Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Kitty Black!
We are delighted to welcome debut picture book author, Kitty Black here today to discuss her exuberant and funny fractured fairy-tale; ‘Who’s Afraid of the Quite Nice Wolf?’ (see our review here) Thanks, Kitty! 🙂
About the Author
Kitty Black is a Children’s Author living in Perth, Western Australia. She likes subjecting her children to her favourite books, glamping, coffee shops and asking people what they’d name a dragon. She lives with her husband, two kids, two cats and a puppy named Polly (who is probably the one in charge). Kitty’s debut picture book is ‘Who’s Afraid of the Quite Nice Wolf’ with more picture books to be released in 2020.
Contact Links
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kittyblackauthor/?hl=en
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KittyBlackAuthor/
WHO
Who wrote, illustrated and published this book?
This book is written by Kitty Black, illustrated by Laura Wood and published by New Frontier Publishing / UK.
WHAT
What is it called and what is it about?
‘Who’s Afraid of the Quite Nice Wolf.’ Wilfred is the nicest wolf in the meanest wolf pack. The Pack Leader decides to make a ‘proper wolf!’ out of Wilfred by having him lead an attack on the sheep. Instead, Wilfred hatches a secret plan with the sheep (including his best friend, Mildred) to teach the Big Bad Wolves a lesson. Ninja moves and superhero sheep costumes ensue, and Wilfred learns to follow his own heart, or fleece, to live as the Nice Wolf he truly is. Then there’s cake.
WHEN
When is its release / launch date?
Who’s Afraid of the Quite Nice Wolf? was released in September 2019 in Australia/New Zealand and November in the UK.
WHERE
Where did the inspiration for this book come from?
A combination of rumination on the ‘Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing’ adage (what if he just liked wearing sheep’s clothing? Who are these people judging this wolf anyway?) and a wish to highlight a broader definition of masculinity/boyhood. With a nice wolf. I also like wolves.
WHY
Why is this book meaningful to you and why would its message resonate with readers?
The picture books that I sought out for my children (and, um, myself) were those that also had a societal comment to make in some way. Wilfred is not a tough wolf, but he learns that he can push back against the wolfish expectations put upon him in a strong way. By using a male character that was kind and gentle, but also capable of putting boundaries into place (with some amazing friendships too), I hoped the kind and gentle boys reading it would feel a sense of kinship. I think representation is important and seeing a gentle male character being themselves, even when they’re a tea-party loving wolf, is meaningful for a lot of children. Picture books can lead to great conversations, and this book can inspire conversations surrounding stereotypes and expected behaviours and being yourself. Which I think is a great message for everybody! Have I mentioned the amazing sheep costume?
HOW
How have you promoted this book and how can we find it?
We had a fantastic launch at Paper Bird Books in Fremantle, as well as library and school visits. I will be at the Backyard Book Fair in Perth in December and Who’s Afraid of the Quite Nice Wolf? will be featured at The Literature Centre in Fremantle in January, 2020. Things will be happening!
You can find Who’s Afraid of the Quite Nice Wolf? at all good bookstores, including Paper Bird Books, and online at New Frontier Publishing and the usual suppliers, booktopia etc.
With thanks to New Frontier Publishing for their collaboration.
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