Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger are the authors and illustrators of the children's picture book The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan. They live in Switzerland. The book is available in an English translation by Tammi Reichel.
Q: What inspired you to create The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan?
A: The idea for this story actually grew out of our everyday conversations. We often find ourselves talking about the big and small questions of life, and at some point we started wondering why life feels so light when we are children, and when we lose that feeling.
It made both of us think back to our own childhood. That carefree feeling of simply being, without constantly worrying or being afraid.
And of course, we remembered those wonderful dreams where we could fly or float. As children, those dreams felt incredibly real. You wake up almost a little disappointed that you suddenly can't do it anymore.
That was exactly the feeling we wanted to capture. Not floating as a superpower, but as a symbol of lightness, freedom, and trust. Because we believe that feeling is still inside all of us. Sometimes, we've just forgotten it's there.
Q: What was your writing process like?
A: Our writing process is probably a little different from the usual one because we both write and illustrate. There isn't a traditional split between author and illustrator.
Everything starts with an idea. We talk about it a lot, each of us develops it further, and then we come back together. It's a constant back and forth. We challenge each other's ideas, add new ones, and gradually shape the story together. It's a bit like a game of ping pong. The story keeps moving between us until it finally feels right.
Q: Can you describe how you created the illustrations for the book?
A: The illustrations usually begin with small sketches and lots of rough drawings. We experiment, throw ideas away, make changes, and sometimes start all over again.
Normally, the illustrations grow out of the text. But throughout the creative process, text and images constantly influence each other. Sometimes a drawing changes the story. Sometimes a new sentence makes us redraw an illustration.
The book grows step by step in this way. Countless small decisions come together to create each illustration. And then there is that moment when we both know: the character has come to life, the image tells its own story and it's ready for the book.
Q: How would you describe the dynamic between your characters Mr. Finnegan and Matilda?
A: Matilda reminds Mr. Finnegan of something he had forgotten long ago. As a child, floating came naturally to him. But over the years, he learned to stay on the ground and eventually forgot that he had ever been able to float.
Matilda sees the world differently. With her curiosity, openness, and quiet confidence, she gently leads Mr. Finnegan back to the lightness that has always been inside him. She doesn't really teach him anything new. She simply reminds him of what he already knew.
That's what makes their relationship so special. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind an adult of something they once knew by heart. And sometimes, that's all it takes to float again.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Right now, we're giving ourselves a little creative space. There are already quite a few ideas floating around in our heads. Some are still small, while others are getting a little louder every day. Nothing is ready to share just yet, but we hope that will change soon.
We've learned that stories have their own timing. Some arrive quietly. Others simply won't leave you alone until they finally find their way onto the page.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Lightness begins in the mind. And sometimes, the only way to hold on to what really matters is to let go.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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