Interview: Chrissy Metge talks about Elemental Heroes: Copper Calamities
- NZ Booklovers
- 8 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Chrissy Metge is an Annie Award nominated producer and has been in the animation film and TV industry for 20 years, her love for children, storytelling and animation means it was natural for her to develop her own stories. Her screen credits include Entergalactic (Emmy Award Nominee), Ron's Gone Wrong, the Oscar-Winning Jungle Book 2016, Alvin and The Chipmunks Roadchip, The Hobbit Trilogy, IronMan 3, Fast and Furious 7, Hunger Games, Superman Man of Steel, Legend of the Guardians, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Gary of the Pacific, The WotWots TV Series, Bro Town TV Series. Chrissy is also the author of the Max and His Big Imagination series, and Amy’s Dreaming Adventures. Chrissy talks to NZ Booklovers.
You have just released the second in your popular series, Elemental Heroes: Copper Calamities. For those who don’t know the books, what is the premise of these children’s chapter books?
Twins Sophie and Joey navigate the fantastical world of Elemental Land. With each book, they face off against powerful characters of the periodic table's elements.
This series combines thrilling adventures with educational twists, introducing young readers to scientific concepts through engaging narratives and dynamic characters. Sophie's empathy and deductive reasoning paired with Joey's scientific savvy and sword-fighting skills make them a formidable duo as they tackle explosive enemies and unravel complex challenges. Their journey is not only about battling foes but also about learning the value of teamwork, problem-solving, and peaceful conflict resolution.
No spoilers, but what happens in Copper Calamities?
In Copper Calamities, twins Sophie and Joey are called to Elemental Land to tackle unrest caused by the mischievous coppers. After kidnapping a young iron, these eccentric coppers hatch a wild plan to steal the Statue of Liberty for ransom! It’s a story that’s funny, dangerous, and utterly original.
We understand your son Hunter inspired the books, can you tell us more about this?
Hunter aged five enjoyed reading a periodic table book for kids and from there the idea grew as Hunter got more into reading by age six we started to create the elemental world. Hunter created the map and all of the characters and their attributes which spring boarded off the story world into books and by doing this we can make science even more fun and natural children are very curious so it sparks all sorts of questions.
What was your process of creating the second book with your co-writer Karen McMillan?
Hunter and I developed the core premise of the world, mapped it out, and created the characters, along with a general outline for the story. Karen is incredible at bringing ideas to life—she drafted the first version quickly, and then we collaborated closely, refining details and threading in elements that connect across the series. Early on, Hunter helped choose the first three elements for books 1–3, which gave us a clear roadmap and made the writing process much smoother
What did you enjoy the most about publishing the latest book?
For me it's incredible to see a finished product inspired by a single idea and then see people enjoy reading it as much as we do.
What do you hope children will take away from reading?
First and foremost, joy! I want kids to see that science can be fun, adventurous, and full of surprises. I also hope they take away a sense of curiosity, bravery, and teamwork.
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros was incredible, I'm late to this series and I think I picked it up and read it in a weekend, loved the characters and how they as individuals had something to prove not only to themselves but their loved ones.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
More Books! We have a brand new series (also a Hunter idea) that we have brewing away and I would love to see book one out for that next year and of course book three for Elemental Heroes: Sulphur Surprise!
