Interview with the author of the Monty Goes Skiing childrens book, Richard Liddle

Following up from last weeks blog, we catch up with the author of Monty Goes Skiing, Richard Liddle...

What gave you the idea of combining photography with illustration in your images?

I really enjoy taking landscape photographs especially at scenic places, and there is a lot of beautiful scenery when you’re up and skiing on the mountain. My main focus was to capture the ‘drama’ of the mountains, and to give these photos a ‘wow’ factor to put in the book for kids. I also used illustration in my images, because from what I’ve seen, the combination hasn’t really been used very much before which helped make my book original and stand out from the rest.

You’re a BASI ski instructor yourself, from your point of view, who’s more enjoyable to teach skiing to? Children or adults?

Both the same, to be honest – but for different reasons! When teaching adults, there is more chance of having a better, more flowing conversation with them, which makes it more fun in that instance, because I feel as if I can relate to them a lot more. Whereas with children, they just do not care about how they look on the slopes or falling over, no matter how many times they fall or get it wrong.  This makes it enjoyable to teach because they are willing to get up and try again.

What are the main things you wanted children to learn from this book?

I thought it would be important to introduce a lot of the things that children should expect to find when going on a skiing holiday. Firstly, I thought it was important for children to learn about what the Marmot is. This is the animal you would generally hear about most when visiting ski resorts, as they live in the mountains. Keeping warm is one of the most important tips for enjoying a ski holiday. It’s not very enjoyable if you’re cold, and that’s why you need a whole lot of extra layers!

If children want to start skiing, it’s best to introduce to them the ski equipment to get them started; for example, skis, snowboards, ski helmet, skiing and snowboarding boots.

If I was to sum up what I wanted children to learn from the book is that snow is fun. By including the helpful ski tips at the back, that’s what would make skiing more enjoyable when you know to get about on skis. But really, snow is fun. You can have snowball fights or build snowmen, or maybe even build an igloo!

What would you say is the best age to get your children up on skis?

If you’re not thinking about skiing lessons right away for your child, it’s best to start them off at the age of 3 so they can get used to being on skis, which prepares them more for when they do start skiing lessons.

This is really depending on what ski school you choose. A lot of them are very different from each other in their teaching methods, as some ski schools start really full on.

Is there any ski school that you would not suggest for beginner children skiers?

Well, Snowzone is currently setting up an academy with a 13-week ski program for beginners. From what I’ve heard it’s very full on with their methods and not best for children who are only just starting off.

 What is your favourite resort/country for skiing?

The home of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is my favourite resort. It is a great place for skiing with its fantastically deep, soft snow, and it also has the most stunning scenery! Although, Austria has to be my favourite country for skiing. With ski resorts like Kitzbuhel and St Anton and with it's breathtaking views, I decided to use some of the landscape images I took there and put them in this children’s book.

Are you planning on starting any competitions?

I am considering that, yes. I hope to make this competition very unique because what I would like to do is get people to send in their name and addresses and a photo of them or their kids skiing and then put a cartoon sketch of Monty popping out from a corner or just an empty space in the photograph, and then send it back to them.

May Johnson, September 2013