Today I’m pleased that debut picture book author Kate Louise is joining me for an interview. Her first picture book, THE UPSIDE-DOWN FISH (Sky Pony Press, February 3, 2015), just received this beautiful cover which was illustrated by Laura Matine:
THE UPSIDE-DOWN FISH book description: Upside-down Fish lives in a big tank at a pet store filled with lots of other fish. The other fish in the tank swim the right way up, though, and they don’t understand why Upside-down Fish is so different. This makes him very lonely. One day, a child comes into the store and chooses Upside-down Fish as a pet. He is anxious that he won’t be accepted in his new tank, but much to his surprise, the new fish are friendly! They love that he is different and want to know what it’s like to have the sky below and the ground above. Upside-down Fish realizes that it’s okay to be different—it’s what makes him so special.
Kate Louise and Laura Matine’s The Upside-Down Fish is about being yourself and finding happiness with people who accept you for who you are. Inspired by the author’s own upside-down fish, this is a book for any child who feels a little different and needs that extra boost of confidence that he or she is unique.
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From Kate’s website: Kate Louise is a picture book author represented by Isabel Atherton at Creative Authors Ltd. THE UPSIDE-DOWN FISH, illustrated by Laura Matine, will be published in February 2015 and PIERRE THE FRENCH BULLDOG RECYCLES, illustrated by Bethany Straker, in 2015 with Sky Pony Press. Kate is also a member of an online group of published authors and illustrators called Author Allsorts. And she writes YA as Kate Ormand.
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Online you can connect with Kate Louise here:
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Now it’s time to hear from Kate:
Would you tell us about your debut picture book THE UPSIDE-DOWN FISH?
Upside-down Fish is lonely, living in a tank in the pet store where all the other fish swim the right way up. They don’t understand him and he’s left out a lot. Then a child comes into store and chooses Upside-down Fish as a pet. He’s worried about his new home, that the fish won’t accept him like the ones back at the pet store, but the fish are all friendly. They love that he’s a little bit different and want to know what the world looks like upside-down. He realises that it’s okay to be a little bit different, that it’s actually quite good fun!
The premise of your story, “being true to yourself,” is so important for young children. (Or for any of us, really!) Can you talk about how the idea first came to you?
The story was inspired by my own upside-down fish, which I had when I was a child. I didn’t understand why it swam that way, but I really loved it. Being true to yourself and accepting both similarities and differences is so important and the message fit well with the story.
Did you know right away that this was your story, or did you discover it as you wrote? How did the story evolve?
I’d really enjoyed writing another picture book (PIERRE) and I think my brain was in picture book mode at the time this idea came to me. I thought about my fish and mentioned it to my family and they were really enthusiastic about it. So I let the idea stew for a while, then got in touch with my agent about it when I had a clearer idea of what it was going to be about. She loved it too. Together we got it ready to send off to my editor, who, fortunately, loved it too!
Illustrations are such an important part of picture books. Can you tell us your thoughts on the charming illustrations by Laura Matine?
They are! And I’ve been extremely lucky with both of mine. Laura’s illustrations are truly adorable. I was delighted when I saw the first spread from her. It fits the story so well with soft colours and a lot of cute!
What do you enjoy most about writing for picture book readers?
The process is always so much fun. The most enjoyable part is pairing with an illustrator and seeing the artwork for the first time. It’s just so exciting!
You also write young adult novels under the name Kate Ormand. These two reader levels seem quite different from one another. At their core, though, have you found any similarities?
The importance of the character’s journey. My picture books have gentle messages and happy outcomes. My YA might not be quite as cheerful but it’s that conclusion, where the character has achieved something or found themselves or learned something that shines through in both.
Can you tell us what you’re working on now or what’s up next for you?
I’ve just finished working on PIERRE THE FRENCH BULLDOG RECYCLES with illustrator Bethany Straker, also out in 2015 with Sky Pony Press. THE UPSIDE-DOWN FISH is almost wrapped up too. So right now I’m focussing on writing both picture books and novels, and preparing for the release of DARK DAYS in June!
Thanks so much for having me, Tamera! It’s been fun!
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Thank YOU, Kate, for visiting with me today and sharing your darling cover art for THE UPSIDE-DOWN FISH! Congratulations and best wishes to you.
03.28.2014