Each week in October on Kid Talk Tuesday we will be celebrating the release of the Be Your Own Duck Commander™ series.  This week’s post features a Q&A with the author, John Luke Robertson.  Don’t forget to check out the series on www.beyourownduckcommander.com .

What was your inspiration behind the Be Your Own Duck Commander ™ series?

I’ve always loved to read. Many of the books I’ve enjoyed are novels. When I first had the opportunity to talk about doing some books, I wanted to tell some different stories along with getting my foot into the publishing world.

These books were inspired by my love of great stories. They’re a lot of fun and they’re full of a bunch of what ifs. They’re a lot like life that’s full of what ifs. In life you have to make choices. You never know what the other what ifs happen to be, but in these book you get to see what they are!

Who is the target reader for these books?

Really it’s for a younger crowd, but we have something for everybody. We wrote it for not only younger readers and fans of our show but also for adults who love to laugh and be entertained. There are lots of pop culture references that only grown-ups will appreciate. That was one fun aspect of writing these.

Tell me about how these books are structured to engage young readers.

As I said before, they’re full of what ifs. Each book has twenty-something endings. These stories definitely expand your imagination. They help you imagine what might happen. You’ll be flipping around the pages over and over again. They’re kinda more like a game or a puzzle and it’s up to the reader to make it through.

What lessons or truths will your readers find in the pages of these stories?

Every decision has a consequence, good or bad. It’s definitely that way in every story. But more than that, the lessons and truths that our family stands for come out in the stories. Sometimes the choices aren’t necessarily good or bad, but if you have the right thinking or mindset, then the choices you make will turn out okay.

What is your hope for this series?

Hopefully these books will entertain and make people laugh, but will also give a positive message and share our values. The notes from me in the backs of the books are a chance to expand on the message and those values.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Jase always says when it comes to girls and dead animals, the flies come first and then the bees. Wait for the bees. I’m still trying to figure out what that means.

Seriously, my Dad told me this when I was twelve years old: Whatever I do, do it a hundred percent. Either be hot or cold in this world. Don’t be in the middle.

What advice would you give to younger readers?

As you grow up, figure out who you are in God’s eyes, and who you are to everyone else will fall into place/work itself out.

What is the best encouragement that you have received in your life?

Watching my family and how they live—to be creative and spontaneous and kind and loving—it’s an encouragement for me to live like that.

What encouragement would you provide to your readers?

Some of these books are hard to get through and in Phil’s book you might be eaten or turned into a werewolf—but just keep going. They’re sort of a metaphor for life. No matter what life might throw at you, you just gotta keep going and keep a good attitude throughout.