The Journey Home 10th Anniversary
Frann Preston-Gannon is one of the best known and best-loved authors and illustrators working in children’s books. She has written many of her own books and illustrated works for many other authors across various publishers. Her debut picture book, The Journey Home, was published 10 years ago and the environmental messages within remain as important today as they were a decade ago. In this special interview, Frann looks back on her publishing career so far and reflects on the enduring relevance of The Journey Home for today’s readers.
What do you love most about being an author and illustrator? Anything you don’t like?!
Without a doubt, it is the engagement with the children reading my books. It was really sad during the pandemic to lose that connection with kids, as that interaction really makes it all feel worthwhile. I am thrilled to be back attending school visits now, as that is my favourite part of the job!
You’ve written and illustrated many books in the past decade, and must have visited a huge number of schools, bookshops and festivals meeting your readers. Any particular career highlights?
Whenever I am talking to children I always discuss the fact that I am dyslexic and struggled at school, particularly with my reading and writing. I can’t ever remember being aware of any grown-up role models at the time with dyslexia.
A few years ago I was lucky enough to be invited to Bath Children’s Festival to talk to a lovely auditorium of children. When I mentioned being dyslexic, one girl practically jumped out of her seat with excitement. Her hand shot up and she announced “ME TOO”! After the event she came to talk to me with her mum and we had the most wonderful chat. She has always stayed with me and I hope my words of encouragement stayed with her!
There has been a trend in children’s books about climate change and activism in recent years; do you think children are more aware now of climate issues, and perhaps feel more empowered to create change? Do you think it’s important that children’s books tackle big issues?
I spent years as a bookseller before becoming an author. It taught me it is essential that the right books are available for young people when they are navigating difficult topics. A bookshop or library is often the first port of call for parents, carers or teachers when complicated questions and concerns arise. Children are more aware than ever about the impact we have on the planet and I believe the right books need to be available to help them understand.
Has the way you write and / or illustrate changed or evolved since you started out?
Oh definitely. I never set out to be an author. I spent 3 years studying illustration and fully expected to just illustrate other authors’ texts. I convinced myself I would never be an author, but after many years of practice I definitely feel like I have improved!
If you could send a message to yourself ten years in the past, as The Journey Home first hit the bookshelves, what would it be?
Like lots of debut authors I am sure, I suffered real imposter syndrome when The Journey Home was published. I would love to reassure that younger me I was doing the right thing!
The Journey Home 10th anniversary special edition, by Frann Preston-Gannon, is published by Pavilion Children’s Books (28th April 2022), £11.99 hardback. ISBN 9781843655169.