Interview With Jeremy Strong

Who are your favourite children’s authors/poets/illustrators?

Nick Sharratt, Michael Rosen, Louise Rennison, Lauren Child, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Rudyard Kipling, A.A.Milne.

What is the most unusual place you have read a book in?

An air-raid shelter. This was when I was a child we had a concrete shelter in our garden left over from World War 2. My big bro and I were always in it.

Why did you decide to write/illustrate children’s books?

I’ve always loved children’s books. Also, when I began writing I was also teaching primary children. It seemed natural to write stories for them.

If you weren’t a writer/illustrator, what else would you be?

A grand prix racing driver, a brilliant artist, an amazing pianist, or a tiger. Any of those will do!

What do you like best about being a writer/illustrator?

Not being bossed by anyone and being able to earn my living by using my imagination.

What influences your writing/illustrations?

Money! No – but really – I think I was mostly influenced by comics like The Beano and writers like A.A Milne and Donald Bissett.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers/illustrators?

Don’t give up trying. It’s very difficult to get started in the world of publishing and you really have to keep at it. Don’t be disappointed if you get rejected – just try again…and again!

Jeremy Strong

At the age of three, Jeremy Strong fell out of a first floor window and landed on his head. He was in hospital for a week with a broken arm and a headache. Luckily he recovered, and today he is one of the UK’s favourite children’s authors!

By Jeremy Strong

Awards

Jeremy has won lots of awards including the very first Manchester Book Award for Stuff, and the Children’s Book Award for The Hundred Mile An Hour Dog in 1997.