1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
Hi everyone, my name is Nicola and I’m the author and illustrator of Pengu & The Fox. I’m from a beachside town in Melbourne, Australia. Until 2021, I had been on the pursuit to become a doctor, gaining my undergraduate degree in Biomedicine. During my studies I took an elective in poetry – something very different to my usual science subjects . It was then that I truly fell in love with the power of words and writing. Since then I’ve swapped career paths and am in my final year of a masters in education. Pengu & The Fox is my first published book, but I have many more ready to go.
2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Pengu & The Fox”?
My inspiration for Pengu & The Fox really stemmed from my own personal experiences. I struggled to find my people, and in the pursuit, felt so much loneliness, fear and worry. I never changed myself to fit in with others. And I did find my people, and my own fox. I wanted to let children know, all over the world that it’s ok to struggle, it’s ok to be scared. But never let your fear let your world grow small – and always be yourself.
3. When did you realize you want to be an author?
Since my final years in high school I have always used writing as an outlet to express and process my emotions. The more I wrote, the better I became at it. I never really thought I’d be an author, but as I grew older and entered the adult world, I decided happiness is following your passion, and inspiring others as you do so. So I was brave and submitted a draft to AM publishers and the rest is history
4. Please tell us something about your book “Pengu & The Fox”?
Pengu & The Fox is a story of friendship, hope, love and loneliness. It aims to encourage us all to be ourselves, follow our hearts and step boldly. People assume penguins and foxes cannot be friends. But I re wrote the story, and predator and prey became an unbreakable bond of love and friendship
5. For which age group is your book “Pengu & The Fox” suitable for?
With the help of a parent many children, even younger years can get something out of Pengu & The Fox. It’s a rhythmic read, with poetry embedded throughout the whole story. Therefore, older years ages 9-12 were my intended audience.
6. What is your favorite Quote?
Favourite quote: Good friendships have no bias,instead they see your soul.See not body, size or colour.Because your soul is so much more.
7. What do you like the most about your country?
What I like most about my country is where I live. A small town called Williamstown , nestled in port Phillip Bay. My home brings me happiness. I love exploring the beaches, walking my doggos and being in beautiful nature around me.
8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Reading habits suggestions for parents: : As a youngster, I didn’t have the best reading habits. But it was only because I hadn’t found the books that I LOVED. We all have different tastes in books. As a child mine, ended up being dragons and the fantasy world. I encourage parents to expose their children to a range of genres and see what inspires them to read more.
9. What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success: to me literary success is having a love of reading. Finding books that speak to you is most important.
10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
My inspiration in life: this is a hard one . My family always inspire me and support me. I couldn’t be here without them. But Pengu & The Fox wouldn’t be here without my partner, Cameron. He inspires me to be myself, and always be courageous. He is the fox of my dreams.
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