The animals all had a wonderful time
... until Echidna Jim went for a swim.

It’s a fun day at the beach for all the animals! They splash and surf and paddle and bob. But what will happen when prickly Echidna Jim goes for a swim?

Phil Cummings

Where were you born? Where do you live now? 
I was born in Pt Broughton South Australia and I now live in the Adelaide foothills.

Where did you go to school?
I went to school and grew up in Peterborough in the Mid-North of South Australia.

Did you have a nickname?
Seagull

What were you like in school?
I was reasonably quiet and I loved playing sport. 

What is the naughtiest thing you did?
I’d rather not say!

What was your favourite book growing up?
To Kill a Mockingbird.

Who is your favourite children’s author?
Roald Dahl

What is your favourite food/colour/movie? 
ANZAC Biscuits / Blue / It’s a Wonderful Life.

Who inspired you to write?  
My teachers

How did you get started?  
Writing poems and lyrics.

How old were you? 
About 16

Why did you want to be a writer?
I love to tell a story.

How do you think up ideas?
I observe the world around me, listen to conversations, delve into memories and I do a lot of imagining.

Do you have a special place where you write? 
My study

What is the best thing about being a writer? 
Sharing my stories.

Have you had any funny or embarrassing moment as a writer? 
Too many to mention!

What do you do when you are not writing? 
I listen to music, play guitar (badly) garden and watch sport. 

What would you have chosen to be if you were not a writer? 
I was a junior primary school teacher for 22 years and would have continued to do that if I hadn’t become a writer.

Which famous person from the past would you like to talk to?    
Nelson Mandela

Website/blog details
philcummings.com