Q&A with Natalia and Lauren O'Hara

November 18th 2021

What inspired you to write Frindleswylde?

Natalia: Lauren painted a frosty, regal little boy one morning in 2019, just for fun. I called as soon as I saw him to say that I wanted to write a story about him. She said, “That’s The Snow Queen.”

How would you suggest primary school teachers use this book?

Lauren: It’s a picture book with colourful, dramatic images that small children can enjoy, but there’s complexity in the characters and themes. Teachers might find it useful for teaching children about storytelling and literary techniques, or for exploring fairy tales and folklore.

Frindleswylde sets Cora Three Impossible Tasks. Had you already thought of these tasks before beginning the writing process or did inspiration strike as you went along?

Natalia: That was so hard! The thing is they need to hit 5 or 6 marks in terms of plot, subplot, character and theme. I made a list of all the things the tasks needed to do, and then began trying to find actions that matched. It probably took a few weeks of thinking. I always plot the book before I start writing, so this was before the first line was drafted.

What’s your favourite illustration in the book and why?

Lauren: I’ll have to tread lightly to avoid spoilers, but the Queen of Winter spread. There’s a little monochromatic image of Cora tossing away a nut on the left, and the Queen in full regalia on the right. It’s beautiful and eerie, and twists the plot in a new direction.

Frindleswylde is available now.