Brendan Kearney
About Author
Brendan Kearney lives and works by the sea in South West England with his little dog, Crumble. He has always loved drawing since he started scribbling as a child and feels very lucky to be able to draw for a living. He particularly enjoys drawing animals (especially sea life!) and making up stories.
The idea for Fish was born from a fascination with the ocean and the animals that live in it. Living by the sea himself, Brendan is constantly reminded of the threats our oceans face, pollution being just one of them.
He hopes that this book might cause us to think twice about the amount of rubbish we throw away and what we can do to reduce our own waste. He loves playing guitar and eating biscuits - but hates slugs.
Interview
FISH
DK
SEPTEMBER 2020
In FISH by BRENDAN KEARNEY, a fisherman heads out to sea but instead of finding fish, he comes home with a boat full of rubbish.
The picture book goes on to explore why our rubbish is dangerous to sea creatures and the steps we can take to help reduce the amount of rubbish going into our seas; there are also suggestions for what we can do with the rubbish we find on our beaches.
Here, BRENDAN KEARNEY tells us how living near the sea helped inspire the book, and what he would like young readers to take from his new picture book, FISH:
Q: Can you tell us a bit about life as a picture book creator, how did you get started?
A: As a child I always loved drawing and making up stories. I knew I wanted to do something that involved drawing, but I wasn't sure what for a long time.
I initially studied Architecture at university, and thought drawing plans and elevations for buildings would be fun. It turns out I don't really like using rulers, so I soon discovered that wasn't for me.
I decided to swap from Architecture to Illustration, and this is where my love for making children's books really began. It gave me a few years to throw myself into drawing, develop my style and get a portfolio together.
After leaving university I sent my portfolio out to some illustration agents, and was lucky enough to sign with Plum Pudding Illustration agency. They have kept me very busy ever since.
Q: Fish is your latest picture book with Dorling Kindersley. Can you tell us a bit about it?
A: Fish follows Finn and Skip as they set out on an expedition to catch a fish for supper. Things don't go to plan and they end up with empty tummies and a boat full of rubbish that was littering the sea.
It weaves some non fiction elements into the narrative to highlight some of the issues our ocean faces such as pollution, and offers children ideas on what they can do to help the problem.
Q: What inspired you to write it and to bring a strong environmental message to the story?
A: I live near the sea and so am constantly reminded how amazing and beautiful it is. I am also reminded how much rubbish and litter is washed ashore. It is so damaging for the environment and the creatures that live in it.
I feel that this is such an important thing for children to learn about because there is an easy way we can all begin to help. By being responsible with our rubbish so it doesn't end up littering our seas.
Q: Finn's dog, Skip, comes on the adventures too. Why did you decide on a man and his dog as the main characters? Is Skip based on your own dog?
A: I thought Finn needed a little pal to come on his adventures with him to drive the narrative and allow for some dialogue in the story when he is out at sea. I have a little dog called Crumble and he comes everywhere with me, so I think there is also an autobiographical element too!
Q: You have said that you enjoy creating 'water-scapes' - do you feel very connected to the sea?
A: Yes I love drawing the sea, especially underwater scenes. I have been lucky over the years to have been asked quite a few times to draw them. I am just fascinated by all the strange creatures that live there and all the colours and shapes are just ideal for drawing.
I walk with my dog along the coast quite often and it is always different. Depending on the weather it can be gentle and peaceful or dramatic and full of energy. You can't beat living near the sea.
Q: Was it hard to create a picture book about rubbish yet still make the pages lovely to look at?
A: I think drawing the rubbish was quite difficult. I initially started drawing lots of crazy pieces of junk like bookcases and wheelbarrows and garden sheds... but we decided to tone it down a bit. Once I had settled on the pieces of rubbish I think what helped tie it in with the book was using a limited colour palette, so the rubbish felt integrated into the whole image.
Q: Do you have a favourite moment or spread in the book?
A: I think my favourite moment in the book is where Finn and Skip are waiting in the boat and it is raining. They both look really fed up, but Finn has lent Skip his hat to keep him dry.
Q: Why did you decide to include some non-fiction elements about how we can all help to clear up our oceans?
A: I think the non fiction elements are really important for the young readers to take away with them. Hopefully Finn and Skip can engage the audience and encourage children to think about the problems facing our oceans even after the book has been put down.
Q: Fish ends on a hopeful note; what would you like young readers to take from the story?
A: I would love children to come away from it feeling hopeful and inspired to help by following in the footsteps of Finn and Skip and the children in the book. I think the most important thing is that it gets the readers thinking and opens a dialogue about it between parents/ children/ teachers/ friends etc...
Q: What are your top recommended activities / actions that schools / families can work with after sharing your picture book, Fish?
A: Take a bag or a box with you if you are out walking and collect the litter you find. You can then sort the rubbish out when you get home and either reuse, recycle or dispose of it correctly.
Try to find uses for things you would otherwise throw away. For example you could turn an old jar into a pencil holder or a vase or a sweet container.
Q: Will you be doing any virtual events with schools for Fish? What do you cover in your author visits?
A: I don't have anything planned yet, but I am open to suggestions.
Q: Where do you write / create your images? What are you working on now?
A: I work predominantly from home with Crumble, but I quite often make notes and sketches while I am out walking. I think it's pretty useful to have a change of scene sometimes to get the brain moving.
Right now I am working on writing another few books for DK and also developing a few more ideas. I also have a few other illustration commissions that are keeping me on my toes.
Q: What are your favourite escapes from your desk / studio?
A: When I am not working I really like to run, walk with Crumble, play guitar and attempt various DIY projects around the house. I haven't had much time recently though as my 5 month old son is keeping me very busy!
Fish: A tale about ridding the ocean of plastic pollution
