Koala’s in Capes: The Zombie Chickens by TERRIE CHILVERS is the story of Bob and Archie, two hapless, superpowered koalas that might fight an army of feathered supervillains.

Read on for a Q&A with Terrie about her favourite animals and writing humour for kids.

MEET TERRIE CHILVERS

Where did the idea for Koalas in Capes come from?

I wanted to write a superhero series with heroes that kids could relate to. Bob and Archie are very much thrown into their new roles and things don’t always go to plan (much like real life!). I’ve always been a champion of the underdog (or underkoala!) and hope that Bob and Archie can inspire kids to embrace their own inner superhero.

Did you enjoy superhero stories as a child? What were your favourite books?

I loved watching the re-runs of the sixties Batman TV series, and the Superman films were always top of our family Christmas watch list. When it came to reading, my favourite books ALWAYS featured animals – I loved the Animals of Farthing Wood and anything with dogs! Koalas in Capes has given me the chance to merge my love of animals AND superheroes. There’s a mention of Bob and Archie trying to rescue a young goat from up a tree, which is a nod to Superman’s cat rescue in the first film.

What can you tell us about Bob and Archie? How do they differ as characters?

Bob and Archie are great friends and they both have superpowers, but they’re actually very difficult in character and they’re not the most naturally gifted at being superheroes! Bob is an adventurous koala and his gung-ho attitude often gets him into trouble, while Archie is scared of trying new things. But they make a great team and nothing can stop them from taking on a villainous giant ostrich together.

Why did you decide on Zombie Chickens as the bad guys?

Bob and Archie’s nemesis is a giant ostrich called Dr Colossus so it made sense that his evil plan would involve other birds. Chickens are often funny when they’re just doing ordinary chicken stuff, and they’re even funnier when you turn them into zombies!

You’ve written several books with animal main characters, like Michael the super-sleuth sausage dog, and the two snails Fergus and Shelby. Why are you drawn to animal protagonists?

I think animals are more fun to write about than humans! They’re always so full of character (in their expressions and behaviours) and for me, that makes it easier to give them personalities and ambitions. It just made sense to me that a tiny sausage dog might quite like the idea of becoming the most famous dachshund in the world. And for me, koalas are the Clark Kent of the animal world – nobody would expect that they are secretly saving the world!

You write “funny fiction for kids”; what is your favourite thing about writing humour?

It’s fun! My favourite thing is hearing which bits of my books readers find funny. I like putting a smile on people’s faces – life can be tough sometimes and humour can help make things feel a little bit better.

If you could be any animal, what would it be? Would you have superpowers?

I’d probably be a superhero koala with the power of invisibility like Archie. I’d definitely prefer to be saving the day quietly, rather than facing supervillain ostriches head on!

What’s next for Bob and Archie? Are you working on their next adventure?

I’ve just finished writing their third adventure which involves ninja penguins and truth marshmallows. And the second book will be going to print soon – expect hypnotising robot spiders and cross your fingers that Bob and Archie can avoid being dropped into a swimming pool of koala-eating sharks.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terrie Chilvers writes funny chapter books and non-fiction. She works freelance as a copywriter and social media consultant but is most happy when teaching a dog to high-five or taking a picture of her Eggs Benedict to post on Instagram. Terrie lives in London where she is the doting aunt to two sausage dogs.

Visit Terrie Chilvers’ website here.

Follow Terrie Chilvers on Instagram.

Visit the Allen & Unwin website.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

David O’Connell is a writer and illustrator living in England. He works mostly in children’s books, particularly humorous picture books and young fiction, with over fifty books to his name.

His best known books are the popular ‘The Naughtiest Unicorn’ series, The Sunday Times best-selling How to Grow Up and Feel Amazing (both as illustrator) and The Chocolate Factory Ghost (as writer).

Visit David O’Connell’s website here.

Follow David O’Connell on Instagram.