It’s time to meet the awesomely talented creator of our third shortlisted book for 2022: Nadia Shireen!
Barbara Throws a Wobbler is a hugely relatable story for anyone who’s ever been in range of a small person having a very bad day filled with very big feelings, which manages to be both hugely empathic and incredibly funny at the same time, complemented by Nadia’s gorgeous illustrations.
Here she tells us all about her own favourite childhood book, what the best thing about this book might be….and what sort of wobbler she’s likely to throw…
Thanks so much, Nadia!
Nadia Shireen
Did you have a favourite picture book as a child? If so, what was it?
I loved the Meg and Mog books by Jan Pienkowski. The colours were so bright and joyful, and I just found the pictures so arresting even though they were also quite simple. Also sometimes I could see pen marks and that made me think “Hey! I could do that!” They are very friendly books.
What do you think the best thing about picture books is?
They communicate to us on two levels. We read the words, see the images and our brain does something magic in-between, I think. I love that mysterious, magical bit!
What’s the best thing about THIS book?
I can’t believe I got away with the title. I kept waiting for somebody important to tell me it was too silly!
How did you come up with the idea for the story?
Well, as a parent I’ve witnessed a lot of wobblers and I know how difficult and helpless everyone feels in that situation. I know how feeling big emotions can sometimes be really scary. I wanted to make a book that might reassure someone feeling that way.
Which type of wobbler are you most likely to throw?
I’m a huffer. I don’t really explode. I just quietly feel sad or angry and hide under a blanket.
A peek inside Barbara Throws a Wobbler (courtesy of Penguin Random House Children’s Books (Puffin)