Screenwriter Chris Parker, who has worked on children’s TV programmes such as Peppa Pig, has his first children’s book out today. Here, the father-of-two explains how The Yes Bunny is life-affirming guide aimed at pre-schoolers
When did your love of writing begin, and what is your writing background?
I began writing scripts for Hollyoaks shortly after it launched on Channel Four and I later moved to the writing teams of Coronation Street and EastEnders. When my daughter was a toddler, I wanted to write for a show she could watch, and I began to work on animated series. I enjoyed it so much that it has taken over my career and I’ve since written for dozens of preschool shows including Postman Pat, Clangers, Pop Paper City and Peppa Pig. My first novel for adults, Nameless Lake, was published last year.
Where is home, and what links do you have to Norfolk/Suffolk?
I live in Cambridge, and North Norfolk was where we always spent holidays when my children were small. I love Norwich and I managed to persuade the Anteros Foundation to let me set up the Norwich Book Slam, where a different group of five authors came together each month to read from their books and discuss their writing with the audience. I’m really proud of the events, which attracted brilliant writers like Tom Benn, Varsha Shah, Giselle Leeb and D.J. Taylor.
Is The Yes Bunny your first book? What inspired you to write it?
It’s my first children’s book. I really liked the idea of a fun “how to” guide which helps young kids deal with everyday situations they may find tricky or daunting, like trying new foods or having a bath when you really, really don’t want one! Sofi is an adventurous, independent young rabbit who is quick to say “no” to any situation that doesn’t seem like much fun. She finds that by looking at things differently, she can turn day-to-day chores into fun activities. The dynamic between the sister and brother duo in the book, Sofi and Luka, is strongly influenced by my own children, Libby and Tom.
Does writing a children’s book differ from what you’ve written before? What age-group is it aimed at?
It’s for children aged 2-4, though I hope older siblings and parents will enjoy it too. I remember being obsessed by books at that age, wanting to revisit certain pages because of an illustration or turn of phrase that intrigued me. I’ve tried to include lots of these moments in each story and the illustrator Ella Bailey has packed every page with quirky rabbit-related details.
Would you like to name-check the illustrator?
Yes, absolutely! Ella Bailey is an incredible illustrator who brings so much life to everything she draws. Even the soft toys in The Yes Bunny have distinct personalities, especially Grumpy Bear! Collaborating with Ella, being able to watch the illustrations take shape, has been a real privilege.
Will it be the first in a series?
I hope so!
What are your hopes/dreams for the book(s)?
I want children and their parents to enjoy it together. I hope it’ll be a starting point for chats about things children don’t like to do, and how a change of approach might change how they feel. I think that’s a really healthy way to look at life, no matter how old you are. I’m thrilled that children will also be reading it Italian, Estonian, Spanish and Greek!
The Yes Bunny is published by Magic Cat on September 12th.
Featured image of Chris Parker – supplied
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