Catherine Bauer and Jennifer Horn Discuss Takeaways from "Joey Gets His Wings"

In the second part of the heartfelt interview with Catherine Bauer and Jennifer Horn, the creators of the touching picture book Joey Gets His Wings, we explore the emotional and intellectual takeaways they hope readers will experience. Following the first part, which offered insights into their creative processes and inspirations, this discussion dives deeper into the meaningful lessons entwined in Joey's story, a narrative about companionship, home, and navigating challenging times.

Congratulations, Catherine and Jennifer, on creating such a remarkable book!

Welcome back, Catherine and Jennifer!

The story of Joey has been heralded for its hope and its poignant themes of companionship. What are your core hopes for what readers will take away from this book?

CB: My hope is that young readers will grasp the significance of love and connection, no matter the distance. Joey, as a toy, symbolizes an intrinsic truth for children: home isn’t just a physical location; it encompasses the people and cherished items we carry with us.

JH: My favorite illustration encapsulates this idea perfectly; it depicts Art touching Joey’s scarf, allowing him to mentally escape the war-torn landscape of France to the warmth of his home. The ability to conjure up mental sanctuaries during tough times is a message I want readers to understand.

You’ve provided discussion questions and creative prompts in your teaching notes. Are there additional educational opportunities regarding Joey Gets His Wings?

CB: Beyond our existing activities, I envision classrooms researching the real-life Pflaum brothers through the Fromelles Association of Australia and the Australian War Memorial, which holds Theo's personal wartime diaries. For older students, I suggest exploring the implications of Ray's family waiting until 2010 to uncover his fate and how recent advancements in DNA identification have helped return missing WW1 soldiers to their families.

Additionally, Artlab Australia maintains accounts of conserving the actual Joey, providing insights into the role of museums and conservationists in preserving historical artifacts and why these small keepsakes are significant.

Building on our map activities, students could compare Art's fictional experiences with the real journeys of Tab and his brothers, looking at the diverse experiences shaped by a single family's war history.

JH: We put a lot of thought into generating engaging activities! Exploring cultural aspects, such as food and music of the era, might culminate in a themed day. For instance, making Anzac bikkies could add a delicious component to the educational experience.

Do you have any final reflections on your creative journey with Joey, or the true story he is based on?

CB: The genuine Joey is still part of history. He was preserved by Artlab Australia and exhibited in the collection Keepsakes and Stories: Conserving Mementos from WW1. It’s intriguing to note that Tab did not have a family of his own, making my attempts to reach his relatives so important, albeit challenging.

Focusing on the Pflaum family—three brothers from one small South Australian town, with only one returning home—underscores the long emotional journey of families impacted by war. The unresolved nature of Ray's fate until recent times conveys a heavy truth about separation and longing, which I hope readers will carry with them alongside the warmth of reunion.

JH: Working on this book allowed me to dive deep into that historical period, understanding life in rural Australia during the early 1900s amidst global conflict. This exploration has deepened my appreciation for the resilience required during such times, while reaffirming the power of hope. It's this blend of history and imagination that I believe makes the story resonate timelessly.

While this book is inspired by a real-life pilot, my portrayal of young Art also draws inspiration from my own grandfather, who, as a child, loved to run freely. He, too, would have cherished this book we created.

Thank you, Catherine and Jennifer! It's been a wonderful conversation!

ABOUT CATHERINE BAUER

Catherine Bauer is a writer and journalist based in South Australia. With experience as a political journalist and a media adviser, her writing journey began at age eight. She’s authored multiple plays and picture books, aiming to evoke emotional responses in readers. Her stories often reflect themes drawn from her family's WWII history.

Discover more about Catherine at www.catherinebauer.com and on Instagram and Facebook.

ABOUT JENNIFER HORN

Jennifer Horn is an illustrator and children’s author from Brisbane, recognized for her whimsical style. With illustrated works, including Juniper’s Painting and Skippy Blackfeet, her art is inspired by adventure and imagination. Her debut picture book was shortlisted for the 2022 Little Pink Dog Authorstrator Prize, showcasing her talent in children's literature.

Connect with Jennifer at www.jenniferhorn.com.au and on Instagram and Facebook.

JOEY GETS HIS WINGS is available for pre-purchase via Big Sky Publishing.

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The post Catherine Bauer and Jennifer Horn Spread Their Wings – Interview Part 2 appeared first on Just Write For Kids Australia.