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Hello! I’m Emma Perry. Even way back then in the dark ages I adored books. Sure I chewed the odd one (and there was that one time with the crayon), but we’ll just put that down to untapped creativity. You’ll be happy to know I do less book chewing now and much, much more book writing with my debut picture book publishing in February 2020 (hooray!).
I started fan-girling all things books from a very early age. One of my earliest memories is listening to Where The Wild Things Are at my play group. I still reach for that book today. For me, its final line, “and it was still hot”, is storytelling perfection!
I’m the founder of the award winning children’s book review site My Book Corner, I run International Book Giving Day and can always be found with a book or two tucked in my bag. I love keeping up-to-date with the very best in children’s literature and sharing it with the world. And as a primary school teacher I especially adore sharing those stories with my students.
What inspired you to write your first novel?
Inspiration came during a trip to Avon Valley Farm Park during half-term, back in 2015. I caught sight of the fabulous alpacas there and it dawned on me that I’d never ever read a picture book about alpacas. Lots of picture books about bears, but no alpacas. And they are amazing animals, so full of personality. That formed the basis of my story, quite literally!
![Puddling! book cover](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VL-Book-cover-Template-53-e1710437211577.png?resize=1410%2C1777&ssl=1)
Has being a writer been life-long ambition, or did you start writing for different reasons?
Nope. I never thought this was something could do, it didn’t cross my mind to even try until 2015 when the signs were everywhere and I couldn’t ignore them!
Why did you choose to write for children?
FUN! No other word for it! Also, they are the most discerning of readers, rightly so, and I do love a challenge.
What is your favourite Children’s book or books?
I have to choooose?!?! Favourite when growing up was absolutely, definitely Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
Do you have a special place to write?
I have a lovely little study, that I’d got just right. Then. It all changed. And let’s just say I lost out in the hot-desking lottery!
![Room with books on shelves and laptop on desk in front of window](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VL-Book-cover-Template-52-e1710437343946.png?resize=1410%2C1863&ssl=1)
Do you have a new book currently being written or about to come out, if so, can you tell us anything about it?
I Don’t Like Books. Never. Ever. The End. illustrated by Sharon Davey came out in February (2020). It was my debut picture book, which was super exciting, as it’s all about the magic of books. My second picture book, This Book Has Alpacas and Bears, illustrated by Rikin Parekh leaps onto shelves on the 4th June 2020. It was the very first book I wrote and so it holds a special place in my heart! Can’t wait for little readers to meet Alfonso (the alpaca) and Colin (the bear).
This interview was conducted in 2020.