Terrie Chilvers superhero duo - Koalas in Capes - fly to the rescue!
About Author
Koalas in Capes - the newest superheroes in town - confront super villains . . . and robber chickens! Author Terrie Chilvers tells us more.
Terrie Chilvers writes funny chapter books for young readers. She is the author of Snails of the Unexpected and Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog, which was a Blue Peter Book Club pick. Terrie loves writing about animals with main character energy and is the doting aunt to the world's cutest long-haired sausage dog.
Interview
February 2026
Terrie Chilvers' superhero duo, Koalas in Capes, fly to the rescue!
Koalas in Capes: The Zombie Chickens is the first fantastic adventure about new superheroes, koalas Bob and Archie! When their home town of Pawtonia is threatened by arch villain Colossus, Bob and Archie must save the day - with much hilarity and misadventures along the way, and brilliant illustrations by David O'Connell.
ReadingZone caught up with author Terrie Chilvers to find out what inspired her caped koala adventures, and what else she has planned for the duo. You can also follow her Creative Challenge, below, with tips for children, to create their own animal supervillain!
Find out more about Koalas in Capes: The Zombie Chickens
Review: "Probably best enjoyed by those just starting their foray into chapter books and relishing the fun therein!"
Read a chapter from Koalas in Capes: The Zombie Chickens.
Q&A with Terrie Chilvers, introducing superheroes Koalas in Capes: The Zombie Chickens
"I wanted to write a superhero series, but with unexpected heroes - heroes that don't always get it right."
1. How did you become an author, and what kinds of books do you create?
I always wanted to do a job that involved writing and I started out writing articles about computers and video games. Then I decided to have a go at writing stories for kids and the rest is history! I love writing about animals with main character energy and my books are always packed with humour and heart.
2. Why do you enjoy having animals as main characters in your stories?
Animals have soooo much character. I find it easier to write about animals than humans! Before superhero koalas, I wrote about a mind-reading sausage dog and shapeshifting snails.
3. Your stories are very funny - but what makes you laugh in real life?
I try to make myself laugh when I write - if I instantly smile when I type a line, then it stays in the chapter. Outside of writing, humour that cheers people up in difficult or stressful situations always appeals to me. Life can be tough, and humour can so often make things manageable. I also like a good pun.
4. You have a new series, Koalas in Capes. What is special about these koalas, and what happens in their first adventure, Zombie Chickens?
Bob and Archie are best friends with superpowers - Bob has super strength and Archie has the power of invisibility. And they can fly of course! In their first adventure they have to stop Dr Colossus, a giant, supervillain ostrich from unleashing zombie chickens on the city of Pawtonia. You can expect… two hapless superhero koalas, robber ducks obsessed with bling, a giant ostrich doing the macarena and… a superhero HQ based in a Hot Chocolate Café.
5. What inspired this unlikely duo of superheroes - and why did you make them koalas?
I wanted to write a superhero series, but with unexpected heroes - heroes that don't always get it right. Bob's gung-ho attitude often gets him into trouble and Archie is scared of trying new things, but it doesn't stop them from taking on a villainous giant ostrich together.
For me, koalas are the Clark Kent of the animal world - they're so cute and cuddly that they're probably the last creature people would expect to be tasked with saving the world.
6. Do you enjoy seeing your stories brought to life in David O'Connell's illustrations? Any favourite characters?
David illustrations are absolutely fantastic. And he's done such an amazing job given all the MANY different animals there are in the book. My favourite illustration is a double page spread of a Supervillains' Ball with all kinds of villainous creatures sipping cocktails. If you look closely, you'll even find a supervillain goldfish.
7. What's the funniest moment in the story for you?
I really enjoyed writing the scene at the Supervillain's Ball where Bob and Archie have to go undercover. They get mistaken for duo, Koalas in Carnage and must pull off seeming villainous, which proves difficult!
I also love writing anything with the robber ducks in - they're Dr Colossus' minions and they're always getting things a bit wrong. They started out as very minor characters but they demanded a bigger role!
8. What else do you have planned for Koalas in Capes?
So much! In the next book, Dr Colossus is back with a new dastardly plan and this time he's got hypnotising robot spiders. Unfortunately for Bob and Archie, I've also got lots of ideas for new supervillains!
9. What superpower would you like to adopt? What would you do with it?
I would love to fly - it would be great for avoiding London traffic and saving cats who are stuck up trees. If not flying, I'd like the power to change any liquid into hot chocolate with the power of my mind.
10. When you're not creating superheroes, what do you enjoy doing in your down-time?
I like watching funny TV shows and feeding squirrels in the park. And I share a hobby with Bob and Archie… I LOVE hot chocolate.
Creative Challenge from Terrie Chilvers: Create your own superhero animal - think about what their superpower might be and what their superhero name is. Then write about the first time they come face to face with their supervillain nemesis. What is the supervillain's evil plan and how will your hero save the day? You can write a chapter or draw it as a comic.
Koalas in Capes: The Zombie Chickens
