Win 6 Claris books!

Hints, Tips & Stories
 04 Oct 2022

Explore the Claris the Mouse series with creator, Megan Hess + enter our gorgeous giveaway.

BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE

OCTOBER 5, 2022

Ooo la la!  

Claris is the chicest little mouse in Paris and her rhyming picture books are a delight for any preschooler with a passion for fashion – and adventure! 

The Claris the Mouse series contains frills and thrills in equal measure as Claris explores stylish cities with old friends and new.  

In her sixth sojourn – The Secret Crown – Claris is off to London to follow clues and find an exclusive club, and to celebrate this charming new release, we’re giving away one classic Claris book set (thank you, Hardie Grant!) containing:  

For your chance to win, just tell us in 25 words or less, why your child would be delighted to explore the world with Claris.  

Send your entry to competitions@kindicare.com by 12 October 2022*.  

We’re also very excited to share some Claris secrets, courtesy of her creator, Megan Hess. 

Megan is a spectacularly talented author and fashion illustrator, with a wardrobe that makes most dress-up boxes seem boring, and she’s kindly fielded our questions about where Claris came from, and where she’s going!  

Megan, how did you come up with the idea for your very first Claris book? 

Well, I was on a trip to Paris when that first bolt of inspiration struck.  

A little white mouse scurried across a rooftop from the balcony at my hotel and I just had the thought of how wonderful it would be to live in Paris, even if you are just a tiny little mouse!  

That really got me thinking and that’s when my imagination went on its own journey.  

My mind was racing and I started to ask myself what this fabulous little mouse would wear, what her chic little apartment would look like, and what kind of incredible adventures she would have. 

Another inspiration was also just because I loved reading stories to my children when they were little. I wanted something fun, but also with a twist of fashion in it.  

Creating Claris’ story was really the most fun I’ve had on a project. I actually think of her as real person – or should I say a real mouse!! So every time I get to create another adventure for this chic little mouse, it really is such a great experience. 

What is the actual creative process when writing and illustrating a new Claris book?  

The first thing I do is get excited for where the story will be set.  

I get very inspired by visually picturing the story first. Then I work on a rough story outline and plot. At this point I chat with my publisher about my idea and we flesh out if it’s working or if there's a better way to tell the same story.  

Once we’re settled on the story rhythm, I begin writing, writing, writing. Even though children's picture books are short, every single word counts enormously, so this process can take some time to perfect. AND it has to rhyme!  

When the story is written, I then start to plot out the illustrations over the 18 pages. I LOVE this bit and I love just completely immersing myself in the drawings and the process. It's utter bliss! 

Speaking of words, there are disputes in some families about the pronunciation of ‘Claris.’ To settle this once and for all, can you please tell us whether her name rhymes with ‘Paris’ or ‘Parie’? 

Claris rhymes with Paris! BUT I love that kids and adults have their own way of saying it. Whichever way people pronounce it, is fine by me! 

Thank you for clearing that up! Is there anything else a big Claris fan might be interested to know about your beautiful picture books? 

In the back of every Claris book, I wear a special dress for my author photo, designed by a Polish designer (Poca & Poca) to match the theme of the story!  

It’s a very fancy thing to do, but then, Claris is a very fancy little mouse, so I try my best! 

Also, Claris is quite popular all over the world. From France to London to New York and even the Middle East!  

In 2019, she had her very own exhibition in Korea, and Claris LOVES Italy too!! That's a big clue as to what might be coming next!!!! 

Italy sounds very intriguing, but for now, Claris is exploring England in The Secret Crown. What will little people love about this book?   

It’s set in one of my favourite cities in the world – London – and there are so many iconic London landmarks to see, but the most exciting thing that I think Claris fans will enjoy is the mystery!  

Claris’ best friend, Monsieur, receives a special invitation and the two of them set out all over London to try and uncover the clues.   

I love a good mystery, so this was just such fun for me. And, of course, Claris fans will be able to enjoy all her new fabulous British outfits!  

London is definitely calling, Megan, and we can’t wait to crack the case with Claris! 

*Competition opens on 5 October 2022 and entries close 11:59pm AEST on 12 October 2022. The winner will be chosen based on the most original or creative entry and notified by email within 3 days of judging.  The total prize is valued at $161.90. Entry is open to all Australian KindiCare readers, with a limit of one entry per person. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram or Facebook.