Sara Crow, author of the children’s book “Even Superheroes Have to Sleep” is the mother of three children, Cash, 3, Banks, 4, and Knox, 6. In addition to writing children’s books, she also works in marketing at local software startup, Cross Tx. Above left, a page from Crow’s book, “Even Superheroes Have to Sleep,” depicts Crow and her two children from the time the book was written.
Sara Crow, author of the children’s book “Even Superheroes Have to Sleep” is the mother of three children, Cash, 3, Banks, 4, and Knox, 6. In addition to writing children’s books, she also works in marketing at local software startup, Cross Tx. Above left, a page from Crow’s book, “Even Superheroes Have to Sleep,” depicts Crow and her two children from the time the book was written.
While putting her children to bed, Sara Crow had an "aha" moment.
"My kids didn't want to take off their superhero costumes and go to sleep," Crow said. "Finally I just yelled, 'Even superheroes need to sleep!' And I was instantly inspired. So when they finally did start to sleep I poured a glass of wine and I got to work."
The Montana State University graduate and Bozeman resident began writing her children's book, "Even Superheroes Have to Sleep," which was eventually discovered at a street fair and published by Penguin Random House’s Doubleday Books for Young Readers.
The book was originally self-published and funded with a successful Kickstarter campaign in March 2015. The kickstarter raised $13,000.
"Kickstarter was a bit intimidating," Crow said. "But from a marketing perspective it was great because I got to ship to so many other countries. Kickstarter spread the word so broadly that I never thought I would get to send so many books so far."
After sending the book to her Kickstarter backers in July 2015, Crow took the extra copies and sold them on the street to anyone who wanted one. She was selling the books at a street fair in Seattle when a a publisher happened to walk by and notice the book.
A few month later, a book deal was signed.
"I've seen it on shelves next to Jimmy Fallon's book," Crow said. "The best is seeing it in small bookstores, though. The independents are the kinds of people that made it all happen."
One of the biggest influences in the book is the comparison of everyday people such as doctors and scientists to superheroes.
"I wanted to show that not all heroes wear capes," Crow said. "My kids love superheroes, and I wanted to show them that heroes are all around them."
The book is illustrated by Adam Record, who is a artist and musician in St. George, Utah. Record's art style is unique and fit easily into Crow's vision for a welcoming and friendly style.
"Generally I'm inspired by all Disney classics from the '40s and '50s," Record said. "I had a lot of fun working on it and became great friends with the author Sara. We're currently working on book No. 2, and I hope that we can keep working together moving forward."
Crow's next book, "Even Superheroes Use the Potty," will be published early next year.
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