Once, in the Forest is an illustrated collection of twelve animal stories. They’re not dissimilar to some of the tales in Honeycomb, in that these stories are very short, and that each one was originally written live on social media, often in response to a news item or current event. The difference is that the stories in this book have been collected especially to appeal to children, and, with illustrations by the marvellous Armando Veve, now make up my very first children’s book.
Animal fables belong to a tradition that has existed for thousands of years, across many different cultures. From Aesop’s Fables in ancient Greece and the Jataka tales in India, to La Fontaine in 17th-century France, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, and Ted Hughes’ Crow, animal stories have been used to illustrate various aspects of human behaviour and to express universal truths in a simple, accessible way. As a child I was brought up on the Just So stories and the tales of Br’er Rabbit, as well as the fables of La Fontaine and Anouilh. And as an adult, I came to learn that it’s easier to approach a complex subject via a simple metaphor than it is via a polemic.
Thus, these stories – some funny, some dark, all new – have at their heart some of the most enduring themes in literature. Power, and its abuses; family, and what it means to belong; jealousy; bullying; courage; celebrity and the consequences of fame. They are designed to be read aloud, alongside their illustrations: and I hope that both children and the adults in their lives will find something to enjoy in this collection.
Q&A
Q: Was it different, writing for children?
A: Not in any real sense, no: I find children respond really well to stories of this kind, and although I may have changed a few words here and there, my themes and vocabulary choices are mostly the same as when I first wrote the tales. That way I hope I can encourage my younger readers to learn new words and to take an interest in language, while keeping true to my individual style.
Q: Why do you think this kind of story still has relevance today?
A: I think that there are certain themes in story that are only really accessible via metaphor. The darker and more challenging the theme, the more difficut it is to approach it head-on. But as part of an animal fable, it suddenly becomes easier to talk about predators, or bullies, or the pressure we feel from our peer group, without feeling self-conscious or overwhelmed.
Q: Are you concerned that some of the stories may be quite dark for younger children?
A: I find that stories can sometimes act as a safe, fictional space to explore certain difficult ideas. And my experience is that children enjoy exploring dark themes, as long as a general sense of order is maintained within the fictional universe: that the good are rewarded, the bad punished, and lessons learnt along the way.
Q: Why are animals such a popular subject? Why not just write about people?
A: In stories it’s often easier for a child to identify with an animal than it is with a human being. That’s because animals tend to stand for a single quality or characteristic, rather than a complex series of motives and contradictions. And the visual appeal of animals is undeniable – Armando’s illustrations are a terrific example of this.
Q: How closely did you work with Armando on this project?
A: Not very: I really wanted him to choose for himself which aspects of the stories he most wanted to illustrate. He has a wonderfully inventive and idiosyncratic eye, and I think he has brought a terrific sense of humour and vitality to the project.
Q: Why was it important to you to write a book for children?
A: I wanted to help create something that would ignite a love of stories in children, and would encourage the adults in their lives to enjoy reading with them aloud. It’s how I learnt to love stories, and it’s a tradition I would like to see continue…
Q: Which current events sparked these stories, and do kids need to know about them?
A: It varies: and no, not at all. The beauty of stories is that once published, they exist to serve the reader: so, the interpretation is up to them, and not up to me to impose meaning. And current events are subject to change, whereas universal truths stay put. Having said that, if you see anything or anyone you recognize in these stories, you’re probably right.
Q: Why use social media as a platform for telling stories?
A: Because it’s the nearest thing we have to the marketplaces of antiquity, where storytellers plied their craft to an audience of passers-by. There’s something appealing about taking that tradition to an online audience, of telling a story live, alongside breaking news, comments, and adverts for household goods. It feels spontaneous – and a little risky – as all live storytelling should be. Afterwards, people often comment on the stories. Teachers have asked permission to read them to their classes. That’s why I was so happy to be asked to write this collection.