Colin the Crab Feels Tired follows a helpful crab that takes on too much work and neglects his own needs. What was the inspiration for this children’s story?

Colin the Crab is a very special character to me. I have written about him and his friends for years. The main Colin the Crab Series is aimed at slightly older children, while the Mini Crab Series is for younger readers or those whose parents still read the books to them.

This book, Colin the Crab Feels Tired, is part of the Mini Crab Series. The theme that inspires all my books remains the same. It’s interesting to see how a community made up of diverse individuals functions. This allows us to explore cooperation and friendship from many angles.

It’s important to find ways to make living together more balanced and rewarding for everyone. It’s also worth paying attention to conflicting issues and how to handle them. This particular story is inspired by a situation where a community member, like the kind and helpful Colin, feels overwhelmed by numerous demands and expectations. He struggles to say “no” to his friends.

As an adult reading this, I, too, could relate to Colin and his need to help everyone. Do you find yourself in situations like this? What do you do to prevent burnout?

I must admit that my own behavior patterns are often quite similar to Colin the Crab. For example, I sometimes tend to neglect my own needs. I often assume I should always find time to sympathize with and help others. There’s a risk I might end up in situations that feel overwhelming.

I have to remind myself constantly that I can’t be responsible for everything that happens around me. Of course, I want to help whenever and however I can, but there need to be practical limits to that. Otherwise, there’s a risk that I’ll draw so much energy from my own battery for others that I won’t have enough left for myself.

I can usually tell when I’m nearing my risk limit – the point of exhaustion – by observing my mood. That’s when it’s crucial to take immediate action to restore balance. I have several ways to return to normal in life.

Nature is, without a doubt, the most vital element that supports my mental health and resilience. Another way is to knit wool socks and listen to music. I have also included these personal ways of feeling good in the stories I write from time to time.

In my 80th children’s book, which was just published – The Hermit’s Hut – nature and knitting hold great significance, both literally and symbolically, as ways to share peace and warmth with those around.

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose?

This is truly a very challenging question. I love traveling and have probably visited nearly every European country. I have firsthand knowledge and experience of what it’s like to live there and what one might expect from such a stay as a writer. Many old cities, with their history and cultural attractions, inspire and provide interesting settings for stories. I could enjoy the cultural offerings and delicious food of those places while also writing that wonderful novel for adults or a fast-paced adventure series for children.

In inland Spanish cities like Seville, Granada, or Toledo, I would definitely find an inspiring writing environment for a year. I would stay in one of the Parador hotels, which are often former fortresses, monasteries, or other beautiful buildings. When I visit them, my imagination always begins to wander into the past.

On the other hand, I am drawn to the idea of spending a year in a country and environment I haven’t experienced. I could live for a year high up on a mountain, living simply and contemplating the greatest ideas I can imagine. The slopes of the Himalayas would definitely make a great environment for a peaceful retreat and some literary reflection.

Alternatively, I might go to a northern island where nature is rugged, but the local sheep produce the finest wool yarn in the world. There, I could watch storm winds and listen to the sound of the sea—and pull thick woolen sweaters around myself for warmth. Such experiences would definitely be available in places like the Faroe Islands or the Shetland Islands.

Answering this question definitely sparked new travel ideas!

Do you have plans to write more stories about Colin and his friends?

There are already four books in the main series about Colin the Crab, and our friend has come a long way in his life. The episodes so far–The Caring Crab, Colin the Crab Finds a Treasure, Colin the Crab Falls in Love, and Colin the Crab Gets Married—have introduced us to a whole riverside community.

I can imagine more challenges Colin might face now that he has found a spouse. Waiting for offspring, delays in having them, possible foster children, and maybe even his own little crabs someday are all topics that Colin’s well-meaning friends will surely have opinions on and advice to give. And once again, Colin, and now his spouse as well, should find a way that works best for them. Those issues would be worth exploring further in new stories.

There’s also something new happening in this Mini-Crab Series for the youngest kids. After the two already published books—Colin the Crab’s Friends and Colin the Crab Feels Tired—two more are in progress and are currently with the series’ illustrator, Ukrainian Roksolana Panchyshyn. The riverside fantasy world she has colorfully created gives Colin the Crab’s adventures a unique setting and brings the various characters to life.

I believe I’ll continue writing stories about Colin the Crab for as long as I can. He’s become such a good friend to me and to so many children. How could anyone not love this truly kind and humble character?

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