Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Kym Langfield!
It’s a delight to speak with talented author-illustrator, Kym Langfield, about her upcoming picture book, SPLASH! As an artist and art teacher herself, Kym has experienced, first-hand, the positive impact of engaging in creative pursuits as an emotional outlet can have on children’s (and adults’) mental health. With vivid mixed-media illustrations to pore over, this book beautifully explores how the magic of a splash of colour turns Lucy’s sad and grey world into one of joy, love and life, with a little help from a friend. Mix a few rays of sunshine with a splatter of hope and it all blends together brilliantly to create a bright tale of happiness!
Thanks so much, Kym! Congratulations! 🙂
About the Author
Kym Langfield is a published author and illustrator.
She has illustrated a range of books, including “Solo Dan” by Daisy Lane Publishing, “Ah-Fur: The Case of the Missing Moggies” by Morris Publishing Australia, and has been featured in anthologies including “Triple Zero Heroes” by Hawkeye Publishing (shortlisted for the 2023 Speech Pathology Awards) and the Anthology Angels books.
She has written stories and poems for the Anthology Angels books, the text for “Teddy Town” by The Book Company and has been a prize winner in short story competitions.
Kym has a diploma in illustrating children’s books. She loves using vivid colours to make splashes with watercolour paint.
She is an experienced primary school teacher, is currently working in the area of Mental Health and Wellbeing and is a qualified counsellor. When Kym isn’t busy working, she loves going on adventures in nature with her family and mischievous dog.
Please find Kym Langfield on Instagram and Facebook.
SPLASH! is available for pre-order purchase through Daisy Lane Publishing.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
I (Kym Langfield) wrote and illustrated Splash! I wrote the story around six years ago, inspired by my art students and have been illustrating the pictures during this past year. It is being published by the wonderful Jennifer Sharp of Daisy Lane Publishing. I am so grateful that Jennifer also loved this story and has been able to bring it to life!
WHAT is it about?
Dark clouds follow Lucy around, everywhere she goes. Everyone tries to help Lucy, even the family dog! But nothing seems to work, until a bright splash of paint lands at her feet and a young, friendly girl called Abby invites her to Art Club. There, Lucy is introduced to the joy of art and learns to explore with colours.
What is your favourite part of this book?
I have a few favourite parts of the book – when Lucy begins to explore with colours and splashes of paint and experiences the joy that this brings; when Lucy begins to notice colour and sunshine in the world around her once again and finally, when she realises that the clouds have disappeared, and she feels true happiness.
What media did you use to illustrate it?
Pencil, watercolour, ink and collage.
WHEN is its release / launch date?
February, 2025.
WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?
I saw children just like Lucy, who were going through tough times in their lives enter the art room, where I taught initially, looking sad and withdrawn, but quickly growing happiness and confidence when they explored using paints and colour.
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
I know that the joy of art can change lives. I have seen first hand many young people developing a love for drawing, painting and being creative. In some cases, art has become the main strategy or tool that has helped students to cope and overcome mental health illnesses.
Why would its message resonate with readers?
I think that at some points in our life, we all go through difficult times and understand the sadness or grief that Lucy experiences. However, we can all relate to how wonderful it feels when a friend reaches out to us, like Abby does in the book, or to the joy that we experience when we find a hobby or interest that brings us happiness, like painting does for Lucy.
HOW long did it take to write?
Only about half an hour on the first sitting! With several edits following this.
How long did it take to illustrate?
Close to 9 months – it’s a real book baby!
How do you feel about the text / illustrations? Do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?
Because I am the illustrator, I envisaged all of the images for the book, as I was writing the story. I tried to capture these images, especially the vibrant colours, as best as I could as I went through the illustration process.
Image: Kym Langfield
OTHER information or experiences you’d like to share?
I’d like to thank every one of the brilliant students I’ve taught over the years at Mossfiel Primary School, because they have all inspired and brought my joy in many ways.
Please share your some of your favourite promotional ideas for this book.
Online/social medias promotions and/or launches.
Interviews
Competitions
Illustration videos
What a brilliant SPLASH of love and sunshine! Congratulations on your gorgeous book, Kym! 🙂
#thequicksixinterview #splash #happiness #art #picturebook #justkidslit
