All my life I have loved humorous books. All the 4-page books I made as a child were to amuse my family.

Animals have been a favourite subject. They are non-racist and don't get offended when drawn doing silly things.

My first real efforts to become a children's book person, were made in the years when my two younger daughters were writing their matriculation. I must have been under the impression that I would have lots of time on my hands. I did twelve books - none of which ever got published. It was only when I won the Daan Retief prize that I got books to illustrate - all from Daan Retief Publishers.

After illustrating forty books one gets a good idea how to write. However, I have had a wonderful mentor in Niki Daly who has helped and inspired me.

My grandchildren have also been a source of inspiration.

It's quite a lonely career and one seldom hears if anyone has even seen any of the books. On the other hand Grandchildren like you to read the same book over and over until you are sick of it.

Another way to get together with people is to do workshops. One not only learns a lot but it is such a reward to see the sparkle in peoples’ eyes when they have achieved things that they didn't expect.

Joan Rankin - 2008