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An interview with Award-winning Author, Lisa Funari-Willever

Q: You have used New Jersey as the setting in your Nicky Fifth chapter books. Why?

LFW: Well, every book needs a setting, so I thought, why not New Jersey? I am a Jersey girl, born and raised in Trenton and now residing in Mansfield Township, Burlington County. I feel very strongly about New Jersey and thought using it as a setting would allow me to weave fact and fiction.

Q: In the first book, 32 Dandelion Court, Nicky Fifth is devastated when he learns he has to move from Philadelphia to New Jersey. Why did you make him feel that way?

LFW: Unfortunately, New Jersey has suffered from a really lousy image for many years. I travel all over the country visiting schools and people roll their eyes and make faces when I say I am from New Jersey. It's very frustrating that people believe so many of these things that are just not true. I decided to have my main character, Nicky, devastated when he hears the rumors and have him see New Jersey for the great state that it really is.

Q: What do you like most about writing the Nicky Fifth books?

LFW: As an author, I love writing books that entertain and become the vehicle allowing readers to travel anywhere, especially NJ. As a mom, I am always excited when, throughout the humor and story, I can add facts and allow my readers to learn something they may not have known. As a mom, my fondest wish would be for kids to read the books and bug their parents into bringing them to all of the places Nicky Fifth and T-Bone visit.

Q: Why did you add a real Passport in the back of your newest book, Passport to the Garden State?

LFW: After I wrote Garden State Adventure, I started receiving letters and e-mails from parents, students, teachers, and principals letting me know that they were following Nicky Fifth's daytrips. It was an amazing moment when I realized that kids were so moved by the books that they wanted to follow the characters. It became a great opportunity to share all of New Jersey with kids in the Garden State and those who may decide to visit.

Q: What's the hardest part of writing the chapter books?

LFW: Well, traveling all over the state, visiting amusement parks, beaches, museums, water parks, lakes, rivers, parks, restaurants and gift shops is tough work, but…someone's got to do it! In all honesty, the hardest part is deciding which places will be included in the book. Each place is selected based upon how they work with and add to the story. I never accept payment from places listed because I never want this to be about advertising. The Nicky Fifth books are written to be a series of fact and fiction woven together with humor and emotion.

Q: Are you working on a new Nicky Fifth book?

LFW: Always! I am currently writing Book #5, Nicky Fifth at The Jersey Shore. New Jersey has an amazing, diverse coastline, so I thought it would be fund to be able to compare and contrast the northern shores, the southern shores, and the back bays.

Parent Tip: How To Plan A Great Daytrip

You may notice the title isn't 'How to Plan the Perfect Daytrip' and there's a good reason for that. Daytrips, by definition, are designed to hit snags; a site is closed for renovations, weather changes, traffic delays. So never plan a perfect daytrip for your family, instead shoot for great.

1.        The most important part of your daytrip happens well before you get in the car; it's all in the planning. Your first stop should be the internet. Check out the places you are interested in visiting and then check them out on Mapquest to see the actual distances from your house and from each other. Also check the local Visitor Center.

2.        Visit their websites and print what they offer. Check the current hours and schedule of events they offer. Remember, some places are open seasonally or close from time to time. Call ahead to verify the internet information is accurate and ask if they have any suggestions for nearby activities, restaurants, etc.

3.        Select a variety of places to keep that will keep the momentum up and keep everyone in the family interested. If you are visiting a historical landmark, mix it up by including non-history sites as well. Be mindful of how much walking is involved and the stamina of your family, especially young children.

4.        Never over-plan the day, sometimes leaving open time allows for exploring and spontaneity, which become great opportunities for fun.

5.        Use the websites and information you have printed to get your kids excited. Don't worry if they seem unimpressed. Today's kids are so used to high-tech, high entertainment that visiting a museum or monument may not sound exciting to them. Find the interesting aspects that may appeal to them and then forge ahead.

6.        Give the kids a digital camera or Flip Camera so they can be the family photographers and document the day's activities.

7.        Don't stick to the highways. Take some back roads and point out things they've never seen. Perhaps it's a place you went to as a child or a place where something extraordinary occurred. Let the kids hold the atlas and help navigate.

8.        Make things personal. If you are in a historic home, ask them which bedroom they would have chosen, tell them the chores kids their age were responsible for, or what kinds of toys and games kids played with back then.

9.        Give each kid a few dollars to purchase a souvenir from the gift shop.

10.        Be knowledgeable, enthusiastic and flexible and it will be contagious. The most important thing is spending time together while you explore new and favorite places.

11.        When you return home, share your daytrip with friends and family who may enjoy following your itinerary.

12.        Start planning the next trip.