I’m always on the lookout for books that bring nature and animals to kids in new and captivating ways, so I was beyond excited to discover author Katy S. Duffield‘s new picture book. The cover alone makes it a must-have. I caught up with Katy to learn more:
Me: Congratulations on WE ARE THE KEYSTONES (Beach Lane Books, Sept. 2026)! It’s so important, especially in these times when so much wildlife is threatened, to point out the myriad ways everything is connected, and your book does it beautifully. What inspired you to write about keystone species?
Katy: Thanks for your kind words about the book! When I was working on my book about wildlife crossings, CROSSINGS: EXTRAORDINARY STRUCTURES FOR EXTRAORDINARY ANIMALS (illus. Mike Orodán, S&S/Beach Lane), I ran across some information about keystone species. I was familiar with keystones, but what I read at that time piqued my interest enough that I added “keystone species” to my Ideas List. I have such a big place in my heart for animals, and I have become fascinated by the interconnectedness in nature (and also how humans and nature intersect), that I knew it was a topic I wanted to explore. A while after that, my agent mentioned keystone species, so I decided to jump in and see if I could figure out the best way to write about them.
Me: Are you an outdoors person? What animals do you best like to observe and interact with?
Katy: I am absolutely an outdoors person. I love camping, hiking, walking, and gardening—and also just hanging out on our back porch. I’m a hobby photographer, and you can often find me outside taking photos of deer, foxes, birds of all kinds (but especially those in the hawk family!), bees, butterflies—just about anything really. My recent passion is monarch butterflies. Just today, I was outside observing and photographing monarch caterpillars and watching mama monarchs lay eggs on the milkweed. It is fascinating and something I never tire of doing—even in the Arkansas heat and humidity! I am blessed to live in a place where I have so much “nature” right in my backyard.
Me: Hannah Sayler’s illustrations are immersive and beautiful! Did you know about her work before your collaboration? What was it like seeing her help bring your story to life?
Katy: I told a friend recently that I hit the illustrator jackpot with Hannah! When my editor at Beach Lane told me Hannah would be illustrating, I hollered, “I LOVE PACKS!” I did know of Hannah’s amazing work. Her book PACKS: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS (written and illustrated by Hannah) is one of my favorite nonfiction books ever. But as excited as I was about the idea of her illustrating, when I got to see the actual KEYSTONES art, I was absolutely blown away. I mean, could it be any more stunning? I can’t choose a favorite spread, but the grizzly bear, the cassowary, and the alligator would be in my Top Five! Hannah has this distinct, ethereal style like no one else. It’s breathtaking. And that cover? Seriously? Everyone who sees it just gushes. I have another friend who told me she wished she could have a rug made from the cover design. 🙂
Me: How did you get into writing books for kids?
Katy: For most of my life, I’ve been a voracious reader. Books have brought me so much joy, so at some point I began to wonder if I could write books that would bring joy to others. Even as an adult, I loved children’s literature, so that’s the area I pursued. I first wrote stories and articles for children’s magazines (I still miss print magazines!). Then I wrote for educational publishers, but what I always most wanted to write was picture books. So, when I thought I was ready, I jumped in and eventually sold my first picture book in 2003.
Me: Can you share what you’re working on next?
Katy: I can’t share too many details, but I have a lyrical nonfiction picture book in the works. This one is STEM-related, but isn’t about animals. I also have another manuscript that’s making the rounds that is set on North American prairies. And, as always, I’m tinkering with a few new ideas—and yes, one is definitely about animals. 🙂
Me: Thank you so much for chatting, Katy. Wishing your book much success!
To learn more, please visit Katy Duffield – Children’s Book Author
