Kat Quin is the ‘quintessentially Kiwi’ author-illustrator of the bestselling Kuwi the Kiwi series. She is the ambassador for Kiwis for Kiwi, raising awareness for kiwi conservation, and illustrates out of her studio, Design on Q, and the boutique Illustrated Publishing. Her passion for all things children’s books and illustration is apparent in her quirky illustration style. Kat talks to NZ Booklovers about her new Flit the Fantail book.
Tell us a little about Flit the Fantail and the Christmas Crash.
With Santa at the helm, Flit accidentally embarks on a jolly journey, delivering presents to all the children and native critters of Aotearoa. At the end of a busy, beardy night, Flit is safely returned to his nest with a special gift from Santa.
What inspired you to write this book?
When Scholastic approached me to write a Christmas story featuring Flit, I was a little nervous. I wanted to stay true to what Christmas means in our whānau, and for it to have an Aotearoa Christmas feel, without being predictable. After around six months of exploring ideas, I had a story that felt right. My children enjoy surprising us with little treasures, flowers, rocks, or handmade treats — so I wanted to weave that sense of that type of thoughtful gift-giving into the story. It was important to me to capture the playful clumsiness that defines the Flit stories, while also reflecting the spirit of generosity that Christmas inspires.
What research was involved?
I included a collection of chicks and nests, belonging to New Zealand endemic and native birds. To get these chicks right, I researched the nest styles, where these nests would be found, what those baby birds look like, and what their diet consists of at different ages and stages. All while using a little artistic fluffy license, as chicks can be a little bald and weird looking. I also wanted to feature a range of Kiwi-style batches, bungalows and villas, so drawing from homes that I have stayed in or spots that I love.
What was your routine or process when writing and illustrating this book?
Once I had the rough storyline in my head, the writing phase took a few weeks of playing with ideas and text, and working closely with the team at Scholastic NZ. Bringing the wee manu to life while illustrating the story was a lot of fun. Santa was a challenge as Flit and his bird friends are small, and Santa is larger than life. So, each illustration featuring Santa only has a hint of him, or a viewpoint from behind, so you never see Santa in his jolly fullness. My children are always really involved with the illustration process, as the long hours to get spreads completed are often needing to be done outside of work hours - between meals, homework and prickle removals. My kids are always over my shoulder, offering feedback and sharing their own ideas and suggestions.
If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
It would have to be A Pūkeko In a Ponga Tree by Sir Kingi M. Ihaka.
What did you enjoy the most about writing this children’s picture book?
I loved the feedback of my children as they watched the story come to life. And, we all loved being able to get excited for Christmas (very prematurely). I also got to test the first reading on a class at our kura, and the feedback was so gorgeous. The children especially loved the surprise at the end of the book.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
I would love to say ‘some time off’, but in truth, it is such a busy time of year I didn’t really have a celebration, or a break.
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
Ultra Wild by Steve Mushin. I purchased it at the airport, and spent my whole flight pouring over every single page. Ridiculously clever.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
We are celebrating 10 years of the Kuwi the Kiwi series! I’ve also launched a brand-new addition to the range: Kuwi’s Fluey Huwi. Over the next few months, I’ll be traveling across Aotearoa, facilitating book readings, events and workshops, while promoting Flit and Kuwi.
Scholastic NZ