Patroosh, the Cheeky Pelican received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Renee James.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Patroosh, the Cheeky Pelican, published on the 9th of March 2021.
What’s the book’s first line?
“There’s a town called Yamba where the Clarence River meets the sea.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Patroosh is a cheeky pelican who always wants more. He’ll even take the food right out of your hand or flap his big wings until you drop it in the sand. But after an unexpected event and a random act of kindness, this pelican’s life is about to change forever.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
My family and I spend a lot of time over at a beach area near a local boat ramp, and over the years, we have become very familiar with the pelicans and seagulls habits. The inspiration for writing this book came from observing my own children’s hilarious interactions with them. The story came naturally based on our own experiences with one cheeky pelican in particular.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
There are underlying morals within the dialogue that will spark conversations between children and families or teachers within the classroom about kindness, sharing, rubbish, amongst other things. It’s written in a fun and engaging way with rhyming and beautiful illustrations, making this book entertaining and valuable to add to the story-time routine.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The pelican’s character Patroosh is based on a real, local pelican that my family and I interact with regularly. Our own experiences with this cheeky pelican inspired the characterisation and illustrations for this entire book. The seagull’s character Seamus was inspired by my two children Jack and Grace, as they’re always picking up any rubbish they find floating around and wanting to keep in their words “wildlife homes” clean.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
Having Hugh Jackman as Patroosh and Russell Crow as Seamus would be a pretty funny duo and make for an entertaining animation.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I’ve always enjoyed writing, and publishing a children’s book is something that I have wanted to do since I was 18. I’ve made a career out of helping others achieve their creative visions through storytelling in the form of video, which led me to where I am now, delving into author life at age 35.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes, this is my debut into the world of storytelling through books.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am the managing director for my own video production company, Mystery Lane Media.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part for me is maintaining complete creative control, and the most challenging part would have to be wearing so many hats simultaneously.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
If you have an idea for a story that excites you and you know, others will enjoy it, then back yourself, put pen to paper, and give it a go.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I would most definitely consider it depending on the proposal because Patroosh, the Cheeky Pelican, opens the gateway to serialisation.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Life is fleeting so having an appreciation for my loved ones and enjoying each day to the utmost is what motivates me.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Roald Dahl, I grew up reading his books, and the creativity with the worlds and scenarios he creates within his stories are incredible.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, it’s just such a great book and is a favourite in our household.