‘Children have a natural curiosity and want to understand what’s going on’. BCNA-shortlisted debut author Mario Ambrosi on writing about dementia in Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures (Tiny Tree July 2025), his detective novel for 9+ years.
Congratulations on the publication of Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures. For those who haven’t read it yet, what’s it about?
Scarlett’s twelve and loves a detective story, but when her Gran goes missing, she faces a real-life case like no other. When Scarlett finds Gran, she’s confused and looking for something important — her missing pictures. Alongside her best friend Bournemouth, Scarlett launches an investigation but Gran’s memory is fading and there’s more to her missing pictures than it seems…
What inspired you to write a book that helps to demystify dementia?
The biggest difficulties are often for the adults trying to explain what’s happening while dealing with their own emotions at the same time. Nearly a million people in the UK have dementia and one in 11 people over the age of 65 so many children will know someone who’s living with dementia. When my kids were younger and seeing how it was affecting my uncle they just had a natural curiosity and wanted to understand what was going on.
Gran’s storyline also highlights the power of personalised social care. Can you say a little about your experience in this area?
After 20 years working in comms roles for a not-for-profit care home provider, I’ve seen so many examples of the difference it makes. “Person-centred care” is an important concept in social care. It’s about treating everyone as an individual and shaping support around people’s preferences, needs and values. Often that’s tied up with life history, the stuff that’s happened in people’s lives that makes us who we are – and reflecting that in the care provided.
So if you’ve always got up very early, say because you were a postman when you were younger, you may still want to do that even when you’re living with dementia in a care home. I met a man who had played the violin in his youth — his eyes lit up as he picked one up again, and his expression of pure joy is something I’ll never forget.
I’ve always been amazed at how key facts about someone’s life can be clues that help care professionals provide the best care possible. The idea of a 12-year-old girl and her sidekick turning detectives and learning about Gran’s life history seemed, as Sherlock might say, elementary.
What did it mean to you to shortlist for the Bath Children’s Novel Award in 2023?
A huge amount. Knowing your story has been picked out of so many entries from people in countries across the world is huge. The Bath Children’s Novel Award has a really strong reputation – maybe if I’d fully appreciated that before I entered I’d have been too shy to press “send” and missed out!
Did you have any favourite comments from the Junior Judges?
Oh, they said such lovely stuff and it was clear they put a lot of thought into it. These comments jumped out:
“A real page turner… I couldn’t wait to read more… it always caught me by surprise and kept me on the edge of my seat.”
“It had humour when wanted, and sincerity when needed.”
“It was constantly interesting as a mystery, with adventure running through it as well.”
“Completely original.”
It was also fantastic to read BNA judge and head of children’s books at The Agency Jessica Hare’s comment that it was “well-plotted with a satisfying emotional pay-off.”
Tell us about working with your publishers, Tiny Tree.
Tiny Tree had previously published a picture book for much younger children about dementia, which Dementia UK had mentioned on their website, so I knew Tiny Tree were interested in publishing books with a purpose. Working with a smaller publisher has also meant I could influence the design and cover. They’ve been fab and it’s felt like a real collaboration.
Where, when and how do you write?
I’m a morning person so start early and like to write at the bureau I inherited from my mum, though I’ll write anywhere. As an ex-journalist, I need a deadline, so competitions like the BCNA are helpful for that!
I can get a bit frantic with my typing. I got told off by a woman on the train recently because I was whacking the keys so hard.
If I’m struggling with something, such as a plot problem, I write it down in the form of a question – then either go for a run or sleep on it; try to let my latent processing answer my question for me.
You studied writing for children with the Golden Egg Academy. What was the best thing you learned?
Structure. Structure. Structure. My degree is in English and European Literature so I thought I knew a bit about novels but I don’t remember learning anything really useful about structure until GEA. The five act structure and the concept of thesis, antithesis, synthesis made a massive difference to the way I think about stories.
Lastly, any words of advice for any writers thinking of entering this year’s Bath Children’s Novel Award?
Enter. Just enter. You might surprise yourself!
Interview by Caroline Ambrose
MARIO AMBROSI leads the communications team at a not-for-profit provider of older people’s housing and care. Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures was shortlisted for the Bath Children’s Novel Award in 2023 and is out now with Tiny Books.
SCARLETT BUCKLING AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING PICTURES
Some mysteries are bigger than they seem…
Twelve-year-old Scarlett Buckling loves a detective story, but when her beloved Gran goes missing in the night, she faces a real-life case like no other.
Gran’s confused, frightened and desperate to find something important – her missing pictures. With the help of brainy best friend Bournemouth, Scarlett launches an investigation. But Gran’s memory is fading, Mum‘s useless boyfriend James is acting suspiciously and the clues don’t add up. As the kids dig deeper, they uncover a shocking truth – there’s more to Gran’s pictures than it seems and finding them might be the key to helping her feel safe again. But can Scarlett and Bournemouth solve the case before it’s too late?
A heartwarming mystery about family, friendship and finding connections that matter.
SCARLETT BUCKLING AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING PICTURES is out now at Bookshop.org |Amazon |
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Entries are now open for THE BATH CHILDREN’S NOVEL AWARD 2025
