Zizou Corder is the not-so-secret identity of Louisa Young and her daughter Isabel Adomakoh Young, who have been writing together since Isabel was seven. They have previously written four books: the Lionboy trilogy and Lee Raven, Boy Thief. They wander the world in a gilded balloon, and have 17 pet ducks and 8 miniature grand pianos, as well as Zizu the lizard and a dead tortoise.
A Q&A with the authors:
What was your inspiration for this book?
Looking out to the north over the beautiful island of Zakynthos got us thinking about the period in time when the ancient Greek myths started to fade and history started to take over…
Are any of your characters based on real people?
All of them. Pericles and Aspasia are real people, from true history, and the
others are all a bit like us.
What was the last film that blew you away?
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly was on the TV last night. It makes you feel utterly grateful for really simple things – like legs and a voice.
If you were invisible for a day what would you do?
Go everywhere you’re not allowed! Or whisper in people’s ears. Especially evil leaders – tell them you’re the ghost of their grandmother and they’re to stop being evil.
