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Katie and the Starry Night

The Katie books introduce children to great works of art, and are sold in galleries and shops worldwide. Overall international sales of the series have now exceeded one million. The series has been translated into numerous languages, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish and Brazilian. It is anticipated that this latest title will follow suit.

Established 25 years ago, the Katie books adopt an imaginative, narrative approach to non-fiction, aiming to inspire a love of art in young readers.

This book was commissioned by the publisher, Orchard Books, as a celebration of one of the most popular artists, Vincent Van Gogh, and the work explores the central character’s interaction with paintings that ‘come alive’ for her.

Substantial research into van Gogh’s state of mind and intended content was necessary to select pictures that would not be misinterpreted by either children or teachers and librarians. Furthermore, the book was limited in scope by the necessity of using paintings in public collections where permissions for usage could be readily gained. Once five pictures were chosen, a story was woven around them. The challenge was to develop an overall theme that would appeal to children and still retain the integrity of the subject – a book about art for children

A key focus of the research was to explore and utilise illustrative techniques that could create the illusion of Van Gogh’s art coming to life. Emulsion painting, pastels, acrylics, inks and watercolours were all employed to achieve the desired effect within the limited time frame dictated by the publisher’s deadline.

The book was launched at the Edinburgh and Bath Book Festivals with events in which the author appeared as a living portrait of Van Gogh, and subsequently involved the children in creative activities of their own.