PHOTO: Mark Gunning, the creative force behind the I Told You So! series, inspiring young minds with his imaginative storytelling.
Inspiring Stories That Spark Joy
Mark Gunning shares insights on his storytelling journey, humorous inspirations, award-winning debut, and exciting plans for The Itchygooney Mysteries, spotlighting his passion for engaging young readers with laughter and imagination.
Mark Gunning, a talented and passionate Canadian children’s author, has a truly remarkable gift for crafting stories that resonate with young readers. Renowned for his hilarious and inventive I Told You So! series, Mark captivates audiences with tales brimming with laughter, mischief, and heart. Transitioning from a successful career as an elementary school teacher to a full-time writer, his journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to sparking wonder and imagination in children.
From the award-winning The Adventures of William and Thomas to his exciting new venture The Itchygooney Mysteries, Mark continues to delight readers with his ability to blend humour, adventure, and relatable characters. The recognition he received with the ETFO Children’s Literature Award speaks volumes of his ability to engage and inspire, particularly amongst the most reluctant readers.
Beyond his literary achievements, Mark’s enthusiasm for education and creativity shines through his interaction with young minds, motivating them to dream, imagine, and embrace storytelling. It is with great admiration and excitement that we present our conversation with Mark Gunning, a writer whose work will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy in children’s literature.
Mark Gunning masterfully combines humour, heart, and creativity, creating unforgettable stories that captivate and inspire young readers worldwide.
What inspired you to create the characters of William and Thomas, and are they based on real people from your childhood?
Some of my childhood friends inspired William and Thomas. We were always outdoors, exploring farms, ponds, rivers, and forests, leading to many adventurous moments. Those experiences sparked many of the ideas in my stories, bringing that same sense of curiosity and excitement to William and Thomas’ world.
“I try to see the world through a child’s eyes and write about what makes them laugh.” – Mark Gunning
How do you approach writing humour for kids, and what do you think makes a story truly funny for young readers?
I try to see the world through a child’s eyes and write about what makes them laugh. Kids love silly situations, surprises, and characters in amusing predicaments. A story is funny when things go wrong in the most unexpected and entertaining ways, leading to a humorous and satisfying ending.
Can you share any funny or memorable moments from your time as a teacher that influenced your books?
I loved sharing my stories with my students as examples when I was teaching. One of the funniest moments was watching them stare wide-eyed at the Smartboard as I typed out stories on the fly. They were utterly captivated, waiting to see what would happen next! I used this to show them how ideas can come to life immediately, inspiring them to write creatively.
What made you decide to rework the original I Told You So series, and what changes or improvements are you most excited about?
I originally wrote the first series as a narrative, but after working on my new series, I realized how engaging my old stories could be with added dialogue. Bringing more conversation between the characters makes their personalities shine and adds a new energy level to the adventures. I’m incredibly excited for readers to experience the fun dynamic between William and Thomas in a whole new way!
How did it feel to receive the ETFO Children’s Literature Award for your debut book, and how has it influenced your writing journey?
Winning the ETFO Children’s Literature Award for my first book was a gratifying experience. It reinforced my confidence in writing engaging short stories with just the right touch of humour. That recognition has been a huge motivator, pushing me to keep improving and growing as a writer with every book I create.
Can you give us a sneak peek into The Itchygooney Mysteries? What inspired you to write a mystery series?
The Itchygooney Mysteries is an exciting new series featuring William and Thomas from the I Told You So books. This time, the boys are challenged to solve local mysteries in their small town of Itchygooney. I’ve always been a big fan of Scooby-Doo and have wanted to write a mystery series for a long time. It would be fun to put William and Thomas in a new setting while keeping their friendship, humour, and knack for getting into trouble at the heart of the stories.
