What inspired you to write The Festival of the Shell?
I’ve always loved storytelling, especially for children, and I wanted to create something that felt magical but also had a deeper message. I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean—it’s such a mysterious, beautiful place—and I thought it was the perfect setting for a story about adventure, friendship, and bringing people together.

What makes this book special?
It’s not just a fun story; it’s a reminder that the most valuable treasures in life aren’t things you can keep—they’re the friendships you make and the moments you share. I wanted the story to feel warm and uplifting while also taking kids on a little underwater adventure.

Why did you set the story in the ocean?
The ocean has always fascinated me—it’s full of life, colour, and mystery, and I think children naturally find it exciting. It allowed me to create a magical world where anything feels possible. Plus, I love the idea of exploring the connections between different sea creatures.

What do you want children to take away from this story?
The main thing is that the greatest treasures in life are the memories we share with others. I also hope kids see the value of kindness, teamwork, and bringing people together, especially in a world that can sometimes feel divided.

About the Characters

Who is Ellie, and why is she the main character?
Ellie is a curious, adventurous octopus who loves collecting shiny things. She’s smart, resourceful, and has a kind heart, which makes her perfect for leading the story. I also chose an octopus because they’re fascinating creatures—clever and capable, but still relatable. Ellie’s curiosity is what kicks off the whole adventure.

Flip is such a fun character! How did you come up with him?
A: Flip is the kind of friend everyone needs—loyal, playful, and a little bit goofy. He balances Ellie’s more serious curiosity with his light-hearted personality. Honestly, I had so much fun creating him. He’s the one who keeps the adventure exciting and reminds Ellie to enjoy the journey.

Why did you include Grandma Coral?
A: Grandma Coral is like the wise elder of the ocean. She’s there to guide Ellie and Flip and help them see the bigger picture. I think it’s important for children’s stories to include characters who can pass on wisdom and teach valuable lessons, and she does that in a really warm, supportive way.

Clyde the crab seems like an unusual addition—what’s his role?
A: Clyde adds a bit of tension and shows that not everyone is immediately kind or easy to get along with. But he also has his own little redemption arc. I wanted to show that even grumpy characters can come around and be part of something bigger. He’s proof that forgiveness and understanding can bring people together.

About the Creative Process

How did you come up with the glowing shell?
A: I wanted something magical to tie the story together—something that felt special and meaningful but wasn’t just about material value. The glowing shell symbolises connection and shared experiences, and its glow felt like a great way to visually represent that magic in the story.

Why did you end the story with a festival?
A: Festivals are such joyful, communal events, and I wanted the story to end with a real celebration of togetherness. It’s a way to show how something small—like the shell—can create a ripple effect and bring everyone together. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of an underwater festival?

How did you decide on the look of the illustrations?
A: I worked closely with the illustrator to make sure the underwater world felt as vibrant and magical as the story itself. I wanted every page to feel alive with colour and movement, so it draws kids into Ellie and Flip’s world.

About Future Plans

Will there be more adventures with Ellie and Flip?
A: I’d love to take Ellie and Flip on more adventures. The ocean is such a vast, mysterious place, and there are so many stories that could come from it. Maybe they’ll meet new characters or explore different parts of the sea—there are endless possibilities!

Are you planning to write more children’s books?
A: Definitely! Writing for children has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I’m already thinking of new ideas and ways to create stories that kids will enjoy and learn from.

For Fun

If you were one of the characters, who would you be?
A: I think I’d be Ellie because I love exploring and discovering new things. But I do have a bit of Flip in me too—I try not to take life too seriously and always look for the fun in every situation!

If you could join the Festival of the Shell, what would you bring?
A: I’d bring something musical! I imagine the festival would be full of joy and energy, so maybe I’d bring an underwater instrument made from driftwood or something fun like that.