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Magical mischief and mayhem with Joseph Elliott
Primary Times talks with CBeebies star and award-winning author Joseph Elliott about his spectacular new children’s book, ‘Nora and the Map of Mayhem’.
Best known for his role in the BAFTA-winning CBeebies series Swashbuckle, Joseph Elliott is also a successful scriptwriter and author. In this refreshing and outrageously funny new children’s title, the story of ‘Nora and the Map of Mayhem’ follows Atticus and Autumn’s adventures with their eccentric great-grandmother. With wonderful illustrations and aimed at ages 8 plus, this uniquely creative story is jam-packed full of mischievous magic and fun. We asked Joseph for his thoughts on ‘Nora and the Map of Mayhem’ to find out more…
1) Can you tell us a bit more about your inspiration for ‘Nora and the Map of Mayhem’ and where the ideas came from?
Nora is a wild, anarchic, monster-hunting great-grandmother who was partly inspired by my own grandma, Janice, who’s also delightfully mischievous (although, as far as I know, she doesn’t hunt monsters…). I also took inspiration from my time as a pirate on CBeebies’ Swashbuckle, as there are lots of pirate-y elements in the book including magical maps, lost treasure and epic sea battles.
2) Who is your favourite character in this new story and why?
Probably Autumn, Nora’s great-granddaughter. She’s three, with an insatiable appetite and absolutely no sense of danger, so she’s always throwing herself headfirst into perilous situations. She’s completely unpredictable – always saying and doing unexpected things – which makes her great fun to write.
3) What do you enjoy most about writing and being creative with words?
I love the creative freedom of inventing an entire world and everyone who lives in it. When I’m writing, I give my imagination full permission to run wild, which makes me feel like I’m living my own magical adventure. I’m so lucky that I then get to share my words with young people and spark their imaginations in a similar way.
4) If you can, how would you sum up ‘Nora and the Map of Mayhem’ in just one sentence?
A swashbuckling, monster-hunting adventure told from the perspective of a no-nonsense, axe-wielding great-grandmother who’s about to be your new favourite hero.
5) Are there any messages or words of wisdom sprinkled throughout the book for readers to take away?
I always like to scatter my books with a little bit of wisdom, and Nora and the Map of Mayhem is no exception. Hidden away beneath the comedy are lessons about self-discovery and self-belief, mindfulness, gratitude, and nurturing a respect for all living creatures. Comedy can be such a great way of passing on life lessons without coming across as heavy-handed or preachy.
6) Do you have any future ideas or projects currently in the pipeline that families should look out for?
The second book in the Nora series comes out next year and has even more mischief and mayhem in it, as well as a haunted shipwreck, a theft on a train, and flying monsters that can turn people into ice. I’ve just had a first sneak peek at some of the illustrations in it by the incredible Nici Gregory, and they are amazing!
‘Nora and the Map of Mayhem’ by Joseph Elliott and illustrated by Nici Gregory is out now, published by Piccadilly Press.
Photography © Ori Jones