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As you can probably tell, despite the book being written primarily for children, I wanted it to be loved by members of all generations. I think that is what is magical and exciting about fairy tales. They can be loved by everyone.
 
* '''BB: What made you want to write a book for children?'''
Now that I am a little older, I still haven’t grown out of my love for children’s picture books. Sure, I grew into YA fiction (which I also still love) and then fantasy, mysteries, thrillers and even poetry. However chances are, if you came across me in a library or bookstore, I would be sitting on a small child-sized chair, engrossed in a picture book. I enjoy them because they have the power of distilling an entire imaginative journey into such a small space. I enjoy them because they have pictures often drawn by talented artists. I enjoy them because now, finally after all these years, I have the opportunity to contribute to this exciting world. A world that has the potential to influence a child’s appreciation of books in their formative years.
 
* '''BB: And what gave you the idea for Grumpface himself?'''
Now that I am a little older, I still haven’t grown out of my love for children’s picture books. Sure, I grew into YA fiction (which I also still love) and then fantasy, mysteries, thrillers and even poetry. However chances are, if you came across me in a library or bookstore, I would be sitting on a small child-sized chair, engrossed in a picture book. I enjoy them because they have the power of distilling an entire imaginative journey into such a small space. I enjoy them because they have pictures often drawn by talented artists. I enjoy them because now, finally after all these years, I have the opportunity to contribute to this exciting world. A world that has the potential to influence a child’s appreciation of books in their formative years.
 
* '''BB: We loved the format of rhyming couplets - it adds impact and encourages repetition. Was it always your intention to write Grumpface in this way?'''
When I first began writing The Grumpface, I really wanted to draw on the general narratives of traditional fairy tales but capture that familiar cadence of a children’s nursery rhyme. I enjoy poetry and the way it can enliven a story. However, unless it offers a story greater ambience, rhythm or emotion, it has no place in any tale. Put another way, rhyming for the sake of rhyming can be more of a hindrance than a gift to the reader. I certainly hope that children and adults alike feel that the poetry is an indispensable part of the story.
 
* '''BB: Which three books should every child read? '''
Finally, for older children, I recommend ''The Enchanted Wood'' (in its original form) by Enid Blyton. Her books are imaginative classics. She knew how to write an exciting tale for children despite the criticism she received at the time of her publication and even today.
 
* '''BB: What would be your own desert island book?'''

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