Chris Haughton

Chris Haughton

Chris Haughton, winner of the Book Trust Best New Illustrator Award 2011, is the author and illustrator of A Bit Lost, Oh No, George! & Shh! We Have A Plan. Chris has a unique style and a wry sense of humour that kids just get. We are delighted to have Chris here at My Book Corner answering our questions … did he say marmite or vegemite?!

Tell us about you in 25 words or less.

I’m an illustrator and designer. I wrote a story about a lost owl called A Bit Lost. I’ve been designing for fair trade for the last seven years, that’s mainly what I’ve been up do.

What makes you happy?

When I’ve had a productive day. I like drawing and reading

Where have you always wanted to visit, but haven’t made it to … yet?

Africa. My friend works in Malawi and I want to visit her there. She has amazing stories and photos.

Where is your favourite place to write?

Anywhere really…. as long as the writing is going well. Somewhere quiet with no internet preferably. I really enjoyed writing and working in my publishers studio in Korea, they had a wall of AMAZING inspiring childrens’ books and great coffee (my book A Bit Lost was originally published by Borim, a Korean publisher)

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I like the Gandhi quote about ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’, the world would be nicer if we all did that more.

What’s the best thing about being a published author?

I get to meet lovely people. Everyone I’ve met in the childrens’ book industry has been just really nice. They are a really lovely bunch of people

What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?

Marmite or vegemite? I said marmite but I didn’t understand the question

Who or what inspires you?

I like clowning and physical theatre; I live with a mime artist. I went to Edinburgh fringe and I’m full of ideas from that

What is your worst habit?

Getting distracted. Having the internet is terrible for that.

Your favourite word(s)?

Uh-oh. It’s very useful

Tell us about your new project in 25 words or less.

It’s about a dog called George who tries to be good. His owner goes out and he sees lots of nice things to do a nice cake, a cat and some nice flowers to dig. Uh-oh!