What inspired Emily Gravett to write Meerkat Mail?
Emily Gravett was inspired to write Meerkat Mail through her experiences and observations of family dynamics, as well as her love for travel and exploration. Gravett's own background as a "New Age Traveller" for nearly a decade influenced her storytelling, allowing her to incorporate themes of adventure and the search for belonging into her work.
In Meerkat Mail, the protagonist Sunny's journey reflects feelings of claustrophobia and the desire for independence, which parallels Gravett's own life experiences of moving from a tightly-knit family environment to exploring the world. The book's format, featuring postcards that Sunny sends back home, serves as a creative way to express these themes while engaging young readers in discussions about family, exploration, and the importance of home.
Gravett's artistic style and innovative storytelling have made her works resonate with both children and adults, highlighting the emotional nuances of familial relationships and personal identity.
