Who’s That Hopping There?

Interview with Brigette Weninger and Eve Tharlet, creators of the Davy series

Davy has delighted young readers around the world in this celebrated picture book series. Through his stories, he explores family, friendship, and everyday life from a child’s perspective. We sat down with author Brigitte Weninger and illustrator Eve Tharlet to talk about everyone’s favorite rabbit—and this final, heartwarming chapter in his adventures. This interview is translated from German by David Henry Wilson. 

Brigitte, what gave you the idea to write about Davy?

Brigette: There was an actual model for the very first Davy book. In my kindergarten group there was a sweet, clever little boy who had a bit of a temper. As I was never the most obedient of children myself and have always had a soft spot for such rebels, I started writing about him.

So why did he turn into a rabbit?

Brigitte: The great advantage of animal stories is that they have international appeal. Everyone knows that a rabbit has a completely different character from that of a bear or an elephant.  Rabbits are fast-moving and funny, and they have large families–like Davy!

Eve, you create vivid images based on Davy’s world. Where does the inspiration come from?

Eve: Davy came into the world at the time when I was observing my then three-year-old son. As soon as he woke up, he would put a little rucksack on his back, and would clutch his little teddy bear under his arm. This led to the hood for Davy’s ears and his toy rabbit. I also watched my small son’s behavior and emotions during different situations of daily life. Having a live model at home was marvelous! 

Do you have a favorite character?

Eve: I feel a kind of bond with all the characters, but I draw Davy more than the rest because he is always in the foreground of every story, so he’s always my “baby.”

In his latest adventure, Davy: A Garden for Everyone, Davy and his family help an older rabbit save her overgrown garden from a flood and then restore it to its former glory. Between them they create an oasis in which all the animals of the forest can come together and enjoy one another’s company. Brigitte, what gave you the idea for this story?

Brigitte: Eve and I realized that there were no Davy stories set in springtime, although that would make for great illustrations. After I’d done a reading in the communal gardens of my hometown, where everyone is free to pick the herbs, berries and flowers, I decided that would be a good subject for a story.

Through [Davy] we can learn that generosity, kind-heartedness and inventiveness are always welcome in life.

What can readers learn from Davy?

Eve: Davy is playful, but his ears are always open and he comes up with good ideas. Through him we can learn that generosity, kind-heartedness and inventiveness are always welcome in life.

What are your favourite memories of Davy?

Eve: Oh, there are so many! At one time, Brigitte told me about several possible new stories. One was so beautiful but so sad and emotional that both of us burst into tears. . . I’ll never forget that!

Brigitte: After nearly 30 years of Davy, there are thousands of lovely, funny, moving and enriching memories. I can’t pick on just one but am simply happy and grateful that I’ve always been able to work with dear, kind Eve. She can “see” and reproduce all the colorful images I have in my mind, even though I’ve simply written the words.