Frann Preston-Gannon on Little Lim and the Golden Treasure and ocean stories for kids

The book we've shared with our Parakeet subscribers this month is perfect summer reading for whole family! Little Lim and the Golden Treasure by Frann Preston-Gannon takes us on a journey to to the seaside, exploring the rockpools and meeting some charming and quirky characters along the way. At it's heart is a story about friendship and empathy, beautifully presented with colour illustrations throughout. It was an easy pick for our boxes and we think you're going to love it. Here Frann tells us about being inspired on a family holiday and which other ocean-based adventure stories she recommends you read next.

What inspired you to write Little Lim and the Golden Treasure?

I was on holiday with my young daughter one summer in Scotland and she spent around 5 hours playing with pebbles on a stony beach. She was having an absolute blast in a little stream that trickled down to the sea. I love how children are able to have the most exciting and creative play when placed in nature. While she was playing in rockpools I began to imagine what it might be like to find little houses along the edge and who might live in them and the character of Little Lim popped into my mind.

What lessons would you say Lim learns?

Little Lim is an excitable and impulsive character. When she enters the Young Explorer Competition at her town's Super Blue Moon Festival she is desperate to be announced winner in front of adoring crowds. But I hope as her story goes on, she learns that winning isn’t the most important thing!

What research did you do for the book, and did you learn anything about the sea creatures in the story that surprised you?

While illustrating the book I was lucky enough to go on holiday to a lovely village called Mousehole in Cornwall. I spent a lot of time staring into rockpools and taking photos to inspire my drawings. I also gathered a great collection of vintage books on British sea creatures and shells to help inspire this book. 

I was surprised by just how many wonderful creatures you can find in the seas around the UK. I had no idea you could occasionally find leatherback turtles feasting on the jellyfish in British waters!

Can you tell us anything about what the future holds for Lim and her community?

I think there is so much scope for more adventures! The ocean is such a rich source of myths and legends as well as amazing things to learn and explore.

What fact would you give Bartholomew to gain access to the library?

It is not strictly sea related but my favourite animal fact is that a sloth can hold its breath underwater longer than a dolphin – up to 40 minutes!

Why did you choose to write books for this age group?

I think it very much has something to do with the age of my daughter. She is now 9 and we read so many books together. I wanted to write a story that we could enjoy together and she gives me lots of inspiration!

Do you have a favourite place to write?

I actually love to write somewhere public. I find it very hard to write while sitting in my studio so I have to head out and find a cosy corner in a coffee shop to write stories!

Which other ocean-based books for younger readers would you recommend our subscribers read next?

I love the Adventuremice books by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre. I recommend Mermouse Mystery in that series for a brilliantly illustrated ocean adventure. I am also a big fan of the Usborne 24 Hours In… series. They are a great mash up of non-fiction, story and graphic novels. I highly recommend 24 Hours Under the Ocean.

Copies of our Little Lim and the Golden Treasure pack, including a copy of the book and loads of fun activities to go with it, are now available for individual purchase. Grab a copy while stocks last!

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