Writing and illustrating “We’re Having a Party (for Everyone!) was a total dream– I’m still pinching myself that I got to include bigfoot, a giant tooth, t-rex, and a viking in one book!

Out now!

Buy it here.

“Bursting with color and quirky illustrations, We’re Having a Party (for Everyone!) teaches young readers about social etiquette, accommodating others, and how much fun goes into planning a shindig. With funny details on every page and an imaginative double-twist ending, young readers will be eager to host an amazing dinner party of their own.”

I learned to trust my gut about a story idea. It’s hard to put your sense of humor out there, but when I presented it to Abrams, they totally got it and were on board.

The sheer amount of puns in some of the text. Also, getting to “hide” bigfoot in a lot of the spreads.

Right: Bigfoot from sketch to painty blob to final.

I remember sitting at my dinner table with my mom and sister and said “What about a book about how to act if the queen was coming to dinner?” Asking that silly question got my mind going!

Gouache, watercolor, procreate. I hand paint/draw most elements to get the texture, and then adjust the color digitally.

The idea came to me maybe 5 years ago, and then it was during Lilla’s Artist Residency in 2023 that I created the full pitch (manuscript and dummy). I pitched it at a LRS speed art dating zoom event and Meredith Mundy at Abrams really liked it and it got picked up!

I really love the advice that Lana gives her dog Lemon about being a host. It’s not stuffy etiquette, but it’s about thinking of what would make your guests comfortable and appreciated.

In my first picture book, “Ari Arranges Everything” there was only one main character. In “We’re Having a Party (for Everyone!)” there are two main characters and 15 party guests. It was a lot of time spent making sure there was consistency between all the illustrations.

We’re Having A Party (For Everyone!) is available for now. It released May 14, 2024.

See more of Katie’s fabulous illustration work here.

Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt read ‘Like a Girl’ by Lori Degman and illustrated by Mara Penny on BBC CBeebies Bedtime Stories.

Joanne says: “The story is so beautiful and empowering. I hope you enjoy it.”

Watch the replay here. (Note: the video starts around the 30 sec mark)

Like A Girl (Union Square Kids)

Buy it here.

“The perfect gift for any young animal-lover, this beautifully illustrated information book is an ideal introduction to the world of farm animals!”

Buy it here.

Let’s Put That Away (Random House Books for Young Readers)

“Embark on a rainbow-filled adventure of tidying up with your little ones! In this charming board book, New York Times bestselling authors and founders of the Home Edit invite kids to unlock the joy of a tidy space and learn lifelong organizational skills. Written in simple language paired with easy-to-follow directions and charming illustrations.”

Pre-order here.

Congrats Katie!!

Buy it here.

Buy it here.