Easy Peasy by Ky Garvey, ill Amy Calautti
Ky Garvey, author of the picture book Easy Peasy talks to Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords
Your debut picture book, Easy Peasy, is a fun and engaging story about a little girl who perseveres to learn to roller skate, both independently and with the help of her patient father. How would you describe your writing style and common themes across your stories?
I like to think that I have a simple writing style that is easy for kids and parents to read aloud. I like to play with words and create fun and rhythm. I’m not a master rhymer though so I often use a mix of prose and poetry together. I like to write stories that have inclusive, empowering themes.
Your main character, Ruby, is strong-willed and determined, and also finds that it’s alright to ask for help sometimes. What can you tell us about the spirit of your character, and how you developed her personality?
I closed my eyes and imagined back to a time in my life as a little person and thought about what I truly loved doing. I loved to go skating and roll around the rink. I wanted to share that feeling with my readers. I wouldn’t say I was as stubborn as Ruby when I was learning to skate though! I wanted Ruby to be strong and independent but also for her to understand that it is ok to ask for help if you need it and it is ok to feel vulnerable. We have our whole life ahead of us and learning is just part of the journey. Every single one of us had to begin somewhere and no matter how hard the obstacle is we can overcome it if we let the people around us give us support.
What can you share about the relationships between you and your own father, and with your own children? What parts of these relationships influenced your story?
I was an only child, so my Dad took me fishing, cycling, sailing, and we even ran in fun runs. Most of our activities were more activities that fathers and sons do together. I used to try and do all the things with enthusiasm, however I was a pretty clumsy, gawky little girl so I was never going to be an athlete or pro fisherman. One thing that did fit in with being an 8-year-old little girl was roller skating. Dad would take me to our local roller rink on a Saturday morning and we would both put our skates on together and roll around. Dad could have just dropped me off and sat at the side, but he always participated. I wanted to reflect that relationship in my story. It is also the way I try to parent my boys. I’m not quite an avid gamer but we watch lots of science fiction and Dr Who together!
What connections with other people and organisations have you made as a result of this book? What has been the most rewarding part of the journey so far?
So many! I originally connected with Editor Leanne Lim from Ethicool, who helped me smooth out my manuscript at the CYA conference a few years ago. Then I attended a workshop through SCWIBI QLD where we were offered the opportunity to submit to Anouska Jones from EK Books and she fell in love with the story too. So, it was a bit of a journey and helped me connect with some lovely professionals in the publishing industry.
Please explain how you came to the title, Easy Peasy? Is this a phrase you often use yourself?
Actually no. I don’t use this phrase at all. It just came out in the initial draft. As I love the rule of three in my writing, it ended up being a phrase I repeated throughout my text. Originally the title was just Riley’s Red Roller Skates. I had submitted the manuscript to picture book agent Annabel Barker who, although she didn’t accept the manuscript, very kindly recommended the title change to Easy Peasy. I also updated the protagonist’s name to Ruby and the rest is history.
How would you recommend parents and educators approach this book and its themes when reading it to children?
The themes are around resilience, perseverance and that it is ok to ask for help when something is hard. I think it is important to let our children know that if they need help, no matter how big or small the problem is, that they can share their worries or obstacles with their parents or care givers. It is important to raise resilient, strong, independent children but it is also important to provide them a soft place to land when they hit life’s turbulence.
What responses have you received so far from your audience?
So far, I am getting great responses. My nieces were thrilled to listen to the story on Kinderling radio, which was exciting for all of us. My sister-in-law also was grateful that the character of Ruby has glasses. My lovely 4-year-old niece Hana wears glasses and the family has found it hard to find stories with girls with glasses. Thank you to my wonderful Illustrator Amy Calautti for adding that lovely touch to Ruby’s character.
Are you a roller skater yourself?
I love to skate but don’t get to go often. I like to go to our local rink with my nieces and nephews or I sometimes go to our local RollerFit classes here at our local PCYC, or another event that is called Secret Roller Disco. It’s heaps of fun.
How can readers contact you?
kygarvey@hotmail.com or follow me on FB & Instagram.
Thank you for your participation, Ky and all the best with Easy Peasy.
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