To All the Rumples Everywhere: An Interview with Rumple Buttercup Author Matthew Gray Gubler
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Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself is, as you can probably tell from the title alone, unlike any story you have read before, in the best of ways. Author-actor-illustrator-director Matthew Gray Gubler has created a truly unique character that will help readers everywhere feel less alone. We got to speak to him about where Rumple Buttercup came from, imaginary friends, and how eating a bowl of mint chip ice cream started it all.
Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself is, as you can probably tell from the title alone, unlike any story you have read before, in the best of ways. Author-actor-illustrator-director Matthew Gray Gubler has created a truly unique character that will help readers everywhere feel less alone. We got to speak to him about where Rumple Buttercup came from, imaginary friends, and how eating a bowl of mint chip ice cream started it all.
I love that your dedication is for “All the Rumples Everywhere.” Can you explain what you mean by that for someone who hasn’t read the book yet?
Oh thank you so much! With everything I make, my goal is always the same…To make outsiders feel like they belong. Everything I do is for the Rumples!
Where did the inspiration for this weird and amazing character come from? Did you start with an image of Rumple Buttercup in your head or the words for the story?
That’s such a good question and kind of hard to explain in writing, I hope we meet someday in person, and I can give you the whole story. Basically, I’ve always wanted to hand make a book that felt like it was being personally read to you in a voice of warm molasses.
One day, I was eating mint chip ice cream, and I saw this shy little green monster hiding under my last scoop. He was worried that if people saw him, they might think he was weird. I would later realize it was just my own reflection at the bottom of the metal bowl, but the image stuck with me and evolved into the book.
I always try to use written words like they are images, so it’s tough to say which came first or what inspired what. I see it all as the same thing. I hope each word exudes as much personality and soul as each drawing of Rumple (even the barcode and the lengthy copyright page which I’m proud to say I also hand wrote).
I adore Rumple’s imaginary friend named Carl (who is made of candy!). Did you ever have an imaginary friend growing up?
Yes, I did, and I would say that approximately 80 percent of my friends are currently imaginary.
Is this your first children’s book? Is there any way in which acting and directing inform or help your writing?
I’ve actually handwritten and illustrated a few books, but they are usually made as one of a kind presents for people, or for my descendants to one day find in a closet. This time I thought it might be nice to share one with everyone. It’s funny, I’ve been super lucky to get to do a lot of different “things” in life, but (like with my paintings and handwriting) I see no difference between any of them. I’m a storyteller—sometimes I use a camera, sometimes I use my face, sometimes I use a microphone, and sometimes I use melted crayons. At the end of the day, it’s just various tentacles being wiggled by the same deranged octopus.
This book has a beautiful message, which to me was that at times we all feel weird and that we don’t belong, and that you are lovable just as you are. I think your book will help a lot of young readers feel less alone. Were there any favorite books you turned to as a kid to make you feel less lonely?
That is so nice of you to say. If one person who feels different, weird, or alone reads this book and realizes that they aren’t, then I’ve done what I’ve set out to do.
Books have always been my friends! I loved Teddy Ruxpin as a kid. Do you remember him? He was this crazy robot bear that would actually read his stories to you with a floppy plastic mouth. Oh man, with my next book, I want to create a 2 foot tall robotic version of myself. You will pop a cassette tape in my torso, and I will personally read to you just like Teddy R. How do I make that happen? Do you know anyone in robotics? What’s the phone number for Japan?
What’s up next for you and Rumple Buttercup?
Rumple is really excited about living above ground now, and he wants to go to Paris to see the way the light hits the trees. He also wants to buy a yellow beret. As for me, I’m writing my next book and telling some new stories with my face.
Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself is on B&N bookshelves now.