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My last three novels centred on love, hate, hope, war, racism and gender inequality. Important topics with smart, kind, fierce protagonists, I hoped would inspire action in my readers and encourage them to be change-makers.
Writing Arabella’s Alphabet Adventure was like stepping into sunshine and a great opportunity to return to what ignited my love of words: the picture book. Being the mum of three kids who devoured books, the library became my second home and the perfect setting for a story about an ABC book who travels the world as a stowaway in search of a better life, only to learn that she is perfect - and loved - just the way she is. Thinking about it now, my novels and this book (beautifully illustrated by the super-talented Christopher Nielsen) aren’t so different. All are about the stories we tell ourselves, the power of words and the importance of recognising that we all have value. I loved writing it. I hope you love reading it and sharing Arabella’s story with the little people you love. |