children’s fiction. So I got to work with others and I formed a writers’ group, but it also gave me so much in terms of understanding the industry and getting access to people within the industry. It was invaluable to me.”
That experience allowed Alex to develop the character of Marv, “a boy who discovers a super hero suit and a robot sidekick in his loft, that belonged to his grandfather and his grandfather passes it down to him.”
Alex adds: “The books are all about how Marv uses the suit, which is powered by imagination and kindness, to save the day from these super villains. I’m a big fan of superheroes, and have so many pictures of myself growing up dressed in super hero outfits. One of my big reasons for doing Marv was being able to bring that representation into the superhero world, so that kids can see that when they read the books.
“It’s extremely exciting and satisfying knowing that children are going to be reading and connecting with Marv. What has happened since the first two books have come out, is that I am hearing more and more about children who are seeing and feeling that representation. As I get to talk to more kids I am hearing that more often – it’s helping me to fully grasp the impact it is having. I have a version in my head, but actually being able to interact with people about it is where it really is. “Kids I have spoken to really enjoy the books, and find them a lot of fun. I think they identify with Marv, and not just black kids. Marv is character who loads of kids can relate to and enjoy.”
With book-three completed and a further three already scheduled for the Oxford University Press series, Alex says he has enjoyed the process of working with illustrator Paula Bowles – not least when he saw how she bought Marv to life. “When I first saw Marv, it felt like ‘this is real’. Paula is so talented, just seeing her work is really inspiring. We have been working over multiple books, so it is more than just her
22 PEN&INC. Spring-Summer 2022
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