As a group of avid readers in the LRP team we are very happy to have recently expanded our book offering online and in the showroom. We knew you would be interested in finding out more about some of the wonderful authors and illustrators who have created the ones we've selected. All books have a Hong Kong theme whether it be written or illustrated by someone who lives here or is about the city, the stories and the history of the place so many of us call home.
This week we are meeting author Anene Hanley and illustrator Anli Erasmus of the lovely children's book The Adventures of Dotty the Octopus.
First up we have Anene answering a few questions:
About you
I moved to Hong Kong nine years ago from South Africa for my husband's work and instantly fell in love with the city. Our daughter was born here in 2016, and when she turned 3, I began looking for interactive children's books. These kinds of books were difficult to find and I therefore decided to write my own. I wanted to include our family's shared love of the ocean, animals and nature and wanted to do this in a way that would not only make it fun for young readers but also make it interesting for adults.. And so....., 'Dotty' was born.
Your Inspiration
I was inspired by a documentary about a South African snorkeler who befriended an octopus and visited her daily (Netflix) and snorkeling experiences in Thailand.
Favourite thing to do or see in Hong Kong
I love the hiking trails and the unique Hong Kong city vibe in the evenings.
and we also asked the same questions of the illustrator, Anli Erasmus
About you
I am South African born and moved to Hong Kong 9 years ago. I live in Aberdeen with my husband and I instantly felt at home in Hong Kong. My husband and I have made Hong Kong our home and over the years we have tried to explore and experience everything that this city has to offer. Although I enjoy the excitement and vibrancy of the city, my passion is for nature. Since moving to Hong Kong, I have been able to travel all over Southeast Asia and learned to snorkel. I was surprised by the wonderful diversity of life and colours under the water and was instantly hooked. Snorkelling has become my favourite outdoor activity and with every swim I discover something new.
Your Inspiration
When Anene asked me to do the illustrations for her book, I was not sure if I would be able to do it. I have never been involved with a project like this and had very little experience drawing. However, Anene explained to me what her vision for this book was and she insisted that I just give it a try. So, I bought a set of water ink pencils, drew inspiration from all the colours and diverse marine life that I have seen on my snorkeling excursions and started sketching.
Anene had a very clear vision about what Dotty should look like, what the facial expressions of the characters should be, and the overall mood and colours that she wanted for the drawings. I tried my best to bring her ideas and vision to life. Thanks to Anene's insistence and confidence in me, I discovered a hidden talent that I never new I had. I hope that this was just the beginning and that Anene will write more books so we can work together again.
Favourite thing to do or see in Hong Kong
There are so may things I love about Hong Kong! I love to spend a morning walking around the Mong Kok Flower Market and I buying more plants than I can carry.
Another favourite thing to do is a night picnic on Repulse Bay beach. We usually order pizza from one of the beach side restaurants at The Pulse and watch the sunset with a glass of bubbles. And of course...shopping in Causeway Bay!
