Deep Dive
Why did Lauren Child's older sister challenge their parents' competence?
Lauren Child's older sister felt that her parents were getting things wrong and was not afraid to voice her concerns, such as when she noticed the tax disc had unglued from the car's windscreen and feared it would lead to their imprisonment.
Why was Lauren Child worried about rabies when she heard about the Channel Tunnel?
Lauren Child was worried about rabies because she believed that rabid dogs from Europe would rush through the tunnel, foaming at the mouth and biting people, leading to mass death.
How did Lauren Child's aunt help her overcome her fear of rabies?
Lauren Child's aunt explained to her why the fear of rabies was unfounded, speaking with authority and dispelling the worry.
Why does Lauren Child often write from a child's point of view?
Lauren Child writes from a child's point of view because children have a unique and interesting perspective on the world, cutting through to the important things without small talk.
What does Lauren Child find challenging about writing for children?
Lauren Child finds that writing for children can be unglamorous, often involving messy environments and dealing with an audience that is not always engaged or interested.
Why does Lauren Child believe hope is important in children's literature?
Lauren Child believes that hope is crucial in children's literature because it provides a positive outlook and helps children navigate through difficult situations.
What is the main theme of Lauren Child's latest book, Smile?
The main theme of Smile is the interplay between the ordinary and the extraordinary in everyday life, exploring how bad luck can turn to good luck and the importance of hope and connection.
How does the character of Clarice Bean in Smile deal with her father's health issues?
Clarice Bean in Smile deals with her father's health issues while also managing her school projects and other daily challenges, showing the parallel between personal and global concerns.
Why did Lauren Child choose the whale shark as the subject for Clarice Bean's endangered species project?
Lauren Child chose the whale shark because it is a large, seemingly ferocious animal that is actually vulnerable and dependent on the delicate balance of the ecosystem, mirroring the fragility of life and the interconnectedness of all things.
What does Lauren Child believe about the power of the small in her writing?
Lauren Child believes in the power of the small, showing how seemingly insignificant things can have a significant impact, and how we, despite feeling small, are important in the grand scheme of things.
- Lauren's sister's concern over a missing tax disc and its potential consequences.
- Lauren's own anxieties about rabies and nuclear war.
- Children's ability to sense when adults are not truthful.
Shownotes Transcript