Sherri Duskey Rinker interview

Welcome to Sherri Duskey Rinker, one of the world's most beloved children's book authors. She is known for transforming industrial machinery into sweet and reassuring characters. What will your next book, Construction Site: Firefight!, be about? It is due to be released on 26 April 2026. Can you give your young fans a sneak preview?

I’m so excited to introduce my young fans (and their families!) to the brave heroes in my next book! In Construction Site: Firefight!, a wind storm and some loose wires ignite debris — causing a fire to break out on the construction site during the night. A team of rescue vehicles and firefighting machines rush in to help, with the aid of the building crew. Like all of my Construction Site books, it’s ultimately a story about how teamwork and dedication get jobs done.

Your stories unfold in picture books written in rhyme with an engaging rhythm. You humanise trains, ships and construction vehicles. Where or how did the idea for this personification come from? What drives you to make every object used for travel or construction magical?

When they were young, my sons introduced me to the love of big machines: they were obsessed! Through their eyes, I could see how awe-inspiring, brave and heroic they are  and I’ve grown to adore and respect heavy equipment and powerful vehicles as much as they did: the engineering, strength and capabilities are truly amazing. (And, now, I’m the one who’s obsessed!)

The purpose of your books is to help young children sleep at night. This idea was born out of a personal need and has become a source of inspiration. The texts are written to be read aloud and are soothing and relaxing. Will Construction Site: Firefight! have the same recognisable mark? Have you ever considered writing for slightly older fans?

Yes, Firefight! is right in line with the other books in the series — utilizing the same poetic meter. I am SO hoping that the story and the new trucks will resonate with my loyal fans!

I have actually written two novels for young readers (both part of the Revver The Speedway Squirrel series), and, currently, my editor and I are toying with the idea of creating some early reader books based on the construction site characters. So, stay tuned!

Your global success, with chart-topping records, translations into dozens of languages, numerous awards such as the Indie Choice Book Award, and recognition for excellence in preschool books, has made you something of an institution in the field. How do you feel now when you look back on what motivated you to write your first book?

My first book was inspired by my boys — specifically my youngest son, who was (literally!) tirelessly obsessed with trucks. In trying to settle him down for bed, we began the ritual of ending each day by imagining construction trucks going to sleep — and I was inspired to write the manuscript as a result of that. 

I was absolutely thrilled to get the book published, imagining how lovely it would be to have that memory of my boys’ childhood. I wrote the story in 2008, when my boys were two- and six- years old. Now, they are 20 and 25! I never, EVER imagined that those words would be so life-changing for me and my family or that the book would be read all these years later. It’s been such a joyful, miraculous journey!

Is there a character that you created for your fans that you like best, or one that you most identify with when humanising your 'subjects'?

I’m a HUGE fan of Kid McGear (skid steer)! I love that the youngest, smallest, newest truck on the crew is, at first, met with doubt and skepticism from her older, bigger, more experienced teammates. She ultimately proves that being small can have big benefits, and that flexibility and intelligence and problem solving are powerful tools. Ultimately, Kid is a hero. I really hope that the story resonates with readers who often know how it feels to be the “new kid,” in a situation, or tries to reinforce that it’s important for us not to make assumptions about each other.

Who is Sherri Duskey Rinker when she's not working on her books? What hobbies does she enjoy?

My biggest passion is my family; I love sitting around the table, chatting, catching up and reminiscing. I also enjoy working in my flower gardens, cooking and travel. I’m obsessed with collecting antique oil paintings (although, admittedly, I’m running out of wall space!). I’m also passionate about learning new things, getting lost in a good book and, admittedly, I occasionally relish a peaceful afternoon nap on a chilly, grey day.

Can you give your fans, or their parents, a sneak peek at any new ideas or novels you are currently working on? In addition to the upcoming release of Construction Site: Firefight!

Alongside Firefight!, another book in the Construction Site series, Dad And His Crew, Powering Through, will be available, celebrating fathers. In addition, more books are in the works for the Steam Train, Dream Train series, including stories about a nighttime adventure around the world and a magical Easter journey.