Paula Harrison on Animagicals: Mia's Tiger and her recommended fantasy books for newly independent readers

We’re delighted to welcome Paula Harrison, author of Animagicals: Mia’s Tiger, for an exclusive Q&A on the blog this month. As the first book in a sparkling new fantasy adventure series, Mia’s Tiger has enchanted our Parakeet subscribers with its blend of magic, adventure, and boundless heart - an ideal pick for newly independent readers. We loved sharing the book with our subscribers and crafting activities inspired by Wild Haven and Mia’s extraordinary animal-changing powers, and we couldn’t wait to sit down with Paula to learn more about the inspiration behind the story and what awaits readers in this captivating new world.

What inspired you to create the Animagicals series?

 

I always love writing about the relationship between people and animals, and in the Animagicals series the children can actually turn into animals themselves which opens a whole new set of possibilities! Which animals will they choose to be? Will they be able to control which creature they become? I think we all have a lot more animal in us than we usually admit.

 

Which animal do you think best represents your true spirit and why?

 

I’ve thought about this a lot! I think maybe I’m a bit of a squirrel – scampering around and being nosy about what’s going on around me. I like gathering things the way a squirrel gathers nuts and I’m always busy.

 

What lessons would you say Mia and her friends learn?

They learn to trust their instincts which isn’t easy when you’re somewhere completely new. They’re the youngest ones at Wild Haven School. Everything is new to them, so they’re trying to learn how everything works and how they can fit in.

 

What research did you do for the book and did you learn anything that surprised you?

 

I read a lot of non-fiction books about animals and I also spent time observing animals. It surprised me to see similarities between a tiger’s body language and my pet cat’s.

 

Can you tell us anything about what the future holds for Mia and her friends?

 

The land of Animagia is in peril. There are hidden enemies inside and outside the country, and Mia and her friends have already become mixed up in their wicked schemes. But first of all, they must each find their true animagical form or their powers will disappear forever.

 

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

I love writing for young readers because when they love a series they really live and breathe it. They want to become part of it.

 

Do you have a favourite place to write?

I usually write at home. I generate ideas and plan things out with pencil and paper, and when I start to write the story I use my computer.

Which other fantasy books for younger readers would you recommend our subscribers read next?

 

If they like the adventure element in Animagicals they might also love my Fairytale Ninjas series where three fairy tale characters set off to create their own quest. They might also like my Secret Rescuers series all about magical creatures and those books are published by Nosy Crow just like Animagicals.

 

Copies of our Animagicals: Mia's Tiger 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!