I’m often asked questions about my Ms Purplebubble’s Class picture book series — what inspired it, why I wrote it, how I created the characters, whether I drew on personal experiences, and what the writing process was like. I want to answer these honestly and in my own words. 

What inspired it, and why did you write the Ms Purplebubble’s Class picture book series? 

The idea for the series came from noticing small moments in school life and how much children learn from them. Situations such as welcoming someone new, making a wrong assumption, taking responsibility, or choosing kindness often lead to important lessons. I was inspired by how these everyday moments can have a lasting impact on how children think about others and their own actions. 

I wrote the Ms Purplebubble’s Class picture book series because I wanted to create stories that help children reflect on how their actions affect others. Children regularly face choices about whether to be kind, fair, patient or honest. These moments may seem small, but they shape character. I wanted to explore these moments through stories that are easy to understand and fun to read. The stories are gentle and real, not dramatic or exaggerated. 

Did You Draw on Personal Experiences? 

The stories in Ms Purplebubble’s Class are fictional, but they are inspired by everyday situations I have seen children experience, such as misunderstandings, assumptions, and how they can learn from their mistakes. 

For example, in The Lost Box, Divine and Tinkin assume someone has taken a missing lunchbox. When they discover the truth, they take accountability for their actions. These are lessons children can understand and apply in their own lives. 

How Did You Create the Characters And Why Are They the Way They Are? 

I created the characters by thinking about the lessons I wanted children to notice and learn from. I imagined personalities that could naturally show these lessons through their choices, challenges and mistakes. Children can relate to characters who are not perfect and see how mistakes can become learning moments. 

I chose animal characters because they let children explore ideas gently and imaginatively. Ms Purplebubble is calm and thoughtful, guiding her pupils with patience. Divine is brave, sincere and thoughtful. Her wheelchair helps her get around, but it does not define who she is. Tinkin is kind and supportive, but he makes mistakes. These moments show children how to take accountability. 

The characters are intentionally imperfect so children can relate to them and understand that making mistakes is a natural part of growing. 

What Challenges Did You Encounter While Writing? 

One challenge was showing important lessons without turning the stories into lectures. I wanted accountability, fairness, and kindness to emerge naturally through the characters’ choices. I hoped children would notice these lessons while enjoying the story.

Another challenge was keeping the stories simple but meaningful. Even with clear, easy-to-read language, the stories needed to engage children and give them something to think about. 

The publishing process also required patience. There were edits, decisions and waiting periods along the way. Persistence and focus were key throughout.  

Advice for Aspiring Children’s Book Authors 

Write about what matters to you. Your passion will come through in your stories. 

Keep your stories clear and meaningful. Simple language can still explore important ideas. 

Let your characters grow through challenges. Children can see these lessons and reflect on them in their own lives. 

Be patient with revisions. First drafts are just the beginning of the process. 

Start writing, even if you feel unsure. Stories develop and improve through practice. 

Final Thoughts 

Ms Purplebubble’s Class picture book series began with a simple hope: to create stories that children enjoy reading while reflecting on kindness, fairness and accountability. 

The most rewarding part of being an author is seeing children respond — smiling, thinking and talking about what they would do in similar situations. 

If these stories help even one child pause, reflect or choose kindness, the effort has been worth it. 

-Chinenye Santina Ebuka-Ugwu