Ted Prior previously worked as a police officer and art teacher. He also worked in children’s TV and animation. In 1979 he started his GRUG series of children’s picture books.
Today, Ted Prior is on the blog to answer some questions about his new Grug book, Grug and the Bushfire. Read on!
Ted Prior
To begin with why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself – where were you born? Raised? Schooled?
TP: I was born in Sydney in 1945. At age 5, we moved to Kandos, NSW where I attended primary school. At age 11, we moved back to Sydney where I attended Punchbowl Boys High. I left school at 15 and joined the NSW Police Cadets at 16. At age 21, I left the Police Force to go to art school full time.
What did you want to be when you were twelve, eighteen and thirty? And why?
TP: At 12, an aeronautical engineer; at 18, a police detective; at 30, a self-sufficient hippy (I was living in the bush).
What strongly held belief did you have when you were younger that you do not have now?
TP: I felt I would never grow old, but now I am 75 years old.
What made you choose to write children’s books?
TP: When my two eldest children were very young, I began reading stories to them. I thought it would be fun to create our own picture book with an imaginary bush character. Grug was born, as was my career as a writer.
Please tell us about your latest book, Grug and the Bushfire!
TP: I live on a rural property at Killabakh, NSW. During the recent bushfires a fire also swept through my property. When I was cleaning up afterwards, I was thinking about the tragic loss of wildlife. Then I thought Grug would have survived because he lives underground. So my next Grug book was born.
What do you hope kids will take away with them after reading your book?
TP: That the Australian bush always regenerates itself and, wherever possible, build your house under the ground.
Who do you most admire in the realm of writing and why?
TP: Roald Dahl, because he was never afraid to tackle difficult issues in his children’s books.
Many artists set themselves very ambitious goals. What are yours?
TP: I will try to reach 90 years of age.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
TP: Just keep writing, even if it’s for you alone.
Thanks Ted!
—Grug and the Bushfire by Ted Prior (Simon & Schuster Australia) is out now.
This book is part of our 2020 Christmas Gift Guide! You could win 1 Million Qantas Points when you order any product featured in our Christmas Gift Guide between 2 November and 14 December, 2020.*
Grug and the Bushfire
Join your favourite bush character in this very special exclusive hardback, the first all new Grug since 2016 and the 35th title in the Grug series.
Grug is back from the bush to remind us of the importance of looking after each other, renewing the Australian wilderness and the caution we all need to take during the bushfire season. A very special book for early readers and parents alike this Christmas...
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