Buybook editor Ena Hasečić asked five questions to Spanish author Susanna Isern, author of the children's books The Squirrel Can't Say No , The Raccoon Always Wants to Be First , and The Liar Fox, published by Buybook. The books, as well as the interview, were translated from Spanish by Lejla Džanko.
You are a psychologist by profession, but you are known for your children's books that have been translated into numerous languages. Is this what you always knew you would do, or did the idea of writing books for the youngest come spontaneously?
I fell in love with writing when I was a girl, but I didn't even think that I could do it professionally, and that's why I decided to study psychology. Despite this, I continued to write, and the first stories were written when my children were born. Shortly after that, I got the opportunity to publish them, and that's how it all started.
All your books are written in a way that "draws in" the youngest from the first sentence, and what is special for them are the beautiful illustrations. Readers in Bosnia and Herzegovina have the opportunity to read stories about a squirrel, a raccoon and a fox and learn important life lessons. How much does knowing psychology help you in writing books and building characters. Where do you draw inspiration from? Have you been influenced by authors of classic fairy tales and fables like La Fontaine?
My profession is inevitable and always follows me, and this can often be noticed in my stories. However, I always try to make the story fun and touching for the children, in addition to the message. I am most inspired by my children, life experiences and everyday life. Of course, reading the classics always makes us richer.
In your books, you touch on many sensitive topics, such as the danger that lies bring with them, the desire to be the first in everything, but also the importance of putting ourselves first in certain life situations. Do you face any challenges in writing about these topics?
Finding a good story is always the biggest challenge. It is not enough to just try to convey values or a message, what I always strive for is that the characters are fun, that the story has a twist and that the children have fun.
How, in your opinion, can we encourage the youngest to start reading and bring books closer to them?
Read books aloud and share reading moments. Visit bookstores with children and let them choose the story they like best.
Finally, are you currently working on any new books and which children's authors did you like to read as a child?
I am currently working on more picture books together with my publishing house NubeOcho and I have to say they are really beautiful. My favorite author of children's literature is Roald Dahl.