Lily Murray is the author of the new children's picture book A Dragon Called Spark. Her many other books include The Girl Who Loves Bugs. She is based in the UK.
Q: What inspired you to write A Dragon Called Spark, and how did you create your character Eva?
A: I grew up celebrating Hanukkah so I really wanted to write a Hanukkah story - but one that wasn't just about Hanukkah, and the how-to of celebrating it. I wanted to take the values of Hanukkah - the light in the darkness, the candles as a symbol of hope and remembering, and weave that into a story.
I imagined a young girl, feeling lonely, in need of hope, and that's how Eva and Spark came to be.
Q: What do you think Kirsti Beautyman’s illustrations add to the story?
A: What I love about picture books is the way the illustrator brings their own touch to the story in a way you never imagine as an author. I think her illustrations bring a beautiful calm and stillness to the story - they let the narrative unfold gently - and they bring magic, too.
Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Eva and Spark?
A: Spark represents Eva's fears. He also represents the power of Eva's imagination. The relationship between Eva and Spark is also a model of a wonderful friendship.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?
A: I hope they enjoy it, first and foremost, that it sparks their imaginations and that next time they hear about Hanukkah, or celebrate it, it will make them feel connected to it in a new way.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I'm working on new picture book ideas! I wish I could tell you but they are SECRET!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I had a tiny dragon as an imaginary friend when I was a child.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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