What does the ‘J.T.’ stand for in J.T. Bear?
J.T. derives from my initials but because he’s a boy we couldn’t call him Judy - so it’s just J.T.!

Where did he come from?
From a young age of crawling over rocks and peering into the rock pools, poking my finger into shells, lifting up rocks and watching crabs scurrying away under the cover of camouflage consisting of reds, whites, greens, purples and blues - this was my inspiration.

Importance … what can be more wonderful than the life that exists under the sea?

J.T. Bear came from my imagination; inspired by AA Milne and Winnie the Pooh. The thought that bears are the greatest tool for communication to all ages. This is a way for me to make children aware of some sea creatures, to be kind to them and to leave them in the sea where they live. To learn about their scientific names, what they eat and sometimes to be so aware as not to touch them or pick them up as they may hurt them, not meaning to, but because they only do so to protect themselves.

Did you always want to write books?
No I never imagined myself writing books. I did imagine myself as a painter or illustrator of a world of wonder.

Were you much of a reader as a kid?
Yes I read all the time as a young child. My mum bought me a book every week and when I was old enough I joined the local library at Preston. That was a great day for me. The first book I borrowed was Milly Molly Mandy by Enid Blyton.

What’s your favorite kids’ book?
Enid Blyton and Peg Maltby would have to be my favourite authors. I am unsure which one I like best. My favourite book would have been anything to do with Noddy and Big Ears, again written by Enid Blyton.

Why did you decide to publish your book independently?
There didn't appear to be any positive support from anybody I spoke to about what I was planning.

Was it a challenging process?
It certainly was a challenge but I found more support in seeking out a broker who knew all the ropes about printing, graphic design and who to go to. He was a wonderful person by the name of Peter Sparkes. His wife Joan was my editor. Both have a long history with the printing at the Herald Sun newsroom. One of the biggest challenges was to find an illustrator who could actually draw J.T. Bear as he is. J.T. Bear is a true bear in the sense that I created him by designing, sewing and knitting his hat and scarf. The illustrator I eventually chose was able to give him life on paper. A remarkable young man.

What have you learnt?
I have learnt to be positive about what I create. Listen to what the so called "experts" have to say but believe in yourself and all your dreams; no matter what the outcome. I have learnt there is more to publishing than just writing a story. I may have missed out on the marketing side to a degree early in this journey but never say die, I am on my way again.

Who is the Illustrator?
The illustrator is a young man by the name of Clint Cassell. Again, a talented young man who lives in Victoria and is a successful artist.

What message is J.T. Bear wanting to convey?
J.T. Bear books have an educational focus on sea creatures and marine life in an endeavor to educate children of tomorrow to protect our environment and to be kind to any living creature or human being who may be a little different to themselves.

Is it true that J.T. Bear has traveled the world?
Yes J.T. Bear is a seasoned traveler who has journeyed to Thailand, Cambodia and many parts of Australia. He is known in Thailand and has a large following of interested fans. He has his own chair that he sits in and is a valued member of the TWIKLER family. His curly haired friend is none other than that well known diver from the Great Barrier Reef, a star of Totally Wild, Daniel TWIKLER, Senior Aquarist Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Are there more adventures for J.T. Bear?
There are many more adventures planned for J.T. Bear where he meets other sacred members of the sea.  The next adventure for J.T. Bear will be J.T. Bear meets "Jindaloo" the Jelly Fish. (I may change the name - still undecided…)

When will the next edition be published?
The next edition will most likely be published in the year 2008.

Will Cecil feature in future J.T. Bear adventures?
Cecil will be featured in a combined book of all the sea creatures but not just yet.

What other sea creatures can readers look forward to meeting?
"Molly the Mussell", "Bozza the Blue Whale", "Cam the Cuttlefish", "Bob the Blue Ringed Octopus", "Puffy the Toad Fish", "Sophie the Sponge", “Jilly the Jellyfish” “Dan the Decopod” and many many more. It’s never ending.