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Frances Mackay Author Interview

Nate’s Noisy Nose follows the hilarious and heartwarming journey of a boy whose musical nose disrupts his life until he discovers the power of embracing his unique melody. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I honestly don’t know where this idea came from! It just popped into my head and away it went! I liked the idea of having a noisy book where kids join in to repeat the sound words and I had great fun thinking up the words to accompany the character’s noisy nose.

I like to write stories that are fun. There are so many books out there that want to teach a moral lesson or highlight a particular theme – and although my story does have an underlying message, it’s not the main idea of the book. The main idea is to make readers laugh.

How did you develop the character of Gabby the Geek, and what was her role in shaping the story’s resolution?

My illustrator and I dreamed up Gabby. We wanted a mad-looking techy person who could invent a machine to help Nate. I liked the idea of kids being inspired by Gabby and designing their own machines. Initially, the machine Gabby invented was going to solve Nate’s problem by having a dial on it so he could turn the volume up and down, thereby being noisy when necessary but quiet in school and around town. But we thought it would be much funnier if the machine caused Nate’s nose to ‘explode’ and spew out the instruments! Do I give a spoiler alert here and say what happened next – perhaps not!

The illustrations are incredibly vibrant. Did you work closely with the illustrator, and how did you bring Nate’s world to life visually?

Dotti Colvin is an extremely talented illustrator. She illustrated one of my other picture books, Baby Worries, and I just knew she would be perfect for this story. We had great fun inventing each character and Dotti is an expert at adding hilarious detail to every scene. Her illustrations brought the story to life in a way that many other illustrators could not achieve. Nothing is left to chance with her illustrations – they are expertly planned and beautifully finished.

Can we expect more adventures featuring Nate, Rascal, or Gabby in the future?

I already have plans for future tales involving Nate and Rascal – after all, Rascal does become world famous! I am thinking of creating a chapter book series as a spin-off. There’s so much that these characters could get up to. Will have to wait and see what happens.

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From the award-winning creators of Baby Worries, comes a heart-warming and funny picture book about an ordinary kid with a musical nose!

Join Nate as he navigates the challenges of a nose that’s a bit too special. With every tuneful toot, he finds himself in a new misadventure, whether it’s at home, at school, or out and about, making him the centre of attention wherever he goes – but not always in a good way!

Amid the chaos, Nate’s longing for peace grows stronger. If only he could find silence and slip under the radar like a regular kid.

But fear not! Nate isn’t alone on his quest. His loyal furry friend, Rascal, is by his side, ready to help him snuffle out solutions. Will Rascal’s devotion be the key to Nate’s noisy problem, or will a team of brilliant doctors and scientists come to the rescue?

This laugh-out-loud gem is perfect for families who love to giggle together. As Nate’s story unfolds, readers are reminded that even the quirkiest traits can lead to the most unexpected outcomes.

This noisy, interactive book is more than just a funny tale of a musical nose; it’s a celebration of friendship, loyalty, creativity, and finding solutions when life gets a little too loud.

Nate’s Noisy Nose

Nate Tyler Jones has a nose like any other—until it starts making music. Not just any music, though. His nose toots, honks, and hums its way through his days, making his friends laugh and even creating impromptu concerts. But the noise doesn’t always hit the right note. It disrupts his classes, annoys his family, and eventually gets him banned from public places. Everything changes when Nate crosses paths with Gabby the Geek, an electronics wizard who might hold the key to his noisy dilemma.

Nate’s Noisy Nose is a delightful and lively children’s book that kids will find endlessly amusing. The whimsical concept of a musical nose is fresh and funny, pulling young readers into Nate’s world of misadventures. The illustrations are a highlight, bursting with color and detail. They don’t just complement the story—they amplify it. Nate’s loyal dog, Rascal, steals the show in many scenes, with expressive drawings that almost leap off the page. It felt like reading a comic book, with action and humor packed into every panel.

What I loved most was the balance between humor and heart. While the story had me laughing at Nate’s noisy escapades, it also offered moments of reflection. Even after finding a way to quiet his nose, Nate doesn’t shy away from being himself. The message is clear: individuality should be celebrated, even when it gets loud. It’s a lesson wrapped in laughter, making it resonate with readers without ever feeling heavy-handed.

This picture book is perfect for young readers who enjoy playful stories and for families looking for a book that sparks conversation. The detailed illustrations provide plenty of opportunities to pause and explore, making it an engaging shared experience. Nate’s Noisy Nose is a reminder to embrace what makes us unique, even when it’s a little unconventional.

Pages: 34 | ISBN: 0646705326

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