Where it all began…
Seasoned travel writer Justin Fox has just published his first children’s book, My Great Expedition – a beautifully illustrated reflection on a journey he made to Europe as a six-year-old in 1973, visiting several major sights like Buckingham Palace, the
Why write a children’s book? Over the past two years I’ve been experimenting with children’s book writing. The first opportunity came when a Dutch friend, Joukje Akveld, asked me to collaborate with her on a book for young kids called Mijn Kleine Safari. I enjoyed the process and kept going. My Great Expedition is my current project; next up is the Fox Book of Birds, written by the birds themselves and aimed at getting children excited about South Africa’s astonishing birdlife.
Did any existing children’s books inspire you? Many! As a child I loved Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, Babar and Madeline. Later, I was enchanted by Tintin and The Little Prince. These characters actually appear in some of the illustrations in My Great Expedition. Tintin has a particular resonance. Like me, he’s a blond, travelling journalist with an adventurous spirit. In some ways, I’ve modelled my career on him!
How long did it take you to write the book? My Great Expedition started off as a long poem. A fellow writer, Finuala Dowling, read the poem and suggested I adapt it for children. It meant losing the more complicated imagery and changing the rhythm. I kept tinkering with the writing for about a year before it was ready to be handed over to my wonderful illustrator, Lucy Stuart-Clark. How did you and Lucy collaborate? We spent considerable time brainstorming. I gave her photographs, guidebooks and maps, and I pointed her in the direction of my favourite children’s books. Then it was up to her to interpret the material through her marvellous collages.
Who will enjoy this book? It’s aimed at children between the ages of five and nine, but I’m pretty sure adults will have some fun, too. The sense of adventure and discovery – and the passion for travel – will appeal to readers of all ages.
How did you do your research? I sat my mother down with her old photo albums and plundered madly. My mom has kept a box of memorabilia and souvenirs from each of our trips as children. Among the old maps, guidebooks and postcards, I even found my own diary, written at the age of six. My father died some years ago. Bringing him to life on these pages was particularly moving.
If you could travel back in time to the sixyear-old Justin in 1973, what would you say to him? Pay more attention to everything when you’re travelling: every sight, every sound, every smell. On another note, I’m convinced that the foundations of my travelling career were laid on that seminal trip. I don’t think I’ve been able to seriously contemplate a settled existence ever since.
If you could go back to any of the destinations in the book, which would it be? The Greek island of Santorini. This was where our trip culminated and where we spent the most time. The images of the island are imprinted on my memory. I haven’t been back since. Not yet…
My Great Expedition is published by Bumble Books and costs R169 in bookstores.