Creating Picture Books
Reflections on not winning and quick tips to get started as a picture book creator
Katrina Germein is a best-selling author of award-winning picture books. Popular titles include CBCA Honour Book 'Bev and Kev', CBCA shortlisted title, 'One Little Duck', plus 'Big Rain Coming' and the 'My Dad Thinks He's Funny' series.
Hello! Welcome to another Thirty-two Pages. Settle in. Let’s talk picture books.
Mum sent me a message this week asking when the book awards are announced. I giggled. She was referring to the CBCA Book of the Year Awards which were announced several weeks ago. Bless her. I replied that I didn’t win, and she said I deserved to. Of course, Mum believes I deserve every award, which is nice. Not everyone has that support. Still, I don’t agree with her. I didn’t deserve to win. But I didn’t deserve to not win either. I think Danny and I made a fabulous book in One Little Duck. I’m not putting on a brave face when I say, I was happy just to be shortlisted. It’s the truth. Being shortlisted is a thrill. The shortlist is a magical way of getting books to readers and that’s always the goal. I’m sure winning is quite lovely, but I remain grateful for the exposure the shortlist brings and I’ve now experienced it two years in a row. Wow.
Did Danny and I deserve to win? Yes. Kind of. We made a wonderful book but there were five other very good books on that list. The one that won is excellent. The two Honour Books are fab and the book selected by the shadow judges is absolutely beautiful. My book was among them. How could I be disappointed? I’m not. Plus, I’m acutely aware that with every longlist list and shortlist announcement, authors at home are crying, actually crying, even sobbing, because they haven’t been recognized. (I know. I’ve been there.) I’m no more deserving than them. I work hard and I care deeply. So do they. We all deserve to win. But thanks, Mum. I love you.
Book Week was fun. The author visits went well. I intentionally committed to less than last year and didn’t smash myself as much. I was still exhausted but it was more enjoyable. I had a good time and felt like me. The feedback’s been great so I’m happy.
So, You Want to Write a Children’s Book?
Last year I shared these words in my newsletter.
August means meeting various school staff who’d like to publish a book… the more schools you visit the more plucky adults you meet with questions about how to get their writing published.
Last year’s question was about publishing a book for adults so my answer was brief. It’s not my field but I tried to be helpful. I’ve unlocked the post if you’d like to read it here. I never received a reply of thanks so maybe the writer was unimpressed. This year’s top question related to writing a children’s book — how to get started, and then what to do. Below is part of one email I sent in reply. I started with pleasantries but I’ve taken them out. Enjoy!
If you're keen to write and publish children’s books, I recommend this book, Inside Story. It will probably answer most of your questions about the current Australian publishing industry. (But things are changing all the time of course...)
If you're interested in an online writing course to help you get started I recommend this at the Australian Writers’ Centre. I've never done it but I've spoken to enough people who have and it's highly regarded. A perfect place to start.
If you'd like to connect with other children's writers and illustrators SCBWI is good. It's a global organisation for aspiring and established children's book creators. We have a local group with events where you can meet other kidlit people and hear from speakers including publishers, agents, authors, and illustrators. Here's the Australia East site.
There are plenty of online groups as well but I'm not very active beyond my own social media so unfamiliar with most. I do like Sunshine House Writers and Creatives, run by Zanni Lousie. It's a positive and helpful space.
xx
I signed this email nicely with kisses which I’d like to take back now since there’s been no reply of thanks (again).
Of course, there are plenty of other things I could have added like pitching and mentoring opportunities with the Australian Society of Authors and conferences like Kidlit Vic and CYA but too much at once might be overwhelming. (Maybe that’s why no reply. They’re feeling overwhelmed?) Also, all the great newsletters that Thirty-Two Pages recommends. (Don’t know how to link to them right here sorry.) Any other key resources people love? State Writers Centres, I guess.
Spotlight Picture Book
Each month I include a Thirty-two Pages picture book review of a title I love. You’ll find the same review over on my Instagram.
When I first thought to feature Almost a Fish, it seemed that everyone was so I decided to leave it. But it’s a great picture book and in the end, I couldn’t resist. I bought my copy at Shakespeare’s bookshop, initially attracted to Evie Barrow’s luminous cover. As an Evie Barrow fan, how could I resist a pink axolotl? Turns out, the perky story inside written by Julianne Negri, matches the vibrant illustrations. The words and pictures are a perfect pairing of fun.
Audrey the axolotl isn’t sure what she is and so sets off to find out. It’s an age-old picture book theme and one that never fails to engage young readers. Are You My Mother by PD Eastman was surely not the first but it’s the first classic that comes to my mind. A more modern favourite of mine which sits in my teaching bag, is Little Koala Lost by Blaze Kwaymullina and Jess Racklyeft.
In this case, Audrey the axolotl needs to discover who she is after a fish knocks over the rock she’s been living under. The characters she meets along the way include a monkey, a bird, and a guinea pig. (I was happy to see an axolotl on the cover but a guinea pig inside as well. Yay!) During her journey of self-discovery, Audrey likens herself to the other characters only to discover that she’s different. (The money has a tail and she does too so perhaps she’s a monkey. No. She’s not a monkey.) There are rich opportunities for educators to help children make comparisons and talk about contrasting traits of animals (and people) if they wish. Of course, there’s a happy ending with Audrey not only finding a companion but reaslising she’s perfect as she is. Gorgeous. I’m quite partial to stories about belonging and acceptance. A wonderful picture book. Highly recommended for children aged four to six.
Exciting News
My Dad Thinks He’s a Scream officially hits the shelves on Wednesday so will be out in plenty of time for Halloween. The early reviews have been delightfully positive and it was a joy to share this book with primary school children during Book Week. If you’re in Adelaide we’re holding a launch celebration for children aged 5 to 9 and their adults during the school holidays at Unley Town Hall on October 11. It’s a fancy dress Halloween Disco party. I can not wait. Free event but children need a ticket and they’re disappearing quickly. Details here.
More Exciting News
With a release date of October 1, Fabulous Frogs, illustrated by Suzanne Houghton, will be out before we next meet. Hooray! I love everything about the design, illustration of production of this book. It’s an absolute beauty.
Australian frogs are fabulous! Did you know that some frogs change colour? Some frogs would rather walk than jump and some even have pouches! A fun celebration of unique Aussie frogs and our precious natural environments.
There will be an all-ages launch for this book on Saturday, November 9, 2:30 pm, at the Felixstow Reserve wetlands. I’ll be reading the book and special guest Steve Walker (FrogWatch SA Coordinator), will be leading a nature walk and sharing extra frog facts. Save the date! We’d love to see you there.
Until next month,
Katrina xx
Katrina - thank you for this post, it highlights what a generous person you are. If someone had sent me that email way back when I'd have been over the moon and probably would have sent you chocolate so here are some kisses that you most certainly deserve x x x
Katrina, I love One Little Duck. It's so clever and I love reading it and my granddaughter loves joining in. I think that's a big win for an author to know your book is read and really enjoyed.
I was most interested to read through your list of what to do to be a children's picture book author. I could tick off each suggestion as yes 'done that'! All the courses, the time I took off work to go back to Uni to study Writing for Children helped but joining SCBWI was the best choice I made. I did feel different because I was in an esteemed group of creators but I talked, listened and learned. So what was the most important message - just start writing.
Now I have Even George and it's beautiful and I am so proud.
Thank you so much for all you share about your craft.
And lastly thank you so much for coming to my launch and buying a copy of Even George.