Meerkat Mail
Meet these wonderful meerkats

Meerkat Mail

Meerkat Mail is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Emily Gravett, first published in 2006. The story follows a young meerkat named Sunny who feels confined in his home on the arid plains of the Kalahari Desert. Seeking adventure and a change of scenery, Sunny decides to visit his relatives, the mongoose cousins, and explore different environments.

Throughout his journey, Sunny sends postcards back to his family, sharing his experiences and observations from various locations. He travels through diverse settings, including marshy areas and nocturnal habitats, but ultimately discovers that he does not quite fit in anywhere else. The narrative conveys themes of homesickness and the importance of family, culminating in Sunny's realization that home is where he truly belongs.

The book is notable for its engaging illustrations and interactive elements, such as lift-the-flap postcards that add an extra layer of enjoyment for young readers. Gravett's distinctive artwork complements the whimsical story, making it a delightful read for children and a valuable tool for discussing feelings of belonging and exploration.

Emily Gravett is a celebrated author and illustrator known for her unique storytelling style and artistic talent. She has received multiple awards, including the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal, which highlights her contributions to children's literature.

Author: Emily Gravett

Emily is a talented children's author, winner of two CILIP Kate Greenaway Medals. She gained recognition with her groundbreaking book "Wolves," followed by modern classics like "Meerkat Mail," "Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears," and the "Bear and Hare" series. Each of her unique books features charming characters that resonate emotionally and humorously. Emily resides in Brighton with her family.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 32 pages
  • Dimensions: 27.1 x 0.5 x 21.6 cm
  • Reading age: 3-7 years old
  • Publication date: 25 August 2016
  • ISBN: 9781509836130

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What inspired Emily Gravett to write Meerkat Mail?

Author: Emily Gravett

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.

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