Interview: Katie Furze talks about Kekeno, Curious Explorer

Katie Furze writes children’s fiction and non-fiction, including picture books, short stories, articles, plays, readers and novels. She has a master’s degree in creative writing and is fascinated by science and nature. Katie talks to NZ Booklovers.

Tell us a little about Kekeno, Curious Explorer.

Kekeno is a narrative non-fiction picture book about the New Zealand fur seal, known as kekeno in Māori. The story follows a young fur seal pup for the first year of his life – from the rocky shore where he is born, where he learns to swim, dive and catch fish, to leaving home and surviving in the wide world.

What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve always been interested in kekeno. A few summers ago, I visited one of the largest fur seal colonies in New Zealand, in Kaikōura, with my family. The colony was in full swing when we arrived — busy, noisy, and smelly! Fur seals were jostling and pushing each other, with pups wriggling all over the place. I found it absolutely fascinating to watch the interactions between the seals, and that’s when I first decided I wanted to write about these incredible animals.

By this time, we had already published three books in the series, and the publishing manager at Scholastic suggested it would be good to feature a marine mammal in our next book. Straight away, I thought of kekeno.

What research was involved?

I was able to read about most aspects of kekeno’s biology from reports and scientific papers, thanks to the excellent work of New Zealand scientists. Once I had finished my manuscript, I contacted a couple of fur seal experts, to make sure I had everything right.

The most enjoyable part of my research was visiting fur seal colonies at various places over the summer to observe their behaviour.

What was your routine or process when writing this book? 

When writing nonfiction, I start by researching the topic as widely and thoroughly as I can, taking notes by hand. As I research, I get a feeling about the form and shape of the book I’m going to write. When that feeling is strong enough, I start the first draft. Quite often I begin with a few lines of story; other times I scribble a plan. This often leads to more focussed research. It is a messy and playful process, but it works for me. Once I have a draft that I quite like, I type it up. After that, I revise the story with help from critique partners – there are usually many drafts over a few months, sometimes years. With Kekeno, I knew I wanted to focus on a pup, because they’re super cute and their behaviour is similar to that of a child.

How did you work with the illustrator, Ned Barraud?

I love working on books with Ned Barraud and the team at Scholastic! This is the fourth book Ned and I have created together, so we chat on a regular basis, but when Ned is working on the illustrations, I take a step back because illustration is not my area of expertise. It is important for the author to give the illustrator time and space to create their own vision of the story. Scholastic share the illustration roughs and the near-final layouts for my comments – which is wonderful.

What did you enjoy the most about writing this children's picture book. 

The part I enjoy most comes after the writing – I most enjoy being a member of a collaborative team with different skills, working together to make a beautiful book. With a picture book this is where the magic happens.

What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?

When Kekeno was sent to print, I felt happy, relieved, and grateful to everyone involved. After that, I had a little party at home with my nearest and dearest to celebrate.

What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?

My favourite book for adults so far this year is Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. It’s atmospheric, surprising and beautifully written.

I’m currently reading The Raven’s Eye Rebellion by Claire Mabey. It’s a middle grade fantasy about friendship, rebellion, and the power of literacy with lovely writing, quirky characters and lots of magic.

What’s next on the agenda for you?

I have quite a few school visits coming up, which I’m really looking forward to. After that, I’ll get stuck into edits on our next book – it’s about another very special native of Aotearoa. Look out for it in 2027!

Scholastic New Zealand