In this insightful conversation with MBC’s Sarah Broadley, author Mo O’Hara delves into the inspiration behind her bee-tastic tales, shares her love for research, and reveals what it’s like to bring a buzzing hive of characters to life.
Whether you’re a fan of Honey and her friends or simply curious about the creative process of a children’s author, this interview is a delightful read that highlights the themes of friendship, cooperation, and the importance of sharing our planet’s resources.
- What another fantastic adventure with Honey! What gave you the idea of her collaborating with other hives?
So, like lots of other authors, one of the things I like best about writing is research. When I wrote book one of Honey’s Hive, I did a deep dive into the life of bees and specifically honeybees. When most of us think of bees we think of colony bees that live together in a hive. There are thousands of native bee species though that live in smaller communities or are solitary bees. When honeybee hives are placed in a location with an existing native bee population then there can be problems with resources for the bees. Honeybees use a lot of resources ( pollen, water, nectar) and can drive out native bees sometimes. So, I wanted to tell a story that showed that there is not just one community of bees- but many. And I wanted to start a conversation about sharing of resources. Sharing resources for bees but also for us humans- sharing resources on our shared planet.
- There are so many different kinds of bees and the roles they play in the survival of their hives. If you could be a bee, which type would you be?
I love all the jobs that honeybees have in their hives. I would love to be a Scout bee like Honey but honestly, I’m not enough of a risk taker. I’m good with babies so I’d probably bee more like Beanie and be a nursery bee taking care of the larvae in the hive.
I also don’t think I’d be very good at being a solitary bee. I like company too much. I think I would be best as a happy busy bumble bee.
- Bees are necessary for us all to thrive. What message would you like readers to take away from Honey and her stories?
Firstly, I would like readers to take away that it’s a fun and funny story. I want them to connect with the characters that they want to spend time with and to laugh a bit. But, as a lasting take away, I would like kids to see the importance of friendship, acceptance and sharing. Sharing with each other, sharing with folks that are very different to ourselves and sharing with the planet itself. We really can’t afford to be selfish in this life. We all need each other.
- Do you have a beehive? Or do you know anyone who looks after bees?
I don’t have a beehive, but I did get the chance to spend an afternoon at one. Bee Urban in South London has several hives on site and manage hives around London. They are also a charity that does great work with the local community, especially local kids. I got to spend some time with a beekeeper and to put food in some of the hives. It was fascinating. Luckily, I’m not afraid of bees. I’ve been stung several times ( not on this visit to Bee Urban ) and I completely respect bees but I don’t fear them.
I think our cats would be far too interested in a beehive if we had one in the garden. Plus, it is a lot of work. Having a beehive is big commitment. I do have a ‘bee hotel’ in my back yard though and every year it becomes the home for a few solitary bees that take up residence in our garden. I also make sure our garden is bee friendly with lots of flowers and plants that provide pollen for the bees throughout the seasons.
- Did you and Aya meet in person or can you tell us a little about the relationship between you, the author, and illustrator on this amazing book?
It’s funny. Kids always ask this question too, but the truth is that Aya and I have never met. She lives in New York and I live in London. The book is created via our editor and art director and over email. I wish that when authors and illustrators created a book we got to work together in person and hang out and draw and write together over a big table fuelled by coffee. I’ve never had that with any of the fantastic illustrators that I’ve worked with over the years. We have always been put together by our publishers and the matches have always worked well.
Aya was a fantastic choice for Honey’s Hive. Her artwork is so intricate and detailed, but it’s also got that sweet and funny feel that we wanted for Honey’s Hive. Every time I look at the pages I see something different. She is amazing.
- What’s next for Honey but also is there anything else you’re working on?
There are two more Honey’s Hive books in the works. The third book is written and is being illustrated by Aya now. It’s about facing your fears and not letting them hold you back. The theme of friendship runs through all the books. Expect more adventures, more scrapes for Honey and her friends to get out of and lots of laughs along the way. It’s out early next year. The fourth book is only partly written now so watch this space. Honey, Fred, Beanie and Hex are a fun group of buggy friends to write about. I have really enjoyed working on this series.
I’m also writing some picture book texts, some animation scripts and some new fiction stories as well. Soooo many ideas, so little time.
MORE ABOUT MO
Mo O’Hara is the New York Times bestselling author of the My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish series. She writes picture books like More People to Love Me and Romeosaurus and Juliet Rex and also writes the graphic novel series Agent Moose with Jess Bradley as illustrator. Mo is currently writing a new series, Honey’s Hive, for Anderson Press. She lives in London with her husband, two cats and two nearly grown-up kids. She loves travelling around the country (and around the world) telling stories, leading writing workshops, and talking about books with kids.
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