About Jilly
J P Henderson-Long's work has been broadcast on local radio, and appeared in a variety of anthologies, magazines, an annual and a number of booklets. She has also written a children's column, won a couple of awards and run Creative Writing workshops and courses. Other credits include stories featuring the Jelly Babies, Fireman Sam, Thomas the Tank Engine and The Flintstones.
She lives in Surrey with husband Steve.
Ask Jilly
Q: Why did you choose to write poetry instead of a story? What is it about poetry that excites you to write?
I have always loved poetry - and in particular short poetry. When I read it, it puts pictures in my head and when I write it, I hope it puts pictures in other people's heads. I was given a beautfiul illustrated poetry book for my ninth birthday and I loved it from that day on. I love writing stories too and have written many of them. Yucketypoo just seemed to work better as a story told through poems, so it has the best of both worlds.
Q: What's you favourite poem of all time and why?
My most favourite poem ever, ever, ever is "Leisure" by W H Davies because it so exactly reflects my own outlook on life - make the most of every moment and be proud of your world and who you are.
Q:What are your hopes and goals for yourself as a writer?
As long as I can keep on writing, I will be happy. I would very much like to have more time to spend on it and my biggest ambition is to be able to write full time, without having to worry about paying bills and things. I would also like to be able to write lots more books like Yucketypoo
Q:Where did you get the idea for Yucketypoo from? What / Who inspired the character?
I have always loved nature and a few years ago, I had a little book printed that was full of poems about it. It just felt right to write about the environment next and I had been thinking about a rubbish monster for some time - a creature that developed from all the stuff people leave lying around. I want children to be proud of their world, and encouraging them to put rubbish into bins seemed like a good idea. But I also wanted to make it funny because I know, from visiting schools, that children love poetry that makes them laugh.
Q: Why do you think Yucketypoo the monster inspires young readers? What do you think they gain from your poems?
I am hoping that they gain a sense of responsibility by wanting to keep the area they live in clean. I know it is great fun to get dirty and messy - I still love it even now - but it is also nice to make things neat again afterwards. I'd like the readers to think to themselves "Hmm - I don't want a nasty, smelly, filthy monster in my back garden or on my street." I'd like them to think they can help heroine Kym to get rid of that monster and stop it ever coming back. I'd love it if it encourages school teachers and parents to start some kind of reward system whereby the children earn a star every time they do something positive for the environment and maybe get an award if they reach twenty or thirty - or more if it's a class activity. It is definitely something children and grown-ups could do together.
Q:What's next for Yucketypoo? Will you write more Yucketypoo adventures or create some new characters?
I would like to write another two Yucketypoo books because it is much too good an idea to waste - but I think three will be enough. I am also considering writing the next two in story form instead of poetry - just to keep things fresh. That way the original book will always stand out. I would love to try something completely new after the third book but we will see.
"Hello everyone and welcome to the whacky, smelly world of Yucketypoo. We hope you enjoy reading about the Monster that Grew and Grew."
Jilly Henderson-Long
10% of all proceeds from the book will be donated to CLIC Sargent Charity