New Zealand Writers
BOTTIN, Janet Slater
'The author gets right into the psyche of small children...'
BOTTIN, Janet Slater (Janet Slater Redhead) (1940 - ) is a children's writer, and a writer of fiction, non-fiction and drama for adults. She has published eighty books for children since her first, Call of the Kotuku (1986) was published in 1986.Several of her popular books for junior readers have been adapted for radio, and her stories have appeared on children's television programmes. In 1990 her first junior fiction book Pins and Needles (1989) was Hodder and Stoughton's bestselling title in any category.
Recent titles from Janet Slater Bottin include The Bored Little Bear (1999), Keeping Up With Grampa (1999), The Trouble With Oatmeal (2000), Ice Cream Snow (2001) and The Fizzy Orange Soft Drink (2002).
(KC.)
Updated Information
The Truth about Toffee (2003) is by Janet Slater Bottin and designer, Alice Bell. What will Skye have to do to save her horse, Toffee, from the Pet Food Factory?
The Big Block of Chocolate written by Janet Slater Bottin and illustrated by Jeffy James (2003) remains a favourite not only for its sweet topic, but for the rhyme and rhythm of the text which is a delight to read aloud.
Miss Primrose and the Missing Bulbs (Scholastic, 2005) with illustrations by Claire de Zoete.
Miss Primrose and the Empty Corner (Scholastic, 2005)
In 2006, Miss Primrose and the Mystery Mouse and Miss Primrose and the Stolen Salami were both published by Scholastic.
The Queue that Grew (Scholastic, 2007), illustrated by Graeme Kyle, is a story about the little green 'walk' man who went on strike. 'The author gets right into the psyche of small chidren in this simple story.' Magpies, Vol 23, Issue 2, May 2008, p.4 (NZ section)
KAPAIKIDS AUTHORS PICTURES AND INFORMATION
Some Questions for Janet Slater Bottin
Where do you live?
Otaki Beach
What kinds of books do you like to read?
Mostly historical fiction and children’s books!
Do you have a favourite author?
A.A. Milne
Where do you get your ideas?
By observing things, people and happenings around me.
What is the best thing about being an author?
Hearing back from children that they have enjoyed my books.
Questions for Primary School Students
Do you have any pets?
At the moment one gigantic slobbery St Bernard dog.
Do you have a favourite colour?
Blue
Do you have a favourite food?
Cheese sandwiches and real fruit yoghurt ice creams.
Do you have a favourite movie?
It keeps changing as new movies come out.
Do you have a favourite game?
Hockey
What is the most fun thing about being an author?
Being inventive. Visualising characters and situations in which they interact.
How do you make books?
My personal contribution is through writing the stories.
Where do you like to go on your holidays?
My favourite holidays are cycle tours, both in New Zealand and overseas.
What was the naughtiest thing you ever did at school?
I ran away (when I was five). My mother took me straight back again.
Questions for Secondary School Students
How did you get started?
I started by writing humorous articles for adults. My children’s writing was with radio and TV stories.
Who inspired you when you were getting started?
My children.
What advice would you give an aspiring young writer?
If you enjoy writing and know you have a talent for it, persevere!
Is it difficult to make a living as a writer in New Zealand?
Yes.
What were you like as a teenager?
A bit of a daydreamer, but also adventurous. I liked long country bike rides and tramping.
Do you have any funny stories to tell us?
A lot of humorous things have happened on my bike trips, e.g. the time I was adjusting my bike helmet while biking along and got my fingers firmly stuck through the holes on top. Managing to stop and dismount was a bit tricky with my right hand on my head! Or the time my bike was nearly impounded by security guards as ‘a suspicious object’ at a seaport in England (My bike, with red saddle-bags, a purple sleeping bag strapped to the carrier and a long-eared Bugs Bunny hooter on the handlebars! Get real!)
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