Q&A with Cate Berry

 

Photo by Diem Korsgaard

 

Cate Berry is the author of the new children's picture book Scorch, Hedgehog of Doom. Her other books include Thank You, Teacher!. She lives in Austin, Texas.

 

Q: What inspired you to create Scorch, Hedgehog of Doom? 

 

A: I recently realized that I am a character writer! That's a funny thing to say since I've already written several books that focus on humorous characters.

 

I have two friends, also children's book writers, whom I retreat with once or twice a year. During these retreats we really push ourselves to try and find the best way to tell a draft of our stories. I think finding that elusive “brilliant idea” is the secret sauce to a great picture book.

 

It was during one of these retreats, late at night, after rejecting many ideas for another story, that a voice popped in my head saying, “High on a craggy cliff she loomed...” I knew at once I was being pulled to a character. I let the voice keep going as I scrambled to jot it all down. Sure enough, it was the voice of Scorch!

 

Of course, that's only the tiny spark that started the whole thing. But I loved that little fiery hedgehog right from the beginning.

 

Q: The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books review of the book says that “the contrast between Scorch’s desire to be as ‘doomsy’ as possible with her undeniably lovable appearance ensures plenty of giggles.” What do you think of that description? 

 

A: I think it was exactly what we were going for! To me, the best humor is often found in the juxtaposition between how a character "thinks" they are coming across, and how they are actually perceived.

 

It's especially delicious for kids when they are reading a book aloud because they, as the reader, get to feel "in" on the joke. They can see Scorch acting scary, but it backfires every time!

 

It's delightfully fun for me to read this aloud to students on my school visits. They squeal seeing Scorch try so hard but she ends up shaking her fist at the heavens despite all her efforts.

 

Q: What do you think Margherita Grasso’s illustrations add to the story?

 

A: Oh, she's amazing. I gave her a really hard task. She has to keep finding more and more ways to make Scorch fierce and adorable at the same time, which is hard! Or, it seems like it would be to me.

 

I really admire all the specifics she added to every page, details that show up anew after repeat reads. She lives in Milan, Italy and I hope to one day visit her and tell her in person what a wonderful job she did.

 

Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?

 

A: First, I hope they are entertained. And I hope they laugh. That in itself is enough for me. We underestimate how important laughter is to children and to everyone. It's actually good for you mentally and physically.

 

I am also proud that a subtle theme in the book is about being true to yourself. Scorch never gives up on herself, no matter how others see her. That's a wonderful takeaway for all humans. 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I have a very different book making the rounds right now to editors in that it's sweet and lyrical rather than funny. It's been a lovely departure to try and stretch my writing in this direction.

 

I also have another humorous Christmas book I'm revising. More on that (I hope!) very soon.

 

And for fun, I have a newsletter entitled The Dept. of Joy & Whimsy where I post delights, quirks and other curiosities to lift our spirits during these challenging times.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I've launched a new course helping artists empower themselves while navigating rejections and negativity in the business. You can read more about that, and join the Joy & Whimsy newsletter, at www.cateberryspeaks.com

 

I love writing, reading and helping others as they've helped me along the way. I travel a lot and I'm always looking to connect with other writers. Feel free to drop me a line. Also, thank you so much for the interview. I'm a fan.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb