What inspired the idea behind Little Bont and the Big Secret?
My strong connection with my Nanna Nancy who unfortunately passed away a few years ago. I felt this was a great way to remember her and our relationship particularly as she was such a big part of my life and my family’s life, along with wanting to share my story about footy whilst I was a young kid growing up.
What are you hoping readers will take away from your book?
The strong influence and importance of grandparents in a young person’s life, and acknowledging the important role they play in shaping our future. Secondly, we all make mistakes as children and the importance of acknowledging those mistakes and learning from them.
How did you feel when you first saw the finished book?
Initially somewhat overwhelmed at how well Megan had illustrated the characters and brought the people close to me to life in my book. I was then proud of being able to create something physical about my story and the important people in my life.
Do you have a favourite illustration in the book?
The opening page I love, it brought back great memories of my family eating together and I have so many good memories of growing up sharing food with my family and all of us sharing our stories, it felt more like a photo than an illustration.
What were some of your own favourite books as a child?
Goosebumps, Hairy Maclary, Specky McGee and lots of the Dr Seuss titles – there was always some good messages in these titles but I also loved that they contained some humor to keep me entertained.
Marcus Bontempelli is a professional footballer who grew up in Melbourne. Bontempelli was match-day captain for the Western Bulldogs when he became the youngest player in AFL history to captain a VFL/AFL side to victory. Now the captain of the Western Bulldogs, the four-time All-Australian, four-time Charles Sutton Medal (Best & Fairest) winner has a host of awards and accolades under his belt from his professional career so far.
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