What was the inspiration behind Spot?
When my son, Christopher, aged two years, wondered into my studio at our house in Woodford Wells, he was amused by a drawing I was doing for an advertisement. It incorporated a flap over the drawing which, when lifted, showed a funny picture. He laughed and that prompted me to do more funny drawings with flaps which over time developed into a story about a young pup hiding from his mum. This provided the basic elements of "Where's Spot?" which was published in 1980.
Did you imagine that 30 years ago a lovable puppy called Spot would become such a worldwide superstar?
My first Spot book became an instant best seller in the UK. Everyone asked "What's next?" but frankly I did not know, but it started me thinking about what kind of life a young puppy could expect? I decided that Spot would follow the life of a young child and so I did "Spot's first Walk" which opened up the outdoor world for him. Then followed other adventures based on family events, always with Sally, his mum, in the story - just like a real family. I progressed from adventure to the next, year by year, keeping to the original plan I had in mind for Spot. Very simple stories, large, readable text with few words, and a dollop of fun added for good measure. That Spot has lasted for 30 years and is still going strong, is for me a wonderful experience of satisfaction that so many children all over the world read and learn from Spot books, whilst having fun doing so.
Do you consider yourself an innovator of children's publishing with the creation of the 'Lift the Flap"?
Yes. Without a doubt, I provided a new form of publishing that inspired many authors and illustrators to repeat my formula of lift the flap books. I will always be proud of this achievements it opened the door for greater variety in books for children.
Would you change anything with Where's Spot? if you were writing it today?
No. The book has survived 30 years without changes to the story or illustrations and the basic approach and uniqueness remains as strong as it ever was.
How did you decide on Spot's choice of friends and his particular home life?
I had established Spot's mother Sally. Following stories introduced his father Sam by showing Pot with his parents going on an outing to the beach. Then came his friends he met at school. I decided that friends should mirror the diversity of colour and nationality that you find in schools today. So, Helen was a blue hippo, Tom was a green crocodile and Steve a brown monkey. Spot's homelife is based on a real home except that you never see the humans. Spot is a mixture of canine and human characteristics; he enjoys sleeping in his basket or a bed, even a sleeping bag. He can act like a dog or behave like a human... he's lucky in that way! Quite a lot can be read into Spot's home if you study the illustrations. In Where's Spot? I decided to include period furniture rather than straight up and down chairs or tables. The Pink piano is certainly a reflection of a home that is far from ordinary.
How do you plan to celebrate the 30th anniversary?
To celebrate Spot's 30th year in books, I am content to look back at all the achievements and successes Spot had gathered and be thankful that I was fortunate enough to produce such a nice character that has lasted so long. He is very close to me in every way - there truly hasn't been a day that Spot has not occupied my mind at some point or other.
