It’s all here, kids: burps, farts, aliens

• Published date: 23 June 2022
• Publication title: Te Puke Times

This book has everything kids could want, an army of spaghetti and meatballs monsters, fart jokes, burps, space travel, aliens, adventure, secrets and more

We asked Mr Mac some questions:

What inspired you to write and illustrate this book?

I am a primary school teacher and I love helping kids gain confidence. I started writing to get kids to really enjoy reading, to have them laughing and, importantly, to help all kids, not just the ones who already like reading.

When I saw how successful my first book (The Battle of Bash) was with kids aged 7-13, I couldn’t wait to write another one. I love the idea of Carol Dwek’s growth mindset. I have tailored this book to teach kids my alien secrets through the life of Norm. My alien secrets are 1: Never give up! Never surrender! 2: Just get started! and 8: Stop, breathe, smile, focus.

I love hearing from teachers who say things like, ‘I said ‘remember alien secret number 2’ and the kids just started working. Amazing.’ I want to build a series that helps kids learn the skills needed to achieve their goals in life while making them laugh and love reading.

What age range is this book aimed at, and what should your readers expect?

My books are aimed at readers aged seven to 13.

Every time I write my books I always make sure I test them on the kids in my class. I get feedback from them and try my best to add jokes I know they’d like because I’ve used them in class or heard them say them to their friends. I teach years 5 and 6 (nine, 10, 11 year-olds) but I know many intermediates and colleges used them, too.

How does being a teacher help when writing for children?

For me, it’s my point of difference. I have my target market in front of me every day. I can use my writing to help me teach literacy, which engages all of my readers. I can ask them for ideas that I really will put in my book. If they don’t like it, I can...