I’ve bought so many random coffee cups from op-shops that they don’t fit in the cupboard anymore. So now I use some of them for my painting.
2. What is your nickname?
I’m trying to get everyone to call me Pedro but it’s not really catching. Some of my family call me Peteyboy, including my daughters.
3. What is your greatest fear?
I’m not great with heights or water. So I guess I can rule out cliff diving for my next holiday.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Little stories about big ideas, accompanied by some quiet animals.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Productive, despite all the day-dreaming. (Is that five or six words?)
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I’d like to be one of the nameless boys who go on quiet adventures from Oliver Jeffers’ books, like Lost and Found.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
There are probably more significant things to do with a time machine but I’d really like to see The Beatles belt out Long Tall Sally in 1964, just for the pure pleasure of it.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
WOW! You’ve got more hair on your face than on your head!
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My family, countless musicians, and a few good friends I first met in my late teens.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I don’t know at first. I loved the way good books made me feel when I was younger, so I tried to do it myself, writing short stories as a young adult. A few years later, my wife really encouraged me to start taking it more seriously, and that’s when I turned to picture books. Now, I just want to keep doing it because I love the thought that my little ideas turn into words and pictures on a page that will be absorbed by kids and adults all over the place.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Wonderful. I don’t say it very often but I love the way it sounds when you read it.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The book my daughters made me for Father’s Day, all about the things we do together.
Peter Carnavas is an Australian author and illustrator, well-known for his gorgeous picture books including The Important Things (KBR review), The Last Tree in the City (KBR review), Jessica's Box (KBR review) and The Boy on the Page (KBR review). Jonathan! (KBR review) is his latest book, illustrated by Amanda Francey and published by New Frontier Publishing in February 2014. Visit Peter's website and Facebook page to find out more about his books, writing and illustration projects.
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