Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Claire Thompson!
It is such a pleasure to welcome a star in the making – the delightful children’s author, Claire Thompson! Claire’s debut picture book is about to be handed out into the world, and it’s sure to fill many hearts and minds to the brim! Lily The Inventor is a true story about young, imaginative inventor, Lily Born, who was inspired to help her hero – her Grandpa – make his Parkinson’s Disease a little easier with the carefully-engineered creation of a spill-proof cup; a Kangaroo Cup! Claire’s narrative is playful, thought-provoking and fun to read aloud, and is supported by the creatively enticing and enchanting illustrations by Zoe Bennett.
Congratulations, Claire and Zoe! This book looks absolutely stunning and inspiring! 🙂
About the Author
Claire Thompson is an emerging Australian children’s writer with a passion – and nose – for sniffing out true stories to empower and inspire. Driven by her background in journalism, real people with extraordinary tales sit at the heart of Claire’s books.
Growing up in Beatrix Potter’s English countryside, Claire has always loved inspiring books of courage and adventure. Pitching her first book idea to a publisher at 12 years old, she proudly received a hand-typed response encouraging her to keep following her dreams.
Claire’s debut picture book Lily The Inventor is out with Redback Publishing in 2023.
Visit Claire Thompson at her website: www.clairethompsonbooks.com
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
I had the pleasure of writing Lily The Inventor. The book is illustrated by the wildly talented, Zoe Bennett and published by Redback Publishing.
WHAT is it about?
Lily The Inventor is the true story of seven-year-old, Lily Born. Lily’s mind is full of wonderful ideas and whizz bang inventions! When Grandpa, her biggest hero, needs a little help, Lily sets work on her most important invention yet.
What is your favourite part of this book?
Can I have lots of favourite parts? In the story, Lily has fun with inventing combining STEM with her imagination. Illustrator, Zoe Bennett, conjured the most creative and colourful inventions and ideas in the pages!
There’s also a heart-warming connection between Lily and Grandpa. Lily wants to invent something to help her hero and make the world a better place. Her invention went into production and now helps thousands of people around the world. I find that so inspiring!
WHEN did you begin writing this book?
I started writing this book on maternity leave in 2021. I’d completed the Australian Writer’s Centre’s picture book course and wanted to write true stories about remarkable kids.
When is its release / launch date?
The book will be out early July 2023 and is available for pre-order on Redback Publishing’s website now: https://www.redbackpublishing.com.au/book/9781761400254/lily-the-inventor
WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?
I discovered the true story of Lily Born online and was hooked! I thought Lily’s adventures would make a wonderfully colourful and inspiring picture book. I tracked Lily down to ask permission, and luckily, she agreed!
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
So many reasons! It’s my first book baby, so it’s extra special. I love Lily’s passion and perseverance and hope to inspire kids by sharing her story. I am also unspeakably happy that Zoe Bennett illustrated this book! It looks beautiful.
Why would its message resonate with readers?
Young readers will be empowered by Lily’s true story while having fun learning about her inventions. Lily has won awards and been recognised as a role model to inspire other young inventors to follow their dreams.
I think Lily’s relationship with Grandpa will also resonate with young readers who may have their own special ‘hero’ at home.
HOW do you feel about the illustrations / cover design? How do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?
Zoe’s work blows me away, she is so talented! It’s been amazing watching Zoe breathe life into Lily and her adventures. Her attention to detail is incredible with tiny, thoughtful touches hidden in the pages.
She has captured the magic of Grandpa and Lily’s relationship perfectly. The cover is now printed and framed, hanging proudly in my study!
How have you promoted this book and how can we find it?
I’ve been tracking my progress on Instagram since before Lily The Inventor was even picked up! I even shared the moment the publisher offered me a book deal. I’ll be doing some storytimes and signings during launch month.
OTHER information or experiences you’d like to share?
I’ll keep following every step of my author journey on socials. You can hop along for the ride here: https://www.instagram.com/clairethompsonbooks/
Teaching notes for Lily The Inventor are available through Redback Publishing here.
This is amazing, and so inspiring! Love following your journey, Claire! 🙂
#thequicksixinterview #lilytheinventor #STEM #generationalrelationships #picturebooks
5 thoughts to “The Quick Six Interview with Claire Thompson”
Maybe I should read this book because I have the same problem that her grandpa had. I wa n t to know how Lily worked out a sotution for her grandpa.
Thanks for your comment, Elizabeth. Young Lily is such a compassionate and creative thinker. This is a beautiful book to read! All the best x
What an inspiring picture book and author.
Absolutely! And an inspiring young inventor! 🙂
Indeed!