Robbie, The Grumpy Bumpy Rooster follows a delicate blue pysanka chicken who learns to find her voice with the help of her barnyard friends. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Media stories of young children being bullied.

Robbie is a frightening presence in the story. What did you want young readers to understand about anger and bullying through his character?

I wanted them to be alerted at harsh actions or behaviour that is frightening others as well as themselves.

The artwork in your book is wonderful. Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Veronica Rooke?

Veronica has been doing the illustrations for my Babas Chook Series from the beginning. She understands my imagination and, unless confronted with a new character, is able to alter the images to suit the dialogue without many problems.

What conversations do you hope parents and caregivers have with children after reading the book? 

I want the book to raise the notion of bullying and recognize various forms of it. I would like children to consider ways to help rehabilitate Robbie and compare how Humans are dealt with. Is it effective? Children will be provided with an option in Part 2. “Where’s Robbie.”

That book still elicits discussion. Was he let off easily?

The second book also indicates that you do not have to forgive these people but find ways to protect yourself…

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