The Quick Six Interview with Gabrielle Bassett on Jack’s Best Day Ever!

Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Gabrielle Bassett!

We’re so excited to welcome author, scientist and mum, Gabrielle Bassett to Just Write For Kids with her debut picture book, Jack’s Best Day Ever! Here is a book roaring with energy, bursting with heart and leaping with triumphant moments as two friends, each with their own neurodiversity and disability, share fun and fascinating adventures together. The narrative and illustrations (by Annabelle Hale) combine to present an eye-opening, joyful and inclusive book that allows us all to understand and celebrate differences and varying perspectives on the world. The warmth just radiates out of these pages! 🙂

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About the Author

Gabrielle Bassett is a scientist, mum and author. She started her career as a Microbiologist. Later, she hung up her white coat and started working in recruitment and discovered she got great joy in finding other scientists their dream jobs.

Through her work in an Australian University, Gabrielle leads programs of work around disability inclusion, Indigenous employment and female leadership within STEM. 

Jack, the boy in her story, Jack’s Best Day Ever!, is based on her son. 

Please find Gabrielle Bassett on Instagram.

Jack’s Best Day Ever! can be purchased via Woodslane Press here and in all good bookstores.

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WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?

Author – Gabrielle Bassett

Illustrator – Annabelle Hale | Instagram

Publisher – Woodslane Press

WHAT is it about?

Jack loves anything that zooms, digs and races. But Jack doesn’t like change and he only ever wants to eat peanut butter sandwiches! This heart-warming, hilarious story of friendship explores how it feels to be neurodivergent and introduces children to the idea that there is no one-size-fits-all way to be human.

This book is a fun story where Jack, his sisters and his best friend go on an adventure around the zoo. They get to see lot of different animals and Jack bravely tries the delicious foods that the animals eat.

What is your favourite part of this book?

When Jack saves everyone from a potential disaster at the zoo because he is feeling brave and strong (because of all the new things that he has tried and eaten on his adventure). I love that it shows Jack as a brave, helpful and caring friend.

WHEN did you begin writing this book?

Lockdown was the catalyst to kick-start that dream and tap into my creative side. We all had more time on our hands then and this was a wonderful project to focus on at the time.

When is its release / launch date?

Released in May 2023.

WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?

I had always dreamed of writing a children’s book. I also realised during lockdown that there was no diversity on our bookshelf at home so wanted to write a book focused on diversity.

The inspiration for the story came from my son Jack. He is a very caring and kind boy. He is neurodiverse and that is his superpower. He is extremely creative and passionate about certain things.  

Jack does some very funny/inspiring things at home, and is constantly making us laugh with his creativity and interests, so I wanted to share that with other people too. 

WHY is this book meaningful to you?

Diversity in books is so important. I think children need to be able to see versions of themselves in books and on the screen. It makes them feel accepted and loved for the being their true selves.

At the end of the day, no matter where we come from, or how differently everyone thinks, we all belong. Some people just require a little more help than others. 

Children also need to have fun when they are reading so when the book was illustrated in a fun and colourful way I was thrilled.

Why would its message resonate with readers?

The book has been written in a way that children can just enjoy the fun zoo adventure, or they can ask why the main character, Jack, does certain things. Why is he flapping his hands or why does he need to cover his ears.

Chances are readers will know someone at their school like Jack and it may help to open a conversation for better understanding of their friends.

HOW do you feel about the illustrations / cover design? How do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?

Annabelle did such a wonderful job bringing Jack’s story to life in a fun, colourful and inclusive way.

The page where Jack bravely saves the day from the lions is my favourite, however kids have told me they love many of the pages. The giraffes, the lions, the birthday party – all winners in their view.  

There is a different page for everyone to love.

How have you promoted this book and how can we find it?

The book has been promoted in many various ways, like podcasts, reviews, book launch, kindergartens and school visits etc.

If you are interested in Gabrielle’s journey, you can follow her on Instagram: gabriellebassett_author 

Copies of the book can be purchased Woodslane Press (GABRIELLE15 for 15% off at checkout) or at all good bookstores.

Thank you for sharing your wildly fun and heart-warming story with us, Gabrielle! We can’t wait to see more of you and Jack! 🙂

#thequicksixinterview #jacksbestdayever #neurodiversity #inclusivity #friendship #picturebooks