Nathalie Dargent is a children’s author, screenwriter, illustrator, and blogger. Trained as an art historian, she started writing children’s stories when her own children started learning to read. The Christmas Feast is her English-language debut. Nathalie lives in Paris. Visit her website at nathaliedargent.com.
What made you decide to become an author?
When I was a child, my dad always invented funny stories for my brother and me, and I just loved that. When I first learned how to write, I decided to tell stories as well.
What’s a typical workday like?
I walk my dog, and then I dream a lot till I make myself seat in front of my computer with some chocolate not far from me.
Where do the ideas for your books come from?
I honestly don’t know…From my childhood, I think.
How much research do you do before you begin a book?
It depends on the topic. I spend usually more time thinking about the book rather than writing it.
Do you have any advice for would-be authors?
Never discourage yourself.
What characteristics do writers need most?
Persistence, imagination, and empathy.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
It has not happened yet!
Tell us about The Christmas Feast. What inspire you to write this book?
My admiration for Scheherazade and my appetite for good food.
What do you hope kids learn from The Christmas Feast?
To trust friendship and to never lose their sense of humor.
What has been the best reaction from a reader, so far?
A little girl called me with her phone as she was upset at me because one of my books made her cry.
For your writing energy, what do you prefer tea, coffee or something else?
Chocolate, of course.
What is your favorite time of the year? And why?
Christmas, because I have the chance to spend it with my family in a cozy and warm place.
Can you tell us one thing people may not know about you?
I know how to speak to owls.
What was it like working with illustrator Magali Le Huche? What’s your favorite part of her beautifully detailed illustrations?
It is fantastic. I love Magali’s work and her mischievousness. What I love in our book is the last drawing, when we see the turkey reading a cooking book…
The Christmas Feast
When Wolf, Weasel, and Fox steal a turkey for their Christmas feast, no one expects the meal to have her own ideas about the celebration. Don’t they want to fatten her up first? Haven’t they even hung up mistletoe or baked gingerbread? But the more time the three friends spend with Turkey, the less anyone wants the fun to end…
Perfect for holiday story times, this festive book will provide plenty of laughs with its witty narration, amusing characters, and playful illustrations.
