Meet Katharine: Author of Santa Canuck
This holiday season, Brown Paper Fox is thrilled to introduce Santa Canuck, a cheerful, rhyming picture book that puts a delightfully Canadian twist on a classic Christmas tale. Written by Katharine Joy Sowden and illustrated by Kelsey Marshalsey, this story follows Santa Canuck, his beaver toy-making crew, cookie-baking polar bears, and a magical moose team (guided by the grumpy Bruce the Goose!) as they deliver joy across Canada in a bright red pickup truck.
To celebrate the book’s release, we sat down with Katharine to talk about her inspiration, writing process, and what makes Santa Canuck so special.
What inspires you to write books?
Katharine Joy Sowden: Books have always been so comforting to me. Sometimes they provide answers and other times? An escape from life’s hectic schedules and routines. I’ve always been a writer and I’ve always had a thing for rhyming but never knew how to use it. As a child, books played an important role in my growth, my learning and even my healing in some ways. Storytelling is so important to me through not just words but the arts also, I believe that storytelling can be healing for the soul. It helps us not only get in touch with our own stories and those of others, but with our inner child and the world around us.
How did you come up with such memorable characters?
Katharine Joy Sowden: My characters often start with a spark sometimes inspired by people in my own life. I also draw a lot of inspiration from nature as it is a big part of my life, when I’m not working or writing? I can probably be found on a trail or by a lake in a provincial park. Once I have a solid foundation for a character, I find great joy in giving them personalities, quirks, and dreams that feel relatable and endearing.
What do you enjoy most about writing for children?
Katharine Joy Sowden: Being able to use my imagination and also being able to be a part of a child’s journey. I hope that someday maybe I can be a part of a child’s favourite memory of their parents reading to them or their journey is discovering the joy of storytelling and reading.
What challenges did you face while creating your stories?
Katharine Joy Sowden: Rhythm! Making sure that the words land just right and making sure that the stories are unique and memorable.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Katharine Joy Sowden: Never lose your imagination. Get it out, write it down, the first draft is just the beginning and it is your friend, it doesn’t have to be good on the first try, it just has to be outside of your head and into real life. Also, collaborate as much as you can, feedback is so helpful and being surrounded by knowledgeable people more experienced than you? Is how you grow. It’s okay to be new at something, it’s okay to have a bad first draft- it’s the first step in creating something great.
About the Book
Santa Canuck is a festive, rhyming picture book perfect for children ages 3–8 and their families. With humour, heart, and plenty of Canadian charm, it’s sure to become a seasonal favourite.
Available now through major retailers, independent bookstores, and Brown Paper Fox's website.