A traveller’s tale

Something about the author
Jo Hoestlandt is an acclaimed children’s book author from France. When she was in school her favourite pastime was writing stories. Later, she studied and taught literature before becoming a professional writer. To date she has published more than 70 works of fiction and non fiction. In her free time, Jo continues to organize creative writing workshops to encourage budding young authors to develop their own talent. Her tender story “Little Freckle’s World” was featured in StoryBox earlier this year.

Something about the illustrator
Boiry is the pen name of Veronique Cau, who for the last 35 years has been illustrating books and magazines for readers of all ages. She chose this name after Boiry, a little town in Burgundy, France, where she decided to settle down for a time. Using different media and techniques, Boiry combines expressive lines and dynamic compositions in her illustrations. Boiry always knew that she would be a children’s illustrator one day, and in every new project she continues to fulfill her dream with skill and dedication.

An interview with the authors of this month’s story

AdventureBox: Do you enjoy walking and travelling on foot, like Nazim in your story?
Author: I love to walk, which allows me to discover new people and things at my own pace.
Illustrator: Travelling on foot? Yes! With a rucksack? No!

AdventureBox: Which persons or objects do you find particularly beautiful?
Author: To me, an old person can be as beautiful as a child; a spider’s web as beautiful as a rose bush in full blossom; an old warehouse as beautiful as a cathedral.
Illustrator: My grandson, of course!

AdventureBox: And what do you consider to be ugly?
Author: Everything that is wicked and seeks to destroy and annoy others.
Illustrator: I find museum gift shops ugly, also people who are always giving others a lesson and those who make a fuss about everything.

AdventureBox: Have you ever been dissatisfied with your appearance?
Author: As a child, I used to think that I was ugly and grown-ups were always telling me that I should at least try to be very kind…
Illustrator: It happens whenever I’m bored!