Good Reading for Kids caught up with VICKY COWIE to discuss her book Tales from Muggleswick Wood, a treasury of five interlinked bedtime stories.
What can you tell us about the world of Muggleswick Wood?
The 5 stories in Muggleswick Wood are full of magic, myths, bugs and moles. Granny is visiting 5 cousins telling her grandchildren stories of her own childhood growing up around Muggleswick and it’s magical oak woods. Granny also tells imaginary tales of her own to share with her grandchildren at bedtime. From fairies, a naughty mole named Melvin to brownies and mythical horses, there is something for everyone and lots to make you giggle. There is even a beautiful map for you to find your way around.
Are the woods inspired by a real place or landscape?
Absolutely YES! Muggleswick is a real village in the north east of England. It has some of the largest oak woods in the country and is surrounded by lovely purple moorland covered in thick purple heather. Some of the houses my characters live in are real too – and others are totally made up!
Why did you choose to write your stories in rhyme? And was this process challenging?
I chose to write my stories in rhyme because my favourite books when I was a child were all rhyming ones. Also, I like reading to my own children in rhyme. To me it’s just more fun.
I think writing in rhyme is always going to be a bit more tricky, but I like the challenge of keeping a rhythm and rhyme, it’s the best bit! Sometimes I do get a bit stuck, but there is always a way to work through a problem.
What makes a great bedtime story? And what were your favourites growing up?
I think a great bedtime story is a story that can make you laugh but also has a soft warm side to it, so that children can feel both happy and comforted before a good night’s sleep.
My favourite book when I was very little was called Gingers adventures. It was all about a naughty puppy escaping from the city and getting back to the country where he grew up.
I also loved Hairy Macleary from Donaldsons Dairy, then as I got older Roald Dahl’s Revolting Ryhmes to me were brilliant.
Do you have a favourite story in Tales from Muggleswick Wood?
I don’t have a favourite story in Tales from Muggleswick Wood because I think it depends on what kind of mood you are in as to which story will work best. My little boy loves to go through them in order and put the green ribbon bookmark in each night before I tuck him into bed.
What was your favourite part of writing this book?
I have two favourite parts in the writing of this book. The first really exciting bit was seeing the illustrations for the first time, seeing my world beautifully brought to life by Charlie Mackesy. The second was definitely when the finished copy of the book arrived in the post, I carefully took off the packaging and finally got to hold my book in my hands. I hope the best bit of all will be lots of happy children enjoying my stories before bedtime.
Tales From Muggleswick Wood by Vicky Cowie, illustrated by Charlie Mackesy, published 8 October Bloomsbury$39.99 from all good book shops
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vicky Cowie has always loved writing rhyming stories. lives in East Yorkshire with her husband and four children. She loves horses and the English countryside, and was inspired by the classic stories that she loved while growing up.
0 Comments