Agent Moose (the first book in a laugh-out-loud graphic novel series, perfect for fans of Dog Man): 1

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Did you read comics a child? Although it is changing, in the UK they are often quite maligned, is there more of a culture surrounding them in the US?

Bestselling author Alexandra Christo, author of TikTok sensation To Kill a Kingdom, introduces her new book, The Night Hunt (Hot Key Books), a dark... Candy Gourlay and I run the PULSE strand of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) events which is aimed at our published authors. As you know SCBWI British Isles as a whole and PULSE specifically have been keen to connect more with librarians especially YLG. We have done some fun joint events so far (pre pandemic) and hope to do joint panels, talks, socials and even conferences perhaps in the future. I think we both have so many common goals, promoting reading for pleasure especially and also just getting the right books in the hands of the right kids. Librarians work that voodoo. They are the people who, if given the opportunity, can impact a child’s reading life immensely. Authors and Illustrators are the content makers. We put our ideas and words and pictures out there into the world but feel powerless sometimes about how we can get those words and pictures into he hands of our future readers. Librarians and Authors (writers and Illustrators) truly have a symbiotic relationship. CWISL (Children’s Writers and Illustrators for Stories and Literacy), Herne Hill Station Hall, Herne Hill Forum and Tales on Moon Lane bookshop were all involved in the creation and running of the festival. We all hope to take it forward to continue to connect local kids with authors and illustrators.

Age range(s)

Anonymoose and Owlfred (special agents for Woodland HQ) are one case away from solving their 100 th case. Then Camo Cameleon (Agent Moose’s arch rival) solves his 100 th case first. Anonymoose is not amused. When they travel to Camo Cameleon’s patch to find a missing witness from Camo’s last case- everything is not as it seems. We are hoping to run the story making contest ( stories can be told in word, drawing or video) this year and we’ll have to see if circumstances allow us to hold any in person festival events. Jess Bradley's illustrations are absolutely fantastic. These are books that you can read over and over again. Agent Moose (Annonymoose) has to prove himself after mistakenly thinking that the moon had been moonnapped, when there had just been a total lunar eclipse. Another agent - CamoCameleon - is being celebrated for being the first agent to solve one hundred cases. Agent Moose is very cheesed off as HE wanted to be the first to one hundred. With a few missteps and hilarious disguises galore, the duo interview a cast of animal residents to solve the mystery. This brilliantly funny and accessible graphic novel stars quirky, likable characters and has just the right amount of witty spy humour to entertain and engage young readers. Can you tell us a little about how the process of creating the book worked and what kind of collaboration – if any you had with Jess Bradley?

There’s some lovely inventive funny moments with ‘ News of the Wild’ and it feels a well realised habitat filled with humour and fun, how much world building was involved? Brilliantly illustrated by the winner of the 2021 Blue Peter Best Book with Facts Award for A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu and You. Something fishy is going on at the South Shore. Folks just disappear and are never seen again. But when Agent Moose learns that a key witness has gone missing, he and Owlfred ride to the rescue. Will they find the missing turtle before time runs out? BOOK 2: Moose on a Mission - There’s big news in the Big Forest! The circus is in town, Granny Moose is coming to visit, and someone is stealing from innocent animals. Agent Moose and Owlfred rush to investigate, with Granny along for the ride! I hope that we can all be creative in these next several months to try and have virtual events together perhaps and to make plans for when we can all meet up in person again.

Mo, you’ve also written the massively enjoyableMy Big Fat Zombie Goldfish, picture books like the brilliantRomeosaurs and Juliet Rexand now a graphic novel. What differences in approach are needed, do you have a preferred form to work in and are there any forms you’d like to try your hand at? The Primary School Library Alliance is calling on the government to match-fund the private investment it has brought into helping primary schools c... I loved comics as a kid! I grew up with the Dandy and Beano (which I’m now a writer for, which is pretty awesome. I think 10 year-old me would be happy!), and also Whizzer and Chips and Buster. When I was a teenager I discovered X-Men and then got into a lot of American comics, especially indie comics. I was a huge fan of Manga too and everything I read has played a huge part in influencing my own art. My work on The Phoenix is very much based on what I know I would have loved reading as a kid; very odd characters in odd situations and lots of toilet humour! I love making the extraordinary ordinary so you’ll find a lot of magical creatures doing boring things like getting their homework done on time and washing up! We are delighted to feature an interview with children's author extraordinaire Mo O'Hara. Mo is the author of the brilliantly funny My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish books and is a huge friend and supporter of libraries. We are doubly excited about this interview because Mo's illustrator for her new graphic novel, Agent Moose, Jess Bradley has joined us for some questions too.