Meet cartoonist, comic artist and illustrator Toby Morris

Toby Morris is the author of Dad Man Walking, published by Penguin Random House New Zealand

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Find out more about the book.

It's busy to be a father and to be a writer, on top of all the other things we are in life. Tell us how you fit writing into your day. How does parenthood play a role in your work?

A lot of the time fatherhood and work get quite separated - there’s work and there’s home and I don’t often get to directly talk about the kids or being a dad in my work. The thing is though that you do carry it with you - you’re a dad 24/7, so it does affect how I think about the world. I really love it when I do get a chance to write about my family life - I’ve just finished a book about fatherhood and it was so fun - there’s so many good stories there and we all share lots of the same experiences.

Do you have an enduring memory of your father and books?

My dad does a killer pirate voice. Recently over lockdown he’s made a few videos reading stories for all the grandkids, and his rendition of Captain Pugwash brought lots of memories flooding back.

If you could recommend one book for your kids to read now (or in the future) what would it be?

One series I’ve just read together with my two boys is the fantasy comic Bone - that’s so good, recommend that to all kids.

If you were to write a book about your experiences as a father, what would the title be?

I just have! I’ve got a new book called Dad Man Walking that will be available as soon as we’re in level 3.

Is there a book you would suggest all new fathers should read to prepare themselves for the journey ahead?

Ha, I might suggest reading something that’s not about parenting, enjoy the last days before parenting takes over your life forever!