Children’s book author and illustrator Peter Carnavas puts big issues into books for little people.
The four titles in his Little Treasures collection cover love, family, the environment and self-worth. Sarah must carry her heavy heart around with her. Jessica tries to make friends. Christopher’s father is absent. And there is one about the last tree in the city.
So I sat Peter down and quizzed him on how to write a children’s book.
You take on some ‘big’ issues in your little books. Why do you choose to tackle those, rather than simply writing a story to entertain?
Peter Carnavas: “I don’t always mean to tackle big issues, but they are the sort of stories I end up writing. I think it is because I need to feel some sort of emotional connection to a story to pursue writing it. That doesn’t mean the story has to be emotional itself, but I just like the idea of readers being able to delve into themes a little, to have layers of meaning working throughout the story. Of course, I love simple, fun stories as well – Quentin Blake is probably my biggest hero and his books are usually pure fun.”
What are some of the things you have to think about when working your material into a book suitable for children?
PC: “Most of my ideas have a grown-up origin, such as a conversation I’ve had or a newspaper article I’ve read, so there is a bit of a process for me to fashion it into a children’s story. It becomes easier when I start working on the illustrations, for no matter what the theme, my pictures are usually quite light and fanciful. This helps a lot.
“There are other little techniques I use to help the story appeal to children, such as the silent animal friends popping up on every page, or adding funny little things in the background. It’s also important to cut out unnecessary words. I like to keep the text short and to the point.”
When you write your books, do you begin with words or pictures?
PC: “I start with the idea then, after thinking about it for days, weeks or months, I write the text. I like to write the whole story in one sitting – once I’ve started it, I can’t go to bed until it’s done. I then start playing around with pictures, usually working out what the characters will look like, what they wear, what sort of animal will follow them around.”
What, for you, is the best part of writing books for children? And the most difficult?
PC: “There are many good things about making books for children. I love reading the books to children at schools and getting their response. I’m always fascinated by the ideas they pick up from the stories, often things that I had never considered.
On a personal note, it’s immensely satisfying coming up with an idea that I think will work, then gradually bringing the characters to life. It can feel quite powerful at times, creating my own little people with their own little triumphs and tragedies.
“The most difficult parts are the boring bits like working out money stuff, though sometimes the most challenging thing is trying to draw something the way I see it in my head. My hand doesn’t always do as it’s told and I have to reach a sort of compromise between my imagination and my ability. It always works out in the end.”
Any advice for wanna-be children’s book writers out there?
PC: “I think it’s important to get opinions of your work from people that you trust. If you are going to submit to a publisher, make sure you research the publishers well and choose one that suits the story you have written.
Check out the Australian Writers’ Marketplace for details on just about everything, and join up to the weekly online newsletter, Pass It On. You can find out everything you need to know from those two sources.
Finally, just because something is hard, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Keep going.”
You can find out more about Peter and his books at petercarnavas.com
Image Credit: Mick Elliot
Are you new here? Welcome to my blog! Iâm Allison Tait, aka A.L. Tait, and Iâm the author of two epic middle-grade adventure series, The Mapmaker Chronicles and The Ateban Cipher, and a new âalmost historyâ detective series called the Maven & Reeve Mysteries (youâll find book #1 THE FIRE STAR here).
You can find out more about me here, and more about my books here.
it sounds great! My favorite part of the day is reading with my boys. My greatest wish was that they would develop a love of books and reading, because I know how enriching it is and I couldn’t live without it. I am happy to say they love books as much as me and I am getting better with my acting Voices!!!
Alison, you manage to bring attention to a whole lot of intersting facets of life in this wonderful blog. Books are a particular favourite past time in my house. We are seriously thinking of moving into a new house to accommodate our books! Peter’s books sound amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Love books, all books especially children’s books and am always on the lookout for new titles to share with my classes
I love a lead on engaging children’s books. Thankyou for the heads up!
In an another life I would be a picture book writer and illustrator….
one can never get enough books! đ
I just love his books. You just get so lost in the pictures.
I just love a good children’s picture book
I love all Peter’s books. My 9yo daughter says she wants to draw like Peter. I say, I want to write like Peter as I can’t draw at all.
I love all Peter’s books. My 9yo daughter says she wants to draw like Peter. I say, I want to write like Peter as I can’t draw at all.
We love discovering new children’s books here so thank you for sharing Peter’s work. They look fantastic.
Thank you for introducing us to Peter, and to these books! Win or lose, they’ll be making an appearance in our house.
I’m so glad you decided to reconsider your review and interview.
I think every family should have a peter Carnavas book in their home.
Really wanted to comment but please don’t enter me in the giveaway. I’m blessed to already have Peter’s books.
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pete’s an annoyingly good soccer player as well! and guitarist… why I oughta!!!
A giveaway on the Fibro – I’ve got to be in that! And I couldn’t imagine a better prize. These books are DIVINE!
the illustration is darling – off to read the rest now.
I once made up a bedtime story about two of her stuffed toys,for my eldest when she was a baby. Those toys had wonderful times together. She loved it and I really wish I’d written it down. I may have to search my memory and get it on paper.
Not only has this inspired me to complete a childrens’ story that I started, but also to persevere in illustrating it. I seem to have the same problem- failing to get my hand to draw what my head wants it to! Thanks!
Being a mum & a teacher, those books sound excellent – would love to win!! đ
Books are treasures in this house – sounds like a set we’d love to add to our collection! Thanks for sharing Peter’s story and words of wisdom x
Count me in! We can always do with new children’s books. Miss 4, Mr 3 and Mr 1 love stories before bed.
Thanks for the review – will definitely be checking out his website.
Peter’s books sound wonderful, and I love the whimsical illustrations. I think it’s so important to have layers of meaning in a kids’ books, the story reveals itself in new ways reach time you read it.
And that tree comes with the endorsement of Mr 4, so it must be pretty awesome.
I hadn’t heard of him. But this is the second interview with Peter I have read this week. Always excited to find a new (to me) children’s author!
Another lovely person from the Sunshine Coast đ
such beautiful illustrations, and I am a total sucker for a beautifully illustrated book, better still those with important stories to tell. thankyou for introducing Peter. Tatum xx
Peter’s work is AMAZING & he is just as lovely in person. Mind you, I do think it’s highly unfair that such talent exists in one person. You’d think he’d be generous about it & share some around đ
Just look at that heavy heart!,
Would love to have one of this books! And thanks for the info, definitely checking out the site and newsletter!
In from twitter – oh you had me at children’s book..
Have not read his books yet but this is the third interview I have ready about Peter in the last few weeks. Looking forward to finding some copies for my Master.
I am going to sub to New Frontier and have a copy of Australian Writers’ Marketplace on my desk from the library. Thanks for the tips Peter and Allison.
I’m in. I clicked over to find out more having fallen in love with that little picture. He deserves a wide audience for his work seems wonderful.
Oh to have this kind of talent. The coming together of art, story, meaning and a little magic is truly special. x