Kensy and Max: Breaking News is out there in the world and I am thrilled to be celebrating with fans around the country. We’ve had some fabulous events so far and more to come.
There has been so much interest in the media and I am humbled and grateful for the feedback and reviews that the story has received.
It occurred to me that fans would have loads of questions on the new series and so we decided to put together a little Q&A for Kensy and Max and myself:
Jacqueline, can you tell us a little about Kensy and Max’ lives as “Breaking News” commences?
Kensington and Maxim are 11 year old twins who have never really led what would be called a ‘normal’ life. Their mother (Anna) is a doctor and their father (Ed), a paramedic and they have spent their entire lives living in different ski resorts. Interestingly, the family (including the children’s ‘Manny’, Fitz) never return to the same ski resort twice. The twins are resourceful, make friends easily and are devoted to each other, their parents and Fitz, who takes care of them and even teaches them when school terms don’t align. The children and Fitz are due to meet Ed and Anna in Switzerland when something unexpected happens…
Kensy, can you describe your twin brother in five words?
Clever, immaculate, calm, patient, competitive
Max, can you describe your twin sister in five words?
Smart, messy, impulsive, kind, competitive
Jacqueline, when did the idea for the series come to you?
To be honest, the idea of a boy and girl set of twins came into my head 10 years ago- around the same time that the Alice-Miranda series. The idea was shelved in a bottom drawer and then, last year, incredibly, so many ideas exploded into my mind, characters started to really take shape, the backstory involving code cracking, secret (or not so secret) spy agencies and, of course, two very different but very relatable protagonists. Add in two hilarious butlers, a mysterious businesswoman, an amazing country home and a school which isn’t quite what it seems and the scene is almost set for ‘Breaking News’.
Max, can you tell us something that you are good at, that Kensy isn’t?
That’s easy for me. Map reading!
Kensy, can you tell us something that you are good at, that Max isn’t?
I love pulling things apart, but, unlike Max, when I put them back together again they are better than before.
We also have a fabulous updated version of the book trailer which you can watch here. If you have read or are reading Kensy and Max I’d love to hear your thoughts on the story. I am just about to resume working on the second book in the series which will be out in September.
That sounds AMAZING! I can’t wait!
Mabie I will find it the luky book club!♡♡♡
Maybe – I think that Book Club is taking the book so that would be good!
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Yay! In one book they are going to London, Switzerland, Zermatt-in South Africa- and Australia??? Wow! And you have already started the second book!!! AND you’re still keeping up with Alice-Miranda and Clemintine Rose?!!
That’s why you are my faviourate roll model!!!
P.S
I saw Kensy and Max-Breaking News- in Target yesterday. Next time I go there I’m gonna get it!!! Thanks!
Hi Lexi,
Zermatt is in Switzerland but there is also an African connection in the story too. I hope you get to read the book soon. I am loving hearing the readers’ feedback. Thanks for your kind words 🙂
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
love it!
Same
Oooh, the website update is amazing!
Thanks Yasmin!
Would you believe, I only just saw it- it does look pretty amazing! Thanks to some very clever people at web designers and the incredible team at Penguin Random House.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Dear Jacqueline,
I LOVED reading Kenya and Max! I almost cried when I finished it, and found out that I have to wait 6 MONTHS until the 2nd book! I hope this is a long series because I hate when series end!
Best Wishes in your writing ✍️.
Hi Charlotte,
I’m so thrilled that you loved it and I’m sorry it’s a little while until the next book. My schedule is really crazy and I’ve just finished Alice-Miranda in Scotland so I’m afraid I’m just getting back into Kensy and Max 2 at the moment but I can promise you I think it’s going to be even better than the first one.
Have a wonderful Easter break.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!!!♡♡♡
It’s cool how April fools day land’s on Easter!
Yes I understand it’s the first time in Australia that has happened and the end of Daylight Savings too.
New Zealand too!
Same to you Kyla!
I loved the Kensy and Max books I could not pull my eyes away from the book it was so good
Thanks Sofia – I’m so pleased that you’re enjoying it!
Hey Jacqueline
What’s the code under the chapters in book 2 and 3 of Kensy and max
Oh and I llllllllllllloooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvveeeeeeee u your awesome and I have all your Books and try to reply quickly
Thank you Matilda, I’m thrilled to hear you enjoy my books!
Jacqueline 🙂
Hi Matilda,
The code in Kensy and Max: Disappearing Act (book 2) is the Pigpen Cipher and the code in Kensy and Max: Undercover (book 3) is called the Atbash Cipher. If you flick to the back of the books (book 2 – p.341, book 3 – p. 371) these are explained and the chart for how to crack the code is below the description of the ciphers! 🙂
Happy reading,
Jacqueline
Happy reading,
Jacqueline
Thank you soooooo much for the book launch!! It was so great finally meeting my favorite author and being able to have a photo with her! Thank you for the poster as well!! I will let you know what my friends reaction is when I give her the signed copy of Alice Miranda in the Palace!!!
Your SOOO lucky!
♡♡♡
Thanks Ashlyn – I loved my visit to the west and I hope your friend enjoys the book! It was great to meet you too x
Wow! I wish that happened to me as well!
I have read the book and love it. It is cool to have a book about spies from one of my favourite authors. Also Kensy and Max balance each other out so well. (Kensy is my fave)
From your biggest 13 yr old fan, Beth
Thanks Beth – I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the book – the second one is well underway!
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Hi Jacqueline
I’m half way through Kensy and Max; I was saving up for it but then my dad surprised me by getting it for me!
I love your books so much they inspired me to write my own and see if I can get it published!
I was wondering how old the characters in the latest Alice- Miranda are.
I was wondering; do you have other ideas for books you haven’t written about? ( because you said that the Kensy and Max idea came to you at the same time as Alice Miranda but you only started to write it now)
From Lexi
Ps. I have some drawings of your characters and I would really like you to see them
Hi Lexi,
I’m so sorry I missed you at Joondalup. We were in a big hurry to go as we had to catch a plane back to Sydney. That’s great that your dad surprised you with the book – awesome and I hope that you enjoy it. I think it’s wonderful you want to be a writer too. In the next Alice-Miranda the older kids are about 13 and 14 and Alice-Miranda is now just over 10. I don’t have any other characters floating around in my head at the moment the way Kensy and Max did for so long but I’m sure it won’t be too long and someone will make an appearance. I’d love to see your drawings. You could scan them and email to me jacqueline@jacquelineharvey.com.au if you like.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
I just finished reading Kensy and Max ‘Breaking News’ ! I totally loved it!
I has looking in the library for it and suddenly there is was! I was so excited and stayed up till about 11:00 reading it. I can’t wail until the next one!
I was just looking through the comments and read that next, Alice-Miranda will be 13! I’m 13 too so I can’t wait.
I’ve also got some pictures and I hope you don’t Mind if I email them to you too!
Love from Dunedin, New Zealand
Minami
Hi Minami,
I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed Kensy and Max – I’m working on the new one – literally now. I will have to check those comments because Alice-Miranda is only going to be 10 but Millie is 13. I might have made a mistake there. Even though AM is still young she’s got an old head on her shoulders 🙂
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Sorry! I think I read that one wrong!
Good luck on your writing and I’m looking forward to your next books!
❤️ Minami
Hi Jacqueline,
I have absolutely loved reading Kensy and Max! I can’t wait for the next one to come out!
Thanks Julia – I am so thrilled that you loved it!
Hi Jacqueline,
My friend was soooooo exited to get the book!
Because she couldn’t make it I got my copy signed for her and then on Monday we swapped copies.
It was all she could talk about the whole day!!
I have read so many books this holidays that I almost don’t have any books left.
I just finished reading the Keeper of the Lost Cities series and now I am dying for the 7th book to come out in November. I also can’t wait for Alice- Miranda in Scotland to come out!!!
~Ashlyn
Thanks Ashlyn – I’m so happy that your friend was excited about the book. Alice-Miranda in Scotland will be here before you know it!
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
I love Kensy and max. Our school library got it the day it came out and they just put it on the self when I came in to borrow some books so I got first dibs. It was amazing and unlike Alice Miranda it ended in a different way then I expected. It was really good. At school we got told to write a book in the holidays and mine is inspired by Kensy and max I’m up to the 17 chapter. I can not wait for Alice Miranda in Scotland. And more lucinta moments.
Your brilliant Jacqueline your my role model.
Thanks Lilly – I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed Kensy and Max and Alice-Miranda in Scotland will be here before you know it. Good luck with your writing – well done for working so hard!
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Is there going to be a TV show about Alice-Miranda?
Yes there is 🙂
~Ashlyn
I hope so. It’s currently in the development phase but we’re still waiting for the green light. Fingers crossed 🙂
Hi Jacqueline, will there be another Kensy and max book coming because I have read the book already and it keep me reading alnight the book is adventure packed with thrilling events!
And when will there be another Alice- Miranda book coming out?
Hi Ingrid,
I am literally in the middle of writing the second book right now. I am due to have it finished very soon and it will be out in September.
Alice-Miranda in Scotland is coming out in June – it’s done and I actually just received a final copy today. It’s looking fabulous.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
I am loving Kensy and Max.
Really looking forward to Alice Miranda in Scotland too.
Thanks Enya 🙂
IS it out yet?
‘Cause it sounds & looks amazing!
Yes Kensy and Max is out in the shops and in libraries now.
Hi jacqueline
Will Caprice be in Alice-Miranda in Scotland?
From Lexi
She sure will be 🙂
If there is a TV show made do you think it will be live action?
Animation 🙂
Awesome books!
My kid loves ur books and she saw u today at lane cove public school.
Thanks Natasha – glad that Audrey enjoyed the talk. I had a great day.
Hi Jacqueline,
I know I have probably asked this before, but I have forgotten what the answer was. When is Alice-Miranda in Scotland coming out?
Thanks,
Ashlyn 🙂
It’s out at the end of May – I think about the 27th but I think if we just say officially June. Hope you enjoy it.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Jacqueline,I’m a huge fan of yours!I’ve got latest books:Alice-Miranda in Scotland and Kensy and Max Breaking News!When is your next book coming out?
Hello,
Kensy and Max: Disappearing Act will be out in September. There will be a new Clementine Rose in December and lots more books next year.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline