Q&A with Caroline L. Perry

 

 

 

 

Caroline L. Perry is the author of the new children's picture book The Memory Cake. Her other books include The Corgi and the Queen. She lives in Southern California. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write The Memory Cake, and how much was the book based on your own family history?

 

A: My mum is Maltese, as were my only grandparents, and most of my extended family still lives in Malta. During World War II, my Nannu operated his flour mill around the clock to feed the island’s starving population, and he narrowly survived a direct bomb strike on the building.

 

Despite Malta’s tiny size—only about 17 miles by 9 miles—it became the most heavily bombed place on Earth, and the target of thousands of Nazi German and Fascist Italian strikes. The Maltese civilians endured great hardships, and their resilience proved crucial in helping turn the tide of World War II.

 

Malta remains the only country to have been awarded the George Cross for bravery, and Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "Malta's bright story of human fortitude and courage will be read by posterity with wonder and with gratitude through all the ages."

 

Despite this remarkable legacy, most people aren’t aware of Malta’s wartime importance, or of its rich cultural heritage—the islands have more than 7,000 years of history! I felt strongly that this small but mighty country deserved time in the spotlight. 

 

Sadly, the themes of this book remain highly relevant today, as many people live in conflict zones and under siege. I hoped this story would encourage empathy, and remind readers of a chapter in history that should neither be forgotten nor repeated. 

 

Q: What do you think Jennifer Bricking’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: They’re so beautiful! The opening spread radiates with the warmth of the limestone buildings that are so characteristic of Malta, and she depicts the wartime scenes with such poignance and emotional depth. I think it truly transports the reader to a different place and time, and I shed quite a few tears when I saw the final art! 

 

Q: Did you need to do much research to write the book, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: I did a lot of research, which included visiting underground shelters and the war museum in Malta.

 

I’m claustrophobic, and I actually had a panic attack in one of the subterranean shelters—it was hard to believe that people spent so much time in those cramped, dark and narrow warrens while bombs detonated overhead. When they emerged, they wouldn’t know if their homes, schools or businesses were still standing. Everyone was impacted in some way. 

One thing that surprised me was just how small the food rations were. Children often had only a scrap of bread to eat all day, and the entire population of Malta was only a few days away from “absolute starvation” when a heavily-bombed ship carrying supplies finally arrived.

 

Despite the immense challenges the Maltese people endured, they refused to surrender to the enemy.

 

Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says, “Sweet and savory all at once, a lesser-known history gets its due.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I think it’s a wonderful summary! The book covers a sad era in history, and one that wasn’t easy to convey for a picture book audience, but it’s balanced with sweetness—not just from the delicious chocolate cake that Nanna and her granddaughter bake together, but from the overarching message of hope.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I have Messi’s Magic, a picture book biography of Lionel Messi, coming out on Sept. 2 with Scholastic Press and illustrated by Luciano Lozano. It has just been honored with a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

 

On Oct. 7 my funny picture book, I Am Not Happy!, bounces onto shelves with Simon & Schuster. It’s about a misunderstood quokka who wants the world to know that his frown is upside down, and it’s illustrated by Sydney Hanson.

 

I also have a few other exciting projects in the pipeline!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: The Memory Cake is a slice of lesser-known history, and a celebration of courage, culture and connection. I hope it sparks conversations, and inspires layers of sweet moments between loved ones. Readers shouldn’t miss the recipe at the back of the book! 

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb