Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Sarah Jancevski!
It’s a pleasure to welcome author Sarah Jancevski to the blog to talk about the crocodile in the room, or bath, rather – the exciting fun of The Tug of the Plug. Paired with vibrant, energetic and hilarious illustrations by Nicole Allin, this rollicking, rhyming story about Wiley on a daring mission to escape the drain sucks us readers into a whirlwind of fun and adventure! With cunning characters and trusty friends, The Tug of the Plug is a phonological, fantastical and fabulously nonsensical bathtime, bedtime or anytime read for young children. It’s sure to make a big splash in the book world!
Thank you for sharing this charming story with us, Sarah! 🙂
About the Author
When she’s not writing about quirky characters on wild adventures, Sarah Jancevski is a paediatric occupational therapist. She spends her workdays jumping in ball pits and covered in paint, helping to support children with developmental delays.
Sarah’s family recently made the move to the Sunshine Coast, and they’ve just welcomed their third child into the chaos!
Please find Sarah Jancevski at her website: www.sarahjancevski.com and on Instagram and TikTok.
Please find the illustrator, Nicole Allin on Instagram.
The Tug of the Plug is available for purchase via Sarah Jancevski’s website.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
Author: Sarah Jancevski
Illustrator: Nicole Allin
Publisher: Starfish Bay Publishing
WHAT is it about?
The Tug of the Plug follows Wiley, a crocodile who accidentally gets sucked down his bath plughole and is sent on a wild adventure. On his journey home, Wiley encounters all sorts of challenges – from creepy sewer monsters and grumpy old grannies to a sly circus ringmaster.
What is your favourite part of this book?
I love the moment when Wiley joins forces with his new friends to pull off a daring escape from the circus. It’s a turning point filled with teamwork, excitement, and heart—everything that makes the story come alive.
WHEN did you begin writing this book?
I wrote the first version of this story in 2014 as a short, playful poem for a university assignment. In 2022 while on maternity leave, I revisited that poem and, with the help of my incredible editor Marlo, shaped it into the story it is today.
When is its release / launch date?
The book officially launched on May 5, 2025!
WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?
The inspiration came from the wonderfully weird questions children ask. Questions like “Do spiders fart?”, “Do fish get thirsty?”, “What do clouds taste like?”, and “Do crocodiles take baths?” planted the seed for Wiley—a routine-loving crocodile who gets swept away (literally!) on an unexpected adventure.
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
The Tug of the Plug means a lot to me because it captures the playful, quirky, and adventurous spirit I adored in books growing up. It’s the kind of story I would’ve read over and over, and it makes me so happy to think that kids today might do the same with it.
Why would its message resonate with readers?
Because it encourages readers to step outside their comfort zone and think of all the adventures that await them when they do.
HOW do you feel about the illustrations / cover design? How do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?
The illustrations truly bring Wiley’s personality to life. Nicole Allin has captured his emotions beautifully, and the variety of perspectives in the artwork helps readers experience the world through Wiley’s eyes. The layout of the illustrations helps to build excitement and matches the energy of the text.
We love the energy of this book! Congratulations, Sarah! 🙂
#thequicksixinterview #thetugoftheplug #adventure #friendship #picturebook #justkidslit
