Every year the Federation of Children’s Book Group (FCBG) host an award entirely judged by children. Across the country children first narrow nominees down to Top 50 Pick of the Year. From here, 10 finalists are selected that cover three categories – Younger Children, Younger Readers and Older Readers – and then countrywide voting opens! Since beginning in 1981, the FCBG Children’s Book Award has recognised both big name authors alongside newer and less well known ones and it will again 2025!
Malcolm Duffy is a finalist in the Older Readers category with Seven Million Sunflowers.
He has very kindly answered some questions for us about his book…
What drew you to writing about Kateryno and her family?
I wasn’t looking to write about the war in Ukraine, but when our family joined the Homes For Ukraine scheme, and we invited three generations of the same family to live with us, I simply had to write this story.
I wanted to explore what it’s like to have to suddenly leave your home, and live in a new country, with a different language, culture, traditions.
What experiences and/or research was involved in bringing this particular story to life?
I spent a lot of time with Sofia, the 18 year old member of the family, to help me understand about Ukrainian life and traditions, and how they differed from the UK. I also spoke to a lot of other Ukrainians, both young and old, about their hopes and fears.
I also drew upon the experience of my own family bringing three strangers (only one of whom spoke English) into our home.
Why do you think this title will draw in student readers?
I believe the title is intriguing. Who are the seven million? And what are the sunflowers? All will be revealed as the story unfolds.
How long did it take to write?
It took about nine months to write. I started the story about three months into the war, and follow the lives of Kat and her family up until the first anniversary of the war in February, 2023.
Do you think Kateryno would read this book? Why/why not?
I think Kat would read the book as it explores and explains what she has been through, opening the eyes of young people to the life of a refugee.
Kat may not read the book because it is too painful to go over the terrible things that have happened to her and her family.
What do you hope readers will take from your story?
I hope readers will understand a little more about what life is like for those who have fled a war zone. I also hope they will have a greater appreciation for the resilience, strength and courage of the Ukrainian people.
What conversations do you hope it might elicit?
I hope the story will elicit conversations about-
- Empathy, understanding what others have been through.
- Trauma, and the long-term damage wars can create.
- Benevolence, and the kindness of strangers.
- Forgiveness, and why it can be in short supply.
The cover is very striking, who created it and are you involved much in the way it will end up?
The cover was created by Jon Gray, who has produced covers for all my books. I was closely involved in approving the final artwork and was absolutely delighted with what Jon created.
Who was the most difficult character to write and why?
The most difficult character to write was Kat. The reason is that she’s not the person she was before the war. The trauma of the attack has changed her personality, so I had to create someone who reveals multiple sides of herself – kindness, fear, anger, confusion, hope.
Your proudest part of Seven Million Sunflowers?
I’m very proud of the opening chapter. I wanted to capture the horror of war, and its impact on the life of one person, in the most dramatic way possible.
Bonus barely related question: what’s your favourite flower?
It has to be the sunflower. Tall, distinctive, beautiful. A symbol of hope.
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Many thanks again to Malcolm for his time spent answering our questions.
You can find out more about Seven Million Sunflowers and the other titles in the FCBG Children’s Book Award using the links below or find the full Top 50 with great discounts for schools by clicking here.
