A joyful middle grade novel based on the Netflix holiday film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, about an eccentric toymaker, his adventurous granddaughter, and a magical invention, that if they can get it to work in time for the holidays, could change their lives forever. We spoke with author Lyn Sisson-Talbert about the inspiration for Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, the Black-owned bookstores she grew up exploring, and more!
Please tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write this book and how this story took shape for you.
This book was inspired by the Netflix film I produced, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. Everything was already there so it pretty much wrote itself.
In two sentences or less, what’s something that might surprise Libro.fm listeners about your audiobook?
That the actress that plays the grandmother in the movie is also the narrator of the book; Phylicia Rashad. She’s a living legend.
Have you listened to your own audiobook? If so, what struck you about the narration?
I’ve always loved Phylicia Rashad’s voice and actually listened to many of the books she’s read for fun, but never did I dream that I would be doing a film with her, let alone get her to read my book. She’s amazing!
Are you an audiobook listener? If so, what are some of your favorite audiobooks?
Yes I am. Since I’m in the entertainment industry and reading, editing, and giving notes is usually work, listening to audiobooks are my escape. I love biographies, romance, mystery, self-help—you name it. I’ll listen to anything that pulls my attention, but it definitely has to be read the proper way and be entertaining.
What have independent bookstores and/or booksellers meant to you personally and professionally?
They have meant a great deal. My late father would always take me to independent Black-owned bookstores when I was younger to learn about Black history, go to readings, and meet authors. I loved to hear them read from their books.
PS: Check out our directory of Black-Owned Bookstores
Header photo by D’Andre Michael