Education & Exploration: An Interview with Andrew Scott

As Pride Month comes to an end, we're still keen to direct the spotlight towards our LGBTQ+ authors. We were thrilled to be able to speak with Andrew Scott, author of the exciting and deeply educational children's book "Billy the Brave: The World's First Superhero". We talked about the importance of reading as a child, books he recalls fondly, travel, and LGBTQ+ books.  Andrew's s new book will be released tomorrow! Check it out here. 1). Many children’s books are educational, but one aspect of your book that really differentiates it from others is the inclusion of a glossary that breaks down the rules of grammar, vocabulary and punctuation in the English language. What spurred your desire to include such a detailed glossary? AS: I always had a particular passion for the teaching of writing at School. When the new national curriculum was released with a larger focus on grammar, I thought it would be a great idea to write a children’s book that had all the National Curriculum’s grammar elements from year 1 – year 6 within it, instead of teachers searching for it online or within books they were reading to their class. At the time there wasn’t a book that had this; until now!

2). As a teacher, how critical would you say reading is in the life of a young person?

AS: Not only is reading fundamental to a child’s education, it is critical to their development as a young citizen of the world. Reading for pleasure allows them to travel anywhere in the universe! I have seen first-hand the power that reading has and how it can help children understand the world around them, make them more creative, expand their vocabulary repertoire and improve their wellbeing and mental health. This is why if you are to come into my classroom, you will find a very appealing, comfortable and well stocked book corner that promotes the love of reading. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”- Dr Seuss. 3). Your book blends teachings about pre-history and animals with the traditional morals of a children’s story. Were there any books from your childhood that you remember fondly, and that were particularly useful or memorable in your own education as a child? AS: Growing up in Northern Ireland and reflecting on some of my favourite stories as a child – Stan Lee’s ‘X-Men’, David Almond’s ‘Skellig’ or Lemony Snickett’s ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ – I realised that the protagonists are all outsiders or different in some way, quite often having to stand up against discrimination or unfair treatment. I suppose I felt supported and reassured when reading these stories at a time when I was trying to figure out who I was and taught me that we are all different but all equal, regardless of religion, race or sexual orientation.

4). On a personal note, you are an avid traveller, having travelled to 40 countries. What place(s) have you visited that resonated with you the most, and have your travels influenced your writing at all? AS: When I was teaching in Asia, I was lucky enough to lead a 5-day school trip where we camped in the rainforest. The learning and cultural capital was incredible – it was like having your very own living classroom! The experiences the children had and their sheer excitement and enthusiasm definitely inspired me to choose a jungle as the setting of my story. It was a trip that neither the children nor I will ever forget! 5). As someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, we would love to know what you think of the state of LGBTQ+ literature at present, and if we may, we would like to ask your thoughts on the gradual emergence of children’s books that aim to teach the younger generations about the importance of inclusion and acceptance. AS: There are some great LGBTQ+ children’s books available that promote an inclusive and accepting society. My personal favourite is ‘And Tango Makes Three’ by Justin Richardson. It is so lovely that children are able to read books like this now and how equality and diversity (LGBTQ+, women’s rights, Black Lives Matter etc) have become a real focus for the younger generation’s reading list.