Letter to abc Charlie

​​In my last post, I wrote about a letter I received from Charlie (aged 8) and his brother, Tommy (aged 7). See my post here and their letters in full on their mum's abc Jenny website here. Below is my response to Charlie, and tomorrow I will post my response to Tommy. 

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Dear Charlie
Thank you for your wonderful, thoughtful letter.

I do sometimes worry when adults have tears in their eyes at the end of my book – but I cheer myself up by remembering that some adults like a good cry when reading a book or watching a movie. I once bought a book because it made me cry - it is called Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. It is a bestselling book in the USA and Canada – I wonder if you know it? My kids thought it was very funny that I couldn’t read it to them without crying. I can hardly believe that one reviewer compared When I see Grandma  to Love You Forever – I was totally amazed! When I’ve read When I See Grandma to kids, they usually don’t feel sad, unless it’s something they recognise from their own life, and then I hope it gives them encouragement for the sad times.

I am sorry that your grandpa is sick and that he spends a lot of time sleeping like the grandma in my story. I like how you can see yourself helping your grandpa like the kids in my book – reminding him of the ‘old fashioned days.’

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a magic teapot that helps people stay alive longer, like you say? You have a fabulous imagination and I’d love to see your books one day. I like the sound of Seal Magic as I like animals. I didn’t write lots of stories when I was your age – it is something I started to do when I was an adult, but I wish I had as all that practice would have made me even better sooner!

My next book is due out in October next year, and it is not at all sad. It is a book about being scared –but in a fun way. My words are with the publisher, Hachette, and an illustrator is now working on the pictures. I’m very excited to see how it will look!

I look forward to hearing from you again,

All the best with your writing

Debra.

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