It is with huge joy to welcome back passionate children’s author and educator, Penny Macoun, to share her latest cheeky tale, Two Can Be Trouble, which really comes from a place of the heart. The story follows two brothers and their messy backyard antics, which overflows with teamwork, compassion and love at its core. Thanks so much, Penny, for bringing heart and humour (and a refreshing breeze) into our homes, especially perfect for our upcoming Australian summer. 🙂
Congratulations, Penny, on the release of your cheeky new picture book, Two Can Be Trouble! This is a book about two mischievous brothers and their backyard antics. Can you tell us a bit more about it?
This story was originally written as a tribute to one of my nephews, who was so cute and even when he was being mischievous and a little bit naughty, we couldn’t help smile or laugh at his cuteness. Over time, the story transformed into this beautiful tale complementing the sibling relationship and individual personalities.
Where did the inspiration for this book come from?
I spent a lot of time with my nephews when they were little. Their personalities were very different, but they enjoyed playing together. Two Can Be Trouble was inspired by those years spending time with them.
Did you ever get yourself into trouble as a young child?
I used to fall over all the time, because I couldn’t always see where I was going, or I didn’t realise there was a step or uneven surface. I also use to fall in the pool because I didn’t realise how close to the edge I was. I never managed to get into any troublesome mischief, though.
What do you hope readers will gain from this book, and do you have a favourite part?
I hope readers will find this book fun. Even an innocent afternoon of play can turn into complete chaos, but even chaos can be fun. I think it’s important that Toby and Jordan tried to help their mother by doing something they weren’t asked to do; I believe showing initiative is an important lesson to teach our children.
Your illustrator, Paul Nash, brings so much colour and humour to his illustrations, where the rascally behaviour of the brothers, Toby and Jordan, radiates from each page. What do you love most about his work?
Paul and I work well together. We have a system that works and I’m sure Paul probably gets frustrated with me sometimes when I send heaps of changes, but he has never complained. When we first met over a WhatsApp call, he loved that I was a visual person. When we start working on a book, I give him general guidance of what I am looking for and he sends a black and white story board and then adds colour. Sometimes I will also give more specific guidance as what I’m looking for, like with Rollo’s Wet Surprise, but mostly I let Paul run with his ideas and only need to change minor things. Paul also has a great ability to be authentic to the story.
What feedback have you had about the book so far?
The feedback I have received so has been positive. The older of the two nephews who inspired this story kept saying he didn’t do things like that. Adults who have read it have said it was fun.
What are your best writing tips for aspiring self-publishers?
Everybody’s journey is different. Just because someone is self-published or traditionally published, it doesn’t mean you have to follow one over the other. Talk to authors, ask questions and decide which journey works best for you. I attended an afternoon workshop in 2019 about self-publishing and that’s when I learnt how it all worked. I walked out of that workshop thinking it sounded too hard and I couldn’t do it. I also knew how difficult it was to be traditionally published. So, after that workshop I honestly felt like giving up and I wouldn’t make it as an author. I decided to just write and not bother about being published. But in my heart, I wanted to leave something in the world. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I decided to just do it and I self-published my first book. So, my advice is; don’t give up, ask questions, follow your heart and ultimately do what is right for you.
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself or the celebration of your FUN-LOVING Two Can Be Trouble?
I love writing and creating books. I want to let people know I have more stories in the pipeline and look forward to sharing them with you when the time is right. Also, for those who are looking for some writing tips and hopefully a bit of motivation, I post short clips on my Facebook, Instagram and YouTube platforms. I hope my tips can help you become the best writer you can be.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, Penny! It’s been so much fun! 😊
Thanks so much for the fabulous interview questions. It’s been fun and maybe a little bit troublesome! 😊
Not at all! You’re such a joy! 😊
About the Author
In 1993, Penny Macoun discovered that she wanted to be a writer when her story about a fumble-brained funnel-web spider was printed in the school newsletter. Ever since, she has loved the ‘other worlds’ that words create, and her mission is to create these worlds for many years to come.
Professionally, alongside writing and editing, Penny was a casual primary school teacher with the NSW Department of Education for 8 years, and now she is a tutor in a private coaching college. She also enjoys creating various forms of visual art and being in the garden. Another passion is travelling, having visited parts of Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Penny plans to continue her exploration of the world in the future.
In 2024, Penny will take part in the wonderful school literacy and reading program, Author Pen Pals.
Please find Penny Macoun at her website: HOME | Penny Macoun Author and on Facebook | Instagram and YouTube.
Two Can Be Trouble is available for purchase from Macoun Publications.
Illustrator Paul Nash can be found at his website: Paul Nash illustrations (nashyart.com) and on Facebook and Instagram.
Join in the fun antics with Penny Macoun and her mischievous tale, Two Can Be Trouble, splashing chaos to readers across the blogosphere!
#twocanbetrouble #siblingrivalry #teamwork #picturebooks #justkidslit
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