From giant peaches and wizarding adventures to mischievous villains and family story-time favourites, author and illustrator Jamie Gregory has always been inspired by unforgettable characters and imaginative worlds. Best known for his hilarious graphic novel Bonehead, Jamie combines humour, heart and expressive artwork to create stories that young readers can't put down.
In this exclusive interview, Jamie shares his favourite childhood books, the fictional worlds he'd love to visit, and the creative process behind Bonehead. He also reveals where his best story ideas come from, offers advice for aspiring writers and artists, and gives us a glimpse into the books currently delighting his own children. Whether you're a fan of graphic novels, looking for children's book recommendations, or curious about the creative journey of an author and illustrator, there's plenty to discover.
Jamie Gregory's Favourite Books and Creative Inspiration
What was your absolute favourite book when you were a child?
There were so many, but James and the Giant Peach was my absolute favourite.
Who was the first fictional character you became obsessed with?
So this is going to be really cliché, it was just my generation, but it was Harry Potter. And that's because I'd read a lot of standalone books up to that point, but that was the first time I really invested in a series, so naturally, I was obsessed with that.
If you could jump into any children's book world for a day, where would you go?
Just because it's for a day, I would jump into the world of Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve. If it was more than a day, I'd probably choose somewhere a bit more serene.
What's a book from your childhood that you think every child should read?
I'm going to go for James and the Giant Peach again, just because the sense of adventure had a really big impression on me.
What’s one book you've reread the most?
The Hunger Games. A lot of my audience will need to wait a few years, but I've read it over and over.
About Bonehead
Can you describe Demise in three words?
Ambitious, deluded, selfish.
What's something readers might be surprised to learn about Bonehead?
That Demise cares quite deeply about what his family thinks of him.
Which character, if any, in Bonehead are you most like and why?
It's probably Mor. I'm very stuck in my ways, creature of habit, but I don't smell that!
If Bonehead could team up with any fictional character, who would it be?
I think it would be hilarious if Bonehead teamed up with Anxiety Donut from Donut Squad. Just because he causes so much anxiety, it would just be so funny.
Inspiration and Creativity
So where do your best story ideas come from?
Drawing, really. I like to create characters first and then think about who they are, what their motivations are, and the stories kind of spring up around that.
What's one piece of creative advice you'd give to children who love drawing, writing or making up stories?
For drawing, just keep at it and don't worry about imperfection. As you get older, you realise that it's the imperfections that make the drawing appealing. For writing, go with character-led stuff. I like to create characters first, think about where they belong and the stories kind of write themselves at that point. I love that.
Family Reading
What books are your children loving at the minute?
My oldest, who's 10, she is obsessed with Lottie Brooks, but she's also reading The Wild Ones at the moment. I'm really enjoying that. And my youngest, who is 5, loves the Adventuremice books by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre. And she also loves The Leaf Thief; The Leaf Thief's a great picture book.
Who gets more carried away during story time, you or the kids?
Definitely me. Definitely me with the voices. You've got to do the voices.
What's your favourite book to read aloud?
There is a book called The Book with No Pictures. Fantastic book to read aloud to kids. They're in fits of laughter. We love it.
And what character do your children love that you secretly love to?
Squirrel from The Leaf Thief. Brilliant character. Just love her.
Why Children Love Bonehead
With its quirky characters, laugh-out-loud humour and surprising heart, Bonehead is a brilliant example of the kind of storytelling that keeps children turning the pages. Jamie Gregory's character-first approach shines through in every chapter, creating a world that's both funny and relatable, even when it's filled with ambitious villains and skeletons.
We'd like to thank Jamie for taking the time to chat with us and share his favourite books, creative inspiration and family reading recommendations. If this interview has inspired you to pick up a pencil, start a story or dive into a new book, be sure to check out Bonehead and explore more of Jamie Gregory's work. Who knows? Your next great story idea might start with a simple doodle.
