The Midnight City: An Interview with Mitchell Toy
The Midnight City
Children’s picture book writer and illustrator Mitchell Toy is a talent to watch. His gloriously illustrated debut,The Midnight City, has delighted readers young and old. A flying tram, whimsy and magic, a city come to life at night — this is a story that celebrates Melbourne and reminds us of its wonders.
In this interview, Mary Martin Bookseller Cameron Dusting (who dreams of writing and illustrating his own picture book one day) finds out about Toy’s life-changing career move from journalism to the arts, his journey from self-publication to book deal, and his latest release, The Great Australian Bite.
Your background is in journalism. What inspired you to become a picture book writer and illustrator?
I was a journalist, cartoonist and digital producer for the Herald Sun for almost ten years. But I kept a drawer full of children’s books in my desk, mostly from Mary Martin Bookshop, because I secretly wanted to tell stories to children instead of adults. One day I decided to do it.
The Midnight City is a phenomenal portrayal of our city. After midnight, foxes and owls take over Parliament House, treasures are to be found in the arcades, and Bruce the troll watches TV under Princes Bridge. What inspired you to set your book in Melbourne?
When I was a reporter I visited almost every corner of Melbourne and learned a lot about its people and history. It is impossible not to love Melbourne if you grow up here, and that love flowed over into the story.
You’ve designed a wonderful map adventure to help us encourage kids to explore the city this Christmas. What do you hope kids get from the experience?
This is a treasure hunt to find a secret message, but children who follow the map will also find many of the Melbourne locations featured in The Midnight City. I hope they experience the magic of Melbourne, which is completely real.
This Christmas, in collaboration with Mitchell Toy and with the support of a City of Melbourne grant, Mary Martin Bookshop encourages kids to explore our wonderful city. For more information about our treasure hunt, please click here.
I read that your favourite picture book authors include fellow Melburnians, Shaun Tan and Graeme Base. I love these writers too. What do you like about their work?
Growing up reading children’s books, I loved the curious detail and animal renderings of Graeme Base and the other-worldliness and exuberant colour of Shaun Tan. I think both show through in my illustrations. My stories are influenced by writers including Maurice Sendak and Chris Van Allsburg.
There are so many hidden messages in your illustrations. When the boy and the diver go underwater, I can see a $100 note, a fidget spinner, and what looks like a ‘Like’ notification. What social commentary does your book offer?
Most of the little details in my illustrations have some meaning, although sometimes it is only known to me. The underwater scene is my favourite. Wherever treasure can be found, there is also danger. Sometimes money-chasing, vanity and time-wasting can be just as dangerous as nasty eels and crabs!
‘I kept a drawer full of children’s books in my desk, mostly from Mary Martin Bookshop, because I secretly wanted to tell stories to children instead of adults.
One day I decided to do it.’
You originally self-published this book as The Midnight Tram. What did you learn while making a book from scratch?
It was a very big undertaking to self-publish a book. Some of the knowledge about printing and page layout I knew from my time at the newspaper, but books are a little different. There was a lot to learn about marketing, promotion and distribution. More than anything I learned that you should trust your instincts and persist no matter what.
You are now signed to Five Mile. What has it been like to work with a publisher?
It has been a great pleasure to work with the team at Five Mile. It is especially helpful to draw on their many years of experience. Their advice is always golden and it is comforting to discuss ideas with people who are as passionate about children’s books as I am.
Your new book, The Great Australian Bite, features a rollicking roadtrip around the country. As the states open up again, where in Australia would you love to visit?
I would love to visit Humpty Doo, which features in my new book. I have never been. I hear it rains a lot in Humpty Doo, but only for part of the year, and it is very beautiful all the time.
The book features an array of Australian animals. Which is your favourite?
My favourite animals in the book are the lizards in the Northern Territory because they are having a lot of fun. But my favourite Australian animals in real life are magpies because they have a lovely warble and they make great backyard companions.
What are you up to next?
I have started some new book projects for 2021, which is very exciting. It means I spend most of the day drawing, which is also very exciting.
This Christmas, in collaboration with Mitchell Toy and with the support of a City of Melbourne grant, Mary Martin Bookshop encourages kids to explore our wonderful city. For more information about our treasure hunt, please click here.
