Welcome to day two of the Amadi's Snowman book tour. Today I will be interviewing the author, Katia Novet Saint-Lot:
1) What inspired you to write this story?
My husband works for UNICEF, and one of their problems, when we lived in Nigeria was the number of boys who drop out of school to earn quick money doing street-business.
My husband works for UNICEF, and one of their problems, when we lived in Nigeria was the number of boys who drop out of school to earn quick money doing street-business.
2) You have traveled all over the world. Why did you decide to set your story in Nigeria ?
As mentioned above, the story seed was planted and grew in Nigeria, and more specifically in the south-eastern part of the country, Igbo land, with its very strong trading tradition. Of course, the beauty of the story is that the theme of the reluctance to read is universal and can be transported anywhere. But Amadi could only be an Igbo boy.
As mentioned above, the story seed was planted and grew in Nigeria, and more specifically in the south-eastern part of the country, Igbo land, with its very strong trading tradition. Of course, the beauty of the story is that the theme of the reluctance to read is universal and can be transported anywhere. But Amadi could only be an Igbo boy.
3) Did you have a specific goal in mind when you wrote this book?
I don't think it works that way. I mean, I didn't set out to write a story that would explain the importance of reading to children. The problem my husband was facing spoke to me, and I kept thinking about it, and this boy started talking to me, basically, and the story, with Amadi's whole process - from being adamantly opposed to learning to read to actually making the decision that he will learn - evolved from there.
I don't think it works that way. I mean, I didn't set out to write a story that would explain the importance of reading to children. The problem my husband was facing spoke to me, and I kept thinking about it, and this boy started talking to me, basically, and the story, with Amadi's whole process - from being adamantly opposed to learning to read to actually making the decision that he will learn - evolved from there.
4) Did you base the character of Amadi on anyone in particular?
Not a one person, no. Amadi is my creation entirely.
Not a one person, no. Amadi is my creation entirely.
5) I understand that you loved to read when you were young. What kinds of book did you like?
Anything I could land my hands on, I think. Although I did love adventure stories : The Three Musketeers and most books by Alexandre Dumas were my favorites. I also loved Enid Blyton's books.
Anything I could land my hands on, I think. Although I did love adventure stories : The Three Musketeers and most books by Alexandre Dumas were my favorites. I also loved Enid Blyton's books.
6) What do you think parents and other caregivers can do to help their children grow to love books?
Be avid readers themselves. Children who start reading are still at the age where they want to emulate their parents. If Mom and/or Dad spend a lot of time reading, it's got to be the thing to do. And reading a lot to them, also, of course. And respecting books. I always tell my children to treat their books well, as they are among the best friends they'll make in life.
Be avid readers themselves. Children who start reading are still at the age where they want to emulate their parents. If Mom and/or Dad spend a lot of time reading, it's got to be the thing to do. And reading a lot to them, also, of course. And respecting books. I always tell my children to treat their books well, as they are among the best friends they'll make in life.
Thank you for this interview Katia!
2 comments:
Interesting questions and answeres. I love interviews because they always give you a glimps at the author- a look a little deeper into the book.
Thank you, Marya, for the interesting questions, and for participating in our blog tour.
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