Peek-a-Boo Lottie was created by author, Laura Holloway and illustrator, Kristen Willis. Read their thoughts on creating this picture book for young children.
From the author, Laura Holloway:
The idea of Peek-a-Boo Lottie came from two different experiences in my own life. My then three-year-old daughter just loved interacting with strangers when we were out and about. She’d say ‘hello’ to every person we passed in a grocery aisle, make silly faces at people in lines, and play peek-a-boo with anyone who glanced her way. Lottie’s multicultural neighbourhood is inspired by my background teaching English as an Additional Language. I’ve had classrooms with a dozen (or more!) different cultures and language groups learning together.
Writing the manuscript involved playing around with many different versions – rhyming, lyrical, first-person point-of-view, male protagonist – before deciding which one I thought worked best. I also did a lot of research to find out how to say ‘peek-a-boo’ in all the languages featured in the story. I started by researching online, then sought help from native speakers to confirm the use and pronunciation of each language. My critique group helped me polish the manuscript and make sure the rhyme was spot on.
I submitted the manuscript to the CYA Writers and Illustrators Conference manuscript competition and came first in my category. Not long after, Five Mile opened submissions and I tried my luck in the ‘slush pile’. Less than two weeks later, I got that dream email expressing interest in publishing my story. I was nervous about handing over my manuscript to an illustrator, but as soon as I saw Kristen’s portfolio, I knew I’d love whatever she came up with! It was so exciting to see Lottie come to life and I was blown away by Kristen’s illustrations.
Instagram: @lauraholloway_writes
Website: www.laurahollowayauthor.com
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From the illustrator, Kristen Willis:
As a child, I found endless opportunities to be creative. My most significant influence was Nonna and the treasures hidden within her Far North Queensland Singer Sewing shop. How could I be bored surrounded by the pearlescent buttons of the 90s, retractable rainbow cotton reels and paddle pop sticks? My ears pricked with interest over the unique cultural stories between Nonna and her customers. This is exactly how I felt when reading Laura’s Peek-a-Boo Lottie manuscript! I immediately identified with Lottie and her ever-evolving landscape. I was sold. I had to illustrate this story.
Peek-a-Boo Lottie! marks an important personal creative milestone. I work professionally in the creative industries as a graphic designer and artist. In recent years, I have extended my focus to picture book illustration. Through a referral from the kid-lit community, I finally had my chance to traditionally publish my very first picture book with Five Mile. Without hesitation, I was immersed in my creative bubble, just as I had been as a child, and before I knew it, Lottie’s Peek-a-Boo adventure appeared. It truly feels as though Laura had written this story just for me.
Instagram: @tondocreative
Website: www.tondo.com.au
Click here to read Cherie Bell’s review of Peek-a-Boo Lottie
