Molly Meets Zoe Tucker

We are over the moon to have met Zoe Tucker, the creative star behind some of our very favourite children’s books. After meeting children's author Helen Stephens, who couldn't stop singing the illustrators praises we couldn't wait to talk with her... read on to find out more.

Describe your job in 3 words?

Creative, playful and colourful

What’s the best thing about what you do?

Discovering new artists, and spending everyday working with some of the best illustrators in the country.

What’s your next big interior challenge?

It’s all a bit of a challenge! I’d like to say I’m amazing at interior stuff, but the truth is, we have a very small house and a lot of stuff to go in it. My boyfriend and I both work in children’s publishing and have a lot of books to house, as well as his ever growing pile of artwork. Storage is tricky in a little two up two down.

Are you all about long lie ins or up with the lark?

Up with the lark. I like the quiet of the morning, and the light. Recently I’ve been trying to do a drawing a day in 30 minutes first thing in the morning. It’s very meditative, and a nice way to begin the day, before I get stuck into emails and work stuff.

Instagram or Twitter?

Twitter is work, Instagram fun. I’m quite new to Instagram, still finding my feet.

What's on your bed today?

3 wombats and an owl . . .

Do you wear a nightdress, pjs, or nothing?

All of the above and then sometimes nothing at all . . . can I say that?

Who would you invite to your dream midnight feast? Dead /alive/animal?

Tove Jansson, Mog the Forgetful Cat (hopefully she wouldn’t forget) and maybe Ryan Gosling to look at.

How do you like your eggs?

I can’t poach an egg (don’t judge me) so if I’m making the eggs, it’s soft boiled with soldiers. If someone else is making my breakfast, then poached on sourdough toast, maybe with something green, like pea-shoots. YUM!

Clean sheet Friday or clean sheet Sunday? (Harriet and I disagree)

I feel certain this question must stress everyone out. The answer is when I remember. I mean we don’t languish in filthy sheets, but you know . . . life’s frantic. If I had all the time in the world it would be Friday, so we have nice cosy clean sheets for the weekend.

Flat sheet or fitted sheet?

Fitted, but I'd like to learn flat, can you teach me?

Do you have a bedtime ritual, can you share it with us?

Herbal tea, and a spot of radio 4 comedy.

You’re off for a weekend camping.. What one luxury would you take from your bedroom?

Obviously my bed and everything on it. I’d take Adam with me too, he’s much better at camping than I am, he remembers all the practical bits.

Tell us a secret?

I love singing, and secretly I would love to sing in an acapella group.

Who should Molly meet next?

Finola Maynard, ceramicist and teacher of wonderful pottery classes in Sussex. Her personal work is just beautiful. She has a gorgeous aesthetic, and the colours of her pieces are delicious