Xlibris welcomes you to the first part of our three part interview with Xlibris author Lisa Stephens as she gives us some insight into the author behind the Cha Cha series as well as her literary influences.
Who is the author behind the series of books?
I, Lisa Stephens, am the author of the books. I am a full time wife and mother to two boys, Harry & James. I spent a number of years teaching English and Physical Education in both primary and high schools, before retiring from teaching when the boys entered upper primary school. I love animals (we currently have three dogs and a cat) and I am passionate about supporting worthwhile charities such as Guide Dogs Australia.
James (from who’s perspective Cha Cha & The Picnic Basket is written), and Harry (from who’s perspective Cha Cha and the Great Cricket Match is written) are now fifteen and sixteen years of age respectively, and both in their sub-senior year at school in Brisbane.
Do you have any particular literary influences that help you develop with writing in your genre, subject and style?
Growing up I loved Winnie the Pooh by A.A Milne and all of the Dr Seuss books, but particularly the Cat In The Hat series. When the boys were born, my husband and I also read these books to Harry and James over and over, together with the Hairy Maclary books by Lynley Dodd and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. These were all family favourites and, in one way or another, have shaped the Cha Cha series. The boys particularly loved rhyming books, and from a very young age would impress friends with their reading “ability”, although in reality they had just memorized the books because of the rhyme. I still remember the pride that they felt in being able to “read”, and this is why I decided to write the Cha Cha series in rhyme.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Yes – the books are not only entertaining and beautifully illustrated but each one also has educational value for small children. For example, Cha Cha and The Picnic Basket teaches them the importance of friendship, family responsibility and staying by Mum’s side in public places. Cha Cha and the Great Cricket Match reinforces the concept of playing by the rules and the importance of being a member of the “team”.
Don’t go anywhere! Xlibris will return with part two of three part interview with Lisa Stephens in no time!
To read another fascinating article about an Xlibris autistic poet, click here. You can also visit us on Facebook here.