Me: Congratulations, Katie, on your stunning new picture book, RURU, NIGHT HUNTER (Scholastic NZ, July 2024; illustrated by Ned Barraud)! I love to observe birds and owls here in the U.S., but this is my introduction to the rurus of New Zealand (as well as huhu beetles and other native wildlife). What inspired you to write this book?
Katie: Hi Jonathan! I’ve always adored ruru – they’re small, feisty and full of character, and I love their distinctive call: ‘More-pork, More-pork!’ I remember hearing them at night when I was a child and wondering what on earth was making that strange sound. I wanted to create a picture book that gives children a peek into the nocturnal world of our very special native owl.
Me: For animal books I’m always curious: how much of your research is behind a screen and how much is in the field? Observing nocturnal animals is a particular challenge: any fun stories from out in the wild?
Katie: I like to be as thorough as possible in my research, so I read, watch, and listen to everything I can find on the topic, but there really is no substitute for field research! In the case of ruru, they are relatively common birds that live all over the country in places where there are large trees – in forests, on farms, schools and even in people’s gardens. In fact, a lone ruru lives in our neighborhood and I regularly hear him calling at nighttime. If it’s before I’m in bed, I go outside and look for him, but you’re right – observing nocturnal animals is a challenge – I’ve only actually seen him once!
Me: Your illustrator, Ned Barraud, really brings the action to life! I love his use of contrasting dark and white backgrounds, as well as all the expressive expressions. What was your involvement, if any, in choosing him as an illustrator or in your collaboration?
Katie: My publisher chose Ned as illustrator for our first book together, TUATARA, A LIVING TREASURE, and I could not have been more delighted when they passed on this news. Ned and I worked separately on RURU and TUATARA with the publishing team at Scholastic managing the process. Scholastic sent the illustration roughs and the first color spread to me for comment, and later the final illustrations and layout, which was wonderful.
Me: How did you get into writing for kids?
Katie: My writing journey began twelve years ago when I had a little time on my hands. My older children were at school and my youngest was at morning kindergarten – it was the perfect opportunity to reinvent myself. I’ve always loved children’s books, especially ones that stimulate the imagination, so I started to write and I haven’t looked back!
Me: Can you share what you’re working on next?
Katie: I am extremely excited to share that Ned Barraud and I are working on our next book about another very special native animal of Aotearoa New Zealand with Scholastic. Look out for it in 2025!
Me: Can’t wait! Thank you so much, Katie. Here’s hoping your book soars to much success!
Katie: Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Jonathan. As you know, I’m a big fan of ALMOST UNDERWEAR and I wish you much success too!
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