Felice Arena
Felice Arena is the best-selling author of many popular and award-winning children's books. These include the Specky Magee series (co-written with AFL legend Garry Lyon), Wish, Dolphin Boy Blue, Breakaway John, Mission Buffalo, Bravo Billy and the Boyz Rule and Girlz Rock series (co-written and created with Phil Kettle).
Which character from a book would you most like to meet or to be?
Well, when I was a kid I wanted to be Storm Boy (Storm Boy by Colin Thiele). I wanted to have my very own pelican and call it Mr Percival. Nowadays, there's a bit of me in every character I write in my books - although I'd still like to have a pelican as a pet.
Where is the best place to read a book?
It's entirely up to the reader. If the reader is a thrill-seeker, I'd say a rollercoaster - but personally, I get headaches when I try to read on the move. My favourite reading spot, when the weather is good, is under one of the palm trees in the Botanic Gardens in St Kilda.
What were you like at school?
I was a good student - except for when I was in Year 9. I like to call Year 9 the 'crazy-jump-and-punch-and-wrestle-you-for-no-apparent-reason year'.
What are your hobbies?
Knitting, bird-watching, and floral designing... OK, I've never actually done any of those things, but I wish I had an answer to this question. Could travelling be considered a hobby?
Do you have any pets or kids?
No, but coming from a big Italian family I have many nieces, nephews, and cousins. I'm their super-cool-uncle, or at least I like to think I am!
What is your most treasured possession?
My PC desktop and my Apple notebook.
What book would you take to a deserted island?
The Idiot's Guide to How to Survive on a Deserted Island
Your words of wisdom to students completing the Premier’s Reading Challenge?
Here's my message for the sports-loving students among you who are about to take up the PRC: The best way to train your brain is to read. For a super-fit brain, read everyday!
For more information see Felice's website (http://www.felicearena.com).
Have you read this?
Blood Beast