With more than two million books sold, Jamie Smart on comics that count and humour that connects children everywhere
From exploding robots to goggle-eyed chaos and laugh-out-loud page turns, Jamie Smart’s Bunny vs Monkey graphic novels have become a go-to favourite for primary-age readers.
The award-winning creator has sold more than two million books worldwide, with Bunny vs Monkey alone topping one million.
Jamie is also behind Looshkin, Max and Chaffy (for younger readers) and the illustrated middle-grade Flember series, and has illustrated for The Beano, The Dandy and The Sunday Times.
Ahead of his Emirates Airline Festival of Literature appearances in Dubai, he tells Yalla why comics grab children’s attention so quickly, why laughter builds trust and why humour really can be universal.
Your books are joyful chaos. How do you make the mayhem so readable (and re-readable)?
It’s important not to overthink age or what you think children will find funny. I try to stay true to my own voice and make myself laugh. If you can amuse yourself, you’ll probably amuse everyone else, too.
What’s the magic of comics, and why do people love them?
Comics are so special, both as a creator and a reader. You can build entire worlds inside a few little boxes; you’re the writer, director and storyboarder all at once. For readers, it’s immediate and grabs your attention. You can tell straight away if a story is for you, and hopefully it pulls you into an incredible ride.
Some parents worry comics “don’t count” as real reading. What would you say?
I’ve heard parents say their children read comics until they are ready for “proper” books. But comics and graphic novels ARE proper books! They’re a whole art form with a long history of powerful storytelling and creativity. A great comic can break your heart or make you laugh till you cry — just like any novel. It’s essential we see them as equals.
You might also like: The Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature lands in Dubai this January
Why does humour connect so powerfully with children?
If you can make a child laugh, you’ve made an incredible connection. Laughter builds trust, and once you have that trust, you owe them a brilliant, ridiculous, unforgettable story. Also… what’s a better sound than children’s laughter?
Where do your ideas start?
It varies. Sometimes it’s a play on words, sometimes I want to tell a bigger story. But the best stories always come from the characters. If they’re funny and sympathetic, you can almost let them loose and watch the adventures happen.
What makes a character instantly “readable” on the page?
I use very simple shapes; lots of circles and squares. I always tell children this because I want them to feel they can draw too. Simplicity is key. Clear expressions matter more than detail.
What shaped you as a child reader?
I loved comics — Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes, The Dandy, Whizzer and Chips. I also loved Roald Dahl, especially the darker humour. Anything gross or weird really appealed to me.
Do kids laugh at the same things everywhere?
Humour is universal. Age, gender, nationality — it doesn’t really matter. There are different nuances, but if it’s funny, it’s funny, and that’s all that matters.
Your advice for youngsters who want to be creative?
Just keep creating. Everyone feels they’re “not good enough”, even adults. That feeling doesn’t mean you should stop; it means you’re still growing. If you love making things, keep going and share your voice with the world. You’ll find it connects you with so many others, too.
What’s coming up next for you?
I have a new book series out this year called Megalomaniacs, about lots of cute little aliens trying to take over Earth (but failing!). I’m also working on new books in my Max And Chaffy series… And there’ll be a brand new Bunny Vs Monkey book later this year too…
Fun quick-fire round
- Funniest/best/worst moment at school was…
I once drew a cartoon of the teacher… It stayed up there for the whole lesson! - Funniest sound effect to write is…
I do like a good THRPTHBTHTHTHHH sound. - What would you tell your 12-year-old self?
I’d spend my adult life drawing cartoons and comics all day… that would blow his mind. - Best drawing tip in five words is…
Keep it simple! Have fun! - Step into one of your story worlds for a day — which one?
The woods in Bunny Vs Monkey… green grass and blue skies… only the occasional exploding robot. - What would be your superpower and why?
I’d like to fly, but I am scared of heights… I think I’ll stick with what I have!
For more information on the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, see emirateslitfest.com
Follow Yalla for more education news
