Chaos in the Courtyard follows a busy dingo running a hotel who tries to prepare for an approaching storm but keeps getting interrupted by guests who need his help. Why did you choose an approaching storm as the central challenge that brings the characters and their problems together?

Many children have experienced a storm, and perhaps watched or helped their parents prepare for it—moving pot plants, covering the pool, storing the furniture. This scenario brings plenty of tension and action, which is fun to write, especially since Dallas seems to be the only one preparing for the approaching storm. It gave me a chance to delve into his job as a hotelier who wears many hats, while also highlighting the importance of teamwork and kindness.

How did you approach creating six animal residents with distinct personalities, needs, and ways of communicating?

Anastasiya Halionka’s animated illustrations brought the characters’ personalities to life. It was really a blend of her vision and mine that gave each character that spark—Dallas’s willingness to please; Oma’s nervousness; Queenie’s dramatic flair.

How does the story encourage children to understand that asking for help can be just as important as offering it?

In the story, Dallas grows increasingly flustered as he tries to solve everyone’s problems and prepare for a storm. This shows how trying to fix others’ problems alone can be stressful. The turning point comes when they all see the devastation the storm left behind. Everyone pitches in to help Dallas clean up the courtyard, proving that teamwork can lighten the load.

Where does the next book in the series take the characters?

Besides Dallas, I’m quite fond of Tiny Tarsier. He’s naïve, and his English isn’t the strongest. As shown in “Chaos in the Courtyard,” he sometimes misinterprets colloquial expressions. I’ll explore this further, as it leads to some hilarious situations.

Author Links: GoodReads | Website