Book Chat: Catherine Bauer

Catherine Bauer is a journalist and award-winning author from South Australia. I last had the privilege of chatting with Catherine in 2023, shortly after the release of her historical novel Tulips for Breakfast. I'm rapt to have the chance to learn more about Catherine's journey, and particularly about her latest release, a soul-stirring picture book called Juniper's Painting.

A very warm welcome back to Book Chat, Catherine! It’s so great to have the chance to find out what you’ve been up to since we discussed your extraordinary novel, Tulips for Breakfast, back in 2023, and to learn all about your latest title, Juniper’s Painting – a richly poetic picture book, illustrated by the brilliant Jennifer Horn.

So, firstly, please tell us how the last two years have been for you! A very creative time by the look of it!

Thanks for having me back, Cameron! Yes, the past couple of years have been busy, including on the creative front. Since Tulips for Breakfast was released, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many readers and schools, which has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve also spent time exploring different forms of storytelling - especially in younger children’s literature, where the rhythm and economy of language present such a beautiful challenge.

Juniper’s Painting grew in part out of that exploration, and it’s been wonderful to see this beautiful book into the world.

Big Sky Publishing also released a children’s book I wrote as part of its Australia Remembers series. Len Waters: Boundless and Born to Fly is a highly researched fact-book about one of Australia’s first Aboriginal fighter pilots.

Congratulations on these adventures and achievements, Catherine, and now on the release of Juniper’s Painting. It’s such an atmospheric and beautifully written book, with incredibly evocative artwork. What was the genesis of this lovely story?

The idea began with how we fill time and also with an image - a girl alone in her room, painting her feelings into landscapes and skies.

I was thinking a lot about how children process emotions through creativity, how they make sense of big feelings without necessarily naming them. From there, Juniper’s story unfolded quite naturally: a quiet celebration of imagination, art, and healing. I wanted it to feel like a gentle exhale - the kind of story that reassures both children and adults that it’s okay to feel deeply and that no matter how dark times might feel, the sun will always shine. You just have to hang tight and be patient.

I love that message, and you deliver it so gently but effectively through this story.

Can you tell us a little about the drafting process you went through for Juniper’s Painting? Were you able to leave yourself space for surprises?

Absolutely! Picture books go through a fascinating evolution because every word matters. Early drafts of Juniper’s Painting were longer and more literal, but as I refined it, I stripped away language until only the essence remained. The surprises came from those small shifts — realising that sometimes a single image might be much better and achieve what words couldn’t. Working through that balance between word and silence was both challenging and satisfying.

Writing picture books would obviously be a very different experience from writing a novel, but have you found any particularly surprising similarities or points of difference in these processes?

The biggest difference is scale of course, but the emotional truth still has to be there. In a novel, you have the luxury of time and backstory. In a picture book, you distil everything into a few hundred words.

But both forms share a heartbeat: you’re still creating characters who must feel real, finding their voice and crafting emotional resonance. In some ways, picture books are like poetry - every syllable has weight.

There seems to be such a natural symbiosis between your text and Jennifer Horn’s illustrations in Juniper’s Painting. Could you share with us a little about the nature of your collaboration?

Jennifer’s artwork elevates Juniper’s Painting in the most magical way. I didn’t meet her (via email) until later in the process, but when I saw her illustrations, it was as if she had reached into Juniper’s heart and painted it.

There’s a tenderness and atmosphere to her work that captures the emotion I hoped to evoke through the text. We communicated through our publisher, but I think that creative alignment - that shared sensitivity - came naturally.

Is there any particular advice you would offer to people setting out to write their first picture book?

Read widely. Not just the classics, but contemporary picture books too, to get a sense of rhythm, pacing and restraint. Then write from the heart, not from what you think will “work” or whatever the latest trend is.

Picture books succeed when they connect emotionally, when they speak to something true and universal. And be patient: the process is often long.

What’s next for Catherine Bauer?

I’m working on a few new stories – as usual! Another picture book that explores memories of home and what home means, a historical fiction about an incredible, but little known explorer born in South Australia, and I’m also working on a cosy crime novel, that’s been simmering for a while.

I also continue to do occasional library visits, which I love. There’s something special about seeing young people respond to a story with such curiosity and imagination.

Exciting times! Where would you suggest readers go to find you online and get hold of Juniper’s Painting, as well as your other books?

You can find Juniper’s Painting and my other books through major booksellers, local independent bookstores and online.

Many thanks for finding time for another chat, Catherine!

Thanks, Cameron, for your interest in my work and bringing stories and their creation to readers through your platform.

My pleasure! I really appreciate the generosity with which you share your insights and advice, and look forward to enjoying more fruits of your labours in the coming years.

I'm thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Juniper's Painting with all of these incredible bloggers, presented by Books On Tour PR & Marketing. Please keep following Catherine's journey on the fine blogs and sites below.