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Sunday, August 25, 2019

Carrie Coupland, Author of A Day at the Zoo!

Childrens picture book, animal book, rhyming book, funny, zoo, cute, a day at the zoo, zoo picture book, zoo children's book, carrie coupland
Today we are interviewing Carrie Coupland  about the children's picture book "A Day at the Zoo!"

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My interest started when I was a little girl reading animal books. I had many pets growing up so I was inspired to write my own stories about them. 

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Anyone who likes colourful pictures and rhyme. Although the general consensus is around under 8 and the parents that enjoy reading to them!

What inspired you to write a rhyming book about animals at the zoo?
I enjoy writing rhymes and have always been good at it. I also love animals.

How did you balance writing rhyming prose that is suitable for reading aloud with describing the illustrations? Did you have prior experience with rhyming? 
I drew up a story board and wrote the rhymes before illustrating them. 

You’re also an illustrator. Did your interest in writing and illustrating develop alongside each other? Or did one develop first?
I always loved drawing as a child and when I could write I was writing books about my pets.

What medium do you use to do your illustrations?
I sketched them on a pad and redrew and coloured them on procreate.

What are some of the animals featured in the book?
A lion, a monkey, a hippo.

Do you have a favorite animal in the book?
The hippo, he’s funny

Is there an author that had a major influence on your writing style?
I grew up reading Dick King Smith and loved all his animal books! I also love A.A Milne.

How long have you been writing?
Since I was big enough to hold a pencil!

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
To not give up and keep writing and drawing. As long as my daughter enjoys my books that’s all that matters.

How have your readers responded to the book so far?
My friends and family have just ordered their copies and they love them. It helps I know many people with small children!

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
Getting stuck at a point but not really a problem with short children’s books.

What is your favorite part of writing children’s books?
Hoping that a little boy or girl loves reading or getting read your book. And that my own little girl likes my book too.

Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
I think all writers get blocks, you just have to put it down and come back to it. Meditate, go out in nature or anywhere that will inspire your book, will help for inspiration!

What do you have in mind for your next project?
Possibly more “days at”. I’m illustrating lots at the moment, so hopefully I can write a book based on an illustration I’m proud of. 

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book? 
Enjoy reading to your little ones. Time goes so fast. My book easy and enjoyable to read!

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon.

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