Shirley Murley: Children's Book Author Q&A
Join children's book author Su Murley as she answers fun and quirky questions about her book "Shirley Murley" and shares insights into the world of storytelling. Discover the inspiration behind the characters, the creative process, and more in this engaging Q&A session.
Introduction to “Kids Ask, Author Answer”
Kids Ask, Authors Answer is a fun YouTube series where kids get to ask children's book authors anything they want! The author does not know the questions in advance, and it's all filmed LIVE. Your kids can participate in future episodes too! In this blog, we dive deep into one such episode, featuring Su Murley, the celebrated author of "Shirley Murley," a book that has tickled countless funny bones and sparked the imaginations of young minds.
Meet the Authors: Behind "Kids Ask, Author Answer"
Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els
The show is hosted by Amy Doslich and Sam Howard-Els, both accomplished children's book authors. Amy Doslich is known for the "Hannah Banana and Mary Berry" series, while Samantha Howard-Els is recognized for her "Mungo" series and "Tiny Boo Halloween" book. Together, they create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where authors share insights and anecdotes, answering the questions sent in by their young fans.
The Genesis of "Shirley Murley"
A Family Joke Turned Into a Beloved Character
Su Murley’s journey with "Shirley Murley" began almost 30 years ago, inspired by a lighthearted moment during her pregnancy. The playful idea of naming a daughter Shirley Murley stuck with her and evolved into a rhyming tale that children love today. She shared how the thought of "Shirley Murley being curly, swirly, and burly" became an endearing family joke, eventually blossoming into her book's central character.
Crafting the Rhymes
The rhyming nature of the story is one of its standout features. Su admits that rhymes come naturally to her, and she often finds herself thinking in rhyme. Her creative process involves playing with words, sounds, and rhythms, delighting in the fun and challenge of creating tongue twisters. This linguistic playfulness is what makes "Shirley Merly" both a joy to read and a valuable tool for young readers learning about language and phonetics.
Highlights from the Q&A Session
Fun and Curious Questions from Young Readers
The heart of the episode lies in the spontaneous and imaginative questions asked by the young audience. From the speed of spinning like a tornado to the possibility of Shirley having a secret hideout with snacks, these questions reveal the depths of children's curiosities and the magic they find in stories.
Lily, Age 5: Can I Spin Like Shirley and Turn Into a Tornado?
Sue encourages Lily to give it a try, celebrating the playful and imaginative spirit behind the question. She even shares a page from her book depicting Shirley being spun around, capturing the whimsy and fun inherent in her character’s world.
Dylan, Age 5: Why Doesn't Shirley Have Brothers or Sisters?
Dylan’s question stumped Su momentarily, prompting her to ponder the potential for future stories that might include siblings for Shirley. She honestly shares that the focus has always been on Shirley herself and the rhymes involving her name, but the idea of expanding Shirley's family is tantalizing for new character developments.
Ella, Age 7: Does Shirley Have a Secret Hideout With Snacks?
Su confirms that Shirley would definitely have a secret hideout, filled with snacks, of course! She elaborates that while Shirley’s exact hideout isn’t detailed in the book, she loves the idea of children imagining such spaces, fostering their creativity.
Marjane, Age 10: How Did You Find So Many Words That Rhymed with Shirley?
Su explains that the real challenge and fun came from rhyming with "Murley," which is remarkably versatile. She counts herself lucky that her married surname opens up such a rich vein of rhymes, unlike her maiden name, which had far fewer possibilities.
Logan, Age 7: Are You Like Shirley? Do You Like to Be Early?
Su relates closely to Shirley’s character, especially the part about being early. She shares how she’s known for her punctuality, aligning her personality with the organized and enthusiastic nature she’s imbued in her character, Shirley.
Caleb, Age 8: If Shirley Could Be Any Animal, What Would She Be?
Su ponders the question thoughtfully, ultimately considering animals that exhibit both fun and activity. Suggestions like a squirrel or a Tasmanian devil seem fitting, capturing Shirley’s spirited and dynamic nature.
Ava, Age 5: Does Shirley Like to Eat Cake?
Su jovially confirms that Shirley would definitely enjoy cake, reflecting her own love for sweets. This playful connection between author and character adds another layer of authenticity and whimsy to Shirley’s persona.
The Importance of Representation and Engagement
Ginger Hair and Rare Traits
One of the notable choices Su made for her character was giving Shirley ginger hair, inspired by her own daughter. She observed a lack of representation for children with ginger hair in literature and wanted to fill that gap. This thoughtful inclusion helps children see themselves in the stories they read, fostering a greater personal connection.
Interaction with the Text
Su encourages interactive reading experiences, inviting children to create their own narratives around the illustrations in her book. She talks about hiding little details within the pages for children to find, which enhances engagement and makes reading a participatory activity.
The Writing Process and Future Projects
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Su candidly discusses the self-doubt that often accompanies the creative process. Despite the success of her first book, she experienced hesitation about writing a second. Encouragement from peers and the positive reception from young readers played crucial roles in her journey toward completing her next project.
What’s Next for Shirley Murley?
Though Su tries not to reveal too much, she hints at an upcoming book featuring a new character and continued adventures for Shirley. She is enthusiastic about exploring new themes and expanding on the world she has already created.
The Joy of Reading Aloud
The Power of Tongue Twisters
One of the highlights of Su’s presentations is reading her tongue twisters aloud. The rhythmic and playful nature of these passages not only entertains children but also helps them develop language skills. Su enjoys watching others attempt her tongue twisters, noting the varied and inventive ways people bring her words to life.
Encouraging Practice and Participation
Su’s advice to young readers is to find joy in reading, especially through rhyme. She believes that practicing rhymes can help those who find reading challenging, turning learning into an enjoyable experience.
Supporting New Authors
Building a Community
Su acknowledges the supportive community of authors on platforms like Instagram. Sharing ideas, experiences, and encouragement, they help each other navigate the challenges of writing and publishing. This sense of camaraderie is invaluable, particularly for new authors looking to establish themselves.
Innovative Engagement
Platforms like "Kids Ask, Author Answer" provide innovative ways for authors to interact with their audience. By answering direct questions from children, authors like Su can foster a deeper connection with their readers, making the experience of reading their books even more special.
Conclusion
The episode featuring Su Murley in "Kids Ask, Author Answer" exemplifies the enchanting interaction between young readers and authors. By answering children’s questions with warmth and creativity, Su not only demystifies the writing process but also inspires the next generation of readers and writers. Her journey with "Shirley Murley" highlights the importance of representation, engagement, and community in children’s literature. As Su continues to explore new stories and characters, she invites her audience to join in the fun, ensuring that the magic of storytelling remains vibrant and alive.
Want to grab a copy of Shirley Murley? You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/3ZdDBE7
You can also find Amy and Sam's books here:
Amy - Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G
Sam - Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF
*These are affiliate links. If you happen to buy anything on Amazon through this link, it won't cost you any extra, and I will get a small amount! Thank you for your support! :D