Laurie Ann Thompson – Author Q&A

Laurie Ann Thomas

Laurie Ann Thomas

A former software engineer, Laurie Ann Thompson now writes for young people to help them understand the world we live in so they can help make it a better place for all. She strives to write nonfiction that encourages imagination and fiction that reflects universal truths, as seen in Emmanuel’s Dream, a picture book biography of a man who changed his country’s perceptions of disability (winner of the ALA Schneider Family Book Award, an ALA Notable Book, a CCBC Choice, and a Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, among dozens of other accolades); Be a Changemaker, an inspiring how-to guide for teens who want to change the world; and the Meet Your World series (illustrated by Jay Fleck), which encourages young readers to learn about a familiar animal by pretending to be one. She lives near Seattle, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Learn more at lauriethompson.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauriethompsonauthor/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/LaurieThompson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurieannthompson/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lauriethompson.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurieThompsonAuthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lauriethompson1/

What kinds of things do you like to write?

I mostly write nonfiction for kids, everything from board books for the littlest readers to a young-adult how-to guide. Anything that catches my interest is fair game, but lately I’m feeling especially drawn to STEM and social-emotional learning (SEL) topics.

What inspired you to write the genre you do?

I am super curious and love learning new things! And if I’m going to take the time to learn about something, I might as well share that knowledge, right?

You Are A Garter Snake!

You Are A Garter Snake!

Tell us about your current book.

My newest book is You Are a Garter Snake! It’s the fourth book in the Meet Your World series, which encourages very young readers to learn—through gentle interactivity and pretend play—about the animals who share their world. It was a real challenge to get inside the mind—and body—of a snake, especially since I’ve been irrationally terrified of them my whole life! But it was a great learning experience. My hope is that kids when kids see how much we all have in common, they’ll be inspired to care for and protect not only garter snakes, but the environment and each other, as well.

You Are A Garter Snake!

You Are A Garter Snake!

What did you do before (or still do) you became a writer?

I have a degree in applied mathematics and was a software engineer before starting my second career as an author. I took some time off work to raise my children, and while reading to them I rediscovered how much I love children’s books. It took a lot of hard work and patience, but I eventually found a path to publication… and I haven’t looked back! Most people are surprised to hear about my analytical background, but I feel like coding and writing are very similar processes for me. They both involve breaking an idea down into manageable parts, putting those parts in the right order, and then using language to achieve the desired outcome. Plus, rarely is either endeavor right on the first try, with both taking multiple iterations to perfect. Both feel like puzzles to me, and I love solving puzzles!

Were you a big reader as a child?

Yes, I read literally everything I could get my hands on! My parents were very supportive, and they let me read whatever I wanted, so I was exposed to a bit of everything.

What were your favourite childhood books?

I spent a LOT of time just browsing through our set of encyclopedias. I was fascinated with the idea of trying to take all of the knowledge in the world and condense it all in one place. Of course, that’s impossible, but growing up in the pre-Internet days, the encyclopedia was an absolute treasure trove. My all-time favorite story book, however, was Judith Kerr’s Mog the Forgetful Cat. I felt a lot like Mog, always making mistakes and not quite sure why the people around her weren’t pleased with her behavior.

Which genres do you read yourself?

It’s probably no surprise that I read a lot of nonfiction on a wide range of subjects. And, of course, I read a lot of children’s books. But my favorite escape has always been fantasy novels! Lately, I’m really enjoying the “new” sub-genre of cozy fantasy, such as Travis Baldree’s Legends and Lattes.

Would you ever consider writing outside your current genre?

Yes, I’m actually working on a middle-grade fantasy novel! Writing long-form fiction is a very different process from writing picture books or nonfiction. I loved the drafting phase, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around how to approach a revision.

What will always distract you?

The crow that lives in my backyard. Whenever it sees me working, it comes and sits right outside my window and stares at me until I deliver peanuts.

How many books are in your own physical TBR pile?

I think you mean how many shelves full of books are in my physical TBR pile. More than a few, that’s for sure!

What is your current or latest read?

Right now I’m reading Starter Villain by John Scalzi and The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth’s Past Mass Extinctions by Peter Brannen. Both are very good!

Any plans or projects in the near future you can tell us about?

Let the Light In

Let the Light In

I’m really excited about my next picture book, Let the Light In, which comes out in September. It’s a social-emotional learning (SEL) tool full of examples of how we can take care of ourselves when we’re experiencing sadness, grief, or depression. I’ve heard from so many people—young and old alike—who are struggling right now, and I hope this ode to the many forms of self-care can be a balm to those who need it. I’m also putting the finishing touches on an informational picture book about Newton’s Laws Paws, inspired by my cat, who was clearly a physicist in a previous life. I’m working on two different picture book manuscripts about climate change for very young readers. And, I’m researching a more serious middle-grade nonfiction about the Earth’s past—and present—mass extinction events. So, lots of different projects in various stages of development… just the way I like it!


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Waterstones Children’s Book Prize

Waterstones Children's Prize

Waterstones Children’s Prize

The Waterstones Children’s Book Prize is an annual award given to a work of children’s literature published during the previous year. First awarded in 2005, the purpose of the prize is “to uncover hidden talent in children’s writing” and is therefore open only to authors who have published no more than two or three books, depending on which category they are in.

  • 2024 — “Greenwild: The World Behind the Door” by Pari Thomson
  • 2023 — “The Cats We Meet Along the Way” by Nadia Mikail
  • 2022 — “The Last Bear” by Hannah Gold
  • 2021 — “A Kind of Spark” by Elle McNicoll
  • 2020 — “Look Up!” by Nathan Bryon
  • 2019 — “The Boy at the Back of the Class” by Onjali Q. Rauf
  • 2018 — “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
  • 2017 — “The Girl of Ink and Stars” by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
  • 2016 — “My Brother the Superhero” by David solomon
  • 2015 — “Blown Away” by Rob Biddulph
  • 2018 — “Rooftoppers” by Katherine Rundell
  • 2013 — “Ketchup Clouds” by Annabel Pitcher
  • 2012 — “The Pirates Next Door” by Jonny Duddle
  • 2011 — “Artichoke Hearts” by Sita Brahmachari
  • 2010 — “The Great Hamster Massacre” by Katie Davies
  • 2009 — “13 Treasures” by Michelle Harrison
  • 2008 — “Ways to Live Forever” by Sally Nicholls
  • 2007 — “Darkside” by Tom Becker
  • 2006 — “The Diamond of Drury Lane” by Julia Golding
  • 2005 — “The Cry of the Icemark” by Stuart Hill

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14 Golden and Autumnal picture books

Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves

I love this time of year, I love that definite signing of the changes of the seasons.

I do love Spring as well, that freshness, that boundless potential, all that growth…

But I’m a real September baby!

Over on Twitter a year back I asked people for their recommendations for beautiful autumnal picture books and got a great response and have added them to the list I had in mind.

Please let me know if I’ve missed your favourite!

Storm

Storm

Storm by Sam Usher was the first book that came to mind for me and was also shared by a few others over on Twitter, the cover is just beautiful as is the interior.

‘It’s blowing up a storm, and a boy and his grandad decide it’s the perfect weather for kite-flying. There’s just one problem – first they have to find the kite. Their search brings up lots of wonderful memories of previous adventures together, but when they finally make it outside, their adventure really takes off!’

Publisher: Templar Publishing
ISBN: 9781787412422

The Very Helpful Hedgehog

The Very Helpful Hedgehog

The Very Helpful Hedgehog by Rosie Wellesley caught my eye as the pile of apples was so inviting and the hedgehog so cute.

A sweet tale of friendship and learning to help one another, set in the beautiful countryside

Isaac is a hedgehog who has only ever been alone – and that is the way he likes it. One day an apple falls from a tree and sticks onto the spines on his back. He wiggles and jiggles, but he cannot get it off. As he struggles to remove the apple, help comes in the unexpected form of a donkey who cannot reach the apples which fall outside of his paddock.

Isaac learns that it is better to have a friend and to be helpful than to be on your own all of the time.

Publisher: Pavilion Books
ISBN: 9781843651987

Leaf Man

Leaf Man

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert with the cover and illustrations made from real leaves and autumn bits this is a visually arresting cover.

Autumn has come, the wind is gusting, and Leaf Man is on the move. Is he drifting east, over the marsh and ducks and geese? Or is he heading west, above the orchards, prairie meadows, and spotted cows? No one’s quite sure, but this much is certain: A Leaf Man’s got to go where the wind blows.

With illustrations made from actual fall leaves and die-cut pages on every spread that reveal gorgeous landscape vistas, here is a playful, whimsical, and evocative book that celebrates the natural world and the rich imaginative life of children.

Publisher: Harcourt Children’s Books
ISBN: 9780152053048

City Moon

City Moon

City Moon by Rachel Cole, illustrated by Blanca Gómez a beautifully illustrated book about the shortening days and bedtimes.

A little boy and his mother take a nighttime walk to search for the moon in this gentle, keenly observed bedtime book that’s sure to appeal to fans of Kevin Henkes’s Kitten’s First Full Moon and young children who find the moon fascinating.

Soothing text and hip, coloruful collage style illustrations create a nighttime story that follows a little boy and his Mama as they walk around their neighbourhood looking for the moon. As the elusive moon plays peek-a-boo behind buildings and clouds, the little boy asks simple questions about it, and his Mama patiently answers every one. When finally the moon appears–bright and white and round and glowing–the mama and her boy stop and wait for it to disappear again. The moonlit walk continues until the boy yawns and Mama lifts him into her arms and whispers, -it is time for bed.-

Publisher: Random House USA Inc
ISBN: 9780553497076

Fox

Fox

Fox by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egneus, now for one that isn’t released yet (1st October 2020) but looks and sounds intriguing.

In the frost-covered forest of early spring, fox is on a mission to find food for her three cubs. As they grow, she teaches them how to survive in the wild. Until one day, fox dies. Her body goes back to earth and grass and air, nourishing the world around her and bringing the forest to life. Death is not just an end, it’s also a beginning.

Fox: A Circle of Life Story answers the big scientific question: What happens when we die? Bringing together an evocative non-fiction narrative with breath-taking illustrations, this book will help parents and children to talk about life and death. It introduces the scientific concept that death leads to new life, and that this way of understanding the world is no less beautiful and awe-inspiring than traditional stories. Fox: A Circle of Life Story unites story and science to explain this big concept to children who have lost a pet or a loved one, or who simply are curious about death and what happens after we die.

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN: 9781526600776

Leaves

Leaves

Leaves by David Ezra Stein, I just loved the look of this board book, so cute and bears are always a winner.

This simple, charming story of a young bear’s first autumn is perfectly suited to board book format. Bear is surprised when the leaves start falling off the trees, but when he tries to reattach them, it doesn’t work. Eventually, he gets sleepy, and burrows into the fallen leaves for a long nap. When he wakes up, it’s spring-and there are suddenly brand-new leaves all around, seeming to welcome him.

With its childlike main character and graceful illustrations, Leaves is a great way to teach the youngest children about the changing seasons.

Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc
ISBN: 9780399254970

Tumshie

Tumshie

Tumshie by Mark Mechan it was bloody hard work I can tell you.

Tumshie is the Halloween story of a dad and son making old fashioned Halloween lanterns and a costume together.

The story is set today in Scotland, and it’s inspired by how a Scottish Halloween used to be celebrated.

Back when Halloween meant ‘guising’ (today that is trick or treating) and ‘dooking for apples’ (bobbing for apples) and carving out a tumshie (Scots for turnip) was a rite of passage for Scottish children who needed the strength of an ox and the stubbornness of a donkey.

Publisher: The Gresham Publishing Co. Ltd
ISBN: 9781849345323

Autumn Story

Autumn Story

Autumn Story by Jill Barklem is an old favourite, part of the Brambley Hedge series.

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge!

Bad weather is on the way and the autumn stores are still not gathered in!

Quickly, all the mice of Brambly Hedge set to work to finish the harvesting before the rain begins. Primrose, Lord Woodmouse’s daughter, meant to help, but somehow she daydreamed her way over the cornfield and into the Chestnut Woods, and before she knew it, she was lost. The sun went down, the wind rose and it began to rain. Primrose was all alone in the dark and she was frightened.

Poor Primrose, would she find her way home again?

Also look out for Summer Story, Spring Story and Winter Story!

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780001837393

The Golden Acorn

The Golden Acorn

The Golden Acorn by Katy Hudson, looks playful and fun with great illustrations.

Whoosh! Squirrel takes off at full speed through the autumn leaves. But slam on the brakes, because this year The Golden Nut Hunt race is a team event. Squirrel reluctantly enlists her friends and is not impressed. Will Squirrel’s competitive spirit take over or will she learn how to be a team player?

Best-selling author Katy Hudson (Too Many Carrots and A Loud Winter’s Nap) proves that winning isn’t everything in this energetic picture book about friendship, teamwork and forgiveness – and that those are things to go nuts about!

Publisher: Capstone Global Library Ltd
ISBN: 9781474778060

The Squirrels Who Squabbled

The Squirrels Who Squabbled

The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field is a firm favourite when we could do storytime, wonderful illustrations and a fun story.

Two greedy squirrels learn to share in the third hilarious rhyming adventure from the bestselling creators of The Lion Inside and The Koala Who Could.

Greedy squirrels Cyril and Bruce both have their sights on a very special prize: THE VERY LAST NUT OF THE SEASON! As the nut bounces crazily though the forest, the squirrels race after it, between the trees, over boulders, down the river and – ARGH! – right to the edge of a waterfall! Working together might be the only way to save themselves now …

A laugh-out-loud tale about friendship and sharing from the award-winning creators of The Lion Inside and The Koala Who Could. Perfect for competitive friends and sibling rivals!

Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group
ISBN: 9781408340479

Sweep

Sweep

Sweep by Louise Greig, illustrated by Julia Sarda, such a wonderfully energetic cover alone makes this a book I want to have.

An uplifting story about confronting big emotions from the author of The Night Box, stunningly illustrated by Julia Sarda.

Ed’s bad mood begins as something really small, hardly a thing at all.
But before long it grows, gathers pace, and spreads through the whole town.
Can Ed sweep his troubles away?

A wonderful bedtime story for children aged 3 years and up, perfect for helping children learn to recognise and deal with big emotions.

Publisher: Egmont UK Ltd
ISBN: 9781405283779

The Leaf Thief

The Leaf Thief

The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater has just the cutest cover I’ve seen in a long time.

A brilliantly funny picture book about seasons, written by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater. Squirrel is so cross. Yesterday there were loads of beautiful leaves on his tree, but today?

Today some are missing and Squirrel is convinced that someone has stolen them… there’s a leaf thief on the loose! Join Squirrel on a mission to find the culprit, and meet so many fun animals on the way, while you find out how the world takes on different colours as the months pass by.

A laugh-out-loud book about the changing seasons, with extra information in the back for especially curious minds Perfect as a companion reader to children learning about seasons in school A brilliant picture book that explores feelings, moods and times where we feel out of control

Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 9781407191447

Little Goose's Autumn

Little Goose’s Autumn

Little Goose’s Autumn by Elli Woollard, illustrated by Briony May Smith, just been published and looks to be one I would love to use in an autumn-themed storytime.

Little Goose’s Autumn is a second stunning story from an exciting picture book pairing and the uplifting tale of a lively young goose finding her place in the world.

As summer fades to autumn, a lively young goose feels a change in the air and senses she has something important to do – but what? The beavers are chopping wood, the squirrels are storing nuts in the ground and the bears are busy building a den. The plucky little goose tries to join in, but without great success. She realizes her wings weren’t built for chopping wood, or burying food, or building a den, but they were built for something magnificent – they were built for flight . . .

A beautiful, lyrical and hopeful story about finding your wings and your place in the world. Written by star picture book author, Elli Woollard with wonderful illustrations by rising talent, Briony May Smith, whose artwork brings an autumnal landscape of mountains and forests to life with truly breathtaking beauty.

Publisher: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781509807970

After the Storm

After the Storm

After the Storm by Nick Butterworth, and let’s finish on a great addition to one of the most popular series of picture books around.

Celebrate thirty years of Percy the Park Keeper and his animal friends with this funny story in the classic series from award-winning author and illustrator Nick Butterworth!

A storm is raging outside and Percy the park keeper is having a sleepless night. When he gets up the following morning, Percy finds that the old oak tree has been blown down. It is a disaster for his animal friends who live there, but Percy is soon devising a plan to help his little friends find new homes.

Includes a fabulous, surprise fold-out poster!

More than 9 million Percy the Park Keeper books sold, worldwide!

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780007155156


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James Harris – Author Q&A

Steve May

Steve May

Hi! I’m James. I write funny books for kids. I am a writer, filmmaker, performer, pole-vaulter, wizard and exaggerator and I live in Middlesbrough.

I only went and won the New Writing North and Hachette Children’s Novel Award for my first book The Unbelievable Biscuit Factory! I know! I’m as surprised as you, but here we are.

I love comedy. I’ve spent my time making silly short films, comedy sketches and animations, sometimes just for fun, sometimes for places like the BBC and Channel 4. I’ve also run comedy nights in Middlesbrough, and I often perform live comedy with my friends. I can’t stop. I’ve tried.

I am a mentor and workshop leader for Writers’ Block North East, a Teesside creative writing and development service.

My super powers include time travel (forwards), making the most excellent mashed potato and inventing new words like an absolute blambletruff.

James can be found at:
Website: www.theunbelievablejamesharris.com
Twitter: @James_D_Harris
Newsletter: pencilbooth.com/theunbelievablejamesharris

Tell me what inspired you to write your (debut) novel?

I’ve been writing silly, funny bits and bobs for a few years now, mostly for my own amusement – I wrote short films, sketches, stand up comedy, I made my own zine, I did a bit of writing for Shooting Stars. I carried on doing all that for a lot longer than most people would think was healthy. Eventually my partner suggested that I give writing a children’s book a go. I say “suggested”… it was more of a demand if I’m honest. So I thought I’d better give it a go. I was 47 when I started, so I had a lifetime’s worth of ideas about what I’d like to see in a children’s book – anarchy, silliness, monsters, explosions, fun, heart, dinosaurs, loud music, science, flying surfboards etc. I threw it all in, and even though I had to take the dinosaurs out I’m very proud of it.

What came first the characters or the world?

I always think of the mad situation or “what if” first. In the case of The Unbelievable Biscuit Factory the “what if” was “what if there was a Stranger Things-style science lab opening holes in reality near a British town, and what if monsters kept coming out of those holes, and those monsters were making life very difficult for everyone. And what if everyone KNEW exactly what was happening but chose to ignore it?” (I’ll admit that climate change and Brexit were playing on my mind at the time.) Once I had that idea it was a case of asking “who would be the best/worst person to have to sort this problem out” and that’s how bolshie, overconfident punk guitarist Haddie arrived in my brain.

How hard was it to get your first (debut) book published?

It was weirdly easy, just because I submitted it to the first New Writing North Hachette children’s novel award in 2019, and it won, and the prize was to get published, so I avoided most of the hurdles that usually stand between an author and their first publication. I was very, very lucky, especially when you consider I’d submitted the same book to the Northern Writers Awards the previous year and got nowhere.

How long did it take to write?

From first chapter to final draft, I’d say it took 2 years.

Do you have a writing playlist? If so do you want to share it?

I love having music on in the background when I’m writing but I don’t have a set playlist. The Go! Team were on a lot while writing TUBF – fun, dancey, summery, poptimistic throw-the-kitchen-sink-at-it music. It seemed to fit the mood I was going for.

How many publishers turned you down?

A lot of agents said “no thank you” before I won the award. And a lot more said “no thank you” afterwards. The general gist of the rejections was “I can see what you’re doing, and you seem to be doing it well, but I haven’t a clue what I’d do with it.” Can’t argue with that, really.

What kind of reactions have you had to your book?

Generally good. The word “bonkers” is used a lot. It’s the best feeling to meet a reader who’s loved reading a book you’ve written.

What’s the favourite reaction you’ve had to your book?

I think the best reaction was the girl who dressed up as one of the orange monsters to go to school. Her mum sent me a photo. It wasn’t World Book Day or anything. She seemed like my kind of reader.

What can you tell us about your next book?

I have a picture book coming out next year. It’s a fun story about the power of play and creativity (just like all my books so far) and I have seen some roughs of the art and it is going to be lush.

Do you take notice of online reviews?

I do! I can’t get enough of them. I think I’ve been lucky in that I’ve never had a scathing review yet. My favourite was a lady who basically said she’d tried, she’d really tried to read it but it just wasn’t for her and she’d had to give up. I felt for her. My stuff is not for everyone!

Would you ever consider writing outside your current genre?

I would like to try a straight-up horror. I think horror and comedy are very close relations – you can’t fake ‘em. You know when you find something funny, and you know when you find something scary. You’re going for a primal, visceral reaction, and I enjoy that challenge.

What did you do before (or still do) you became a writer?

I have done all sorts, but nothing you’d really call a job job. For the last 20 years it’s mostly been based around the things I love – creative stuff – theatre in education, drama teaching, writing workshops, filmmaking, drama-based training.

Which author(s) inspire you?

For the sort of things I write the touchstones have got to be Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett. Funny, crazy, weird and exciting. I do try to aim more for Pratchett’s kindness over Adams’ cynicism. I’ll never be as good as either of them, but you might as well aim for the stars. Having said that, when I was writing TUBF I was reading a lot of David Peace (super-hard-boiled crime dramas) and I found my sentences getting shorter and more rhythmic like his, so I take inspiration from anywhere I can get it.

Which genres do you read yourself?

I tend to exclusively read genre books. Sci fi, fantasy, crime, horror. They all deal with the same themes as more literary novels but they have monsters and explosions to sweeten the deal. I like monsters and explosions.

What is your biggest motivator?

It’s the writing itself. The creating, the doing. The fun of it, the challenge of it. Trying to delight and surprise myself. The sense of achievement when you finish something is very rewarding. Creativity keeps life interesting. I was writing, making and performing silly stuff for years before I was published, and hopefully I’ll never stop.

How much (if any) say do you have in your book covers?

Not a great deal. I managed to wrangle a guitar onto the cover of The Unbelievable Biscuit Factory, but I figure publishers know how to sell books and I should probably get out of the way when marketing decisions are being made.

Were you a big reader as a child?

I was an avid reader. Books, comics, magazines, the backs of cereal packets… The only things I didn’t like to read were books that people told me I should read. That would put me right off. Still does, really.

What were your favourite childhood books?

I grew up in the 1970s, and the books that have stayed with me are things like the Narnia books by CS Lewis, A Dictionary of Monsters and Mysterious Beasts by Carey Miller, Dr Strange: Master of the Mystic Arts vol 1 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Batman from the 30s to the 70s by various, Fascinating Facts by Giles Brandreth

Do you have a favourite bookshop? If so, which?

Drake in Stockton is my current favourite – they are so supportive of authors, always organising events and schools visits, and it’s such a lovely, friendly shop. My all-time favourite is no longer open – Saltburn’s second hand bookshop. I bought so many books there over the years. I still dream about it sometimes.

What books can you not resist buying?

I have zero impulse control when it comes to buying books.

Do you have any rituals when writing?

I used to think I needed a whole day free to do any writing, but recently I’ve learned that if I have half an hour free and somewhere to sit I can write what I need to write that day.

How many books are in your own physical TBR pile?

Oh lordy, an awful lot. Novels, manga, comics. Loads of em. I’ll get round to them, I swear.

What is your current or latest read?

I’ve started to work my way through the Jack Reacher books. They are really well written, and sometimes you just want to read about a big man kicking baddies in the face. It’s cathartic.

Any books that you’re looking forward to in the next 12 months?

All of them. As long as they have monsters and/or explosions, I’m in.

Any plans or projects in the near future you can tell us about?

I’m working on getting a very silly chapter book into publisher’s hands this year, and hopefully another picture book or two. We’ll see how it goes!

Any events in the near future?

I’m appearing at York Literary Festival in March.

and finally, what inspired you to write the genre you do?

If “monsters and explosions” is a genre, and it definitely is, then what other genre could I write? What other genre would I want to write?


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Chilling with Ghosts

Insha Fitzpatrick, Lilla Bölecz. Quirk Books. (128p) ISBN: 9781683693451
Chilling with Ghosts

Chilling with Ghosts

Late last year I read “Hanging With Vampires” which is coming out at the end of this March (2023) and thought it was a fun and informative little book about the supernatural.

Written in a chatty, breezy style hits approaches the idea of ghosts in a way that acknowledges all the different sides of the debate, real or not.

Like the first in the series it also explores different cultures view on ghosts and on how people were buried and treated after they died.

It also looks at fiction and how ghosts are portrayed in the mass media and historically, but one of the most important parts of what the book talks about is dealing with loss and grief and that these htings do happen and their natural as are your feelings.

It’s very light on content but it has fun little snippets about how to make slime and different recipes throughout.

Overall a nice quick read and introduction to the idea of ghosts.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for and honest review.


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Olaf Falafel – Illustrator Q&A

Olaf Falafel

Olaf Falafel

A surrealist comedian, children’s book author/illustrator and winner of the Funniest Joke of The Edinburgh Festival. Olaf’s stand up shows include his award nominated debut hour ‘Olaf Falafel and The Cheese Of Truth’, ‘The Marmosets Of My Mind’, ‘Knitting With Maracas’ and the award winning ‘There’s no i in idiot’.

Olaf is the author and illustrator of several kids books including the flatulent ‘Old MacDonald Heard A Parp’ trilogy, ‘It’s One Giant Leek For Mankind’, ‘Blobfish’ and his first middle grade series for Puffin Books ‘Trixie Pickle Art Avenger’.

As well as finding comedic success onstage, Falafel has also enjoyed online fame with his short viral videos. These absurdist movies include slices of truth telling cheese being thrown onto newspapers, Opera singers mixed with modem dial up tones and the Bee Gees hiding in his beard.

The comedy website Chortle affectionately described Falafel as ‘an idiot’ and when he doesn’t have a microphone in his hand you’ll probably find him with a pencil and pad trying to draw something equally idiotic.

Olaf can be found at:
Website: www.olaffalafel.com
Twitter: @OFalafel
Instagram: @olaffalafel

When did you know you wanted to become an illustrator?

When i was around 8 or 9 I used to make my own comics, get my dad to photocopy them at work and sell them in the playground at school. That was probably the start of both my comedy and my illustration.

How long does it typically take to make a page or cover for a book?

It varies so much – I’ve just created a cover for a book proposal that took me four hours but I’ve got spreads in some of my picture books that have taken four days

What’s your favourite piece of art equipment?

I love the Pentel Brush pen, it gives a great line and it’s not to messy. I swear by it.

Do you have a favourite colour scheme, if so what and why?

Before I was a comedian/author/illustrator I worked in design and ad agencies. One designer nicknamed me Timmy Mallet because I always liked using bright and garish colour combinations. He still calls me it to this day.

Who were your inspirations when starting out?

Pete Fowler was and is the illustrator whose work I’ve always loved. I discovered him through the artwork he did for the Super Furry Animals, I love the characters he creates – a perfect blend of funny with stylish.

Do you have another job beside being an illustrator, if so what?

I’m a comedian! The two jobs really go hand in hand for me, especially as I like to try and make funny books. Also the onstage experience helps when I do school events, a room full of kids and a room full of drunk adults are surprisingly similar!

What do you do to overcome a creative block?

Go for a walk – I read something ages ago about kinetic thinking – how your brain fires up when the legs are going. Could be complete rubbish but my brain seems to enjoy a stroll.

Do you have a favourite piece in your portfolio, if so could you share it and talk about it?

I like the nap/dream illustration from Old MacDonald Heard A Parp. Partly for sentimental reasons because it was my first ever children’s book and also because it’s quite weird. There are floppy Dalí-esque clock, a farting unicorn and a couple of hidden jokes in there such as the planet Mercury looking like Freddie Mercury.

What was your first book related project?

It was Old MacDonald Heard A Parp which was originally called Old MacDonald Heard A Fart but the publishers felt it was too rude for UK audiences so I begrudgingly changed it. You can get hold of hardback Fart copies in Australia and New Zealand though!

What type of media do you prefer to work in and why?

Ink and watercolours or digitally drawing in Procreate.

Do you have a playlist you like working to? If so do you want to share it?

Lately I’ve been listening to Dave Brubek when I need to think – the upbeat scattergun jazz seems to help. If I’m drawing and don’t need to think too much I’ll have a movie playing in the background. Anything with Liam Neeson or Denzel Washington usually does the job.

Do you have any rituals when working?

Not really, I like to change things up in terms of where in the house I draw – I get bored if I’m in the same chair for too long.

Do you have a favourite artist outside of the world of books, if so who and why?

Peter Blake has always been a favourite since my college days. I like his deceptively simplistic style and the humour in his paintings.

Did the books you read as a child influence your work?

I loved Richard Scarry’s books when I was little, I was fascinated by all the small details and how all the different things were labelled. The running jokes that went through his books are definitely something I try and add to mine. When I was a bit older, around nine or ten I discovered The Ha Ha Bonk Book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was filled with great jokes, surreal characters and loads of bonus humour within the illustrations.

Has your illustration/art style changed over time?

I have an instinctive way of drawing characters that has remained fairly consistent over the years – bendy limbs and a treble-yoo nose (like a double-you but with an extra u). I like to experiment with different mediums and styles but I like to try and keep it recognisable as something I’ve made.

How closely do you work with the author on developing the illustrations for a book?

Very closely as the author in most cases is me!

If you could illustrate any classic book which would it be and why?

I quite like the idea of illustrating A Midsummer Night’s Dream because of all the fairies, fools, queens and kings.

Which illustrated books in the last year have you loved?

I’m a big fan of Gustavo The Shy Ghost by Flavia Z Drago and also the follow up Leila The Perfect Witch.

If you can please tell us about your latest project and if not your last project.

Trixie Pickle Art Avenger is my latest book, it’s also my first foray into ‘middle grade’ chapter books. I was (and still am) what they call a ‘reluctant reader’ so I wanted to make something accessible to kids like me. It’s influenced by The Beano, Diary of a Wimpy kid, The Ha Ha Bonk Book and Viz. I’ve rammed it full of funny illustrations and because it features real facts on famous artists as well as farts it’s the perfect blend of high and low brow and actually quite educational. Also, the follow up book, Trixie Pickle Art Avenger Toxic Takedown is out on May 4th so that’s exciting!

Do you have any events on in the near future?

I’m at the Leicester Festival on February 19th where I’ll be doing a book event followed by a family friendly comedy event and then a ‘grown up’ comedy show. I’ll be up at the Edinburgh Festival again in August doing loads of funny stuff.


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