Through Skippy Blackfeet, Rebecca Fraser offers honest neurodivergent representation and a sweet tale of finding one’s place in the world.

What do you love most about writing children’s fiction?

Writing children’s fiction is a genuine privilege and pleasure. Young readers are smart and curious, and fiction is the perfect way to explore often heavy issues and themes in a way that’s accessible, and helps kids make sense of the world they move through.

What inspired you to write Skippy Blackfeet?

Skippy Blackfeet started life as a picture book, originally titled ‘Fireworks and Thunderstorms’. It didn’t work in that format as there was so much more I wanted to explore about Skippy’s character, so I rewrote it as a junior fiction story.

Rochelle Stephens (Publisher, Wombat Books) really liked the concept, but felt it would work better expanded into three stories in one collection, released as an illustrated hardback novel, and asked if I would consider writing the other stories.

The end result is so much better, and I couldn’t be happier. Rochelle has great vision like that!

Did any personal experiences contribute to this story?

Mine is a neurodivergent family, and May is simply one of many other neurodivergent kids. According to the ABS, 12% of Australians identify as neurodivergent. However, Monash Health reports that one in eight Australians are neurodiverse. (My son is on the spectrum and the hints at May's ASD are taken from his responses and reactions when he was around the same age).

It is my hope that May's neurodivergence is woven through the narrative in a way that doesn’t sledgehammer the reader with ‘token autistic character’, but rather forms part of her authentic character and daily family experience. My aim was for it to float gently below the surface of the story, the same with her ethnically-diverse neighbourhood and friendship group.

I wanted this book to represent the glorious diversity that enriches and defines contemporary Australian life.

Ultimately though, this is Skippy’s story, not May’s.

How did you create the characters of Skippy Blackfeet and May? What are your favourite traits of theirs?

I’ve always been a cat lover, and our house has always had cats. (Currently we have two naughty tuxedo cats, bonded brothers from a rescue centre). I’d been wanting to write a story featuring a cat character for some time, and wanted to explore what it would be like to write from a cat’s point of view. I decided the best way to do that was from a place that began with vulnerability, which is why we meet Skippy Blackfeet as a lonely stray.

Skippy’s best traits are his loyalty, bravery, philosophical overthinking, and his sense of fun and adventure.

May was a character that grew rounder on the page. I admire her uncomplex mindset and attitude, her inclusivity and acceptance, her encouragement of others, and her kindness.

Did you have any favourite moments in this story?

I think the scene in Frank’s Butcher Shop is probably my favourite. May and Skippy Blackfeet are bailed up by an outraged and intimidating customer who confronts them in an aggressive fashion. She demands to know how they dare bring a cat into a butcher’s shop, triggering distress in both May and Skippy.

I like the way the adults handle this situation. May’s mother steps in, calm and quiet, yet powerful and strong. She addresses the woman without fear or apology, and it is the first time the term ‘emotional support cat’ is used in the book. Frank brings humour and inclusivity to a weighty moment, cheerfully (yet pointedly) declaring, ‘All emotional support animals are welcome in my store: dogs, cats, hairy-nosed wombats.’

On hearing this important new title, Skippy feels empowered and decides he will never again make himself seem small.

What do you hope readers will take away from Skippy Blackfeet?

First and foremost, I hope they are entertained by a good story with characters they care about.

Skippy Blackfeet is a story for anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world, and I hope readers will embrace the message that serves as the story’s heartbeat.

And finally, be kind to strays! Whatever species they may be…including people.

Do you have any other projects in the works?

So many! I’m currently working on a paranormal middle grade series, as well as a historical fiction project I’m very excited about. I have other ideas banked up and waiting. So many ideas…so little time!