The Lost Moustache

The Lost Moustache is a story about little Frankie, who one day, finds a moustache. Baffled, she launches an investigation in order to return it to its rightful owner.

It's such a fun book, with an unexpected ending ... 

Vikki Conley is a professional writer, who has worked with diverse communities in Africa, Asia, and Australia for over 20 years. She is one of the most prolific emerging children's writers with seven picture books being released in the next two years. Vikki is an intrepid traveler, nature lover and creative all-rounder. 

Inspired by nature and her country/seagoing childhood, Vikki writes and shares stories that celebrate the spirit of wonder, adventure, and freedom that she wishes every child could enjoy. 

She lives in Eltham, Victoria, Australia

The Lost Moustache 
Red Paper Kite
Author: Vikki Conley
ISBN: 9780648674207 

Interview with Vikki Conley

Question: What inspired the story of The Lost Moustache?

Vikki Conley: The idea for the story came to me like a dream. I just woke up one morning with the title in my head. I said, "hello nice to meet you" and started writing.

The story quickly formed into a fun search for a lost costume moustache on dress up day, set in a theatre.

The performing arts, costume and dressing up, are all things that and close to my heart. Years ago, I studied drama, and I've enjoyed acting on stage in a few plays. Those that know me well have celebrated many themed dress-up parties with me. In my lifetime I've been a lion, a teddy-bear, Pocahontas, an African queen and Cleopatra.


Question: What was the best thing about creating the character of Frankie?

Vikki Conley: That she was quirky. I like things that are a little kooky. To create a character who was searching for the owner of a lost moustache, opened up the doors to have a lot of fun with the story. Frankie meets a pirate, a queen, a lion, a chef and a dancer. It was a real hoot to create the interactions between Frankie and all of these colourful and varied characters.

Question: What do you enjoy most about writing for young readers?

Vikki Conley: That I get to visit my inner child again and again. That part of my job includes closing my eyes and remembering the exhilaration and wonder of childhood, as well as the fragile and tender moments.

Also, then sharing my stories with children at schools and libraries and seeing the wonder and joy in their expressions and reactions.


Question: What's next, for you?

Vikki Conley: There's a little something that I'm working on with Red Paper Kite for 2021. I also have another picture book being released later this year called Tomorrow Girl. Finding some time to finish off a junior fiction and chapter book manuscript, is also top of my list.


Interview by Brooke Hunter

The Lost Moustache 
Red Paper Kite
Author: Vikki Conley
ISBN: 9780648674207