Author chat: Alex Falase-Koya

Firstly, Alex, huge congratulations on being shortlisted twice for the IBC Awards, for two previous titles in the Marv series! How did it feel when you heard the good news, and how important is this recognition for you as an author?

Thank you! I always feel amazed when anyone says anything nice about my books. So, getting shortlisted for the Inclusive Books for Children Awards was just amazing, and I'm so glad that it happened. This type of recognition really encourages me. It makes me keep pushing and want to make new stuff and be as good as I can be.

Marv and the Duck of Doom is a fantastic series addition. The idea of a villainous Professor Feather and a giant robotic duck henchman is wildly wacky, imaginative and fun — where did your inspiration come from?

I think giant ducks are just kind of funny in their own right. I also have some duck ponds nearby. And do you know what I’ve learnt about duck ponds? Kids LOVE duck ponds. Ducks — they're fun!

There’s a gentle theme of legacy in this book and, indeed, throughout the whole series, through Marvin’s connection with his grandpa. Was it important to you to weave this intergenerational relationship into the superhero narrative?

I love the idea that the things you're going through aren’t completely unique to you. Your family has probably gone through them before, and I find it really sweet that you can rely on your family and their experiences.

Kindness and imagination are key qualities in Marv, the superhero. Why did you choose those two qualities specifically?

Well, kindness and Imagination, especially when combined, have the power to really change the world. When we treat people with kindness, when we make sure that we’re all looking after each other, and when we have the imagination to do whatever it takes to ensure that we’re all treated fairly, I think it allows us to do really powerful things.

You’ve written for young adults and co-written novels for older children, eg, the Marcus Rashford Breakfast Club series. What are the key challenges when writing highly illustrated books, like the Marv series, for young children just starting to read independently?

For me, the key challenge is making something that feels exciting and engaging to the reader early in the narrative. If somebody’s reading their first book, that’s hard enough without the story being boring. If reading is a challenge to the reader, then you want the story to reward them, pull them through and encourage them to keep reading and keep trying.

Talking of illustrations, how cool is Paula Bowles’ two-tone artwork for the Marv series? Have you had much input into Paula’s illustration process?

Paula Bowles is a fantastic illustrator, and I really love all the work she does on the Marv series. To be quite honest, when it comes to the illustrations, I generally take a step back and leave that to Paula and our fabulous designer, Lily Trotter. They’re much smarter than me when it comes to knowing things about illustration and making things look great. So, yeah.

And here’s a burning question — what’s the deal with Grandpa’s super cool yet mysterious sunglasses? Will he ever take them off?

Yes! Grandad’s cool sunglasses. Yeah, who knows? Maybe we will address that in a book in the future. Maybe he’ll have laser eyes or something — no promises though!

Your cute cats, Akira and Simone, often get mentioned in the Marv books’ notes. Will they ever feature in one of your stories?

Yeah, I love my amazing little cats. Will they be featured in a book in the future? I think they have to at some point. It’s just a matter of time.

When you’re not writing books, what do you like to do for fun or relaxation?

I like watching movies and sometimes playing video games. There’s also reading. I like doing that a lot.

Without giving too much away, a slightly surprising disclosure at the end of Duck of Doom made me wonder if this might be the last book in the series. Tell me I’m overthinking it — will there be more Marv for fans to enjoy?

Do not panic! There will definitely be more Marv books! We have more in the pipeline. Hopefully, you’ll be able to read them soon.

Any other book news you’d like to share?

I have no book news I can share right now. I have lots of secret book news, but I don’t want to get into trouble!

Finally, if you could have a custom-made superhero suit, what special gadgets or human qualities would you want it to be powered by?

If I could have a super suit, I would want to be able to fly. I think I’d be incredibly cool. I wouldn’t have to wait for buses and trains all the time.

Marv and the Duck of Doom is out now! Read our IBC review here.

Also, check out our Marv booklist, where you can read our reviews of all the books in the series so far.

Thanks to OUP and Paula Bowles for their kind permission to use book cover images for this blog.

WIN a signed book!

Fancy winning a SIGNED copy of Marv and The Duck of Doom? We’re giving away signed copies and bookmarks to three lucky readers, courtesy of the publisher OUP!

All you need to do is answer this simple multiple-choice question:

Which of these activities does Alex Falase-Koya like to do to relax in his spare time?

(Choose ONE of the answers below.)

1. Knit scarves
2. Watch movies
3. Visit duck ponds

Email your answer to contact@inclusivebooksforchildren.org with the subject line 'MARV GIVEAWAY'.

Make sure you include your name and postal address, so we know where to send your prize if you win!

Deadline: 31 May 2025

Three winners will be selected at random from correct entries and notified shortly after.

Good luck!