Finding Andy’s Home follows the adventurous journey of a curious tortoise and his clever cat friend as they traverse Germany, unraveling secrets and learning about themselves in a quest to discover Andy’s origins. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Unlike Andy, the tortoise, I am an immigrant who knows where I come from. The subject of home and belonging wherever one finds themselves is universal. Nostalgia and lack of belonging are triggers for any immigrant. I wanted to write a book that, if anyone read it, they would find comfort in knowing that an unlikely friendship can make one feel at home even when away from home.

You chose to set the story in Germany and include aspects of immigration and travel. What led you to incorporate these themes, and what do you hope young readers take away from them?

On 29 April 2015, a story was published in The Local (a German online magazine) titled “Munich Police Save Giant Tortoise From Train Tracks.” I recall thinking about where that tortoise was heading to. Was it lost or wanted to escape? And where was home? Meanwhile, this newsworthy story happened in the background of events that shook the global community: 2015 saw the largest exodus of people fleeing the Syrian Civil War and the Germanwings plane crash. These two events fixated the subjects of immigration, home, and travel into my mind.

I hope this story will teach young readers to be open-minded about making friends outside their comfort circle. I, too, have to remind myself that home can be the friends I make.

How did you and illustrator, Silja Schüler, collaborate to ensure that the illustrations beautifully emphasized the storyline? Can you share any insights into the creative process behind the visual aspects of the book?

This book was my second collaboration with Silja. I prefer to give an illustrator the freedom to visualize the story first without me meddling with initial instructions. After seeing the sketches, we discuss changes and improvements before painting.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

I have a few ongoing projects but have committed this year to poetry. The next book will be available hopefully before the end of this year.

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