Now Who’s Talking? Books 1 & 2 by Des Lynam – Des Lynam’s Now Who’s Talking? series offers a refreshing and whimsical journey into the animal kingdom, blending charm, humour, and insight in a way that both captivates and delights readers of all ages. With engaging text by Lynam and enchanting illustrations by Bryony Hill, these books breathe life into the animal world, giving its inhabitants voices that are as unique as their real-life counterparts.
Women Talking digs deeper into Lynam’s inspiration behind the books:
What inspired you to write Now Who’s Talking? and explore the world of talking animals? Did you draw inspiration from personal experiences or favourite childhood stories?
“Based on my personal experience, I often look out the window to observe the animals in my garden. I particularly enjoy watching the magpies, which often come in pairs, eating and flying off together. Sometimes, I let my imagination run wild and give them dialogue as if they had a disagreement. It was all just for a bit of fun”.
The animals in your books have such unique voices and personalities. How did you go about crafting their characters, and do any of them reflect aspects of yourself or people you know?
“The characters are inspired by people I knows, but I didn’t spend much time refining them. Instead, I primarily based them on the animals themselves and their interactions. For example, the hippo is depicted as a huge creature that eats grass, while the lion is portrayed as a carnivore that consumes meat all day”.
While the books are humorous and adventurous, they also contain nuggets of wisdom. What key themes or messages were you hoping to convey to your readers, especially the younger audience?
“Treat animals with kindness and recognise their differences from us. As they are gradually disappearing from our world, take the time to appreciate them, even from a distance”.
How has the response to Now Who’s Talking? surprised or delighted you? Have you had memorable interactions with readers, particularly children, about how the books impacted them?
“The books are appreciated by both family and friends, and my grandchildren particularly enjoy replicating the illustrations”.
We give you a brief outline of these magical reads:
Book 1: A Peek into the Animal Kingdom
The first book in the series feels like an invitation to a secret world. Animals ranging from playful squirrels to elegant butterflies come alive with personalities that are both relatable and surprisingly profound. It’s a creative feat to make these creatures “talk” in a way that mirrors their natural quirks while also touching on universal themes of life and interaction.
The beautiful illustrations are an essential part of the experience. They complement Lynam’s words with a warmth and humour that make every page a visual treat. The collaboration between author and illustrator shines through, creating a seamless narrative that feels both fresh and timeless.
One of the joys of this book is how it bridges the gap between humans and animals, offering both laughter and the occasional “aha!” moment about the natural world. Whether it’s learning a fun fact or simply enjoying a clever turn of phrase, this book is an absolute gem.
Book 2: The Fun Continues
In the second instalment, Lynam expands his focus to include farm and zoo animals, bringing even more voices into the fold. The conversations with flamingos, ferrets, and crocodiles are every bit as whimsical and insightful as those in the first book. There’s a sense of progression here, with the broader range of settings allowing for even more creativity and humour.
Once again, the illustrations elevate the text. The blend of realism and imagination in the artwork perfectly captures the personalities Lynam attributes to the animals, making each interaction feel vivid and alive.
Both books in the Now Who’s Talking? series are perfect for animal lovers, families, or anyone looking for a light-hearted yet thoughtful read.
While Lynam is best known as a sports broadcaster, his turn to creative writing demonstrates a versatility and wit that will win over readers who may not be familiar with his previous work. These books are a delightful escape into a world where animals not only have something to say but say it with charm, humour, and heart.
For me, the Now Who’s Talking? series serves as a reminder of the joys of nature, the power of imagination, and the universal appeal of a well-told story and comes highly recommended!
Poppy Watt