Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Nicole Godwin!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Nicole Godwin
Nicole Godwin shines a light on environmental and animal rights issues through captivating picture books that engage readers and help to create a generation of thoughtful, committed, and compassionate individuals.
Meet the Illustrator: Christopher Nielsen
Christopher Nielsen’s illustrations flow forth from a love of vintage design. His artwork has won numerous awards worldwide. When he’s not making images or raising a young family, he can be found on stage playing guitar with his band The Ramalamas.
About the Book: Jelly-Boy
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
When I see problems affecting animals or the environment, I am inspired to look for creative ways to highlight the issue while also telling an engaging story. In the case of Jelly-Boy, I was looking for a way to show the impact of ocean plastic. I had read about turtles and other ocean animals mistaking plastic bags for jelly-fish, and though this might be a novel and fun approach to a serious issue.
YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?
I’d like the reader to consider the impact humans have on ocean animals through their use of plastic. While plastic is not mentioned once in Jelly-Boy’s text, the main character (Jelly-Boy) and the other illustrations clearly show the devastation of ocean plastic.
YABC: What was your favorite picture book as a child?
I was an Enid Blyton tragic. I loved getting lost in the land of the Faraway Tree. Moon-Face, Silky, The Saucepan Man, Dame Washalot, Mr. Watzisname and the children made me want to visit the lands at the top of the Faraway tree and I desperately wanted to whizz down Moon-Face’s slide. Now, as an adult, I understand that these books routinely included racist and sexist language. As the normalisation of this type of language perpetuates these beliefs, I was pleased to see that more recent versions of these books have been edited to remove this content
YABC: What would you say is your superpower?
I think that my superpower is empathy. I am able to imagine what life would be like for animals and tell stories from this perspective. Often humans put ourselves and our feelings at the center of everything. I think I have the ability to shift this perspective.
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
There are lots! I am involved with many causes including elephant sanctuaries, Sea Shepherd, animal rescue groups and vegan associations. Having these links means that I have knowledge about issues facing various animals and the environment. I then use these as inspiration for my stories. For example, I have volunteered at an elephant Sanctuary in Thailand – Boon Lott’s Sanctuary. Since volunteering, I have maintained a close relationship with the founder and have written a book with an underlying theme about elephants used in tourism.
YABC: What advice do you have for new writers?
Get involved in the children’s writing community by joining groups such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and attending children’s writing conferences. These linkages help you hone your craft, develop networks and connect with publishers.
YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?
I hope that Jelly-Boy helps to start (and continue) many conversations in homes and classrooms about ocean plastic and the impact on our incredible ocean animals.
~ Giveaway Details ~
Five (5) winners will receive a copy of Jelly-Boy (Nicole Godwin) ~US Only!
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
