Former Maddington resident Chris Thomas is proving that when it comes to storytelling, a little heart and humour can go a long way, especially if there’s a duck or a “funcle” involved.
Thomas is celebrating not one, but two reprints of his popular children’s picture books. His latest release, My Uncle is a Funcle, has just gone to a second print run after strong demand, while his earlier title, Leonard The Lonely Duck, has reached a third.
“Both books have exceeded my expectations,” Thomas said. “Just getting them into print was the main aim, but to have follow-up print runs due to demand is a bonus.”
Leonard The Lonely Duck tells the story of a white duck who finds himself lost in an unfamiliar park, navigating the challenges of difference and learning to belong. The story, Thomas explains, was inspired by a real duck he spotted in his local park, looking rather out of place among the other birds.
His more recent title, My Uncle is a Funcle, is a playful rhyme-filled celebration of the fun uncle, the “funcle”, who breaks the rules, builds Lego towers, hands out ice cream, and champions adventure. It’s a book that doesn’t just entertain children but subtly nods to the importance of adult role models who know how to connect with kids.
“The ‘funcle’ idea was loosely based on myself as an uncle,” he said. “You can still be an adult and have fun, especially around children — be serious about what you do, just not necessarily the way you go about it.”
While Thomas has made a name for himself in the world of children’s books, his writing credits extend far beyond. He’s the author of Lethbridge-Stewart: Blue Blood, a licensed Doctor Who spin-off novel, as well as short stories, stage plays, and fiction for adults.
But it’s the feedback from young readers and parents that has meant the most.
“I’m told stories of two-year-olds saying, ‘Mummy, read book!’ and Leonard The Lonely Duck becoming a must-read bedtime story for weeks,” Thomas said. “When you hear feedback like that, you know you must be doing something right.”
