- Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
A1. My name is Harry Binnendyk and I’ve been a computer programmer since 1985. I’m the second youngest of six children. I’ve been a book lover since I was two years old apparently – tracing words under the illustrations with my finger. I became an avid reader in grade school however, devouring comic books, children’s stories and then moving into young adult books of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. From there, I explored science fiction works with Heinlein, Asimov, and Clarke, then ventured into fantasy with authors like Piers Anthony, Terry Brooks, Stephen R. Donaldson, Anne McCaffrey, and Robert Asprin. I also enjoyed war stories by Leon Uris. Of the six kids, three of us had an enormous appetite for reading—and three didn’t.
Growing up on a farm in southern Ontario during the 60’s, the highlight of my week was heading into town to the library or local large general stores like Woolworth and Zellers. I’d dash for the book shelves and delve into the latest comics or cartoon books. My mother never worried about me because she knew exactly where to find me and would just scoop me up on the way out the door heading home.
- What is the inspiration behind your book “Bob’s Best Bodyguard?”
A2. After my second book, Frank’s Frantic Festival, my sister told me that she had a number of teacher friends who had enjoyed the earlier books. They wondered if I could write something that addressed bullying, as it’s still a significant issue in schools. The idea stayed with me for about a year, and eventually, the concept of a boy who loved learning but hated school began to take shape. The challenge was that I didn’t like the original ending—it didn’t feel quite right. It took a few years before I came up with one that felt much better and more satisfying.
- When did you realize you want to be an author?
A3. I sort of fell into the authorship field by accident. I had planned a Christmas trip to Alberta, where I’d be spending my first Christmas with family out there, and I wanted to bring something special for my great-nieces and nephews—something they wouldn’t already have.
About 25 years earlier, I had come up with a story during a little contest I created to keep my three stepsons entertained on a two-hour drive home from Hamilton. That story had stuck in my head ever since. On December 1st, I finally wrote it down—which took about twenty minutes. Then I spent the next week finding an illustrator through a mutual contact – a professor in Mexico. The illustrator only spoke Spanish (which I didn’t), but we managed to produce the artwork and pull the book together by December 23rd. During the process a number of coworkers had read the story and helped with the editing.
When I returned after the holiday, everyone at the office asked, “What’s the next one about?” And that’s how it began. I wrote a second story, then a third—and now I’m on my eighth: Maiya’s Mad Monkeys.
- Please tell us something about your book “Bob’s Best Bodyguard?”
A4. Bob’s Best Bodyguard is about a young boy who loves to learn but hates school. His parents are scientists who encourage his passion for learning. However, school presents its own problems in the form of a big bully. Bob tries many tricks to avoid the bully, but to no avail. One day, a frustrated Bob comes home to complain to his mom about how he needs a bodyguard. They talk about several ideas before his father pipes up to announce that he “has just the answer” to Bob’s problem. A small dunk called Sam. Sam loves everyone but hates bullies and has a unique way of dealing with them.
- For which age group is your book “Bob’s Best Bodyguard?” suitable for?
A5. 4 to 10 year olds.
- What is your favorite Quote?
A6. “Don’t expect what you don’t inspect!” and “Expect nothing but be grateful for everything!”
- What do you like the most about your country?
A7 Canada is a truly unique country. From the vast Great Lakes to the thousands of lakes scattered across Ontario, from the flat lands of the prairies to the towering Rocky Mountains in the West and the Appalachian range in Quebec, and on to the quaint Eastern Atlantic provinces, the country stretches all the way up into the Arctic. It’s an incredible collection of diverse landscapes.
The four seasons bring ever-changing scenery, each ushering in a new set of sports and outerwear. Traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific can take seven to ten days by road, and along the way, you’ll encounter some of the most breathtaking shorelines and mountain vistas in the world. What makes it even more enjoyable is the friendly and helpful nature of the people you meet along the way.
- What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
A8. Don’t miss the opportunity to bond with your child through reading. Sharing stories together sparks creativity, invites laughter, and builds moments of shared suspense—memories that both of you will treasure for years to come.
- What does literary success look like to you?
A9. In some ways, I feel like I’ve already achieved literary success. While I’m not a big name in the children’s book industry, the readers who have purchased my books have told me they’ve enjoyed them immensely—well, at least until their child asks to read it for the 30th time in a row! Knowing that parents and children are enjoying the stories together—or that kids are happily reading them on their own—brings me a real sense of fulfillment. That said, I certainly wouldn’t mind if even more people discovered and enjoyed my books.
- Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
A10. It’s difficult to name just one person. My dad taught me to use creativity to solve problems, while both my mom and dad instilled in me the importance of charity. One of my brothers taught me how to drive, while the other two passed along practical skills in electrical and mechanical work. My sisters helped sharpen my cooking abilities, and I’ve had close friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles who’ve stood by me and supported me through tough times. My life truly feels like a cornucopia of blessings, and with so many people having shaped who I am, choosing just one source of inspiration would be impossible.
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