Annette M. Clayton is the author of the new Magical Protection Agency series of chapter books for kids. Her other books include the JoJo series.
Q: What inspired you to create the Magical Protection Agency series?
A: This was a write-for-hire project. Lerner contacted me with the idea for a chapter book series about a two kids who helped magical creatures.
I accepted and began drafting the world of Moonstone and outlining the characters. I knew the series had to include all my favorite enchanted creatures—unicorns, mermaids, trolls, and phoenixes.
For the main characters, Luisa and Leo, I drew on my own experiences growing up with lots of extended family. My cousins were such an important part of my childhood, I knew I wanted this story to feature a cousin duo. I choice a boy and girl so this series could be enjoyed by a wider audience.
Because I’m half Puerto Rican, I thought it would be fun if Luisa and Leo were too.
Q: What do you think Paula Zamudio’s illustrations add to the books?
A: The first time I saw a preview of her sketches, I knew she understood Luisa, Leo, and the world I was trying to create. Her whimsical style has so much detail. It really grounds the reader and makes them feel like they are staring into a magical world.
Q: How did you create your characters Luisa and Leo?
A: When developing characters, I outline their physical features and personality traits. Next, I interview my characters. What are your favorite foods, hobbies? How to you handle tough situations? This way when I’m writing out an adventure for Luisa and Leo, I’ll already know how they will react and why they make the decisions they do.
When writing, everyone always says, use what you know. That’s true and it’s very helpful. I have nieces and nephews in elementary school and I listen to the way they talk, what they are interested in, and what they think is funny. Sometimes I watch cartoons to get inspiration as well.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the stories?
A: First and foremost, I simply want to get kids reading. Read my books, read graphic novels, read nonfiction, read anything! Reading has been shown to improve brain function, enhance focus, and help children to develop empathy.
These books in particular are fantasy adventure stories where kids problem solve to save the day. I want children to know that they can do hard things. Even if something seems too big or too scary, you can do it! Courage isn’t the absence of fear, its knowing something is scary and doing it anyway.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m working on an early chapter book series for Capstone, The Magic Book Box, coming out in 2027!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: The Magical Protection Agency has four more books coming out in 2027! To learn more about me and my books, visit www.AnnetteMClayton.com
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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