Robert’s many picture books have gained national and international attention, and we’re very happy to have him on our list of creatives. In this interview, Robert talks about about his quirky main character, who playfully second-guesses his narrator, and his interest in metafiction for young kids.
Q & A with Robert Vescio – Lemur Up
1. What first drew you to writing stories for children?
I love to create. Seeing something come to life on a blank page makes me feel connected to my imagination. I love that picture books allow you to explore big ideas in small, playful ways. With just a few words, I can build entire worlds, spark curiosity, and share emotions that are sometimes hard to say out loud. Writing for children feels like an invitation to slow down, and see the world with fresh eyes, something adults often forget to do.
2. Lemur Up features a lemur described as ‘powerful and mesmerising.’ What sparked the initial idea for this character and the story as a whole?
The lemur came from thinking about characters who know they’re charming, and use that to their advantage. Lemurs already have this expressive, almost mischievous quality, so giving him confidence, self-awareness and a little cheek felt natural. The story itself grew out of the idea of a character pushing back against the narrator, questioning who really has control in a book.
3. When you began drafting Lemur Up, what came first: character, theme, or a scene?
When I began drafting Lemur Up, a scene came first. My writing style is very unorthodox. I see pictures before words. It’s like there’s a constant movie playing in my mind. The visuals lead the way, and from those images, the characters and themes begin to take shape. In this case, the narrator’s frustration, the theme of slowing down, and the escalating tug-of-war between control and chaos.
4. Where do you see Lemur Up sitting alongside your other books in terms of theme and tone?
Lemur Up sits very comfortably alongside my other work, but it leans more heavily into humour and metafiction. Like Mischief and Magic, The Storytellers or Patience, it explores emotions and inner worlds, but it does so with a wink to the reader. It’s playful, self-aware, and deliberately silly, while still having something meaningful at its core.
5. What key themes do you most hope children connect with?
Imagination and mindfulness are central. I hope children connect with the idea that it’s okay to slow down, to question the rules, and to enjoy the moment you’re in. There’s also a gentle reminder that stories, and life, don’t always go to plan, and that can be a good thing.
6. How consciously do you think about ‘teaching’ a message versus telling a good story?
I never start with a lesson. Children are brilliant at finding meaning on their own. My job is to tell a good story, one that feels honest and fun. If a message emerges naturally through character and conflict, that’s where it belongs.
7. Did you have a particular age group in mind?
Yes, early primary readers and read-aloud audiences, roughly ages 4–7. That influenced the pacing and direct dialogue. The language needed to be punchy and playful, with plenty of space for the illustrations to do some of the storytelling work.
8. Can you walk us through your writing process for this book?
The first draft was much looser and messier, very lemur-led! Over time, the narrator’s role became clearer, and the emotional arc tightened. One of the biggest changes was leaning more fully into the metafictional elements and trusting the illustrator to carry visual jokes rather than spelling everything out in words.
9. When did you start seeing Brendan’s illustrations?
Once early sketches came through, everything clicked. Seeing the lemur visually confirmed his confidence and charm. The illustrations absolutely shaped how I saw the character, and they allowed the text to pull back and breathe more.
10. What was your reaction when you first saw Brendan’s interpretation of the lemur?
Honestly, I was in awe. He captured that ‘powerful and mesmerising’ quality perfectly. The big eyes, the relaxed posture, the sense that the lemur knows exactly what he’s doing. It elevated the character beyond what words alone could do.
11. How much do you think about the adult reading the book aloud?
A lot. Picture books are shared experiences. I want parents and educators to enjoy reading the story as much as children enjoy hearing it. The narrator’s frustration and the lemur’s confidence are written with those read-aloud moments in mind.
12. What do you hope young readers feel after closing Lemur Up?
I hope they feel amused, a little empowered, and maybe inspired to slow down and enjoy where they are. If they laugh, and then ask to hear it again, my job is done.
13. If a child could ask you one question about the lemur, what would it be?
They’d probably ask, ‘Is the lemur naughty or clever?’
And I’d say, ‘Both, and that’s what makes him fun.’
14. How has working with IP Kidz and Interactive Publications influenced your work?
They value stories that trust children’s intelligence and creativity. Working with a Brisbane-based publisher that champions playful, thoughtful picture books has allowed these stories to reach a wide and diverse audience.
15. Are there any Easter eggs in Lemur Up?
Yes, plenty! The narrator’s threats, the illustrator references, and the final ‘wordless’ twist all reward attentive readers. Children who enjoy noticing details will find that the story is quietly breaking its own rules all along.
