L.A. children’s book author Caroline Perry shares the inspiration behind “A Hug for Punch,” her creative process, motherhood and raising three creative kids.
Punch, the tiny macaque in Ichikawa, Japan and his beloved orangutan plushie have warmed the hearts of millions around the world through photos and videos. And now L.A.-based author, Caroline Perry, has brought this sweet story to life in a new children’s book, “A Hug for Punch.” The mom of three is also the author of “The Corgi and the Queen,” “Messi’s Magic”, “The Memory Cake” and “I Am Not Happy!”
We recently chatted with her on the inspiration behind “A Hug for Punch,” motherhood and the pursuing a writing career.
Tell us the inspiration behind writing this sweet book.
Like so many people I was instantly struck by Punch’s plight: the images of a tiny, abandoned monkey clinging to his plush orangutan tugged so tightly on my heartstrings. This little macaque was so obviously scared, and lonely, but he persevered, even in the face of troop rejection. I could really relate to Punch’s struggles, and I thought most children could, too. Haven’t we all felt “othered,” and craved acceptance? So many of his experiences were universal, and I just knew that I had to tell Punch’s story.
We would love to learn more about you. Tell us a little about your growing up years. Did you grow up in L.A.? Were you the kid who was always creating stories and characters?
I moved around a lot as a child, but my formative years were spent in the U.K. My parents divorced, and as I didn’t have any extended family living on the same continent I often struggled with a sense of belonging (just like Punch).
During my school years, I spent much of my free time in the library: it was both my sanctuary and my happy place. I devoured every new kids’ title that came in, and I’ve been scribbling my own stories for as long as I can remember.
Books are wonderful for so many reasons, not least because of their ability to mirror or transport. They offer kids both an escape from reality and a portal to new worlds and possibilities. They helped me through some hard times, and I still feel like a bookish kid today. I visit my local library at least three times a week!
Tell us about your creative process. Do you have a dedicated writing nook? Write at a certain time every day? Pen and paper or computer?
I’m neurodivergent so the traditional “butt in chair” method—writing for a set amount of time, each and every day—doesn’t suit my brain. I go through periods of intense creativity when it’s hard to pry me off my laptop, and then I’ll allow the early draft manuscripts to percolate. Often, the perfect rhyme or plot device will present itself at the most inopportune moment: while trying to squeeze into the smallest parking spot on the school run, or in the middle of the night. I keep notepads and pens in my car, and next to my bed, for those purposes, although the 2 a.m. scrawls aren’t always legible!
After years of working on the dining table, I’ve finally got a little writing nook of my own. It looks out over the garden, and the feeder right next to my window seems to be the hottest hummingbird joint in town. Watching the feisty, feathered beauties gives me great pleasure, and those “reset” moments help untangle tricky plot knots.
You are a mom of three. How has parenthood influenced your writing career?
When my kids were younger my favorite time of day was always story time. We’d cozy up on the well-worn nursery recliner, or huddle on the sofa, and work our way through a towering stack of of books. My children each had their own favorite titles that we would pick up over and over again: you can sense those neural pathways firing when a young reader finds a book they love, and it’s a truly magical thing. My younger kids and I still read together every evening, and I feel so fortunate to play a small part of those special moments with families who’ve connected with my books.
My kids provide me with endless inspiration and motivation. They’re my biggest cheerleaders, and my most honest critics! Even my 16-year-old loves “A Hug For Punch,” and he proudly displays the promotional book sticker on his laptop.
How has parenthood changed you as a person?
It’s changed me on a cellular level. My kids are front and center of every decision, whether it’s the logistics of an out-of-state work trip or something as mundane as, “what are we having for dinner?” Their needs absolutely come first and with three children, there’s always something to keep me up at night!
How do you juggle a creative career and being a mom?
My three are all in different schools—one’s in elementary, one’s in middle and my eldest is in his junior year of high school—and aside from the endless pick-ups and drop-offs there are a million and one afterschool activities, medical and orthodontist appointments, playdates… not to mention 15 packed lunches to make each week. My husband and I don’t have any family in the U.S, so I’m very grateful for the conveniences that make working parents’ lives a little more manageable: grocery delivery services are indispensable. I also tend to work late at night, when the house is finally quiet. Thankfully I’m more of an owl than a lark!
What advice do you have for young people who want to write and pursue a literary career?
Firstly, READ! Try to read at least 100 books in the genre you wish to write in, and make sure a good number of those came out in the past five years or so (readers’ and publishers’ tastes frequently change). Also, this sounds obvious, but get the words down on paper. The first draft is supposed to be awful, it’s during the revision stages that the story starts to shine. Think of it as polishing a very rough diamond!
Lastly, I tell all aspiring authors to find wonderful and honest critique partners who will hold your hand while you ride the many loops on the “writercoaster.” It’s a challenging industry, and supportive friends are essential.
When not working where will we find you?
If I’m not in the library or on a coastal walk you might well spot me in an independent bookstore: {pages} in Manhattan Beach is my wonderful local bookstore, but I also adore Vroman’s, Children’s Book World, Village Well, Book Soup and Once Upon a Time in Montrose. We are lucky to have so many gems in L.A.!
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
Before I became an author, I was a journalist for many years, starting while I was still in college: writing is a huge part of my identity! If I had to choose another career, I’d most likely do something that aligns with my animal advocacy and commitment to conservation.
What are your favorite places in and around L.A. that you enjoy with your family?
We’re frequently out in nature. South Coast Botanic Gardens and Huntington Gardens are both wonderful, Palos Verdes has many stunning hikes, and the Griffith Park Observatory is a showstopper. Of course, we’re blessed to have lovely beaches nearby, and whale watching is one of my favorite pastimes.
We’re a big soccer family: our Premiership teams play an ocean away, but we try to get to LA Galaxy games when we can. Two of my kids are musicians, so we’re always up for a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. And we’ll never turn down an opportunity to catch a show at the Pantages.
