Welcome Author Evelyn Bookless – Critique Giveaway

On today’s blog, I have the pleasure of sharing my interview with Evelyn Bookless as we celebrate the release of her second picture book, CAPTAIN GREEN AND THE TREE MACHINE. If you missed her first book, CAPTAIN GREEN AND THE PLASTIC SCENE, go ahead and order both of them now from your favorite indie book store, while I eat some Book Birthday Cake.

What were you like at the age of your target audience?

Hi Laura, Thanks so much for having me on your blog. What a super question! I was a pretty placid child all around, well, at least I think so. Growing up with three siblings close in age, meant that we all just got on with it. We played and entertained ourselves and had a whale of a time doing so. We got up to all sorts of adventures in the trees at the back of our house. (I grew up in the country in the west of Ireland.) I also loved learning and used to pour over a non-fiction book I had about the environment. That book gave me my first awareness of pollution and endangered species and I was outraged, in my own innocent way. Here’s a photo of me with my mother and siblings. I am sitting in between my two older brothers.

What inspires you?

I get inspired by spending time with my son, who is seven. Little things that he says and does give me story ideas. Our two pet rabbits also inspire / entertain me with fun ideas. I have a chapter book series featuring them planned out – It’s Bagel and Cream Cheese: Bunny Detectives. No Case Too Small! Their antics do make us giggle but I’m not sure if I will ever flesh out those ideas, as I prefer to write picture books. I am also inspired by days out and travel which sadly were curtailed over the past year. I work part-time as a Special Education Teacher in a mainstream international school and I get lots of ideas from the children that I help.  I work with children aged from 5 to 11 so I have a good feel for the differing interests of children at various stages. I love that ideas come from anywhere and everywhere and I try to jot them down on my phone as soon as I can or they vanish.

And here is a photo of my son and I. He transforms into a super Captain Green when I need him to, and relishes in his role as my little book buddy.

What do you hope your readers take away from your books?

CAPTAIN GREEN AND THE GREEN MACHINE launched in the US on January 18^th. I have had some lovely support from a number of tree conservation organizations. The Rainforest Trust, for example, have called the book, “A beautiful, informative way to educate the next generation about the importance of ending deforestation.” I hope that readers come away having enjoyed Captain Green’s superhero antics, and knowing some simple ways that they can help prevent deforestation. The back matter features some facts and top tips to keep trees standing.

What can we look forward to next?

I am working on a whole host of other stories, some of which I hope will be published one day. I like to write funny stories with heart. Any messages are usually found along the way in the writing process. I have some in person book signings and school visits lined up for the spring, when I hope it’s safe to do so again. 

Evelyn can be reached at: Twitter and Instagram @evelynbookless and Facebook @evelynbooklessauthor. Her website is www.evelynbookless.com

Evelyn is offering a picture book critique, with big picture and line level thoughts. Just leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway.