Interviews

Frances McBeath: Building bridges with Joy

Co-founder of The Sapling Jane Arthur has a long-standing interest in educational publishing ā€“ so when the opportunity came along to pick the brain of Clean Slate Press’ Frances McBeath, it was the perfect match. Read on to learn more…

The Mahy Questionnaire: Kat Quin

Here’s a fresh instalment of the Margaret Mahy Questionnaire, featuring author-illustrator Kat Quin. Read on for her takes on changeovers, rattlebang cars and sonsense nongs! 1. Describe yourself in three words Iā€™m still learning. 2. During the height of adolescence,…

Across the Ditch: Author Sandy Fussell

Australian author Sandy Fussell has written a wide range of historical junior fiction and even a picture book that has impacted on the lives of her readers. It is part of the reason she keeps writing. Michael Earp writes about…

A Day in the Life: Illustrator Heather Hunt

Heather Hunt has made a name for herself as a go-to illustrator for evocative illustrations for picture books about native manu, especially kiwi! In her latest work ā€“ Mr Kiwi Has An Important Job ā€“ Heather took on the role…

The Mahy Questionnaire: Fleur Beale

You know it, you love it – it’s the Mahy Questionnaire! This month’s instalment features award-winning author Fleur Beale. She tell us all about holey floors, and getting bitten by a chair. 1. Describe yourself in three words Very very…

Interview: Eileen Merriman and Pamela Morrow

Eileen Merriman has published three books for young adults, and one for adults in the past three years, including her March release A Trio of Sophies. Pamela Morrow has just published her first book for young adults, called Hello Strange….

Looking for Lost Wonders with Sarah Ell

As a nation, we like to think of ourselves as conservation-minded, but that hasn’t always been the case. Sarah Ell’s new book Lost Wonders highlights a range of the ‘vanished creatures of Aotearoa’, as well as bring our attention to…

The Mahy Questionnaire: David Hill

Your favourite Mahy Questionnaire is back! Our second instalment of the year features author, playwright, poet, columnist, and critic David Hill. Read on for his takes on hauntings, witches and giraffes! 1. Describe yourself in three words Vague, methodical, surprised….

Illustrator Feature: Laya Mutton-Rogers

One of the most exciting new artists to pop up on our radar in the last six months has been Laya Mutton-Rogers, the artist behind the beautiful illustrations in Tio Tiamu | The Smelly Giant, released late last year by…

Illustrator Interview: Brian Lovelock

A vast number of households in Aotearoa with a child of 10 or under will be intimately familiar with the engaging, vibrant work of Brian Lovelock. How many times can a three-year-old want to read Roadworks or Construction in a…