The Great Story Book Heist is "a tribute to the magic of libraries" - an interview with author Kristien Potgieter

Kristien Potgieter writes about loving libraries, standing up against injustice and holding one's fear. Thank you Kristien for your wonderful answers.

Don't forget to read her children's series, Bongi Ballerina.

What inspired you to write your very first children’s book?

Ballet has been a huge part of my life since childhood, so my first children's book, Bongi Ballerina, was inspired by my own experience as both a dancer and dance teacher. I also wanted to write a South African ballet story with a diverse cast of characters, to show that ballet is for everyone.

What three children’s books would you take to the desert island with you?

What a great question! The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson, Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend, and (sorry, this is a bit of a cheat, but I couldn't resist...) a boxset of the entire Lockwood & Co. series by Jonathan Stroud.

What would you want a child/reader to take from your stories?

That all children deserve to be listened to and respected, and that there's value in difference and diversity.

Is there a quote you live your life by or inspires you?

I frequently return to Elizabeth Gilbert's book Big Magic when my creative well needs refilling or when I'm embarking on a new project. I love the chapter on fear, where she talks about how a creative life requires one to make room for fear, because creativity means venturing into the unknown.

If you can't learn to travel comfortably alongside your fear, then you'll never be able to go anywhere interesting or do anything interesting. Elizabeth Gilbert

Where did you get the inspiration for The Great Storybook Heist?

I loved the idea of writing a story that's essentially a tribute to the magic of libraries, and about how books and libraries can be a wonderful refuge for those who feel different or alone, as I often did as a child. But I realised that many children's books about libraries feature rather stereotypical, strict, uppity librarians who care more about shushing people and keeping the books pristine than about letting kids enjoy the stories.

I wanted to subvert that trope to humorous effect by creating a comically bad librarian who doesn't follow the usual library rules at all and initially treats books poorly – while it's the children who want to protect (and enjoy!) the books. Of course, there are also wonderful librarians in the story – the book is just as much a tribute to librarians as it is to libraries and books.

Why did you decide to write for children?

I love the imagination and humour found in children's books. Children look at the world with a sense of wonder and awe, and writing stories aimed at them keeps me in touch with that side of myself.

I enjoy the challenge of writing a complete, interesting story with twists, turns and satisfying character arcs in the space of relatively few pages – you have to be incredibly economical with your words, while also grabbing kids from the very first page so they don't get bored.

I switch between writing children's books and writing books for grown-ups, as each has its own specific rewards and constraints, and I like stretching my imagination and my writing abilities in this way.

What can we expect next from you?