Interview with Children’s Author Millie Vigoren

Millie Vigoren lives in Utah’s Dixie, also known as Sunny St. George. She was born in New England where she grew up and moved west in her early teens. She is married and has 7 children, 25 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren (plus one “in the oven”).

Millie has written about 8 children’s books. Her first book Bikini Zoo Review was published in 2013. Her second book, Branson Time With Ant Millie has just recently been released. There are more stories waiting for illustrator’s magic to be worked. Her illustrator also lives in Utah’s Dixie.

Hello, Millie. Congratulations on some wonderful children’s books. Please tell us what your book is about.

Bikini Zoo Review is about Ant Millie, who loves to travel, and finds herself in Las Vegas, where she is suddenly stopped by a kangaroo in a bikini hopping down the highway in front of her. More animals follow in bikinis who parade two by two down the street, which becomes the Parade.

I always read Dr. Suess to my kids and I loved the goofy rhymes and silliness that makes kids want to laugh.

Where did you get your inspiration for this series of books?

I wanted to write books for children for many years, but just started about 8 years ago, when my daughter went to Seattle for a visit and found a pink stuffed animal (an ant) wearing a tutu with a photo pocket sign that read “Ant Millie”. When she gave that to me, my daughter said, “Now you have no excuses.”

I have always felt that if children not only learned to read but had fun doing it, then they would read more, which would benefit them all around.

What age group would enjoy this book?

Mostly pre-school and elementary school age children.

Who is your favorite character in this story and what do you love about him or her?

Ant Millie, of course! She is a great traveler and goes all over the country finding animal friends that turn into wonderful adventures. Some adventures find Ant Millie at the beach having a ball; then there’s the one where she finds I Saw A Camel In Kentucky, But It Wasn’t In The Zoo. Or the time she came across Max the Moose who was in tears because he couldn’t find his friend Bud, the Buffalo who left without a hug in Where’s Bud Now? The stories also include Ant Millie meeting up with her cousins in New York City to perform at Radio City Music Hall just like the Rockettes. More fun everywhere with Ant Millie.

Your books sound so much fun to read to our children. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I love life. I grew up in a very loving family and had a wonderful childhood. I was always encouraged to create. My Dad was a skilled carpenter who had his work previewed in the late Look Magazine. Love spending time with my children and their families. I’m always looking for a new adventure for Ant Millie – and I keep finding them everywhere I go.

Thank you, Millie, for this wonderful interview. I’m so glad that you met my husband and he recommended an interview with me. I know my readers will enjoy this children’s series. I hope everyone will check it out. It's available at Amazon.