Author Q&A with Dorothy Dowling – The Creative Mind Behind Chookity Chook & Chookity Chook and the Barnyard Parade

At Magic Moon Publishing, we love stories that bring joy, adventure, and a touch of mischief to young readers. That’s why we’re so excited about the upcoming release of Dorothy Dowling’s delightful books, Chookity Chook and Chookity Chook and the Barnyard Parade.

In these beautifully written, lyrical tales, readers meet Chookity Chook, a mischievous and adventurous little chicken, and his best friend, Lucy Goosey. Together, they embark on barnyard escapades full of humor, rhythm, and heart. With charming rhymes, playful language, and plenty of excitement, these books promise to be instant favorites for young readers and their families.

Ahead of the release, we sat down with Dorothy Dowling to learn more about her inspiration, love for storytelling, and what makes Chookity Chook such a special series!

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Chookity Chook

What inspired you to write Chookity Chook? Was there a particular moment or memory that

sparked the story?

Chookity Chook was born out of the joy and laughter I shared with my son when he was around four years old. He had a brilliant imagination and loved animals, fun, and games. We had chickens and other poultry, a pet sheep named Tilly, a Labrador called Larraby and a lot to do with my parents farm and their menagerie of animals including cats, goats, other pet sheep, kangaroos and horses.  I would make up little stories for him, stories that would evolve and grow with his playful spirit. My sisters did this too, and still do, with their own children and there was also a big dose of humour and silliness with all of our imaginations. My mum, their grandmother was also a brilliant storyteller and has a wonderful imagination.

Owning chooks and selling their eggs (as our little side hustle)  was fun for all my children, and we all loved how each chook, and our pet lamb Tilly,  had their own personality. We would imagine the conversations they had with each other, turning their little quirks into full-blown characters. We also had a couple of ducks and a few geese that would wander down to the dam in a procession each day, like a little parade. Of course, we were always wary of Mr. Fox, whom we also called Foxy Loxy, just as so many people name their animals and the creatures they share their world with.

Years later, I found myself in a place of deep despair after tragically losing my beautiful son Alex in an accident. My incredible husband (not Alex’s father) really encouraged me to celebrate Alex through writing this book. Though Chookity Chook was truly an Alex thing—rooted in the magic we created together—all my children have loved literature and stories, and they have all inspired me in different ways. They were all creative, full of ideas, and played with storytelling in their own unique ways. This story, though, started as something special between Alex and me.

However, as the years passed, my eldest daughter Charlotte also fell in love with Chookity Chook. She has been so loving and supportive, embracing the story just as much. A creative soul herself, she has supported me and reminded me of the story as I have reflected, strive to heal, and reimagine this little world as I worked on bringing it back to life. Charlotte would tell me how she imagined Chookity Chook, Foxy Loxy, and Lucy Goosey, and she was instrumental in advising and encouraging me as we developed the characters for illustration with our brilliant artist, Yogesh. Having her by my side in this journey has been a gift, making Chookity Chook not just a tribute to Alex, but a shared love with her as well. She has cheered me on beside my husband Ted and watched this go from concept to product and I couldn’t be more grateful at their generosity.

Chookity Chook and Lucy Goosey are full of energy and curiosity! How did you develop their characters, and what makes their friendship special?

Both Chookity Chook and Lucy Goosey are inspired by the boundless energy and curiosity of childhood. Chookity Chook is adventurous, mischievous, and always ready for fun, while Lucy Goosey is his loyal and clever companion. Their friendship is built on trust, teamwork, and quick thinking, qualities I saw in my children as they played and explored the world around them.

I also developed these characters through the imagined conversations we had with animals. My children and I would picture what they might say to each other: the chooks clucking away, laying eggs, exclaiming loudly, pecking the ground, and bustling through their day. The dogs would wander about with their loyal curiosity, and of course, the arrogant puss-cats would observe everything with their own sense of superiority! These playful imaginings made our animals feel like characters in their own right, full of personality and humor, and that’s exactly the energy I wanted to bring into Chookity Chook.

What makes Chookity Chook and Lucy Goosey’s friendship special is that they embrace each other’s differences. They don’t always think the same way, but together, they solve problems and find joy in every adventure. Their story reflects the beauty of childhood friendships, where imagination turns the ordinary into something magical.

The story has a wonderful, lyrical rhythm. Why did you choose to write Chookity Chook in this playful, rhyming style?

I have always loved language, and storytelling in rhyme has a special place in my heart. As a child, my mother read to me and my siblings every night, classics that shaped my love for literature. She passed that tradition down to her grandchildren, including my own children.

Rhyming stories, especially those with cadence, rhythm, and playful language, create an engaging, musical experience that captivates young readers. The natural flow of a well-structured rhyme draws children in, making the words fun to say and hear. My biggest influences include Dr. Seuss, Roald Dahl, and Enid Blyton, as well as Lynley Dodd (Hairy Maclary), Aaron Blabey (Thelma the Unicorn), and Jane O’Connor (Fancy Nancy) to name a mere few.

The rhyme and humor of Dr. Seuss is so engaging, and I wanted to bring that same sense of fun and playfulness to my own stories. His ability to make words bounce off the page, to create a rhythm that is exciting to read aloud, and to inject humor into stories is something I’ve always admired. I love how cadence and rhyme bring stories to life. They create a sense of movement, excitement, and anticipation.

My son Alex had a deep love for language. He was a skilled conversationalist, incredibly descriptive, and had a remarkable ability to name his emotions exactly and he could tell a captivating story. He was clever, thoughtful, and expressive, and I believe his love for words and storytelling shaped the way Chookity Chook came to life as I layered story telling and to a large degree bounced of my children’s enthusiasm. His enthusiasm for rhyme and playful expression is woven into this story, and in many ways, writing it has been a way to honor and celebrate that part of him.

The sing-song quality of rhythmic storytelling makes reading an interactive experience, one that enhances connection between the storyteller and the listener. For children, this style makes reading not just about words on a page but about feeling the energy of the story, immersing themselves in its rhythm, and engaging their imagination.

Chookity and Lucy have a close call with Foxy Loxy! What message do you hope young readers take away from their daring escape?

First and foremost, I want the story to be fun and funny! The adventure with Foxy Loxy is full of excitement, quick thinking, and a little bit of mischief, just the way kids love it.

Beyond the humor, I love the idea that people can become their own heroes. Chookity Chook and Lucy Goosey don’t wait around for someone else to save them. They use their wits, creativity, and teamwork to get out of a tricky situation. That’s an empowering message for all kids.

It’s also about friendship—sometimes, when things go wrong, having a good friend by your side makes all the difference. Chookity and Lucy prove that when you trust each other and think outside the box, you can handle just about anything, even a sneaky fox!

Another little message in the story is that seeking adventure is a great thing, and sometimes it’s good to push the boundaries, and step outside the gate, but it’s also important to be smart and stay safe. Chookity Chook is always up for excitement, but he also learns that not every situation is as harmless as it seems.

Most of all, I want kids to laugh, cheer, and have fun with the story. If they’re giggling while reading it (and maybe trying to out-cluck Chookity Chook themselves or laugh at Foxy Loxy’s imagination), and connecting with their person reading it to them, then I know it’s been worth it!

The barnyard setting feels so lively and fun! Did you grow up around farm animals, or do you have a special connection to this setting?

Yes! I grew up on a farm surrounded by animals, and it was a huge part of my childhood. We had chickens, geese, rabbits, horses, cows, sheep, dogs, and cats—not just for market but as pets, too. We went for rambling walks, built cubbies, played in creeks and experienced wildlife. My children had part of their childhood on a farm as well, and they spent a lot of time at their grandparents’ farm, where they formed their own special connection with animals.

Being close to the land has always been important to me, and I love how farm life and running wild and free sparks imagination. Animals have such personalities, and they make wonderful characters in storytelling. I also chose a playful, rhyming style because rhythm, language, and vivid scenes encourage imaginative play, something I’ve always valued for children.

Reading is a shared experience, and when kids engage with a fun, rhythmic story, it enhances their connection to the storyteller and the world around them.

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Chookity Chook and the Barnyard Parade

Chookity Chook and the Barnyard Parade takes Chookity on another fun-filled journey. Can you give us a sneak peek at what readers can expect in this book?

Oh, Chookity Chook is back—and this time, he’s got style! With his brand-new bow tie and waistcoat, he’s ready to strut his stuff. And what better way to show off than a grand barnyard parade?

But of course, Chookity Chook can’t do things by halves! As he marches and swanks about with his farmyard friends—Lucy Goosey in her fabulous sun hat, Duckity Doo in dapper boots, and Polly Puss looking extra fancy—things start to get a little… chaotic.

It’s a funny, lively, over-the-top adventure, filled with music, movement, and a big surprise twist when Chookity’s love for the spotlight takes things a step too far. Readers can expect laughter, rhythm, and a whole lot of personality in this next barnyard romp!

The barnyard animals come together in this story—what role does teamwork and friendship play in Chookity Chook and the Barnyard Parade?

This book is a celebration of friendship, fun, and a lot of fabulousness! It’s about the magic of play and shared experiences. Each of the barnyard animals brings their own unique charm to the parade, and while they all love to show off, it’s their togetherness that makes it special.

Friendship means cheering each other on, enjoying the moment, and helping out when things go a little sideways! Whether it’s Lucy Goosey’s loyalty, Duckity Doo’s enthusiasm, or Polly Puss’s flair, they all have a role to play.

Of course, every great group needs some steady hands (or wings!) to keep everything from completely unraveling. That’s where Old Specky Hen and Dame Edna Duck come in—wise, nurturing, and always ready with a boiled kettle and a plate of seed cake. They’re like the aunties or mothers of the barnyard, watching over the chaos with a knowing smile, keeping everyone fed, and making sure things don’t go too far off track.

Like any good team, the barnyard crew knows that even if one of them (ahem Chookity Chook) gets a little carried away, true friends (and a few wise aunties!) are always there to help you land on your feet (or wings, paws, trotters or hooves!).

Like the first book, Barnyard Parade is written in a lively, rhythmic style. How do you craft the perfect rhyme and flow for your stories?

For me, rhyme isn’t just about making words sound good—it’s about making them feel alive. The rhythm of a story should make you want to move, sway, and join in the fun.

I love playing with cadence, humor, and word sounds to make the language bounce off the page. I draw inspiration from the playful rhythm of Dr. Seuss, the clever rhymes of Lynley Dodd, and the fun storytelling of Aaron Blabey.

I read my lines out loud again and again, tweaking them until they have the right energy and feel good in the mouth. If a rhyme makes me grin—or better yet, giggle—I know it’s working!

Your books are perfect for reading aloud. What makes a great read-aloud story for children, and what do you hope families will experience when reading Chookity Chook together?

A great read-aloud story draws kids in, makes them laugh, and invites them to join in the fun. I think the best stories to read aloud have:

✔ Playful language that feels fun to say (including a few made up words)

✔ Strong rhythm that makes reading feel musical.

✔ Moments to pause, giggle, or guess what happens next.

I hope families enjoy the rhythm, the humor, and the silliness of it all. I love the idea of kids clucking like Chookity Chook, flouncing like Polly Puss, marching like Duckity Doo while they listen and dressing up and imagining they are anyone or anything.

Reading together is such a special, shared experience, and if Chookity Chook brings laughter, snuggles, and maybe even a few impromptu barnyard parades at home, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

If there’s one thing you’d love children to take away from Chookity Chook and Chookity Chook and the Barnyard Parade, what would it be?

That being yourself is wonderful, that fun and laughter make life brighter, and that sometimes, even when things don’t go to plan, it’s all part of the adventure.

I love celebrating big personalities, quiet legends, creativity, and a little bit of silliness. Chookity Chook is cheeky, full of fun, and loves to stand out—but he also learns that sometimes you can get a little too carried away!

Most of all, I want kids to come away feeling joyful. To feel like reading is an adventure, that stories can make them laugh, and that sometimes, life is better when you put on a fancy hat, grab your friends, and have a parade - just because you can!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

For over five years, I’ve had the privilege of living, working, and exploring the Top End of Australia with my best friend (my husband). This is true Outback country—rugged, vast, and alive with character. To put it in old terms, it’s Crocodile Dundee country, filled with larger-than-life personalities, an element of danger, close-knit communities and breathtaking landscapes.

Most of my time was spent in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, with it’s incredible rivers, lakes, gorges and waterfalls as well as the Pilbara desert regions, where the land surprises you with magical bursts of waterholes that bring life. The incredible Aboriginal communities here hold deep wisdom and storytelling traditions that stretch back thousands of years. Their stories, woven into land, sky, and water, carry knowledge, history, and a connection to Country that is profoundly inspiring.

I have also ventured into parts of North Queensland, with magnificent beaches, waterfalls, and breathtaking country where rainforest meets ocean. Right now, I’m exploring the Northern Territory and its massive waterways, winding rivers, pristine lakes, and awe-inspiring gorges. The landscape is wild and untouched, teeming with brumbies, wallabies, kangaroos, crocodiles, and an incredible array of bird and marine life. Life here is about fishing, boating, hiking, camping, 4WD adventures, and embracing the spirit of exploration in some of the most remote and pristine places in Australia. Small, tight-knit communities are dotted across this vast land, each with its own unique culture, resilience, and warmth. They bring inspiration, awe and an ancient cultural insight.

Beyond writing, I have an incredible family and we are all very close. I am a nurse and midwife, and I absolutely love delivering babies, working in the maternal child health section with community midwifery and nursing, spending time with little kids and their parents and mapping community health planning. There is something truly special about watching new life enter the world, helping children grow, explore, and embrace life, connections, and stories. I am passionate about playing my part in building a better world where families thrive, one where every child has access to opportunities, education, and support, regardless of where they live. Ensuring accessibility and equity is at the heart of my work, whether through healthcare, storytelling, or community engagement. Their curiosity, joy, and boundless imagination inspire me, and that’s exactly the spirit I try to bring to my books.

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Coming in 2025 from Magic Moon Publishing, Chookity Chook & Chookity Chook and the Barnyard Parade.

Connect with Dorothy on Instagram, Facebook, or via her website!

Instagram: @dorothydowlingbooks

Facebook: Dorothy Dowling 

Website: www.dorothydowling.com