Building Dreams with David Youell: The Story Behind SeaMouse Builds a Boat

In SeaMouse Builds a Boat, David Youell introduces readers to Mouse, a determined and imaginative character with a big dream. With gentle humour, vibrant illustrations and a splash of seaside adventure, this story follows Mouse as he sets out to build his very own boat.

Through resourcefulness, problem-solving and perseverance, Mouse shows young readers that setbacks can be overcome and that working hard toward a goal can be incredibly rewarding. Full of heart and encouragement, SeaMouse Builds a Boat is a celebration of persistence and possibility.

In this Q&A, David reflects on the inspiration behind Mouse's adventure, the creative process, and what he hopes children will take away from the story.

What first inspired the idea of Mouse building a boat?

I have always been into creative writing and enjoy making up small stories. The idea of Mouse building a boat came from my own childhood memories, where I would gather any empty box, bottle, or carton I could find at home and make things or create my own stories with them. One I remember fondly was making small floating boats to race at the local stream. I wanted to write a children’s story that could capture this memory and also inspire children to do the same. Becoming a father for the first time enabled me to realise my own dream, and this inspired me to create and write SeaMouse Builds a Boat as a celebration and dedication to my son.

Mouse is such a determined and endearing character. How did you go about developing his personality?

I wanted to create a character that children could instantly like and relate to. A friendly face and one that embodies strength and determination. I started by observing my newborn son and imagining how someone so small might navigate a big, sometimes overwhelming world, and that naturally led to qualities like determination, resourcefulness and heart. I wanted readers to root for him despite the challenges he faced. The endearing side came naturally from his curiosity and kindness and his will to succeed no matter how big a challenge he faced.

What do you hope children take away from the story about resilience and following your dreams?

I hope children come away from the story feeling that it's ok to face challenges and feel uncertain about things, but these moments don’t mean they should give up. Resilience is not about being perfect, it's about getting back up, keeping trying and believing in yourself even when things are tough. I also want them to know that dreams might take time and not always follow a straight path, but if you stay determined and true to who you are – keep going and you can do wonderful things. No dream is too big, and if it's in your heart, it's worth chasing.

The seaside setting is beautifully brought to life. What influenced your choice of setting?

The seaside has always been a special place for me. Growing up in the Midlands, I was always several hours away from the nearest beach, so any trip to the seaside was a special treat and one that gave me my happiest memories as a child. The feeling of freedom, happiness and fun. I still get excited even to this day about being at the seaside, so I believed it was the perfect setting for the story about following your dreams.

Were there any challenges you faced while writing the story or shaping the plot?

The only challenge I faced was finding the right balance between keeping the story simple but at the same time making sure it carried depth and emotion and kept readers entertained. I wanted young readers to connect with SeaMouse and his journey and be inspired by it. I wanted to make sure each step of SeaMouse's adventure helped him grow without losing the heart of the story.

How did you find the process of working with an illustrator to bring your characters to life?

Working with Martynas was such a special part of the process. Seeing Mouse come to life the way I pictured him was exciting. Martynas managed to capture little details like moods, emotions, and expressions that I hadn’t even thought about. SeaMouse was no longer just in my head but was now on a page. It was magical.

What was your favourite part of writing SeaMouse Builds a Boat?

My favourite part was seeing Mouse dream big and never give up. Even when his boat was just a dream, he kept going. Writing the story was enjoyable and was like building his boat alongside him. Challenging at times but full of heart, hope and little surprises.

I also enjoyed adding the creative activity part at the end of the story so that the fun continues even after the story has finished.

Why do you think stories about determination and creativity resonate so strongly with young readers?

I think they resonate so strongly with young readers because they are both inspiring and relatable. Young readers often face challenges each day as they grow, be it nursery, school, learning new things or understanding themselves. These stories show characters who overcome obstacles through persistence and imaginative thinking. They encourage young readers to believe in their own abilities and to keep going.

What do you enjoy most about writing for children?

What I enjoy most about writing for children is the opportunity to spark their imagination and curiosity. Watching my own young son enjoy my story brings an overwhelming sense of pride and emotion. Young children see the world in such a creative and open-minded way, and I loved being able to create a story that might make a child feel comforted, excited, laugh, and believe in their own dreams. For me, that is the best reward.

How can readers connect with you and find out more about SeaMouse Builds a Boat?

I'm currently working on a website that will share more about SeaMouse - it will be launching soon! In the meantime, readers can stay updated by following publisher news or keeping an eye out on social media for announcements. I'm excited to connect with readers and share more about Mouse’s adventures as they unfold.