Shortlist Spotlight: Teapot Trouble by Morag Hood (Two Hoots)

The fourth of our shortlisted books is Teapot Trouble: A Duck and Tiny Horse Adventure by Morag Hood. Described as the judges as an ‘absolutely joyous little tale’ and ‘as random as a child’s min’, here’s judge Benji Davies to tell you exactly what made this story an essential inclusion in this year’s OBP top six.

And there’s the tiny horse in the flesh! Carry on reading for more from Morag on her super and slightly surreal tale.

Morag Hood

Morag Hood has a unique voice. Her idiosyncratic, wry humour permeates everything she does, creating books of style and irresistible charm. Colin and Lee, Carrot and Pea was a runner-up in The Macmillan Prize for Illustration, marking a glorious picture book debut. Morag spent her childhood writing stories, painting, and dreaming of having a pet duck. Following a degree in Costume Design from Wimbledon College of Art, and an MA in Children's Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art, Morag returned to live in her native Edinburgh with her husband. She still likes making stories, printing, cutting and sticking, and freshly sharpened pencils. Her self-authored books include Colin and Lee, Carrot and Pea, When Grandad was a Penguin, I Am Bat, The Steves , Aalfred and Aalbert and Brenda is a Sheep, and she is also the author of Sophie Johnson: Unicorn Expert, illustrated by Ella Okstad.

Morag’s answers:

What is the picture book that have you enjoyed reading with someone else most, and why?

I love reading 'MONSTER! HUNGRY! PHONE!' by Sean Taylor and Fred Benaglia with my three year old son. He thinks the monster is hilarious and I love the energy, humour and how the monster is both monstrous and a really appealing character.

Do you have a favourite character in Teapot Trouble?

I really enjoyed creating the dynamic between Tiny Horse and Duck. And while I identify more with Duck, Tiny Horse is just so fun to write! I love her confidence and the way she throws herself (and Duck) into tackling any problem, regardless of whether she has the skills or knowledge required...

Which picture book would you give as a gift to Tiny Horse and why?

'Don't Worry Little Crab' by Chris Haughton, to further her education about crabs (I'm not sure how much she really learned in that crab-taming shop).