A blog about writing and illustrating for children. And, of course, rabbits
As of yesterday, Squish Rabbit is now officially in Australian stores! Only a few days now until the Brisbane book launch, which will be held at the glorious Black Cat Books in Paddington. Please join us if you can.
There may even be an appearance from a little furry friend…
(click on the image to see a larger version of the invite)
It’s a wonderful yet hectic time of year, right in the middle of book week and literary festival season. I’ve just returned from several days of school workshops in Townsville with some amazing kids, and am heading off for more in Toowoomba (which I’m visiting for the second time in less than two weeks). Meanwhile, Squish has been hopping off on his own, and has made himself known in one way I’m quite excited about.
There’s something a little surreal about having your first book out in another country and not yet in your own. Something about it that makes it not quite real. It’s a little like experiencing it through another’s eyes, as I’m being told about it but not seeing it for myself. But that doesn’t stop the excitement of it all. To be honest, I haven’t stopped grinning since my publisher wrote to me to say that Squish Rabbit had been reviewed in the New York Times.
… Squish demands to be noticed, and he certainly deserves the attention. Seamlessly told in barely-there text and deceptively simple ink and collage pictures, “Squish Rabbit” is bound to win children’s hearts.
To read the full article, click on the image below (to see a bigger version) or hop on over to their website.
For the last month or so I’ve been rabbiting away on a secret little side project. It took many hours, much experimentation, some laughter, a little cursing, and the learning of an entire new computer program. But mostly it was a lot of fun, as it involved watching one of my little characters come to life. And today I’m ready to release it.
To celebrate the upcoming launch of Squish Rabbit in Australia (29th August), check out the video below if you want a sneaky peek of my first ever book trailer:
Or you can watch in on Vimeo here.
A huge thanks to the amazing musician Richard Grantham for the score, and also to my publishers (UQP and Viking / Penguin) for their support.
Hope you like it…
It’s finally here. It feels wonderful and surreal and a whole mix of different things. It all began back in 2006 with the first spark of an idea. It’s come such a long way since those first baby rabbit steps. Today it’s emerging from it’s burrow, all grown up and ready to enter the world. And with a hop, skip and a jump…
Squish Rabbit is finally in bookstores.
Only in the US so far, but it will also be available here in Australia by the end of the month. I’ve been spoiled with some lovely reviews so far. Kirkus Reviews says:
Battersby’s expert, ample distribution of white space provides room on each page for readers to luxuriate in her impressive, evocative ink, watercolor and collage illustrations — and to absorb a small rabbit’s feelings. Minimal, moving and adorable, little Squish makes a big impression.
Publisher Weekly also had some encouraging things to say, as did a lovely mummy blogger over at Baby Centre.
I’ve been busy organising the Brisbane book launch (Saturday 3rd September) with my wonderful Aussie publishers, UQP, and the amazing indie bookstore, Black Cat Books. All are welcome – kids and adults and anyone willing to go back down the rabbit hole. I’d love your company if you can make it. I’ll have the official invite up soon, and have a facebook page all about the launch that you can check out too.
Now this little cotton tailed writer is off for a day of celebrations … welcome into the world Squish!
the Well Read Rabbit || Katherine Battersby 