Meet an artist: Elly MacKay

Hi readers,

Did you read the story BOOTS in the December issue of Chirp Magazine? It was done by award-winning author and illustrator Elly MacKay. Let’s get to know Elly!

Elly and her family in the Summer

Do you have a pet like Boots the cat?

I would love to have a pet. We are trying to figure out which type of pet is right for us. My daughter wants a big-eared rat. My son wants a dog. I want a goat. My husband will have to be the tie-breaker!

What inspired you to write the December Chirp story about Boots the cat?

We used to have a cat that visited us quite often. He looked like Boots. He was a great little cat. When winter came he stopped coming to see us. I imagined this story of his first encounter with snow. I hope he will come for a visit again when spring comes.

What is your favourite thing about winter?

I love hiking through the forest in the snow… everything looks so magical! I like the way the icicles hang from the branches, how the sun makes the snow sparkle, and how the bird songs are so clear in the winter air.

Happy winter everyone! Enjoy the December issue of Chirp.

Jackie, chirpblog@owlkids.com