Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Michelle Conn!
We’re thrilled to have talented author-illustrator, Michelle Conn, in the spotlight and on centre stage today to share her festive picture book delight, The Christmas Star. Get ready for the season to be jolly with young Timmy as the happiest Christmas tree in town (and in the school play)! Although, Timmy wasn’t always happy to play this part as his dreams of fame are dashed when his best friend Kevin lands the lead role of King instead. Watch Timmy’s gloriously disastrous efforts to be shinier than the shining, glitter-foil star on the front cover of this book! Michelle does a brilliant job of portraying emotion and the perfect amounts of bauble-icious chaos and candy-cane sweetness, both through her energetic narrative and colourful, Christmassy-toned illustrations that you just can’t help but smile at on every page. Joyously adorable with themes of friendship, teamwork, and yes, plenty of Christmas magic for every reader, and budding performer to share.
Thank you, Michelle! 🙂
About the Author – Illustrator
Michelle Conn is a writer and illustrator of children’s books. She lives on Wadawurrung Country along the Great Ocean Road of Victoria. In 2024, her debut picture book Raised by Moths, written by Charlie Archbold, was awarded a CBCA Notable Picture Book and Shortlisted for the New Illustrator Award. Her second picture book, All You Can Be, written by Angela Casabene is a best-seller in Australia and has sold publication rights internationally.
Michelle uses digital media to illustrate characters full of emotion and scenes from a range of perspectives. She loves the process of creating storyboards for new projects and the problem solving and design challenges of visual storytelling.
The Christmas Star is Michelle’s debut picture book as author and illustrator.
Please find Michelle Conn at her website: Books | Michelle Conn Illust (michelleconnillustration.com) and on Instagram
The Christmas Star is available for purchase from Affirm Press and local bookstores.
We thank Affirm Press for providing a complimentary copy of this book.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
Me! And published by the wonderful Affirm Press.
WHAT is it about?
It’s about a boy named Timmy who wants to be a star in the school play but gets cast as the Christmas Tree. Timmy tries to steal the spotlight from his best friend Kevin which soon backfires, spelling disaster for the pair. It’s a story about friendship, teamwork and sharing the spotlight – and a little bit of Christmas magic!
What is your favourite part of this book?
When Timmy races on his bike to find Kevin before the play begins. I love the image of Timmy dressed as a Christmas tree riding a bike!
WHEN did you begin writing this book?
In 2019 I drew the first image of Timmy and in 2021 I put my ideas to paper and began the storyboard and manuscript.
When is its release / launch date?
September 2024.
WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?
The story of The Christmas Star was inspired by a drawing I made back in 2019. It was of little boy dressed as a Christmas tree standing alone in the spotlight. I loved this little guy and he wouldn’t leave me alone until I told his story!
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
This is my debut picture book as author and illustrator so I’m really proud of it! It has everything I love in a good story – good characters, tension, fun and joy!
Why would its message resonate with readers?
I think everyone, both young and old, can relate to Timmy feeling unseen or unimportant in a group situation. Readers will also resonate with the other characters who may feel frustrated by Timmy’s poor choices to get attention. Working as a team can be hard sometimes!
HOW do you feel about the illustrations / cover design? How do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?
I’m really proud of the illustrations and cover design. The colour palette was inspired by a gingerbread house, so the bright colours help with the energy and fun in the story.
How have you promoted this book and how can we find it?
Story times at local bookshops and libraries, window displays, social media and interviews. You can purchase the book via the Affirm Press website or at all good bookstores.
Such a joyous, festive and sweet book! Congratulations, Michelle! 🙂
#thequicksixinterview #thechristmasstar #teamwork #friendship #magic #picturebooks #justkidslit
