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Meet a Middle Grade Author

Meet Caron Pescatore: Author of the Kids’ Court Whodunit series

Tell us about your books

I write a series entitled A Kid’s Court Whodunit. The books are a combination of courtroom drama and mystery. My kids describe them as Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew meets Judge Judy. 🤣🤣 The main character, Luana, is the daughter of two attorneys. In the first book, she has the idea to start a kids’ court to resolve an argument between twin siblings over what destroyed a beloved doll. Like real courts, the Kids’ Court has a judge, bailiff, court reporter, and other staff. They are a quirky bunch, and there’s a lot of laughs in the stories.

In the first book in the series, The Doll Dilemma, Luana represents the brother during the trial, accused of destroying the doll. Witnesses are called to court to give evidence against him by his sister’s lawyer. Through cross-examination of each witness and examination of other evidence produced in court, Luana and her best pal, Phoebe, solve the mystery of what did happen to the doll. The Kids’ Court resolves a dispute between two children through a trial in each subsequent book, and Luana solves the mystery of what happened.

Which books did you enjoy growing up?

I have always been a voracious reader. Growing up in Jamaica, there wasn’t much to do during the summer holidays other than roam around my neighborhood with friends or read. We had only one TV station, and it didn’t “sign on” until five o’clock in the evening. And, of course, there was no internet or even computers back then. I loved all types of books, but I especially loved the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series.

What is your favorite food or foods?

Hmm that’s a hard one. I love Jamaican food, of course. But I wouldn’t describe myself as a foodie. I do love English chocolate.

Tell us about your pets

Alas I have no pets, much to the disgust of my children. 😳🙄🤣

What inspired you to write your book series?

I’ve always loved writing. My first independent writing assignment was a play in elementary school. I spent one summer pounding it out on an old manual typewriter of my mother’s. Then in high school, I co-wrote a story with a friend. We’d take turns taking the story home and adding to it. It was such fun reading what she added each week, as it was very like reading a book where you had no idea what was going to happen next. I always thought I’d write adult fiction, though.

I developed an interest in kids’ books when I became a mother. I read a lot with my children—my son and I still read together every night. The idea for my first book came from a comment my husband casually tossed out. He said, “you’re a lawyer. Write a book about a kid lawyer.” Two days later, I had the idea for The Doll Dilemma. Since then, I have written seven books in the series. So far, I’ve only published three. Another three will be out this year—in the spring, summer, and fall.

Where is your favorite place to read?

There’s a shady area on my front porch where I like to sit and read. It’s so peaceful.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I’m a bit of a homebody, unfortunately. At least, it’s unfortunate as far as my daughter is concerned. 😂 I adore binge-watching TV series and particularly enjoy true-crime programs such as 48 Hours and Dateline, among others. I also enjoy creating personalized plaques. I make up verses and paint designs on them.

What did you learn when you were writing book series?

Writing is an ongoing process. There is no such thing as perfect. You have to get to a point where you’re satisfied. When I read my work, I can’t see it as a whole product. I see it as the individual words that make up the whole, so I’m always picking it apart. It used to frustrate me no end, but now that I understand what’s happening, I’ve learned to accept it.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A doctor or lawyer.

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

Write. That’s it. If you want to write, then do it. There will always be an excuse not to. You also have to read a lot to be a good writer—especially in whatever genre you’re writing.

You can find Caron online:

Website

FaceBook

Instagram

Twitter