Many cat owners would be familiar with the experience of getting into the car and starting down the driveway, only to hear the thump and squeal of a frantically escaping moggy whose morning snooze on the roof has been rudely interrupted.
Such is the premise behind children’s author Lynley Dodd’s new picture book, Scarface Claw, Hold Tight! The animal-loving writer and illustrator has written over 30 books, but is best known for her beloved Hairy Maclary series. In 2002, her contribution to children’s literature was formally recognised when she was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
To coincide with the release this week of Scarface Claw, Hold Tight! Dodd’s artworks are also featuring in an exhibition as part of the Awesome international arts festival in Perth.
Scarface Claw is loosely based on Dodd’s childhood cat – a battered tabby tomcat called Squib. “He terrorised the neighbourhood cats but had a soppy side,” says Dodd.
The Guardian: What inspired your new book?
I was inspired by a real story that occurred in my hometown of Tauranga, New Zealand. And like in my story, it did involve the police eventually stopping the driver and causing the cat to slide down the windscreen, much to the surprise of the driver. Since writing the story I’ve heard of several other similar cases of cats riding atop cars.
Tell me about your creative process. What routine do you keep when working on a new book?
Before I begin the final artwork I do a huge amount of preparatory studies, drawings, playing around with ideas, and have the text developed. The words and the pictures have to align so closely. While I’m writing the text and getting the rhyme right I’m also making working drawings and seeing if they marry together. I make a “dummy book” that is the complete book and that goes off to my editor before I begin the final artwork. The “dummy book” is a miniature of the book – I don’t make too many changes at this stage. It’s pretty accurate.
Does the rise of technology used by young children concern you at all. How can a simple picture book ever compete?
A good picture book has the power to pull children away from devices. I guess that’s the modern-day challenge for the writer-illustrator. Reading is essential and it’s thrilling to see children enjoying a print book. Children are fascinated by illustration, not just the story, and are very observant. The picture book fulfils this fascination. They all draw, which is wonderful.
Children often have the notion that producing a picture book is quick and easy. I can tell you it’s not. It takes me up to a year to produce one book. They can’t be whipped up, and telling children that I do up to 25 drafts to get the text right often stumps them.
The secret lives of dogs and cats has been your perennial theme. Can you tell us a little bit about any pets you have now?
I have a 17-year-old diabetic Burmese cat called Suu Kyi. She is very demanding and she has me under her paw! She loves to be part of the action, which can mean attacking my friends and getting up to mischief when I’m on the phone. My book Slinky Malinki, Early Bird was based on the morning antics of Suu Kyi. And in her more youthful years she attacked the Christmas tree repeatedly, demolishing decorations and rearranging them.
What was your favourite picture book as a child? And besides your own books, what picture books do you enjoy, or give as gifts to children?
My favourite picture book as a child was Chappie by Constance Heward. It was about a dog that had been found but he destroyed the house and got into much trouble. I was about four years old when I was given it and it was an all-time favourite, and I still have a copy.
Margaret Mahy’s work is always a favourite to give to youngsters. I also like Lauren Child, who is the current children’s laureate. I would give Rosie’s Walk [by Pat Hutchins] because it’s a good read including the hidden story in the illustrations that gives it another level of fun. However, I maintain that the classics such as Winnie-the-Pooh are still great reads as they’re lovely stories and rhymes – they’ll always be popular. And Quentin Blake’s illustrations are fabulous; he has collaborated with some amazing writers such as John Yeoman. Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox shouldn’t be missed.
Oh gosh, the list goes on:
- Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
- Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan and Janet Ahlberg
- Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
- Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr
- The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
- Babette Cole’s work
- Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
- Any by Dr Seuss
What makes a children’s picture book memorable?
A good story well told is fundamental. You’ve got to capture children, which means good language and rhythm. And a book has to be enjoyable to read. For an adult to give an enthusiastic reading you have to provide engaging language. The balance between the text and pictures is essential; the text and the illustrations have to speak to each other. A perfect picture book is an equal marriage of text and picture and more than the sum of its parts.
Very serious question – are you a dog or cat person, and why?
I’m a cat and a dog person. I have a cat but would be equally happy with a dog.
• Scarface Claw, Hold Tight! is out now through Puffin. The Life and Times of Scarface Claw is showing at the State Library of Western Australia until 9 October
