Meet Our 2021 Shortlist: Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival

In the coming weeks we will be introducing you to our wonderful #OBP21 shortlist, as they tell us about each shortlisted book, and a little bit about themselves, too!

First up is the wonderful Meesha Makes Friends, written and illustrated by Tom Percival. Meesha Makes Friends is published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

About the Book:

Meesha loves making things . . . but there's one thing she finds difficult to make - friends. She doesn't know quite what to do, what to say or when to say it. But one day she discovers that she has a special talent that might just help her navigate social situations - and maybe even make new friends.

This is a warm and affectionate look at the joys and difficulties of making and keeping friends, relating to others, and finding your place in the world.

What the Judges Said: ‘This book was so touching and had a lovely sentiment to it without it being sad when I read it. There is so much potential for discussion about creativity and how we can be inclusive, and I really think this book can resonate to any reader whether big or small: 'be open, be honest, be YOU!’  - Angellica Bell

About Tom

Tom Percival is a writer, artist, video producer and musician. Meesha Makes Friends is Tom’s ninth picture book for Bloomsbury, following Herman's Letter, Herman's Holiday, Bubble Trouble, By the Light of the Moon, Perfectly Norman, Goat's Coat (illustrated by Christine Pym), Ruby’s Worry and Ravi's Roar. Tom lives in Stroud with his partner and their two children.
For more information you can check out www.tom-percival.com - and you can find him on Twitter @TomPercivalsays 

Tom has kindly answered our many questions: read on to find out about what inspired Tom to write the book, his favourite part of Meesha Makes Friends, and what ‘f’ word he thinks of when reading in lockdown….

Thanks so much for your time, Tom!

OBP Q & A with…..Tom Percival

What was your own favourite picture book as a child?

There were a few and it depends what sort of book we’re talking here! For picture books though  it would be a close run thing between Funny Bones, Burglar Bill (which I used to call ‘Boggler Boll’) and Mog the Forgetful Cat.

 What do you think the best thing about picture books is?

I think it’s the fact that so much is left open to the reader. When a text is that sparse, it gives the reader the opportunity to fill in the blanks and add their own perspective and understanding to the story which makes it a truly interactive experience.

What’s the best thing about this book?

I don’t think I can answer that! When you’ve made a book it’s really hard to see it objectively, I could say what my favourite parts are, but not the ‘best’ parts. So to answer that slightly different question, one of my favourite moments is when Meesha is lost in her world of music.

 What was your inspiration for the story/character?

I think that meaningful, close relationships are something that we all strive for and there have been numerous points in my life where I have felt like Meesha, as though there’s something that I just don’t quite ‘get’ about the whole thing. Equally, like Meesha, I’ve found that it’s been shared passions for either making things or doing things that has connected me with other people. Basically, making friends and connecting with people in a meaningful way isn’t always as easy as you might want it to be and I wanted to make a book that communicated that to children in a light, gentle way that hopefully offers a few tips and some reassurance.

 Do you prefer writing or drawing?

I don’t really see myself as either a writer or an illustrator, I just like to make things. I make a lot of music and I'm also really interested in animation and video. I love audio visual mediums and combining story telling with music and imagery. So yeah, on any given day I’ll be doing any number of creative endeavours, but they’re only ever serving the purpose of the ‘idea’ that I’m trying to communicate. It’s just that some ideas translate better as words, some as pictures and some as songs. But I don’t prefer any one or another of them. They can all be incredibly rewarding, frustrating, tiring and satisfying!

What are you working on next?

How long have you got? I’m currently working on a lot of things! Most relevant would be a new book in the same range as Meesha Makes Friends that explores the concept of emotional jealousy. I’m also working up the final art for a follow up to a book that I made called ’The Invisible’ and I’m also illustrating the third book in my Dream Team series which will be called 'Odd One Out.’ But there’s also illustrations for the Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy, a middle grade novel that I’m writing, an action adventure series that I’m planning, some animation concepts, and LOTS of songs.

 And finally, what do you think has been the best thing about reading with small children during the lockdown?

Well, my children aren’t so small now (they’re 10 and 12) but we still read to them as it’s just such a nice, relaxing time to share. I’ve been especially enjoying books by Christopher Edge and Emma Carroll. But the benefits of reading with children are immense at all ages. It aids focus and concentration, it helps build empathy, it increases vocabulary, it’s a great wind-down before bed and what’s that other thing? Begins with an ‘F’… Oh yeah, it’s fun!