Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Sarah Surgey!
It’s with pure delight to welcome talented international author, Sarah Surgey to our blog to share her touching, comforting story, The Heavy Bag. Here is a picture book that feels like the warmest hug, particularly for children navigating experiences through grief and loss. When Enid loses her beloved Granddad, the weight of her emotions are almost literally too much to carry. This beautiful metaphorical story by Sarah Surgey gently provides an uplifting support for those who understand the burden, partnered with Larissa Ivankovic‘s endearing and richly textured illustrations that capture the heart of every emotion. A valuable book on a nuanced topic that has already made a positive impact across the globe.
Thank you, Sarah!
About the Author
Sarah Surgey is a children’s author who is based in the UK. She
comes from a teaching and children’s mental health charity background. This inevitably has found its way into the books that she mostly writes. Sarah’s picture books are often used as resources when helping children either understand their own emotions or to gain empathy for others. She is also a mum to four daughters, an avid bookworm of Nordic Noir crime thrillers, and is in her happy place when travelling around Europe!
Please find Sarah Surgey at her website: Hi! – Sarah Surgey and on Facebook and Instagram.
The Heavy Bag is available for purchase from Daisy Lane Publishing.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
Author; Sarah Surgey, Illustrator; Larissa Ivankovic. Originally published in the UK in November 2020. Recently published by Daisy Lane Publishing.
WHAT is it about?
THE HEAVY BAG explores the emotions that children can feel during grief.
What is your favourite part of this book?
When another character says to Enid (protagonist) “You’re angry”! I think this really makes the reader stop and think about this emotion that is not always said out loud when talking about grief.
WHEN did you begin writing this book?
During the Pandemic lockdown of 2020.
When is its release / launch date?
In Australia it releases September 2024.
WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?
It’s been a book that I’ve always needed to write. A book to the young girl of me who was grieving, and then many years later for children everywhere. Grief feels HEAVY.
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
It’s gone beyond the book and is used in schools and by charities such as UNICEF and now ‘Feel The Magic’ within Australia.
Why would its message resonate with readers?
Grief is part of human nature, it’s part of life and there is no escaping it. It connects with children of every culture, language and situation.
HOW do you feel about the illustrations / cover design? How do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?
I love Larissa’s illustrations! She has captured the theme and characters beautifully! We receive a lot of wonderful comments around the world about her illustrations.
How have you promoted this book and how can we find it?
I’ve worked tirelessly for almost 4 years to promote The Heavy Bag, here in the UK but with all of its global translations. For the Australian edition, please head to Daisy Lane Publishing.
Thank you so much, Sarah, for sharing your heartening, valuable story with us! 🙂
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