In her latest picture book, My Heart, Katrina McKelvey explores the joys and challenges of motherhood while providing insights into her collaboration with illustrator Deb Hudson.

What do you love about writing children's books?

I love being a child in a child’s world. I also love seeing picture book images pop in my head as I write.

I enjoy the challenge of writing in picture book format. So much has to be squeezed into a small word count.

I love playing with language and rhythm and developing characters that have a fun journey or an important reason to be in my story.

What inspired you to write My Heart?

My Heart was adapted from a letter I wrote to my daughter when she started Kindergarten almost 10 years ago. I changed the words so the original letter remains private, but the message is the same and will resonate with all mums and mother-figures.

It was a hard time for me when I wrote the letter as my youngest was starting big school. I enjoyed being a stay-at-home mum while building a new writing career and experiencing every little exciting moment with my children. I felt I needed to express the overwhelming mix of emotions I was experiencing at the time. I was also losing my little morning tea companion. Who would I share my pot of tea and biscuit with? We were all preparing for big changes.

For years, as my daughter grew up, that letter kept nudging me. Then I realised I needed to send it into the world so other mums can know they are not alone in their complex feelings - when their little ones start to find some independence.

Did you have any personal experiences that contributed to this new book?

Every activity the mother and child go through in the story, I went through with one or both of my children. I have the most amazing photos of some of the milestones mentioned. They make me smile and laugh.

Is your heart celebrating any recent milestones with your own kids?

Both my children are playing and coaching representative Basketball. My children have so many academic successes too. But I do love it when they work together and clean up after dinner without any arguments. I’m still working on celebrating their beds getting made every day – ha!

As a child, you were a reluctant reader. Does that influence the way you write books now?

I was a reluctant reader as a child (though I didn’t realise this until adulthood) and I still am. I climbed trees, played board games, and rode my bike instead.

I love writing picture books because I love reading them. I adore illustrations, the variety in fonts, and the creative page layouts. A picture book is so complex (which my brain loves to tackle) yet looks so simple. I love to help others on their picture book writing journey too.

How did the writing process for this book compare to your previous children’s books?

It’s the most personal one. This story is almost a poem or a song – like nothing I’ve had published before. It isn’t like a traditional narrative with a problem to solve. It’s very repetitive in structure but full of emotions. I loved reminiscing for hours as I chose each activity I included.

I cry before I turn to read the last page every time. I don’t know how I’m going to read this one in public.

What do you hope your readers will take away from My Heart?

I hope the little ones know a piece of their mum (or dad) will always be with them, no matter where they go.

I hope the mums understand we all feel the same way about this time in our lives and we may need support. It’s time we talk about the challenges of motherhood more. It’s time we support and comfort each other more. It’s hard being a mum and juggling all the needs of our families.

What was it like to work with an illustrator on this story? Were there particular images or experiences that you were excited to see?

I always love seeing the first concepts and initial colour palette. But I also love seeing storyboards and final spreads. It’s always a masterpiece when it comes together.

Deb is a master illustrator, especially when illustrating at pretty things (nature, animals, flowers, butterflies). I’d been following her on Instagram for years as I adore her style. So when she said yes to illustrating this book, I jumped up and did a happy dance. Lucky me!

Without her knowing it, I have loads of photos of my son dressed exactly the same as the way she illustrated the child in our book – right down to the love of red clothing. And she has no idea!

Do you have any other projects in the works?

I always do. I’m about to send a new PB manuscript off to publishers about a hot air balloon. It’s based on the true story of one landing in my backyard when I was a child. I’m just getting some scientific advice from a balloon pilot before I do.