children’s book creator and author Eugene “Gene” Roberts writes for young and old alike.
While Grok of the Rock tells the story of two “groks” who live in the faraway land of Binee-Boo-Bok, the message is universal: Your outlook, self-belief, and perseverance determines your path in life, not outward circumstances.
Roberts’ book (a collaboration between him and two long-time childhood friends) is a must-read for kids, but a much-needed reminder for their adult counterparts. After all, aren’t we all kids at heart?
“It isn’t how big,
And strong you are
Or that you can slide
On ice very far.
Or that you are witty
Or that you are wise.
But if you try hard,
To the top you will rise.”
- Grok of the Rock
How did you get started in writing children’s books?
I’ve been a banker for over 20 years. I’m on my lunch break right now. The book happened a long time ago. We (these long-time childhood friends of mine) all loved Dr. Seuss like most people do. One of these friends wanted to write a children’s book, so we came up with the idea.
My other friend and I started writing with him. We just sat around and came up with rhyming lines and developing the story. His idea was to not just do a book, but do shows with costumes and characters as well. That’s the original idea, kind of like Barney.
Most books that I’ve seen have been dogs, cats, monkeys, dinosaurs, which is great, but not a made-up creature.
Tell us how “groks” came to be. What is a grok?
It’s a furry, fun-loving creature who lives in Binee-Boo-Bok, a made-up area. The author’s pen name, Zander Van Duff, is also something we came up with.
Like how Dr. Seuss’ real name was Theodor Seuss Grisel and he wasn’t actually a doctor.
I didn’t know that!
Well, the same with us. We wanted a pen name. Our names are in the book under the copyright, but Zander Van Duff is our pen name and has nothing to do with our real names and families.
Anyway, the groks are fun-loving animal-like creatures who can talk and love playing outdoor games. The king is known as the Grok of the Rock. Sidney’s the small, weak one that ends up saving the day and eventually becomes the Grok of the Rock.
Sidney is kind and helpful towards others even though he’s picked on. He rises above that and risks his own life to save Harry. He’s able to get high up in the tree or under the bushes because of his size.
In your own words, what is the main message behind this book?
I want kids to understand that everyone is different. We all have unique purposes in life. To be helpful and kind to one another is the main thing we’re trying to get across. Be patient, learn that everyone has potential.
Even though we might feel weak and incapable, it’s best to rise above that.
Was there a reason you wanted to write this book?
For many kids, there’s a lot of teasing in school. All three of us were picked on when we were kids, but we all relate to that first month in high school the most. That was when there was some verbal bullying, and some physical.
We were in a small town as well, which could be isolating and lonely. As kids, we felt like we had nothing to do even though there were 40 acres of land and beautiful lakes surrounding us.
There is a definite underdog theme we all resonated with.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 14-year-old self?
I would tell him to just be himself. Try to do the right things. Be kind and helpful to people and try not to let the negative things get to you.
Please don’t feel like you’re not as good as someone else. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.
It really sounds like you have truly embodied the message you’re sending out with Grok of the Rock. You seem like a very kind and helpful person.
Thanks, I think so! My friends as well. We all have families and kids who are older now. When they were younger, they loved The Grok.
Wait, that’s how long the book’s been around?
This is 30 years in the making. When we started writing it way back when, we had a friend who did the illustrations, but he never finished and then he moved. So, for many years, we didn’t have the full book.
We eventually got an illustrator and got the “look” of the grok. That was in 2008.
Since then, I’ve been selling it on my own, going to festivals, reading it to kids. We have it in a bookstore here in Boulder.
Are there any upcoming projects or events you’d like us to know about?
I want to try and go to larger children’s book festivals and fairs, especially since summer’s coming up.
At the moment, I’m actively looking for events. Whenever I can get in front of someone and read the book, they seem to want to buy it and give it to their kids and grandkids.
For more information, please visit GrokOfTheRock.com
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