Children’s author Hani Bruce has some serious insider knowledge on her target readership. Over the past two years, the Bendigo librarian has delivered more than 100 Storytimes to little book lovers.
She says the first six months of performing for the discerning crowd was terrifying, adding “now, it’s the best part of my job”.
This month, Hani’s pint-sized groupies will be treated to her own picture book, when The Case of the Big Stink launches at Storytime.
It’s the third PC Dill Pickle adventure from Hani and illustrator Adam Shires, and it again sticks firmly to what she knows kids love.
“The kids love stories that are just fun,” Hani says.
“I see more reaction from them when I’m also having run reading. I choose books that are more light-heated, so kids see that reading can be a joy.
“They also respond well to rhymes and always enjoy the rhythm of a rhyming story.”
The Case of the Big Stink ticks all those boxes. It’s another kitchen drama, this time setting out to solve the mystery of what’s causing the fridge funk. There are plenty of gags along the way, memorable characters, high action and opportunities for children to help crack the case.
“All the books show that challenges don’t have to be solved on their own,” Hani says.
“They show you can think creatively and work with others to overcome problems.
“We’ve peppered clues throughout the books to get kids to approach problems with curiosity, so there are those subtle messages included.”
Hani and Adam are also husband and wife. The creative couple were no strangers to collaboration – they run a brand and web design agency together. Adam is also a fine artist, although Hani notes his lifelike charcoal works are very different in style to the PC Dill Pickle books.
The pair devised their book series during COVID times, as a way of bringing light to the dark Melbourne lockdowns. (They moved to Bendigo post-pandemic for a much-needed change of scenery.)
Hani says they began to spend their allotted hour outside on long walks, tossing around silly character names – think Sherry, Terry and Kerry Cherry Tomato, Tony Pepperoni, and the whiffy-yet-far-from-rotten Greg Egg.
“The characters came first, and then the stories evolved,” Hani says, before adding, “We were going through a pickle and sourcrout phase at the time!”
Cue the peppy Police Constable Dill Pickle. Any food lover with an Instagram account will know that all things vinegared are having a cultural moment, which doesn’t hurt when there’s a book to share with a pickle at the helm!
“Oh, I’m in a group! Pickle Addicts,” Hani admits. No judgement at the libraries.
All are welcome to Hani and Adam’s fun book launch for families at the Bendigo Library on Monday, 23 November at 10.30am. Simply come along, no bookings needed.