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.

Cool Technology

The ‘Cool’ series is incredibly popular at school with children eagerly seeking one which they haven’t read. From Architecture to Astronomy, from Maths to Mythology, there is a book in this fact-packed, accessible series that offers the perfect introduction to the subject.

Released on the 13th January, ‘Cool Technology’ is the latest addition to the series and is every bit as absorbing as the others. Starting with a technology timeline, the book starts with the earliest technological advances of the Stone Age- tools, needles and rope- and travels all the way to the possibilities of technology of the future. The information is clearly and concisely presented in bite-sized chunks, giving enough information to both satisfy and to spark curiosity and lead to further investigation.

The book also includes mini-biographies of some significant figures who made particular contributions to technological advancements. Clearly acknowledging the moveable type invented decades previously in China and Korea, the author focuses on how Gutenberg’s press took off in Europe, enabling far more people to have access to books. Annie Easley is another example whose work and achievements are celebrated in this book.

There are also experiments and activities included which link to the information in the text. How to draw pixel art and how to have a go at potato print moveable type are just a couple of the activities suggested. There are plenty of illustrations throughout the book to add to the appeal!

There is so much in this book which supports the curriculum as well as satisfying curiosity and answering questions. Links can be made with History, Science and sustainability as well as art and computing. Perfect for school or home, ‘Cool Technology’ is another winner!

Cool Technology Jenny Jacoby, illustrated by Jem Venn

Pavilion ISBN: 978-1843655152