Leslie McGuirk
Describe your new book.
Tucker's Spooky Halloween features Tucker the terrier and his desire to be something scary, and not cute, for Halloween. He has to think up something pretty clever, in order to NOT go out dressed as a cowboy, a bumblebee, or worse yet, a hot dog! One of the reasons children love Halloween is because for one day out of the year they can dress up, and scare people. There is power in this! Tucker also shows children that you have to take what you've got, and make what you want. A good lesson for children to learn!
Introduce one other author/illustrator you think people should read, and suggest a good book by him/her.
I am a huge fan of Tove Jansson, from Finland. Her books about the Moomintrolls are unbelievably good, and I am so surprised that many people don't know her work. I used to spend a lot of time doing design work in Japan, and the Moomintrolls were very big over there. The books are clever, wholesome, and very funny.
How did the last good book you read end up in your hands?
I just finished Eat, Pray, Love, which I thought was great. A year ago someone told me to read it. But it wasn't until I was in the Houston airport last month that I actually picked it up. I think books find you when they need to. The author celebrated her birthday at the end of the book, and we happen to be born on the same day. I also met the guy she studied with in Bali, when I was there about 10 years ago. So I think I need to write her a fan and happy birthday letter!
What is your favorite breakfast cereal?
When I was a child I loved QUISP, which had an extra terrestrial on the cover of the box. Now I love Grape Nuts.
What was your favorite story as a child?
I was obsessed with King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry. I used to pretend I was a horse, and gallop through the fields.
What do you do for relaxation?
Swim and walk the beach, and play with my dogs. I am fortunate to live on a tropical island where this is possible.
Why do you write books for kids?
I write for kids because I feel inside like I still am one, and as an adult I can share this magic with others. I can remember many details of what I felt like as a child, and I never wanted to lose my sense of wonder and enchantment. I am sure I write books to keep the kid in me alive. I also love seeing how happy children are when they read my books.
Tell us about your pets.
I have three dogs....Pekay, Wiggens, and Guy. The first two are Norfolk Terriers. Pekay is very old now, and totally blind, but Wiggens is his seeing eye dog. Guy is what I call a "Gremlin Terrier". He once managed to dial 911 on my cell phone! I left the phone on my car seat, and when I came back 911 called and asked if I was ok. They said someone had called, and there was heavy breathing!
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