TIM HARRIS and HEIDI MCKINNON’s This Is My Book is a hilarious story about what really happens inside a book.
We caught up with Tim to ask him about his love of storytelling.
What sparked the idea for This Is My Book?
The idea was sparked 10 years ago when I was working on the first Exploding Endings book. My first publisher (the late Garry Evans) asked me for some humorous ‘bits and pieces’ to put between the feature stories, and the concept of a battle between the pages was born. Years later, I spoke with Zoe Walton at Penguin about turning the idea into a revamped (and full colour!) version as a standalone picture book. Once the brilliance of Heidi McKinnon was added, This is My Book became what it is now. It’s a picture book that took an entire decade to evolve.
Where did you get your love of storytelling?
My love of storytelling grew over years of reading to my students. There is a real magic when stories are shared in a classroom, and this is what prompted me to have a go at writing.
What can you tell us about the left page and right page?
Both pages are rather grumpy. The Left page takes delight in bragging about being the best and most important page in the book. This only sets the Right page off as it tries to prove otherwise.
This Is My Book takes a unique approach to storytelling – what was the most enjoyable part of writing this story?
Dragging Heidi McKinnon and myself into the story was lots of fun. Heidi ends up taking the side of the Left page, and I end up coming in to bat for the Right page. We also bring the reader into the story which shakes the battle up. There were no rules because it is a concept book, so this made the whole process enjoyable.
Describe this book in three words.
Funny, interactive, unpredictable.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim Harris is the bestselling author of several laugh-out-loud series for kids, including Toffle Towers, Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables and Exploding Endings.
A former primary school teacher of 15 years, Tim fills his stories with quirky scenarios, loveable characters and plenty of imagination. Tim’s ‘humour with heart’ writing style has seen his books receive multiple awards, including five KOALA Honour Books (2017, 2019, two in 2020, and 2021) and a CBCA Notable (2018). His books have been published in Australia and the USA, and have been translated into numerous languages.
An advocate for creativity and short stories, Tim conducts presentations and workshops that are both dynamic and entertaining. He is a sought-after presenter, having worked in hundreds of schools across Australia.
Tim lives in Sydney with his wife and four young children.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Heidi McKinnon is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator who lives in sunny Melbourne, Australia. With a background in art and design, Heidi creates books that are colourful, fun and filled with humour. Her books have been published around the world and have received numerous nominations.
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