Kerryn Ponter is one such author, a local mom to three boys who has written and illustrated not one, but three children’s books. Her first two books, Angry Owl and Angry Owl Goes Swimming, follow the adventures of Angry Owl. They are humourous, but also with a lesson to be learned, and feature beautiful illustrations. Her third book is titled I Wonder Who?, and combines three things children love – animals, guessing, and asking questions. All three titles are available from bookstores and online retailers at very reasonable prices. Local is lekker, so be sure to support our South African authors!

Inspired after reading Kerryn’s three wonderful books, I wanted to find out more about where she gets her ideas from, how she balances being a mom and an author, and if she has any advice for readers who would like to write a book. Find out the answers to these questions and more in the interview below

What inspired you to write your first book?

I always had the idea to write children’s books in the back of my mind. Once I had become a stay-at-home mom, I decided that it would be nice to write a book for my boys who were two years old and two months old at the time. One rare afternoon when both of them were napping at the same time, I decided to use the time to start. My only intention initially was to write and illustrate one copy to read to them.

I ended up sending my story to a well-known publisher as a friend had mentioned that she had sent her story in. Much to my surprise they accepted it favourably and decided to publish it. Since then, I have been writing and illustrating on and off in between caring for my two eldest boys and their new baby brother. I’m currently working on my fourth and fifth children’s books.

You are also the illustrator of your books, do your children enjoy your characters and your illustrations?

Children are so honest so I always pitch my ideas to them first.

Thankfully they love Angry Owl. It’s often the first book they pull off the shelf. My middle son….

Continue reading.