chickaDEE Interview: Author Janet Whyte

Photo: Sandy Ragan

Hey Readers,

Canadian author Janet M. Whyte wrote this month’s space story, My Space Pet. chickaDEE talked to her about the story and how to make writing about space fun.

Why are space stories so much fun to write?
When I think of space, I see a place where anything can happen! People have already been to the Moon, and now we’re orbiting Earth on the International Space Station. What’s next? A mission to Mars? Who knows what the future may bring?

Tell us a little bit about this story. What’s the story about?
GILES, an electronic sitter robot, feels like he’s been replaced by Selena’s new robo-pet. He’s jealous of the space pet and keeps hiding it in weird places. Suddenly, a problem on the Moon base puts Selena and her brother in danger! Can the two robots find a way to work together?

What do you think happens next to these characters? What other adventures do you see them going on?
I can see Selena and Jem trying recipes from an old Earth cookbook and creating quite a stink! Since there are no fresh ingredients on the Moon base, everything is canned or in paste form. But will that stop them? When they substitute beets for apples and canned spinach for lettuce, their meals are sure to be messy, disgusting disasters.

If kids want to create their own space stories, what advice can you give them?
It’s a joy to write stories about space because you can stretch your imagination. Start with something you learn from your teacher, read in a book or see on a science show. Then dream up what might happen next. Science fiction lets you picture what might be, so just let your mind run free!

Thanks, Janet!

Until next time,

Natalia

Editor of chickaDEE