What inspired Carleton Mouse and the Hollow House?
Carleton Mouse and the Hollow House was inspired by a garden gatepost! The story is centred around Carleton Mouse and his furry friend Bluebell the bee, and it tells an action-packed, heartfelt, and engaging story of the history of the school, when it was established in 1975. This year, (2025), Carleton House Preparatory School celebrate their Golden anniversary; 50 years of inspiring young minds. I knew I wanted the story to be based around the origin of the school’s roots, so a few months ago, I took my daughters to the original site of Carleton House on Lyndhurst Road in Mossley Hill. I was immediately drawn to the original sandstone gatepost, which was beautifully inscribed with the name CARLETON. I imagined Carleton Mouse living there, alone, long before the school took over, and the plot soon developed from there. It was a delight to delve into the history of the school and put a fun yet meaningful twist to it, which would appeal to all readers.
The gatepost at the real Carleton Prep School
This is the third book in the Carleton series. How does it connect to the earlier stories?
The third book forms part of The Carleton Mouse Book Series – Empowering Our Children. Each story had a subtle message, aimed at empowering children during the trials and tribulations of growing up. Each story is themed around overcoming obstacles and becoming stronger and more confident in navigating childhood. This story has a strong message of teamwork, friendship, and determination.
Can you describe the central message or theme of this book?
Carleton is a miniature mouse who lives alone in a huge hollow house, and he is lonely. He longs for noise, he longs for fun, and mostly, Carleton longs to belong. The message is built around the sense of belonging. Carleton is lonely, but by being true to himself and courageous in seeking new friendships, a community evolves naturally for him. I hope it shows children it’s ok to admit when things aren’t feeling quite right, and by being yourself, the right tribe will come along.
The book ends with a strong message of community. Was that always the goal?
Yes. When I read how Carleton House was founded by a group of parents who spearheaded efforts to find new premises, raise funds, and establish the school after the closure of Woolton Hall Prep, I was intrigued. The founding spirit reminded me of the school parental partnership today. When the Notre Dame Sisters decided to close Woolton Hall Prep, parents, staff, and pupils rallied to preserve its spirit. A committee of parents quickly formed to find a new location and raise funds. Local businessman Tony Wilson offered Carleton House, a large Victorian building in Mossley Hill, which parents enthusiastically transformed into a school with extensive renovations and limited resources. For the book’s launch, a special recording of the story was recently filmed for YouTube by Moss Creative and will premiere at a whole school prize night. I asked a super-talented school parent, Kristina Castellina, to read the story on camera and Kristina did not think twice about saying ‘yes’! Likewise, with school parent and talented illustrator Jared Burki, he agreed back in 2022 to support the project with his amazing illustrations. I love the can-do attitude of the parents and how it reflects the school ethos of community.
Helen with school parent Kristina Castellina on filming day
Why do you think children connect so well with animal characters like Carleton and Bluebell?
Animal characters like Carleton and Bluebell are popular because children can relate to them with their human-like characteristics. Carleton and Bluebell display emotions and qualities that are relatable, allowing little readers to develop empathy and an understanding of them. When they witness different themes or topics through the eyes of an animal, children may find it easier to process as it’s in a less direct way than if told through the eyes of a child. In the case of Bluebell the bee, I was able to introduce an educational element with the waggle dance, hopefully in an engaging and memorable way. I had a WIP story about a bee and a waggle dance, and was delighted when the lightbulb moment came to use Bluebell as Carleton’s supporting role and merge the story.
There’s a lyrical, rhyming structure. Do you write in rhyme naturally, or is it a challenge?
I have joked for many years now that I have ‘rhymitis’! It does come naturally to me, even accidentally during conversations, which is quite humorous when it occurs. I get immense pleasure when the perfect rhyme pops into my head! What has been a learning curve is mastering the meter and scansion (meter referring to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of verse, and scansion being the pattern). I’ve been fortunate to attend some amazing courses with published children’s authors at Write Mentor, where I had a lightbulb moment on how it all forms. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it, and as I said, it’s met with great delight when it all falls into place!
Did you approach this book differently than the first two Carleton stories?
Funnily enough, I did. I remember with book two admitting I am a bit of a Panster (a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants) writer. This time around, I didn’t start to put pen to paper until a solid plot had formed in my head (termed, a Plotter!). As mentioned above, it was helpful to have an existing main character from another WIP story that slotted beautifully into the role as Carleton’s sidekick. Both approaches work for me, and perhaps this flexibility in flitting between styles allows you to explore your author voice.
Do you ever test your rhymes aloud or with children while drafting?
Both. For the first two books, I wrote in my local Reader Café in Calderstones Park each morning straight from the school drop-off. I would get into my own world and suddenly realise I was muttering aloud to myself, pointing up and down for stressed and unstressed syllables! I did receive some curious glances. I always road-test my rhymes on my two daughters, too; they are the best critics!
How involved are you in the visual design of the books?
Once I’ve passed my text over, I am happy to say I have every faith in the illustrations and design team! With illustrations, I may write the odd illustration note on the text, but that is more for my benefit when I am planning each spread. Jared has complete artistic licence, and likewise with the design team, I trust their expertise and love the element of surprise! Of course, I review and proof and offer suggestions, if needed, but three books in, I’ve been so happy with the design of each one.
Did you always plan to write a Carleton series?
Not a plan, but a dream. Once the debut of Carleton’s Motto Saves the Grotto literally snowballed in November 2022, that was it; I was hooked! Ideas were flowing, and I always wanted to write books that gave a subtle takeaway message. If one child feels comfort in reading my stories, then that’s my goal reached.
Were there books from your childhood that inspired your writing style?
I was a massive Enid Blyton fan. I would not say her books inspired my writing style, but perhaps my choice of themes. I always loved it when her naughty characters turned good (the St Clare’s Collection, Malory Towers). Plus, the school settings may’ve influenced me! It was Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes for me; traditional tales told in cleverly written rhymes. My daughter recently took part in the English Speaking Board for Year 6, and it took me back to 1990 when I learned and recited Roald Dahl’s The Cow. And yes, every word is still etched in my memory!
What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received from a young reader?
I love to meet young readers at book events and it’s a delight to hear feedback. One young reader was so taken with the Carleton Mouse mascot, he kept returning to the stall to give him hugs. It was around the time of the Carleton and the Christmas Grump launch. On about the fourth visit, his mum realised he was whispering his Christmas list to Carleton and giving the Grump mascot the evil eye! I think the biggest accolade was having a child dress up as Carleton Mouse for World Book Day. She attended another local school and I was so proud to hear the book had impacted her. The face-to-face feedback from families is always amazing. I’ve had parents tell me their children request the Christmas books nightly as their bedtime read throughout the year. And one toddler visited the school gates with his grandmother to see where Carleton lives! Excitement has been building for the launch of Carleton Mouse and the Hollow House and I’m so grateful for every kind word.
What do you hope children feel after reading Carleton Mouse and the Hollow House?
I hope that children feel inspired to be themselves and to courageously believe in themselves. Carleton has a big message that he wants to share, but feels his voice is too small. Yet he believes in his idea and doesn’t give up trying; it’s the belief in himself that he can do it. I also hope readers understand that you can independently change situations with small steps. Carleton felt lonely and by reaching out to a friend, following his instinct, and being his own courageous self, things worked out for him. After reading Carleton Mouse and the Hollow House, I hope children really feel the magic of friendship, teamwork, and community.
Do you see more Carleton adventures in the future, or will you write something new?
Although Jared and I have called this book the third in our trilogy, I don’t think it’s the end of Carleton; he’s got so much more to give! He may just evolve as his readers do too. I, too, hope to evolve as an author. I have a few ideas for new characters away from Carleton, but with the same ethos of fun, subtle messages that may help and empower little readers growing up. Watch this space, as they say!
Carleton Mouse and the Hollow House is now available on Amazon.
