The Reason We Can't Be Friends
The Reason We Can't Be Friends
Witches, truth and a piece of my heart.
Katrina Germein is a best-selling author of award-winning picture books. Popular titles include the CBCA shortlisted books 'Bev and Kev' and 'One Little Duck', plus 'Big Rain Coming', the 'My Dad Thinks He's Funny' series, and more.
Hello! Let’s Get Witchy!
Lots of fun on Friday celebrating this new release with a fancy-dress Storytime Halloween Disco Party! Enormous thanks to everyone who came.
My Dad Thinks He’s a Scream is launched! Enormous thanks to Becky from Shakepseare’s Bookshop and the team at The Unley Library. Hooooo-ray!
Right. On to business. Since our last chat, I’ve unfollowed a Substack account that I used to like. A small act of protest because they hurt my feelings. They weren’t trying to. They probably thought they’d written the least offensive post imaginable, something sweet about living a nice life or whatever. I can’t even remember. It’s not a kidlit account and their whole thang sounds dull now. Here’s what bothered me. They referenced a children’s book, a picture book that had come to mind lately in their adult life and given them pause to think. They recognized some wisdom in the story that mirrored their recent life reflections and offered some clarity, even comfort. That’s what good picture books do, isn’t it? They speak truthfully with layers of meaning for readers of all ages. Anyway, after honouring this book the writer then wrote some garble along the lines of, I know it’s just a silly children’s book. What? You’ve written about how the book speaks to you and now you’re going to dismiss it with a just. Just a kids’ book. Just a rhyming book. Just a silly book. If you love it, own it. It moved you enough to write about it. So, why the just? It seems we can’t be friends anymore. See ya.
I think people who consider children’s books not ‘real’ books are people who consider children not ‘real’ people.
Children’s books are mostly written by adults and as much as we might claim to be channelling our inner child or keeping our young audience front of mind, we’re still adults. If we’re writing with heart, our own experiences will leak onto the page. It’s unavoidable. When Danny Snell and I planned One Little Duck we hoped to create a fun book for children. I think we succeeded but we didn’t expect the blue page (as Mem Fox would call it1) to elicit quite so much emotion. When the book was published parents posted videos of their children crying over this page. Tears! In the middle of our funny book! But how wonderful because we’d achieved the picture book goal of engagement and emotional connection. The blue page serves to make the happy ending even more joyful and moving. Once I began reading this book in schools I felt a hush come over groups on this same page.
Mother Duck waited all alone.
But none of the seven happy friends came home.
What I’ve since realised is that while I thought Mother Duck was a character stolen from a song, Mother Duck is me. She is me. My children are grown. There I am sitting at home while my babies explore the world without me. After years of bedtime routines, school drop-offs, work pick-ups, sports trainings, grocery shopping, and the never-ending washing baskets, my children go out adventuring with friends, not me. I’m still trying to catch up.
That’s why this spread moves readers. It’s not just about farm animals going camping. Actually, it can definitely be about that if you like. But also, it’s life. It’s family. It’s me. Lucky there’s a happy ending.
and one little duck said, “Mum, I’m back.”
They always come back.
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.
What a delightful baby book! I am a Baby by Bob Shea was published in 2022 so I'm late to the party and probably everyone already loves it. If that's true, I can see why. Such a seemingly simple little book brimming with warmth, humour, truth, and love. The new baby has changed things for everyone at home, even the dog. Written from the baby's point of view, Mummy is sleepy and Daddy is grumbling because, "I am a baby." The baby also says, "I am not sleepy because I am a baby." Ha!
While Baby's parents struggle through the day Grandma arrives and is overjoyed because, "I am a baby." Soon, everyone shares the joy. So sweet. The illustrations are as deceptively simple and charming as the text, showing readers all they need to know through the characters' body language and priceless facial expressions. This book made me giggle and smile. I bought a copy for my sister-in-law who has just become a grandma and then I bought a second copy for myself. I love this book. 💕
Oh, look! It's another book I love. Yes, I did write this one but I love absolutely everything about it and I’m so happy to have it in the world.
While officially released at the start of the month (and available now!) the Adelaide launch is on Saturday, November 9 at the Felixtow Reserve Wetlands. Lots of froggy fun. Here are more details. I’d love to see you there.
Until next month.
Lots of love,
Katrina xxx
I’m pretty sure Mem used to have something on her website about all picture books needing a ‘blue page’ - a page where a character despairs before finding a solution to their troubles. But I can’t find it now.
Hi Katrina! Power to you for unfriending that Substack. Something we all must do to raise people's concept and value of children's books. When I mention to people that I'm an author, their eyebrows go up and they might exclaim 'Oh!' and smile but when I add the words, 'a children's author,' either one of two things happen. Either the eyebrows lower and the exclamatory 'Oh,' sinks, or they brighten and say, 'That must be lovely.' Then sigh. Yes, that's right folks, we churn out easy writing somewhere between grassy fields and heaven!!
I hadn't heard of the 'blue page' but those lines in your book are poignant. They go straight to the heart and soul of each little one (and big one) to think of that potential aloneness and despair. Something I'll be certain to look out for, not only in others' books, but in my own writing as well. Thanks for the value and integrity of your post and the excitement of your forthcoming froggy book! x
Beautifully said, Katrina! CS Lewis felt that writing for children was the highest form of writing and *the place in which to 'say' what he had to say...