Interviews

A Q&A with Geronimo Stilton

How do you feel about your success around the world? Are you excited to meet American children?

GS: Holey cheese! I'm always pinching my tail because I can't believe all the success I've had. I'm just so amazed that children want to read about ME -- I'm just a mild-mannered editor after all. I just happen to always get my nose into the most unusual predicaments. And America! I've always read many wonderful stories that take place in America and I just couldn't wait to get here. I've had the most fabumouse time meeting all the children.

Why do you think kids love your stories?

GS: My stories are full of adventure and excitement, but they also are entertaining and make children laugh. I'm always getting into trouble and for some reason my readers seem to find that amusing. And my stories are about things that children deal with on a daily basis, such as friendship, sincerity, respect, love, and peace. My books give each young reader a message of hope that will help them grow.

What do you want to convey to your readers?

GS: A love of reading. I love writing my stories and nothing delights me more than if a child enjoys reading them!

Do you prefer being the editor-in-chief of your newspaper, The Rodent's Gazette, or writing your adventures?

GS: I love running the newspaper -- that is my job, after all. But writing stories is my passion and I hope to be sharing my adventures with children for many more years.

How do you spend your time when you are not busy writing or editing?

GS: Holey cheese! I'm just your average mouse...although I am afraid of a few things and I don't like to travel because I get carsick, seasick, and just plain dizzy most of the time. I prefer to stay at home in my nice, cozy mouse hole. I'm a very traditional mouse, I like classical music, good books and old-fashioned cooking -- no meal is complete without a nice chunk of cheese! But what I love to do most is write, so I always make sure there is plenty of time for that. And of course, no day is complete unless I get to read a story to my favorite nephew, Benjamin.