Katrina McKelveyis a children’s author, former primary school teacher, wife, and mother to two tweenagers and a cocker spaniel. She’s written many children’s picture books and educational readers including No Baths Week,Up To Something, Isla’s Family Tree (April, 2020), and Chasing Rainbows (August, 2020).

She’s highly involved in CBCA, SCBWI, literary conferences and festivals, and loves visiting schools. She’s left-handed, loves tea and rollercoasters, and is addicted to mint chocolate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Isla’s Family Tree, published by EK Books on 1 April  is a picture book for children aged 4-8 but would be enjoyed by teens and young adults too.

Isla isn’t happy that her family is changing, so her mother creates a clever family tree with Isla to teach her how families always grow. When her mother hands her two new leaves, Isla doesn’t think they belong. She tries to make them fit somewhere, but not on her branch. However, once she meets her new brothers, she has a change of heart and finds room for them after all. A fun book for any family trying to introduce new family members, or show children how they belong in their family.

Download teacher’s notes and a paper doll making activity from the publisher’s website

WHERE KATRINA’S INSPIRATION CAME FROM

This story came to me when my son was five years old. My grandmother had passed just before Mother’s Day in 2012 and I found it interesting that it was so complicated to explain to him how four generations connected together – and that was only a small part of our family. Around the same time, my sister-in-law was studying my husband’s family tree. We had wonderful family discussions about his family history. Also at the same time, I found the TV show ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ extremely interesting. I wrote down scribbles in 2012 and seriously started writing this manuscript in late 2014.

KATRINA’S FABULOUS WRITING TIPS

• It took me from 2014 – 2018 to get this story right. Good stories that have a subtle message in the character’s journey take time to get right. That balance between the message and the story is paramount.
• Ask for professional advice and get a manuscript assessment. As soon as I did, Isla’s Family Tree was accepted for publication.
• Even though this is my fourth picture book to be traditionally published, I still feel I have loads to learn about creative writing. Keep learning.
• Picture books have a very unique style about them. Study them and do courses and workshops on how to write picture books specifically.
• Observe, adore, and follow illustrators. They’ll tell the other half of your picture book story, so leave loads of room for this in your manuscript.

WHERE TO FIND KATRINA ONLINE

Website and blog: www.katrinamckelvey.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrinamckelveyauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katrinamckelvey

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinamckelvey/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgfVHAHyIHP14oeEkGl2jtA

Congratulations Katrina and Happy Book Day!

WIN A COPY OF THIS FABULOUS BOOK 

Only open to Australia residents.

All you have to do is:

1. In the comments section on this post, tell us why you’d like to win the book.
2. Share this on social media and tag ‘Writing Classes for Kids’ or ‘Dee White Author’

Good luck!