A Glasshouse of Stars author Q&A with Shirley Marr
Shirley Marr-Emma Taylor Photography
As part of Independent Bookshop Week, and our twinning with Usborne Publishing, we were delighted to welcome Shirley Marr, author of the fabulous A Glasshouse of Stars, to take part in our very first author Q&A
What inspired you to write your novel?
My novel is inspired by my migration to Australia when I was a child and the culture shock that I personally experienced.
What book, film, or piece of art has inspired you the most? And why?
I will always be inspired by The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. She helped me to imagine countless magic worlds that could be as weird, delicious and wonderful as you wanted them to be.
Who is your favourite character in children’s literature?
Probably Amelia Bedelia because when I first came to Australia I found the English language a bit peculiar too – if someone asked me to “draw a bath”, I would have literally drawn a picture of a bath on a piece of paper like Amelia would!
What forthcoming children’s book are you most looking forward to reading?
Ooo, I look forward (probably like everyone else) to the new Nevermoor novel by Jessica Townsend!
Who is your hero?
My fourth grade teacher called Ms Jardine who accepted me for who I was, taught me the love of books and encouraged me to be a strong female.
About A Glasshouse of Stars
Meixing Lim and her family have arrived in the New Land to begin a New Life. Everything is scary and different. Their ever-changing house is confusing and she finds it hard to understand the other children at school.
Yet in her magical glasshouse, with a strange black-and-white cat, Meixing finds a place to dream. But then Meixing’s life comes crashing down in unimaginable ways. Only her two new and unexpected friends can help.
By being brave together, they will learn how to make the stars shine brighter. A Glasshouse of Stars is based on the author’s childhood and beautifully illustrates the importance of friendship, kindness and love. “Heart-twisting and hopeful, bursting with big feelings and gentle magic.” Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of the Nevermoor series”A rare and beautiful masterpiece; deeply heartfelt, dreamily magical, and glitteringly hopeful.
A Glasshouse of Stars is available now! Grab your copy here – A Glasshouse of Stars
