“Tweet – twoo, My name’s YeeBoo, The owl in blue From Waterloo. “I am an inspector In the night-crime sector, A city protector, And a lie detector. “In the darkest night I have sharp eyesight. When the Moon is bright I can see alright. “I sleep in the days On my chair that sways, Since last Saturday I have been away. “As the night before When flying by the shore I had seen the slamming door Of The Old Bookstore.
“I flew there to trace Evidence for the case, When I saw a face In that dark-dark space. “Stay where you are!” I said. “Hands on your head! Do not move! Instead, Please, look straight ahead! “What is your first name, And your surname Or your nickname If they are not the same? “Please, be sincere, Why are you here? So austere… This case is severe!”
Today we talk about Inspector YeeBoo and the case of the old bookstore, a book by Inga Angelutsa published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Inga Angelutsa to get to know her better and where she found the inspiration to write her book Inspector YeeBoo and the case of the old bookstore. She has also told us about the elements to be considered when writing a children’s book.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Where did you find the inspiration to talk about these two funny little friends?
During summer nights I often leave my bedroom window open. As the window is facing the garden, I can hear lots of noises coming from outside. One of those nights I was staring into the dark out of my bedroom window when I noticed a spider making its way through its own web. It looked like it was on a mission. Then, I heard an owl making such a nice and profound sound, almost theatrical. I heard the owl again, and… again. Soon, it became a ritual to listen to the owl every summer night and look at the spider. And … with warm summer nights poetry comes to mind. So,my first rhyme of the story was written down. The rest just followed.
- What would you like to hear from your little readers?
I hope to bring some kindness to the hearts of those reading YeeBoo’s story. While Yeeboo is busy trying to do the right things in life I hope kids will understand from his adventures that things are not always as they appear to be and need a second thought. Mainly, I would be happy if the characters appeal to children as funny and interesting to follow and they would eagerly wait for the next story about YeeBoo.
- What are the elements to consider when writing a book about children’s stories?
When I wrote this story, I didn’t think to follow a structure or any rules about writing for children. I just followed my instinct and curiosity as I would’ve done as a child. Nonetheless, I believe stories for children should follow a journey and start with presenting the main characters and their purpose in life, followed by the conflict of the story. These should lead to the adventure and challenges the main character faces while solving the conflict from which one could deduct the moral of the story. With some exceptions stories for kids deserve a happy ending.I believe that the responsibility of authors of children’s books is to teach the readers some of life’s more serious lessons using simple and funny stories.
- How illustrations support children’s books reading?
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.They help children visualise what’s happening throughout the story. This comes in handy, especially in a rhyme, where there are limited options to describe details. I believe children keep their focus on the story by looking at the illustrations, while listening to or reading the words.
- Are you planning to work on a new book for children, or are you thinking of focusing on another genre of writing?
I love drawing and writing for children and find it both relaxing and funny, so, I’ll keep on doing it. I have since written and illustrated another book during the lockdown, it’s also written in rhyme and the story is about animals in the wild dealing with a pandemic. It’s only just finished, and I haven’t published it yet. I have also started a new adventure of YeeBoo.
Europe Books thanks the author Inga Angelutsa once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Inspector YeeBoo and the case of the old bookstore. We wish her the best of luck for this novel and for her future works.
To you, my dear reader, I wish you to let your imagination and curiosity run free in this mysterious case to solve and where two peculiar and funny little friends, not only are willing to let you live their adventures, but also want to remember to all the readers the importance of a supportive friendship! And remember that, no matter how adult you are, books for children have a lot to teach us all!
So, my dear reader, I have nothing left but to wish you to enjoy this very pleasant reading!
Your Editor!