There’s monsters, there’s doughnuts, there’s mystery and adventure – what’s not to love?!
I’m excited to be able to introduce you to the new kids author on the block – Gianna Pollero! Based in Kent, Gianna has just released her debut children’s book Monster Doughnuts, featuring 10-year-old Grace who owns a bakery and also has the knack of hunting down monsters with the best bate there is – cake, cookies and doughnuts! But it isn’t until her Monster Scanning Machine picks up on the rather alerting situation of human-gobbling, doughnut-eating cyclops Mr Harris that Grace realises that she’s going to have her hands full when it comes to this challenge!
Monster Doughnuts is perfect for children aged 5-9 and is sure to get any little bookworm laughing-out-loud. So, without further ado, please meet the awesome Gianna herself…
1. How did you become a children’s author and was it something you always wanted to do?
I have wanted to be a children’s author for as long as I can remember so have written a multitude of stories over the years. Although I tried for a long time before, it wasn’t until I wrote Monster Doughnuts that I signed with a literary agent (Rachel Mann from Jo Unwin Literary Agency) and then secure a publishing deal with Piccadilly. I still can’t believe it, it’s an absolute dream come true!
2. What inspired you to write this awesome monster hunting tale of 10-year-old Grace?
The story was inspired completely by my daughter who came home from school one day and announced she had come up with a great idea for a character (Mr Harris) and that I definitely needed to write a book about him. We talked about the character and the story developed from there. I wanted a really strong, determined and courageous protagonist and I think Grace is just that. Much of her character is based on my daughter – they’re both kind, feisty and brave!
3. As a children’s bookseller I love hearing about what books shaped other readers lives. What books from your childhood most influenced you?
I never had my head out of a book so there are so many I could list here! But, the ones that particularly stick in my mind as amazing stories are The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, The Diary of Anne Frank and Goodnight Mr Tom. I also loved the humour and creativity in Roald Dahl books and have always enjoyed writing funny stories myself.
4. If you could give advice to any budding authors what would it be?
Don’t give up! It can take a long time to get to where you want to be but it will absolutely be worth it. Also, read and write as much as possible – and always something you enjoy on both counts, neither should ever feel like a chore in my opinion.
5. If you could spend a day with any literary character who would it be and how would you most like to spend your day together?
I would spend the day with Grace from Monster Doughnuts. I would love to go to Monster World with her and Mr Harris, and have a look around! I wouldn’t worry about any of the monsters because Grace knows exactly what she’s doing!
6. During the last year of restrictions reading has provided bookworms young and old a form of complete escapism. What have been your favourite lockdown reads?
Lockdown provided an excellent opportunity for extra reading time. I read so many books but if I had to pick just a few favourites, I would go with The Beast and the Bethany by Jack Meggitt-Phillips, Beauty and the Bin by Joanne O’Connell and Tiger Heart by Penny Chrimes, for children. And for adults, I read several in the David Raker series by Tim Weaver, The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and I loved Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
7. If you could sum up Monster Doughnuts in three words what would it be?
Unique. Adventurous. Fun!
8. Have you got anymore adventures planned for Grace and the monsters?
I certainly have! There are two more books in the series. The next is called Monster Doughnuts – Cyclops on a Mission and it will be out early next year. I’m very excited for all my readers to see what Grace and Mr Harris get up to next!
Author Gianna Pollero 
Monster Doughnuts published 15th April 2021 by Piccadilly Press 
Illustrator Sarah Horne
A big thank you to Gianna for taking the time to answer my questions. If you’d like to find out more about Gianna and her books you can find her on Instagram @giannapolleroauthor or you can visit her website www.giannapollero.com. You can also find the books illustrator, Sarah Horne on her Instagram page @sarahbhorne9
Out 15th April 2021, published by Piccadilly Press. To purchase a copy you can visit the following links – Waterstones or Bookshop.org
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