Kitty Black has a background in psychology and teaching and believes stories are at the heart of who we are. Kitty is the author of many picture books, two of which have been translated into German and Turkish! Today we’re chatting to Kitty about her latest picture book: The Starting School List, illustrated by Cate James.
The publisher provided Alphabet Soup with a reading copy of The Starting School List.
From the publisher:
It’s Little Brother’s first day at school tomorrow. Luckily, Big Brother knows what that feels like. And what’s more, he has a list of what to expect …
You’ll learn where the loos are, and all about bugs.
You’ll learn a sad friend could do with a hug.
You’ll learn the best spot for sand that is slushy.
You’ll learn that tomato makes sandwiches mushy.
How did you come to write about starting school?
I was actually asked if I wanted to write a picture book about starting school by my publisher, I’d never thought about it before, but I instantly loved the idea. We knew that we wanted the book to be full of good advice, and who’s better at telling younger kids what to do than their older siblings. In a loving, helpful way of course!
What’s your favourite memory about starting school?
I wouldn’t call this my favourite memory, but it’s definitely the strongest memory I have of starting school, I got left behind on my first day. My older siblings told me to wait outside my classroom and they’d come get me on the way to the bus stop, but they forgot! A teacher drove me home, and just as we were pulling into the driveway my Mum was marching out of the house, car keys in hand, shouting at my siblings about how could they forget their little sister. They never forgot me again!
You’re the author of many picture books … and this one is written in rhyme. When you get an idea for a picture book, how do you know whether a story should be told with or without rhyme?
This is my first rhyming book, and I was honestly surprised that I wrote it in rhyme. I tried writing the book without rhyme over and over again, but it just didn’t feel right. There was something about the first words in the book ‘Hey little brother, are you asleep?’ that just WANTED to rhyme. So, I guess I don’t know when a story should rhyme or not, but the story knows.
Do you have a tip for young writers who’d like to try writing their own picture books?
Go for it! Writing should be fun, so if an idea makes you giggle, make it into a book!
Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on next?
I am working on ANOTHER rhyming picture book, which was inspired by my cheeky dog.
The Starting School List is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library.
Awesome Extras:
See some sample pages from the book at Booktopia’s site
Grown-ups can enter a competition to win a Starting School pack with QBD books, closing 31 January 2024.
Check out Kitty Black’s website for more about her and the books she’s writing.
Check out Cate James’s website for more about her and her illustrations.
alphabetsoup.net.au 
Great interview and a fantastic book.