Emily Fairlie Author Interview

Photo Content from Emily Fairlie

Emily Fairlie grew up in Virginia and went to Tuckahoe Middle School, which unlike Tuckernuck Hall was sadly lacking in hidden clues and treasure. She was also the proud owner of a family of gerbil escape artists with a taste for blood (and sunflower seeds). She now lives in Chicago with her dog Binky.

    

Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
How else can you get a chance to step into someone else’s life for awhile? Plus it’s a real time saver – now that I’ve read Moby Dick, I think I can say with some certainty that I don’t want to become a whaler – something I might not have known otherwise. Just reading that one book has saved me years of wasted time as a whaling apprentice. Thanks to books, I’m also pretty sure I don’t ever want to be a vampire, werewolf or Antarctic explorer.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you?
I can hang a spoon from my nose.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?
When I was in fifth grade, my best friend and I made little books out of stapled typewriter paper -- I wrote the stories, and she illustrated them. She could only draw horses though, so there wasn’t a ton of variety.

In your new book; The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck, can you tell my Book Nerd Kids Community a little about it and why they should read your novel?
It’s about two kids, Bud and Laurie, who are trying to find the long lost treasure of Tuckernuck Hall Intermediate school before the school is shut down and demolished. It’s got adventure, mystery, clues to solve, chickens and chicken songs, and gerbils. Plus it's funny! (Basically, something for everyone.)

For those who are unfamiliar with Laurie, how would you introduce her?
Laurie is Gerbil Monitor Number 2, the latest in a long line of Tuckernuck Cluckers who desperately wants to go to Hamilton Junior High and be a Hamilton Hornet like her friend Kimmy. She’s also extremely motivated by the thought of gold bars and precious jewels.

If you could introduce Bud to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
Pippi Longstocking, because I think she’d completely throw him for a loop.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Anyone living or dead? If I could include dead people I’d have a hard time choosing between Agatha Christie, John Bellairs, Ellen Raskin, PG Wodehouse and Douglas Adams. If I need to pick an alive person, there’s no question -- I’d have to go with Terry Pratchett.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?
Always have a book handy. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck somewhere with nothing to read.

What's the most memorable summer job you've ever had?
Babysitting for the three hellions next door when I was a teenager. When you find the kid you’re babysitting dangling from the railings over the entryway and refusing to come down, it’s kind of hard to forget.

What scares you the most and why?
Cockroaches. Have you looked at those suckers – they’re fast!

What is your greatest adventure?
I have a lousy sense of direction, so getting to the mall can turn into an adventure for me.

Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
If it's really bad, I don't want to call anybody! My dog doesn't even want to be around me -- she heads for her hiding place under the bed.

This laugh-out-loud novel by Emily Fairlie is a fresh take on the classic mystery caper. It's perfect for fans of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Chasing Vermeer, The Westing Game, and the Mysterious Benedict Society books.

Using a unique blend of notes, lists, and classic prose, The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck tells the story of Bud and Laurie's quest to find the infamous Tutweiler Treasure. They're hot (or at least lukewarm) on the trail of scavenger hunt clues, but time is running out—the school board wants to tear down Tuckernuck Hall. Can Bud and Laurie find the treasure before it's lost forever?

Readers can enjoy solving puzzles along with the characters, and teachers will appreciate references to famous artists and architects such as Pablo Picasso and Frank Lloyd Wright. There is something for everyone in this treasure trove of wry wit, thrilling adventure, and undeniable heart!.

Emily Fairlie’s clever and imaginative, The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck, tells the story of sixth grader Laurie Madison. She is one of the students at Tuckernuck and desperately wants to join her best friend Kimmy at another middle school. However, it will have to wait as she is assigned for gerbil duty with the annoying Bud Wallace. Trying to keep a close eye on the rodents, one mischievous gerbil escapes and Laurie and Bud must track it down where she staggers upon the first clue of the famous Tuckernuck treasure. Hidden away for eighty years, the two might have a chance uncovering it if they work together.

The story that author Emily has created is truly original and refreshing. The aged school’s setting made for great scenes and the clue-chasing mystery laid out opportunities for clever twists, turns, and surprises. The writing style of Emily allows readers to get a full grasp of all the fun adventure Laurie and Bud goes through and the included illustrations gave a fun look. The added notes and memos was a nice addition to the story and provided overall depth. This is a book that will surely become a favorite for young readers. Memorable characters in an epic treasure hunting adventure makes for great storytelling. Young readers will surely enjoy this book and can only hope that there are more fun adventures lying in wait for Laurie.

You can purchase The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck at the following Retailers:
        

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you EMILY FAIRLIE for making this giveaway possible.

2 Winners will receive one Signed Copy of The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck by Emilie Fairlie.

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