Meet Tracey Corderoy
Tracey Corderoy is the author of over 40 picture books and about 30 fiction titles. All her stories are wonderful, but I am a Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam super fan so was delighted when a new picture book title came out recently. You can read my review of ‘Pirates Ahoy!’ here and I thoroughly recommend the rest of the series. Tracey’s events are always a joy to attend, usually involving making something, and always full of story-fun!
I asked Tracey some questions about Shifty and Sam…
1. Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam have appeared in 6 picture books and four early novels so far and continue to be incredibly popular characters. Where did you first get the idea for these loveable robber dogs from?
I had the most beautiful Golden Retriever called Dylan. He reached the grand old age of almost 16 and died in 2020. He was my constant companion from the moment I embarked on my writing journey.
Anyway, one day, when he was a puppy, I took him to the vet to have some vaccinations.
What happened next was my fault really, I suppose, because as we went in through the door, I forgot to press the button on his lead. This meant that Dylan could zoom off if he so wished. And he did so wish as he spied a teddy displayed in the window, on a deck chair – very cute. Dylan LOVED teddies so FWIPPPP! off he went into the window display for the bear.
I was mortified, as you might imagine. All the other animals were behaving themselves impeccably and Dylan was destroying the window display with a very waggy tail. I ‘encouraged’ him out of said window and instructed him to “drop the bear”.
He actually did. So naturally I praised him, which made things much, much worse. Dylan got happier upon hearing my praise. Then promptly he did a big excited wee all over the floor. I was even more mortified. EVERYONE was looking. I said: “Oh no, what HAVE you done, Dylan?” And then Dylan looked up at me with his adorable big brown eyes. He looked sorry. He hadn’t meant to steal the bear or do a Golden Retriever-sized wee all over the floor. He wasn’t bad, not in his heart, he just ‘didn’t think’ that day, that was all.
Anyway, we saw the visit through, and when we left I thought it best to forget all about it. My brain thought differently, however, and it came back to me quite randomly one day when I was thinking of ideas for a story. Cue Shifty and Sam who just ‘don’t think’ – until they upset little Scottie Dog by stealing his FAVOURITE teddy, Big-Eared Bob. Then it’s time for the boys to have a BIG rethink!
2. Having rejected a life of crime, Shifty and Sam have settled to work as bakers. Do you like baking and if so, what is your signature bake?
I was/am a rubbish cook, but I did learn to bake when my daughters were little as I was required to come up with birthday cakes. A plain honest sponge cake – with jam and buttercream is my signature bake I think. I sometimes use lemon curd instead of jam. And I sometimes make cupcakes – same recipe but smaller cakes. I have been known to decorate with melted chocolate and raspberries too. Oh yes!
3. The books are illustrated by the very talented Steven Lenton. Did you have any say in the choice of illustrator for this series and did you discuss what Shifty and Sam looked like before Steven started drawing?
I was very lucky because I think Steven had just sent Nosy Crow some illustrations of dogs (by chance) about the same time as they received my story. Ping! The penny dropped that Steven would be PERFECT to illustrate the first story as his work was so great! Nosy Crow told me of him and lucky me – as he’s totally marvellous! I left it to Steven to experiment with different styles of dogs as this was his area of expertise, and I know he worked really hard getting it just right. I so love how Shifty and Sam look. They have become dear old friends now – for me and Steven alike.
4. Shifty and Sam have met pirates and aliens and outwitted cats, penguins and polar bears. Where will their adventures take them next?
Well now! That is a BIG surprise – and we have another surprise up our sleeves too as an old face is set to make a reappearance in the next story! I’ll say they are going on a BIG adventure to somewhere far away. But beware for robbers in disguise. Cryptic, right? Oh, and there are masks involved – but not all robbing masks. My last clue is it’s going to be a purrrfect TOOT HOOT!
5. You always do the most amazing events, full of fun and making things. Which festivals are you taking part in this year? Which is your favourite?
It’s so amazing to be back doing live events again. I’m just back from the Wells Festival of Literature and am about to head off to Edinburgh for three events at the marvellous Edinburgh International Book Festival. I’m also doing Chichester, Just So in Cheshire, an event on The Golden Hinde (a replica of Francis Drake’s Golden Hind!). Then later on there’s the brilliant Bath Children’s Book Festival, the Marlborough Festival, the Stroud Festival, the Stratford-upon-Avon Festival and the Northern Children’s Book Festival. I like them ALL as every one is so unique and friendly. These, coupled with school and library events are doing to keep me very busy!
6. And lastly- and most importantly according to my niece- what is your favourite cake?
Oh! So many to choose from. Not chocolate. (I know! Don’t judge me for this. I just prefer chocolate just as chocolate.) So, I’m going to say … Victoria Sponge.
— And Carrot Cake, please and thank you!
Thank you so much, Tracey, for answering my questions! A ‘purrrfect TOOT HOOT’? I can’t wait!
You can read my review of ‘The Story Shop: Blast Off!’ here and ‘The Story Shop: Anchors Away!’ here.
