Best-selling children’s author Ross Welford on the magic of storytelling and answering curious questions from young readers in the UAE
From a time-travelling hamster to an alien prince, Ross Welford’s books make the impossible seem real. The best-selling British author debuted with Time Travelling with a Hamster and has since published eight more, including the much-loved sequel, Time Travelling with a Tortoise. His stories have captivated children worldwide, earning both critical and popular acclaim.
Ross, a skilled magician and Magic Circle member, tours globally with his Magic and Science show and writing masterclasses.
Speaking at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai earlier this year, he tells Yalla why the best ideas start with one simple question: What if…?
What draws you to ideas like time travel and invisibility, and why do young readers connect with them?
Children’s imaginations are vast, and it’s easy to underestimate just how much scope they will allow a writer. Look at Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland— that is off-the-scale imaginative, yet children still love it!
What’s the secret to crafting a story that captivates children?
‘A secret ingredient’? Well, it’s a secret, isn’t it? Closely guarded by children’s writers. The truth is, there isn’t one, at least not that I have discovered! Nor are there formulas or ‘must-haves’: for me, it’s a matter of feeling my way through a story and writing what seems to work, and if it doesn’t, then rewriting it.
How does your love of magic inspire your stories?
Magic creates the illusion of the impossible, which is exactly how I approach storytelling. I imagine something impossible—like a child becoming invisible—then build a story around what would happen if it were real.
Your stories often start with a “What if…”. How do you turn that spark into an adventure?
I ask a crazy “what if…?” question and then try to answer it.
Have your characters ever surprised you?
Yes! Since I don’t plan ahead, my first draft becomes my plan. As I write, a character may say something unexpected, taking the story in a different direction – like when Carly in Time Travelling with a Hamster revealed she knew Al was up to something. I hadn’t planned it, but it changed the whole plot.
Do you remember the first time you realised your books impacted readers?
It was during my initial visits to schools and festivals abroad: my books enjoy success in Asia, India, and the Middle East, and it is delightful to see how far my stories have reached. Teachers and parents often tell me that my work has encouraged a reluctant reader to discover books: that is truly great to hear!
Which books or authors shaped your love of storytelling?
As a child, I was captivated by Enid Blyton. Her books were sneered at for being simple, direct, and uncomplicated, but I loved them! I occasionally dip into The Famous Five and still admire how she gets on with the straightforwardness of setting up a plot.
If you could visit one of your story worlds for a day, which would it be?
Most of my stories are set in contemporary England, so not much of a change. But The Monkey Who Fell from the Future imagines life 400 years ahead—that would be fascinating. Just for a day, though—it’s a tough world!
What’s your advice for aspiring young writers?
Starting is easy—pick a situation and some characters and begin! The hard part is finishing, but that’s the key. Get to the end, even if it’s not perfect—then go back and rewrite so that it all makes sense.
Some curious questions from young readers in the UAE:
What inspired Time Travelling with a Hamster, and if it became a series, what challenges would the characters face? From Salma & Smaya, age 10, Safa Community School
There is already a companion book, Time Travelling with a Tortoise, which you may enjoy. (If I were to make it into a series, I’d have to make the time machine much more reliable so there would be less danger involved!)
How do you make your stories so fun and addictive to read? From Flora, age 10, Jebel Ali School
By keeping the chapters relatively short, encouraging you to read ‘just one more’! Plus, make the ending of each chapter quite exciting so that you are encouraged to turn the page.
Why the hamster? What is wrong with lions and tigers? From Mila, age 9, Jebel Ali School
There’s nothing wrong with lions and tigers; they just don’t make very good pets! Besides, they would not fit into Al’s time machine.
How did you develop the idea for The Kid Who Came from Space? From Ananya, age 9, Jebel Ali School
I had never written a story involving aliens, so that started me thinking about Hellyann and her spaceship. Incidentally, have you noticed ‘Hellyann’ sounds like ‘Ali-en’ – that is where her name came from!
Do you have any animals? Were they the inspiration for some of your books? From Savanna, age 9, Jebel Ali School
I have a much-loved border collie named Jess and an aquarium containing tropical fish. They have not inspired any stories…yet!
How do I become a successful writer like you? From Anay, age 11, Raha International School, KC
Start by writing – and finishing – a story. Then rewrite it so it is as good as it can be. That is the difference between amateur writers and professionals: most amateurs don’t bother to rewrite.
Which literary character would you take on holiday, and why? From Alice, age 9, Safa Community School
Paddington from A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond. He’s always optimistic and cheerful and would be an excellent guide to darkest Peru.
Are you writing any new books? From Gonzalo, age 10, Jebel Ali School
I’m excited about my next book, The Unlikely Diary of Prince Kal the Alien, which will be out in the summer. It tells the story of a young prince from a magical land who ends up in England in 2025. It’s funny and quite short!
Follow Yalla for more education news
