Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Mary Anastasiou!
Thanks so much to multi-talented author, editor, designer and marketing manager, Mary Anastasiou, for flying in to share one of her latest creations – the cutest Halloween picture book around, Tilly’s New Broom. The perfectly-timed rhyming couplets work harmoniously with Giorgia Clerico‘s adorably spooky illustrations to capture little witch Tilly’s flying conundrum in the most inventive ways possible. Witty, snappy and deliciously moody in every sense, young readers will adore the spell-tacular adventures of Tilly and her cat, Sooty every step (or soar) of the way. Zoom into your nearest expo to find Tilly today!
Congratulations, Mary! 🙂
About the Author
A self-confessed chocoholic, pluviophile and lover of all things kid lit, Mary Anastasiou writes books that she hopes will engage, inspire and empower little people on their journey to becoming big people.
With 30 years of design experience, Mary’s role in publishing has included Head Creative for indie publisher, Larrikin House and more recently, Managing Editor / Marketing Manager at Five Mile Books.
Author or the much loved ‘I want to be…’ series, Mary’s ‘I want to be a Sports Star‘ was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Book of the Year awards in 2022.
Her recent published titles include Jimmy Bottoms, The Art of Making Friends, Julius Squeezer and Tilly’s New Broom released in 2024, with more titles set for release: ‘Zoomies’, ‘Disco Duck’, and ‘Angus McGrew and the Unicorn Crew’, Mary is set to continue making her own kid lit dreams come true.
Please find Mary Anastasiou on her website: Mary Anastasiou and on Instagram | Facebook
Please find illustrator Giorgia Clerico on: Cara | Instagram | LinkedIn
Tilly’s New Broom can be purchased through Mary Anastasiou’s website.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
Author: Mary Anastasiou
Illustrator: Giorgia Clerico
Publisher: Five Mile
WHAT is it about?
When Tilly realises that her hand me down broom just won’t start, she heads off to the Zoomer’s Expo to find an alternative way to travel.
Will this little Witch find the perfect replacement broom or will she have to consider an alternative way to fly?
What is your favourite part of this book?
I love the way Giorgia has taken the narrative and created a gorgeous little witch in Tilly. Her illustrations and the simple palette are just the right mix of spooky and cute!
WHEN did you begin writing this book?
Initial draft for Tilly was mid to late 2023 with final draft in January 2024.
When is its release / launch date?
August 2024 through leading bookstores, online retailers and Big W.
WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?
My Halloween loving heart was always destined to write some kind of Halloween story – but Tilly was inspired by a child’s Halloween costume that I saw online one day. In fact, it was that same image that I sent to Giorgia as reference for the character.
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
I think it just a little bit different to other Halloween stories in that it’s not so much scary as it is fun. And, it just makes my Halloween heart happy…
Why would its message resonate with readers?
There isn’t really a solid message in this story. It’s just a fun, light hearted read that I hope will inspire little ones to fall in love with the characters and want to read it over and over again.
HOW do you feel about the illustrations / cover design? How do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?
The illustrations are perfect! Giorgia has done a beautiful job in translating the narrative. The cover is strong and impactful with just the right hint of what the story is about.
How have you promoted this book and how can we find it?
Book promotion has begun and Tilly will be available through all good bookstores, online retailers, Big W and of course my website at: www.maryanastasiou.com.au
Tilly is the perfect little witch! Congratulations, Mary! 🙂
Watch the official Tilly’s New Broom trailer! (click the image below)
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