When I am in the studio by myself I love listening to show tunes turned up loudly. Be My Guest is my current favourite.
2. What is your nickname?
My brother calls me Fred, and I call him Freddy.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
I enjoy exploring everyday moments in an imaginative way.
I enjoy exploring everyday moments in an imaginative way.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Thoughtful, gentle, understated, poetic, simple.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I would love to be Pippi Longstocking, because she is brave, quirky and daring, but in reality I am more like Piglet, from Winnie the Pooh, wanting to join in the fun but slightly anxious!
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would travel to 1835 in the Galapagos Islands. I think it would be fascinating to be there during the Charles Darwin expedition when he studied the amazing animals and plants, including the Giant Tortoise.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
My 10-year-old self would not say very much as I was shy as a kid, but have not doubt she would be watching me and smiling to hear that I was writing and illustrating picture books.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My grandmother Edna Green was a big influence on me following my dream to become a children's book illustrator. From when I was a small child, Nanny would talk to me with joy about painting, sewing, books, theatre and exhibitions. She had unwavering belief in me even when I didn't.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I saw myself as an illustrator for many years but I found that there were stories I wanted to tell and so I began to write.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Right now I think I have to choose freckle. To me, a freckle is cicadas, swimming, summer and family beach days. And I am fond of 100s and 1000s on chocolate too!
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is a hard one. I think The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by CS Lewis. I have read this book over and over and, when I open the pages, the sense of magic and adventure still beckons.
Anna Walker is an illustrator based in Melbourne. Her imagery is inspired by tiny details in the world around her. Anna writes and illustrates stories for children. Her latest picture book, Florette, will be launched on March 2, at Glasshaus, in Cremorne, Victoria. For more information, see www.annawalker.com.au.
