Author Interview with Katrina McKelvey

Dandelions In our time-poor parenting age this whimsical picture book reminds us of the value of taking the time to be in the moment and embrace life’s beauty, wherever we find it, in all its delicate detail.
A celebration of the bond between a father and his daughter, Dandelions, is also a joyful, floating flight into the simple pleasure of letting your imagination take you on a journey.
This gorgeous picture book is the story of a little girl who one day notices her father mowing the lawn — in the process destroying her favourite flowers: the dandelions. She rushes out to stop him, but she’s too late, they’re all gone. There’s nothing for it: she’s just going to have to sit outside and wait until they grow back! But fortunately, Dad has another idea. Taking her hand, he leads her to the house, and there, nestled near the verandah, are two tiny dandelion puff balls. Father and daughter each blow as hard as they can, and the tiny dandelion parachutes spiral and spin, up, up and away, spreading their seeds to create new generations of dandelions far and wide. And together, father and daughter lie down on the grass, watching as they whirl and twirl through the air.
Exquisite watercolour illustrations combine with lyrical text to create a story that’s perfect for readers aged 4–8. This is a book that will be cherished by families and recommended by teachers and librarians, exploring as it does the resilience of nature, the art of forgiveness, and the love between a parent and child.
Perhaps most importantly Dandelions is an exploration of Imagination, which once it takes flight, like a dandelion seed, can transport you just about anywhere.
 

What inspired you?
As my daughter and I used to walk to and from preschool, she would jump in gardens and gutters to pick dandelion seed heads. We found them growing everywhere. She enjoyed blowing them apart with me. After that, as my husband mowed the lawn, I used to get a little sad watching him destroy the dandelion pants that made those puff balls she loved so much and I wondered how she would feel if she ever found out.
 
As I have a teaching background, I also wanted to add a language element to the story that takes the reader (adult and child) beyond the story. I have tried to create an experience so the reader feels like they are moving with the seeds as they journey through the countryside.
 
What has been your journey up to this point?
 
I’m a former primary school teacher and worked very hard for 10 years, so when I had my children, I wanted to be a full time stay-at-home mummy. I absolutely loved being at home with my babies and didn’t want to go back to teaching full time. I knew I would use this time to plan a career change. I wanted a new career that would be flexible, creative and involve being with children. I didn’t want to neglect my teaching degree either.
 
During the quiet hours of one morning in early 2011, just before dawn, I remember sitting upright in bed. The idea of my next career had woken me. I was going to be a children’s author. I haven’t looked back but it has been a very interesting journey.
 
I have been to workshops, conferences, festivals and literary event from Brisbane to Melbourne and everywhere in between. I’m a Books In Homes Role Model, I facilitate the Hunter Writers Centre Children’s Writing Group, I’m on the board of the Newcastle Writers Festival (I help develop the children’s program and manage the program and volunteers during the festival), and I’m the founding member and current president of the CBCA (NSW) Newcastle Sub-branch. I have used the last few years to network in my local area and get involved in my local literary community.
 
Dandelions is my first published work but I plan to have more tiles in the future. Might even dabble in some junior fiction as well as continue writing picture books.
 
As a child, what was your relationship with books?
 
I was a reluctant reader as a child. I disliked reading and I’d be found up a tree, climbing on a roof, playing basketball or riding my bike instead. I didn’t ‘discover’ books until I picked up a copy of ‘Just Tricking’ in my early 20’s. I have had a passion for humorous books and Andy Griffiths ever since. I love writing humour even though I’m generally not a humorous person.



  I love that you were a reluctant reader turned author, how can we help reluctant readers become life long lovers of reading in today's world?

If anyone had told me as child I would become an author, I would have choked on my apple!


I believe reluctant readers need access to LOTS of different types of books with loads of colourful pictures and large text arranged in small chunks. Thick books can be overwhelming and boring to look at. Books need to be stimulating for reluctant readers from the front cover to the back cover and on every page in between - including the margins. Children also need access to authors and illustrators who can give them priceless 1-1 inspiration. ‘Just Tricking’ was THE books that got me reading and I’ve listened to Andy Griffiths speak at several festivals and conferences. Now he inspires me to write. Parents and teachers need to help children hunt and hunt until they make lasting connections with books. It could take years but it’s worth it! 


We are lucky we have so much quality children’s literature in Australia to dive into. Public libraries and school libraries are full of beautiful people who are very passionate about connecting people with the books. It’s never been easier to get our hands on the classics or the latest releases - and all for free. Local bookshops are wonderlands too. Go for a visit!


 

What is the most important thing about what you do?
 
Inspiring kids to read and connecting with them. These connections can be so varied. I know what it’s like to dislike reading. Reading is the foundation of living a fulfilling and successful life.
 
Do you believe picture books can change the world?
 
Oh yes! I love reading my ‘Dandelions’ to children K-6. I tell them its about the journey, not how many words are in a story. The big cover is like a door. You can escape and go anywhere you like. So powerful!
 
What do you hope people will take away from this experience?
 
I hope daughters and dads snuggling together to reading our book. I hope our  story is making people are more aware of nature around them, including dandelions. I hope classrooms are using our book to discuss resilience, forgiveness and hope. I hope our book has encourage children to go outside and really look at their world, and parents to stop and appreciate the small things their children are interested in no matter how insignificant the parents may think it is. I hope a children somewhere enjoys reading it just for fun too.
 
What is next?
 
Lots more writing (more than I did last year I hope), continue to promote ‘Dandelions’, conduct school visits next year, implement and participate in the Newcastle Writers Festival Children’s Program 2016, continue with managing the CBCA (NSW) Newcastle Sub-branch, continue to be a  Books in Homes Role Model, continue to facilitate the Hunter Writers Centre Children’s Writing Group, and possibly participate in some literary conferences and festivals in 2016. Wow, I’m going to be busy!  You can contact Katrina via social media:           Website: www.katrinamckelvey.com           Blog: http://katrinamckelvey.blogspot.com.au           Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrinamckelveyauthor/           Twitter: https://twitter.com/katrinamckelvey Tag: @katrinamckelvey           Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14123189.Katrina_McKelvey           Linkedin:
You can buy copies of Dandelions here:  Publisher: http://ekbooks.com.au/titles/dandelions/ Book’s own website: http://dandelions.ekbooks.com.au   www.michelleworthington.com