Mike Payne is a renowned award-winning international artist and author. Travelling the world attending signings with on-the-spot illustrations, he’s also a highly sought after public speaker, with a unique ability to inspire creativity from any soul. As Mike turns his pen to children’s stories, we are excited to see where his creations take him next!
Mike Payne spoke to us at World of Books to introduce his new book! Charlie’s Ark is a magical tale about a toy box that comes to life and the adventures that follow.
What was your inspiration for Charlie’s Ark?
I woke up one night and my thoughts turned to my step-daughter who was expecting her first baby. I was wondering whether it would be a boy or a girl. The name Charlie came into my mind and I imagined him loving animals and having a special toy box to put them in. I immediately created the concept of Charlie’s Ark. What was extraordinary was that she did have a baby boy, and unaware of what I had created called her son Charlie!
Why do you think it is important to develop a love of reading from a young age?
In a world where many children are given computer games to play some of which are really quite violent, I believe it is essential that children develop the love of reading from a young age. Their impressionable imagination holds no bars. The images they conjure in their little minds are far more colourful and varied than we could possibly imagine. Books also give them a far more rounded education.
What do you think of World of Books’ purpose and values?
There is an old proverb that states that the pen is mightier than the sword. This is so true. Books are essential. Thanks to World of Books they are no longer just discarded but are available for other readers to enjoy again and again. The recycling of books is also such a good way of ensuring these works of literature do not go to waste.
A big thanks to Mike Payne for chatting with us about his love for reading and his new book. Pick up your own copy of Charlie’s Ark, and check out Mike Payne’s website to keep up with his next projects!
Are you familiar with Mike Payne’s work? Let us know in the comments below.
2 Comments
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