Sunny and Storm is a funny illustrated adventure written by comedian, bestselling author and social media sensation, TANYA HENNESSY. Read on for a Q&A.
MEET TANYA HENNESSY
What sparked the idea for Sunny and Storm?
Well I loved the idea of making up words, I’m always thinking of words that should be invented. For example we have a corgi and whenever we drop some food on the floor he eats it, he’s like an animal vacuum an ANIAC if you will and you know all the gross bits and pieces of food and stuff that get stuck in your car seat? That’s such a “thing” we all collectively know but it doesn’t have a name, so I called it Shrinkles. Then I was like – that combined with a best friend story would be really cool! I think female friendship has always meant so much to me and I really wanted a space to celebrate that!
What can you tell us about best friends Sunny and Storm?
Well Storm is a wild child, confident, talks too much, clumsy, funny, really creative, ADHD which gets her into trouble. Then we have Sunny who’s considered, measured, shy, quiet, loves to draw, very sweet and kind.
Despite their differences they become besties in a rural town and invent their own language which helps them solve a crime!
Their relationship is a bit inspired by the movie Beaches, two lead females who are wildly different, yet are the best of friends! They also have something to learn from each other.
What was your favourite part of creating the detective dynamic between Sunny and Storm?
Oh it was a challenge for me because I’m a character writer first, story second. So this book HAD to be story first. I had been writing some TV and my story writing had developed so much so was divine timing. I loved it! My fave part was probably infusing comedy into a detective narrative and using the environment of a rural town to help push the story.
What challenges do the duo face as they try to clear their names?
Well, you’ll have to read it to find out! BUT the girls are framed, and they face a lot of drama and ALOT of animal poo…
But one big challenge is the girls friendship and their book!
What inspired your foray into writing children’s books?
I loved reading when I was a child, I do now as well. But I loved the adventure and autonomy of reading when I was a kid. My brain just went into the land of the story and I just couldn’t get enough I was always tired for school the day after I would read any Morris Gleitzman as a kid and I wanted to write more female centred funny junior fiction cause there wasn’t enough in the space. I wanted to create really real and 4D female characters who were deeply relatable and who kids, particularly girls can identify with.
Where does your love of storytelling come from?
My pop. He wouldn’t let me watch cartoons much as a kid – so I had to watch musical theatre all day every day when he babysat me. Which was often. As you know all the songs tell stories and I just became obsessed. But also, from my addiction to reading as a kid I just love stories! I love to create them, see them, read them, hear them. My addiction is real. Scottie’s name was almost story.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tanya Hennessy is a comedian, radio announcer, podcaster, TV presenter, multi-bestselling author and social media sensation. Her international social media following is in excess of 2.3 million and across all socials she has an impressive one billion views. She hosts NOVAs Confidential 7-8pm across the country and writes two columns a month for Body and Soul magazine. She also has a tv show and film in development and is the much-loved author of best selling adult non-fiction books Am I Doing This Right? and Help Self, as well as the picture book Pink Santa, illustrated by Ben Whitehouse, and two junior-fiction series, ‘Drum Roll Please – It’s Stevie Louise’ and the ‘Sunny and Storm‘ books.
Follow Tanya Hennessy on Instagram
Read more about Sunny and Storm on the Penguin website
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Rachael McLean is an Australian illustrator whose playful, inclusive artwork has appeared in bestselling children’s books worldwide. Her illustrations sparkle with humour and heart, celebrating her passion for kindness and creativity. From her sunny Townsville studio, she can be found sketching, strolling the beach with her dogs, or dreaming up new characters over far too many cups of tea.
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