Q&A with Simon Van Booy

Simon Van Booy, photo by Ken Browar

Simon Van Booy is the author of Gertie Milk and the Keeper of Lost Things, his first novel for kids. His other books include Father's Day and The Illusion of Separateness, and his work has appeared in a variety of publications, including The New York Times and the Financial Times. He lives in Brooklyn and Miami.

Q: How did you come up with the idea for Gertie Milk and the Keeper of Lost Things?

A: It evolved over about eight years...sketching out characters and scenes. I've never felt completely at home anywhere in the world--so I created the mythical island of Skuldark.

Q: Why did you decide to write a children’s book this time?

A: I love Roald Dahl, and wanted to write books for children that were adventurous, but funny and scary too...

Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?

A: That fear brings out the worst in people. Strength is not power, but the absence of fear.

Q: Is this the beginning of a series?

A: Yes! Book Two is out in September....no plans for Book Three yet though...

Q: What are you working on now?

A: A novel about five rabbits that live in a dusty old shop in New York City.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: Although stories are made-up, to me they feel true. 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Simon Van Booy.