The Quick Six Interview with Carolyn Martinez on Pelican’t Do It

Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Carolyn Martinez!

It’s a pleasure to welcome back to the blog, author and editor, Carolyn Martinez to discuss her new picture book, Pelican’t Do It; a heart-warming tale of self-identity and family dynamics. Nice to learn more about your new book, Carolyn! 🙂

About the Author

Cate Sawyer (aka Carolyn Martinez) is a former newspaper editor, and has a MA (Writing). She is a writing competition judge and sought-after guest speaker. She is a nurturer – of people, fellow authors, readers. She is passionate about protecting the integrity of the book industry and producing quality works that leave a footprint. She has eight books and counting.

Her early readers are phonetics based, contemporarily illustrated and include captions to delight the adult and child reader.

Her latest book, Pelican’t Do It, is published by Hawkeye Publishing.

Follow Cate and Hawkeye Publishing at these links:

www.hawkeyebooks.com.au

Facebook (Hawkeye) | Facebook (Cate Sawyer Children’s Author)

Praise for Pelican’t Do It

“Perfect for anyone who has young children at home with their own unique talents, or knows someone who does! I recommend PeliCAN’T Do It among other Australian classics to foster a healthy appreciation of our native wildlife, a gift they can keep with them as long as there are pelicans in the skies!” – Daniel Brown, reviewer.

WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?

Written by Cate Sawyer, illustrated by Kyle Tweed, and published by Hawkeye Publishing. Some might be interested to know that Hawkeye Publishing is currently open for submissions. Particularly interested in serialised YA or creative non-fiction for junior readers on topical subjects.

WHAT is it called and what is it about? What is your favourite part of this book?

Pelican’t Do It – a picture book for 4-7 olds – explores identity, and sibling rivalry. We’ve crafted the book so that the more advanced reader can explore how the illustrations tell more. Reviews are along the lines of ‘surprisingly re-readable,’ full review here.

WHEN is its release / launch date?

Released this month. Because our physical book launch was cancelled, we’re instead giving away a Drawing Party for one reader and their friends. Kyle (Tweed) was hugely influenced by an illustrator who visited his school in grade 5. He hopes to now pay that back by sharing illustrating with kids. All the details for entering the competition are here. I’d love it if your readers would help spread the word about the prize.

WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?

One sunrise, I was walking along the waterfront at Brighton, South East Queensland. The words Pelican and Pelican’t pop into my mind, and the story flowed from there. I was a little chuffed with myself at the word play at the time.

WHY is this book meaningful to you and why would its message resonate with readers?

I lost my Dad and older sister, Julie, a few years ago, but I feel them, still guiding me. I often go to the waterfront to meditate and remember them and their love. The morning that Pelican and Pelican’t popped into my head, it kind of felt like they sent the idea to me. I want to do them proud with a good book. I wrote it for kids to explore their individuality, but I’ve learned from early reviews that it’s also resonating for parents with siblings who appreciate that jealousy is touched on in a positive light.

HOW you feel about the illustrations? Do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?

I love what Kyle did with the illustrations. It was nerve-wracking leaving my baby in someone else’s hands, but I gave him minimal direction as advised and I couldn’t stop smiling the first time I saw his illustrations. This is my fifth picture book and I’ve always had great experiences with illustrators – probably because I don’t meddle in their creativity.

How have you promoted this book and how can we find it?

Pelican’t Do It is available here. We’re promoting through media, and Hawkeye Books.

Thank you, Carolyn!

Pelican’t Do It is available to purchase at: Hawkeye Publishing 

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