Author of Bestselling Judy Moody Books Dishes on Gearing up for Movie Release

POSTED BY babs ON July 7, 2011

I had the opportunity to sit down with bestselling author Megan McDonald of the famed Judy Moody book series at Book Expo America recently (held in NYC in late May). McDonald has written dozens of Judy Moody books over the years and was given the chance to co-write the screenplay for the Hollywood blockbuster movie, which released in June “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer”.  The books follow Judy as she tackles different tween-ager experiences. The movie is currently in theaters.

Marika Flatt (MF): What was the process like getting asked to write the screenplay for “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer”?

Megan McDonald (MM): Our producer called me up and hadn’t found anyone with the right voice for the screenplay. As you know, it’s not common for the author to get the opportunity to write the screenplay. So, once I picked myself up off the floor, I got to work with my friend, who became the co-writer. She had screenwriting experience and I did not. My research consisted of watching tons of kid movies. It was fantastic because I got to shape what I wanted the movie to be.

MF: What is your favorite Judy Moody book?

MM: Judy Moody Goes to College (#8) because that was a really fun time of my life. Judy gets to go to college and see the experiences through the eyes of an 8-year old.

MF: How do you feel about one of your books being turned into a major motion picture?

MM: Books are my first love. I’ve always been a big reader. It’s just so exciting because the movie opens up the fan base to a whole new level. I’m now able to reach kids who wouldn’t normally buy my books. The movie can get them interested in the characters, pull them in, and then they want to start reading the book series. So, this is a vehicle to really encourage reading for this age group.  The movie is really a tool to get kids back to books.

MF: What was it like filming and creating the movie?

MM: I got to be a co-producer of the film so we were on set every day for three months. Whatever the set designers created for Judy’s world, I got to have input, which is very unusual. I felt so lucky to be able to give my input on things like: What does Judy’s bedroom look like?  Also, sometimes, we’d be shooting a scene and I’d have to come up with new lines right on the spot. The director would hear the original lines and say, “That doesn’t work. Come up with something else.” It was a thrill!

MF: How was Jordana discovered to play Judy Moody?

MM: I actually discovered her online from a video she had posted. She’s from Australia. I watched a video on YouTube and immediately knew she was Judy Moody. She had to audition over Skype, which I’m sure was extremely difficult. Then, we brought her to the U.S. and told her she got the part. She had to pick up an American accent. She even had to work with a dialect coach to learn to say things like “jaw breaker”, which didn’t come naturally. She was amazing!

MF: Tell us a little bit about your readership for the Judy Moody book series.

MM: The readership is really wide. For many, it’s their first chapter book experience. They feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The largest readership comes from grades 2-4, 7-10 year olds. They’re funny and adventurous books.

I was able to give my 10-year old daughter, Analise Flatt, a few Judy Moody books– some that tied into the movie release and others that came before the movie. She picked her two favorites and wrote up the following book reviews. She’s an avid reader and a budding book publicist.

Judy Moody & the Poop Picnic is based on the movie “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer”. This is a very exciting book! You never know what’s going to happen next. My favorite part of the story was when Aunt Opal, Judy Moody and her brother, Stink, lost the map to the cemetery so they got lost and ended up at an old amusement park. Judy ate her sandwich that had Big Foot poop on the back because she didn’t see it. I hope you get to experience the fun of reading this book.

Judy Moody & the Thrill Points Race is based on the movie “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer”. In this book, it tells you about all the exciting things Judy Moody did to earn thrill points over the summer, such as: trying to tightrope walk, riding on a roller coaster, and going to a scary movie. My favorite part was when Frank threw up on Judy. It makes me think about all the exciting things I have done this summer to earn my own THRILL POINTS! It’s certainly a Not-Bummer Summer!

By: Analise Flatt

For more information on Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer,

please visit www.JudyMoodytheMovie.com. For more information on the books, visit www.judymooody.com and www.candlewick.com.

Marika Flatt is the owner of PR by the Book, www.prbythebook.com. Also, she has been a freelance writer since 2002, specializing in travel and gift guides. She writes for publications such as: GoodHousekeeping.com, AustinWoman magazine, Plate & Vine, ChickVacations, and FamilyTravel.com. Her writing has also appeared on NPR.org. One of her favorite things to do is watch a great movie and read a great book!

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