Following a recent interview with A.J. Tor about the inspiration behind Lilly & Bo: To Japan We Go!, we’re excited to celebrate that the book is officially out today! Inspired by a real-life cycling adventure through Japan, this charming story brings friendship, freedom and discovery to young readers everywhere.
What first sparked the idea for Lilly & Bo: To Japan We Go!?
I was literally cycling around Japan with my partner! I think it was on the second day of our three-month trip. When you’re cycling all day long, there’s plenty of time to let your mind wander. There are no emails, chores, or to-do lists to get in the way of creativity. I wouldn’t say I’m particularly creative, so I think being in nature, cycling with no pressures to get anywhere or do anything, allowed me to conjure up the idea. And I just thought, two bikes with faces cycling around Japan would make a nice children’s story. That was before any challenges really started for us.
Why did you make bicycles the protagonists?
I’ve noticed that many children’s stories and cartoons often feature cars, planes, trains, and submarines! All of which we just sit in. Whereas bikes encourage physical activity. There’s constant news coverage about children not getting enough exercise. I think it’s crazy. A bike is a wonderful way for a child to have fun, exercise and feel free. I know I loved riding my bike as a child and still do. And of course, I was riding my bike, so Lilly and Bo had to be bikes!
What was the most challenging part of writing this story?
Other than getting past the first paragraph…? Because the story is based on actual events, I had a very detailed idea of what I wanted in the story. I had a play in my head! But I didn’t need to write every aspect of it into the story. I was far too descriptive, and so slimming it down was a challenge.
Did you write the story first and then layer in educational elements, or were those built in from the start?
They were built in from the start, but not intentionally so. I used to be a geologist, so a lot of those educational parts just came naturally. Japan is a geologist’s paradise!
How did you decide which elements of Japanese culture to include?
That was quite tricky as I didn’t want it to appear like a stereotypical ideal of Japanese culture. I just went with what we actually saw and experienced. Although we didn’t go to sumo wrestling, that may be the main stereotype there. Most of the cultural references are about nature, the landscape, and food. All of which were the main parts of our cycling trip. There’s a lot that I didn’t include, but then the book could have gone on forever.
The book includes Japanese words like “Konnichiwa” and “Arigatō”. Why was it important to incorporate language into the story?
I anticipate the book being read aloud, so having Japanese words incorporated will bring the story to life and hopefully make the reader feel part of it.
Lilly and Bo have different personalities — Lilly is sometimes cautious, while Bo is more impulsive. How did you develop their dynamic?
They’re mostly based on me and my partner, although I think we are often the other way around! In any partnership, there needs to be a balance of skills and personalities. On a cycle tour, when things can go wrong, it’s a real test of a relationship. Food and humour help!
Were there any scenes where the illustrations surprised you or added something new to your vision?
What surprised me the most was how Lisa was able to get Lilly and Bo just how I imagined! When they’re sat with the lady in her lounge, I couldn’t believe it when I saw Lisa had replicated the actual photo I gave her. It makes it very personal for me.
What do you hope children feel after reading this book?
Hopefully, there is a sense of excitement and enthusiasm to get out and explore.
What do you hope young readers learn about Japan through Lilly and Bo’s adventure?
Mostly, it is a beautiful country with the kindest people you’ll likely ever meet. We couldn’t believe how helpful countless people were, no matter where we were. We went to a pharmacy in a tiny village for some painkillers, and they gave us sweets, tissues, and hand warmers for free. And let us pay for the painkillers the next day!
If Lilly and Bo could visit anywhere next, where would you send them and why?
There are already a few ideas, primarily based on other cycle trips/travelling. New Zealand, England, Australia, America. I think I would do a local one next, though (Newcastle/Northumberland). Not all children have the luxury of travel, so showing that adventures can still be had anywhere and that there’s lots to explore and discover on our own doorstep is really important to me.
What does ‘adventure’ mean to you now compared to when you were a child?
As a child, adventure meant going outside, exploring, and not knowing what was around the corner. I think it still does for me. But everyone’s adventure is their own. The times I’ve enjoyed the most have been away from the tourist areas, simply experiencing the here and now of where I am. Although I am more hesitant now, I like to know where I’m sleeping each night.
What was the best or easiest thing about working with TAUK Publishing?
As a first-time author, I really had no clue. So the expertise from TAUK, from help with editing to advice on bringing the best out of the book, has been invaluable and the best thing about TAUK. It wasn’t just about publishing. Estelle really helped develop the book into what it is now.
Lilly & Bo: To Japan We Go by A.J. Tor is out now on Amazon.
