Q&A with Matt Haig, author of Evie and the Animals

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As well as being a number one bestselling writer for adults, Matt Haig has won the Blue Peter Book Award, the Smarties Book Prize and been nominated three times for the Carnegie Medal for his stories for children and young adults.

Matt’s brand new book, Evie And The Animals, is perfect for readers aged 7-12. It tells the story of 11-year-old Evie who lives with her dad and has a supertalent which allows her to speak to animals. When her dad is suddenly in danger, Evie has to use her talent to save him!

We caught up with Matt to find out more about Evie and the Animals.

Where did the inspiration for your new book Evie and the Animals come from? 

My daughter wanted me to write a book for animals. Also, it came from being inspired by all the young climate change activists. 

 What is your favourite animal in the book?  

A dog called Scruff. He was fun. He was scruffy and totally at ease with himself. But there is also a bearded dragon called Plato who I would like to meet.

Do you have a pet yourself?

Yes, a Maltese terrier called Betsy. She looks like a feather duster. I loved animals as a child too and had lots of cats and a Springer Spaniel called Murdoch. He was my best friend for a while.

If you could give your children one piece of life advice, what would it be?

You don’t need to be popular to have value. Your value is innate.

Which stories do you love sharing with your children?

At the moment, I’m reading Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer to my children every evening and they are gripped. It is a smorgasbord of literary treats and adventure. 

Evie and the Animals written by Matt Haig and illustrated by Emily Gravett, published by Canongate, is out now!

Download your Evie and the Animals resource pack here!