The world is full of interesting people, with diverse lives and who can teach us a myriad of important new things. What Anna Spencer has done with her debut children’s release Roglins is condense that feeling of meeting new individuals into a story of discovery alongside a group of woodland creatures.

With their tiny hands, tiny hooves, and mysterious lives hidden in the grass below, what will readers discover about this new race of charming characters?

We spoke with Anna about creating the Roglins through some simplified illustrations, putting words to her wonderous creations and how poetry played a part in telling her story.

As both writer and illustrator, the Roglins are your sole-fantastic-creation! We need to know, how did the Roglins first come to life?

I’ve always loved painting and even sold a few pieces internationally. However, one day I decided to put away my large canvases and brushes and try something different. Tired of having painting supplies scattered everywhere at home, I longed for simplicity. So, I picked up a pencil and began to draw on paper. At first, I wasn’t sure what to draw, but then I decided to create a small, cute wooden creature. Once I finished the first drawing, I immediately fell in love with this little character.

If you had told me four years ago that I would publish a book, I never would have believed it. It wasn’t something I had ever considered. The idea came about after I created the Roglin drawings, which seemed to have a personality of their own. There was more to them than met the eye.

My family suggested I write a few sentences to accompany each drawing, to help people better understand the illustrations. I thought it was a great idea, but when I started, I realized that just a few sentences weren’t enough!

Drawing seems to be your natural creative draw as Roglins is your first published title. What are some of the creative differences between drawing and writing?

Yes, drawing and painting have always come naturally to me, but writing was a much bigger challenge. I had clear ideas about what I wanted to write, but I needed to learn more about the craft of writing and the intricacies of poetic meters, which were completely new to me.

I decided to study children’s poetry to help bring the Roglins to life. After some time, I felt confident enough to send my manuscript to publishers. I wasn’t sure how it would be received, but I was overjoyed when Roglins was accepted and approved by Nightingale, a part of Pegasus Publishers!

Now, people can finally meet the Roglins! I’ve already started visiting local primary schools to share my book, and the feedback from both teachers and children has been fantastic.

The vast variety of characters in your story mean readers will fall in love with at least one of your Roglins. Do you find yourself connecting with one in particular?

I think each one has a part of me. And in my rhymes, it is all about happy endings.

In Hidden Treasure, for example the story is all about exploration. There are times in life when we need to leave everything behind to start a new chapter. If we don’t take that step, we risk staying stuck in the same place. So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone —sometimes, taking a different path can lead to incredible opportunities.

In Longing, the story focuses on helping others and making a meaningful change in someone's life. In this example, the narrator builds a glider to help a little Roglin soar and experience flight. Once again, the theme centers on a heartwarming, happy ending.

Some of the poems are all about fun, like Wasp Whisperer, Creepy Crawlies, and Roglin the Knight. These poems are filled with amusing characters, offering a delightful escape into a world of imagination and joy.

Most of the rhymes within your book are written in Iambic meter, with your passion for poetry clearly influencing your writing style. Would you encourage young readers to pick up a poetry collection? Do you have any recommendations?

Yes, much of my book is written in iambic meter. I believe iambic meter is both accessible and predictable, making it easy to read — ideal for children and a wonderful introduction to poetry.

Poetry, in general, is a fun and engaging way to read, and through it, we can often express our feelings more vividly and creatively than we can through prose.

I would recommend Mermaid Day by Diana Murray or Whatever Comes Tomorrow by Rebecca Gardyn Levington. And of course, I would suggest the poems in Winnie-the-Pooh: some of them are written in iambic meter, particularly those involving Pooh, Piglet, and other beloved characters.

Finally, please tell us this is not the last time we’ll see the Roglins! Please tell us they’ll be another adventure to be had with them soon!

Yes, I have already begun working on my next book, which centres around one of my beloved Roglins…

In this new story, the little Roglin faces challenges and makes new friends along the way, all while learning valuable lessons about courage, kindness, and the importance of friendship. As with my first book, the narrative will be playful and engaging, with a rhythmic flow that will keep young readers hooked from start to finish. I’m excited to share this new adventure and introduce children to even more characters from the whimsical world of Roglins!

Stay tuned for more details — this journey is just beginning!

Roglins by Anna Spencer is available now in paperback.