Hannah Peck
About Author
Author and illustrator Hannah Peck's new series, Kate on the Case, is a hugely entertaining detective story for developing readers, supported with her trademark ink and pencil drawings.
Hannah studied English at university before swapping the pen for a pencil. Now she uses both to write and draw at exactly the same time. Hannah uses inks and pencil textures to create elegant illustrations full of magic and fun, and thinks sharing stories is important. You may recognise Hannah’s illustration work from brilliant books like The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods by Samuel J. Halpin and The House of Hidden Wonders written by Sharon Gosling.
Hannah is based in East London, UK.
Read an extract from Kate on the Case
Interview
Kate on the Case (Piccadilly Press)
July 2021
Young reporter-in-training Kate and her mouse-accomplice Rupert are on board a train, to visit Kate's mum in the Arctic when strange things start to happen, beginning with the disappearance of the ginger biscuits and the theft of some trophies. Can Kate unlock the mystery before the journey comes to an end?
Hannah Peck tells us more about her delicious new series, Kate on the Case:
1. You have previously illustrated children's books - why did you decide to write your own?
I've always written bits and pieces, so writing alongside illustrating seemed like a natural next step for me. Getting to build a whole world myself - characters, plot, and the overall look - was a dream.
2. Can you tell us about your new book, Kate on the Case?
Of course! Kate, a young and curious special-correspondent in training, on the hunt for her first big story. Along with her Dad, best friend (and mouse) Rupert, Kate boards a train to the Arctic to visit her mum, a scientist. Once aboard, other passengers start losing items; Miss Bonbon announces that someone has stolen all 16 of her gymnastics trophies, the priest is missing some ancient scrolls, and Simon, the Conductor-in-training, is down three packets of extremely flavoursome ginger nut biscuits.
Luckily, Kate is soon on the case and sets about using her burgeoning skills to solve the mystery.
3. Why did you decide to make Kate a detective; do you enjoy reading mystery stories?
I wanted to write a story where the main character has to address her assumptions and is proved wrong. Having Kate as a special correspondent seeking a story gives her plenty of chances to jump to conclusions.
4. Why does Kate have a mouse, who is called Rupert, as her sidekick? Have you ever had a pet mouse?
I loved animal characters as a kid, especially ones that had a special relationship with the main character (and could potentially fit inside a pocket). Sadly I've never had a pet mouse, but was very jealous of friends with rats.
5. Kate's first adventure takes place on board a train - why did you decide this would be the right setting for your story?
I genuinely love trains! I also think a contained space works well for a short book with lots of characters.
6. There is a variety of characters on board - other than Kate, who is your favourite?
I think Simon is one of my favourites. He's painfully genuine but also a little dim, which makes him perfect for silly one liners.
7. What's next for Kate and Rupert?
Book 2, The Call of the Silver Wibbler, will be out early next year and sees Kate and Rupert aboard a steam boat in the jungle. There will be sun cream, binoculars and some feathery companions.
8. You've also illustrated this book; did you doodle the characters before you started to write about them?
I did; I found one medium really informed the other, and knowing what a character looked like or what they were wearing helped me flesh out how they might sound, what they might say, or spark ideas for might happen to them.
9. How do you create your illustrations? Do you have a favourite illustration in this book?
I use my iPad to render illustrations, but will usually have an idea of composition and technique before using my digital tools. My favourite spread is probably the collage of newspapers Kate finds in Madame Maude's compartment. It's such a fun mix of handwriting, type, and illustration, and is full of detail for readers to enjoy.
10. Do you find writing easier or harder than illustrating?
They're so different from one another but on the whole I feel writing is more immediate, whereas a single illustration can take many iterations and tweaks before it feels right to me.
11. Do you have different places to write and illustrate?
I do! I illustrate in a studio space in East London with other creatives, which works well for keeping my energy up, motivating me, and getting a fresh pair of eyes on occasion. I write at home; it's quieter and calmer.
12. There are lots of lovely snacks mentioned on Kate's train journey - what is your favourite writer's snack?
Salty salty crisps.
13. What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
I recently moved to London so am taking myself to lots of exhibitions and museums. I also like to cook, but sadly have zero pastry chef'ing abilities.
Kate on the Case
