Helen Walker

 

Today’s author sit-down is with author Helen Walker, who answers five curious questions about her picture book, How Benny Gets His Buzz Back.

1.      Give us a high concept (25 words or fewer) that describes your book

 How Benny Gets His Buzz Back is a children’s book. Benny the bee is not his usual self but with help from his friend he recovers from the blues.   

2. How did you choose a bee to be your protagonist?

 I chose a bee for my protagonist because I believe that a bee losing its buzz aligns with a person who is experiencing depression. I believe my story encourages children and adults to have a conversation about mental health.

3. What inspired you to write How Benny Gets his Buzz Back?

 My childcare, teaching and lived experience has led me to write Benny. Back in my teenage years I came to the realisation that I wanted to use the arts to communicate social issues to the wider community. I also was concerned when I saw a two-year-old playing with a mobile phone. I was then determined to have less technology in my book and more human connection.

4. What audience do you envisage for Benny?

 My audience is varied. I believe Benny can be an educative tool for children and adults. Children that have a parent with mental health issues could benefit because Benny is a father experiencing the blues. I am aware that a psychologist is currently using my book in her therapeutic setting. Adults may read this story and realise that at the back of the book, there is help available.  

5. If Benny could give a drop of advice to young readers, what would it be?

I would like children to know that it’s okay to ask for help, from getting their shoelaces done up to asking for help when they are sad. Parents can demonstrate that it’s okay to seek professional help when needed. 

Thanks, Helen!

Check out Benny HERE   and HERE or visit Helen's website Here

If you are a writer and/or reader, and would like an author sit-down interview about your writing or reading, drop me a note in the comments or send an email to sallybyname(AT)gmail.com