Yes, that’s Jennifer Garner on Storyline Online reading Maddi’s Fridge (Flashlight Press, 2014, 2022) by Award-Winning Author Lois Brandt. And the video (which you should definitely go watch, but only after you’ve finished reading Lois’ interview, of course!) has more than 13 million views on YouTube. You know. Just your everyday, typical outcome for a debut picture book.
The funny part is that Lois mentioned this little tidbit of information in passing when I interviewed her recently. Like, breezed over it. Because, despite the incredible reach of Maddi’s Fridge — translated into five languages and embraced by readers around the world — Lois is remarkably humble about both her writing and her success. More than once, she told me she never expected the book to take off as well as it did. And take off, it has! Maddi’s Fridge was originally published in 2014, re-released in paperback in 2022, and earlier this year, Flashlight Press (FP) created a Maddi’s Fridge Book App, which brings the story to life digitally with an animated, interactive “Read to Me” mode and a handful of fun, story-related games.
But what’s stayed with Lois the most isn’t just the book’s longevity — it’s the response from readers. Over the years, people of all ages have continued to reach out to tell her how much the story resonated with them, and she still sounds genuinely surprised (and delighted!) by how deeply it connected — especially with adult readers. Honestly, it feels like Maddi’s Fridge just keeps finding new ways to give back — and Lois seems perfectly happy to keep the spotlight on the book’s mission and not herself.
Lois and I connected recently (via Zoom ) and believe me when I say we could have talked forever. In fact, I probably said, “Thank you so much for your time, Lois!” at least three times, only to then ask another question. Or two. I’m excited to share her story with Writers’ Rumpus! readers.
Keri Demers: Let’s start at the very beginning: what was your inspiration for this important, heartwarming story?
Lois Brandt: When I was around ten years old, I went to a “new-ish” friend’s house after school. My friend, Liz, and I were having so much fun that before we knew it, it was getting dark. And I was getting hungry. When I suggested we get something to eat, Liz abruptly replied, a hint of panic in her voice, “It’s time for you to go home.” But I had already run into the kitchen and opened the fridge. I never expected the fridge would be empty, and I will certainly never forget the ashamed look on Liz’s face. She made me promise not to tell anyone. But, I was so distraught when I got home, I had to tell my mother what happened. Without hesitation, we went food shopping and brought groceries over to Liz’s house. Liz was so mad at me she didn’t talk to me for probably a week or so, which felt like eternity in “kid” time.
KD: Wow, Lois. You carried that story with you for a long time.
LB: Yeah. (a beat – then a soft smile, and a small nod) I did.
KD: When did you finally decide it was time to write this story?
LB: I am a huge fan of writing prompts – they have this way of waking up your memory. One day the prompt was, “Write a childhood memory you can’t stop thinking about.” And that turned into the first draft of Maddi’s Fridge.
KD: Please tell me about your unique path from a writing prompt to a published a picture book!
LB: I originally intended to submit the story to Highlights magazine, so I brought the draft to my critique group, who – of course – said, “No, it’s not ready.” That’s why we need them, right? It was a little discouraging, we’ve all been there, but the suggestion came up to write the story as a picture book. I said I’d think about it. After the meeting, one member approached me and said, “You have to stick with this story, Lois. Really. When I was a kid, we had no food and I thought I was alone.” He was the first of dozens of adults who approached me and shared that as children they had empty pantries and refrigerators. Some of the adults I met were currently struggling to feed their own children. I did not anticipate the adult responses to the story. Shortly after the book came out, I was at a school signing copies and the secretary came up to me and said, “I tried to read your book, but I couldn’t get through it.” And I thought: Oh great! I’ve written a book that no one can read!
After many revisions, I sent the manuscript out and quickly got forty rejections, including a rejection from Flashlight Press (FP), who ended up publishing it. A few months after the initial rejection, FP reached out to me and said they couldn’t stop thinking about my book and they wanted to take another look. Shortly after that, they accepted it and I had the privilige of working with FP editor Shari Dash Greenspan.
KD: That’s amazing! What were some of the biggest revisions you made when you started working with Shari at FP?
LB: Revising Maddi’s little brother, Louis. After a read through, I realized he was just sitting in the story like a lump. Then I realized, that as far as Louis was concerned, he was the protagonist, not a secondary character – and he needed to actively want something in the story. He didn’t like fish for dinner, he wasn’t thrilled with frittatas, so I needed to figure out, What does Louis want? Then, out of the blue, “Cheesy Pizza Bombs” popped in my head. I had no idea where the idea had come from, but I doubted that I made it up. Surely, I must have heard of them before. So I looked it up and couldn’t find anything! That became the thread for Louis through the story. And of course there’s a recipe for “Cheesy Pizza Bombs” on my website.
KD: I’m not much of a cook, but they sound delicious! I always ask picture book authors about their experience working with the artist who illustrated their book.
LB: When Vin Vogel (Illustrator) first sent me the illustrations, my initial reaction was that the pictures were a little cartoony for such a serious book. As the author, I knew I needed to just trust the publisher, and it’s a good thing I did, because I was completely wrong. When Vin sent me the illustration that ended up being the cover, I was blown away – he totally nailed their friendship. He’s an incredible artist, and I’m so happy he illustrated Maddie’s Fridge.
KD: That sounds like a pretty similiar experience among picture book authors I’ve interviewed. So, what’s next for you, Lois?
LB: My editor would like a sequel, showing Maddi and Sofia really caring about their classmates. I’ve been thinking a lot about the topic of homelessness. I’ve worked with homeless women and children, so it’s an issue near and dear to my heart. I also have a picture book manuscript out on submission, it’s titled: Thumb’s Up Day”. In this story, the child has a parent who’s an alcoholic – another tough topic. I was urged to write it by a school counselor. I just keep thinking about the kids who have come up to me at schools and said, ‘I’m like Maddi.” If we want children to love reading, and believe that books can transport them, there have to be stories that read true to kids. Imagine a child like Maddi, who has an empty fridge but never sees a book about a family with food insecurity. There’s a chance they could walk away and think: Books don’t tell the truth.
When I finally stopped peppering Lois with questions (which she answered so graciously), I “walked away” (virtually) with that familiar post-author-interview high I’ve come to know and love – inspired by her creativity, humbled by her persistence, and fascinated by her unique journey through the ever-so-challenging and constantly evolving world of children’s publishing. Capturing Lois’ personal story reminded me that none of us can (or should!) undertake this magical work of creating for children alone. In Lois’ own words, “If we all take care of each other, we’re all stronger for it.“
Kick off or celebrate a Maddi’s Fridge food drive with an in-person or virtual school visit!
Lois is deeply committed to the cause of fighting hunger and raising awareness about food insecurity. Despite the fact that Maddi’s Fridge was first published more than ten years ago, Lois continues to offer both in-person and virtual visits. Virtual visits are free as long as the school or organization hosts a food drive that coincides with her session. For more information check out: https://www.loisbrandt.com/
Writing Prompt Assignment! (courtesy of Lois)
Write About a Time You Lied…
Who knows, you just might be drafting your next manuscript.
WRITERS' RUMPUS 