Interview: Leonie Agnew talks about The Only Dinosaur in School

Leonie Agnew is a children’s writer and teacher. She won the Tom Fitzgibbon Award with her first book for Scholastic, Super Finn, which also won the Junior Fiction award, Best First Book and Children’s Choice awards at the NZ Children’s Book Awards in 2012. She has written a number of other middle-grade fiction titles, including the Esther Glen award-winner The Memory Thief. She has also been the recipient of a writing residency at the University of Otago. Leonie talks to NZ Booklovers.

What inspired you to write The Only Dinosaur in School?

My nephew, Theo. He was obsessed with dinosaurs, like many young kids. One day I was babysitting him and Theo kept insisting  he was a dinosaur. This went on for quite some time. He even roared instead of answering questions! That gave me the idea ... what if he actually was a dinosaur and no one believed him?

I would also like to say that reading Emma Wood's Tulip and Doug: Friends For (Almost) Ever was extremely helpful. I'm a junior fiction writer and I've always been a little intimidated by picture books. Here was a book written in prose and with a whimsical humour that felt up my alley. It made me decide to give writing picture books another try - and I'm glad I did! 

What research was involved?

No research was needed for this picture book. I did, however, recognise the need for feedback given I wasn't experienced with writing picture books. I know and admire the work of Melinda Szymanik and Vasanti Unka, so I sent them both a draft for feedback. They were very encouraging.

What was your routine or process when writing this book?

I don't know if you could call it a routine! I would just write, usually in a library or my home. Then I would put it on ice for a few weeks and try again. There's always a lot of time fine-tuning sentences or rearranging the events to change the flow.

How did you work with the illustrator, Julia Hegetusch?

I didn't really. The publisher sent me the final drafts and asked for feedback. I doubt Julia would need my input in any form or at any time. She did a fantastic job - the images are both whimsical and evoke a fairytale quality which went beyond what I had imagined.

What did you enjoy the most about writing this children’s book?

Good question. It was lovely writing a book inspired by a family member, for a start. I think, perhaps, it was simply those moments when you've been coming at a story from different angles and it's not quite working. Then, suddenly, you rewrite a few lines and - yes, there it is! That's a story. 

What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?

I don't because I'm never certain a book is finished! Honestly, even when I send a manuscript to the publishers, I don't consider it finished. If a book is accepted or shortlisted for an award, my family tend to go out for a meal. If I actually win something ...then I might go shopping! 

What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?

Over Easter, I finally read The Axeman's Carnival. I know, I'm very late to that particular party. Anyway, it was brilliant. The other day I picked up a new picture book called The Ballad of the She Pirate Mouse by NZers Emma Vere-Jones and illustrator Lisa Allen. I've spent a lot of time buying books for school libraries and I predict that one will be very popular with kids. It was absolutely delightful.

What’s next on the agenda for you?

I always have a couple of projects on the go ... we will see which ones bubbles up to the surface first!

Scholastic New Zealand