Catherine Bauer and Jennifer Horn Discuss Their New Picture Book "Joey Gets His Wings"

We’re excited to reconnect with the talented team of Juniper’s Painting, award-winning author Catherine Bauer and gifted illustrator Jennifer Horn, as they unveil their latest picture book, Joey Gets His Wings. This enchanting tale draws from true historical events and delves into the poignant journey of Elliott ‘Tab’ Pflaum, a South Australian pilot during World War I, and his toy kangaroo mascot. In this first part of our interview, we explore the origins of the story and its powerful impact on the creators.

Congratulations, Catherine and Jennifer, on the release of your touching and beautifully illustrated book, Joey Gets His Wings!

This heartfelt story encapsulates the fragile nature of war and the emotional ties that bind us to home. How does the tale of Elliott “Tab” Pflaum resonate with you both personally, and what does it signify?

CB: For me, the essence of this story lies in the relationships we leave behind and how we hold onto little reminders of them in our lives. I stumbled upon the tale about a decade ago, initially sparked by a news piece detailing the restoration of an old leather kangaroo mascot that flew with Tab in a Sopwith Camel. The narrative of the Pflaum family particularly struck me. Tab, along with his brothers Ray and Theo, all enlisted in 1915. Tragically, Ray never returned after being wounded, and his family spent nearly a century in uncertainty about his fate until DNA testing identified his remains in 2010. Theo was killed the following year, leaving Tab as the sole brother who made it home. This story of loss and the yearning for closure ultimately became the emotional core of Joey’s journey.

JH: I’m thrilled that Catherine was able to bring this story to life. As a parent, the reality of parents bidding farewell to their children without knowing if they’ll ever return feels intensely relevant. Children often personify their toys, and Joey's journey would have struck a chord within me as a child, particularly in moments when toys are cast aside.

Catherine, what motivated you to write this story, and what insights did you gain from your research?

CB: I was moved by the opportunity to discuss themes of separation and love in a way that avoids the graphic realities of war. There’s a long history of soldiers carrying mascots from home as sources of comfort during trying times, and I found that connection profound. The Pflaum family’s saga, particularly the dynamic in which only one brother returned, adds layers of loss and hope which shaped Joey’s narrative. The authentic kangaroo that inspired Joey and rode on Tab’s plane became a vessel through which I could explore themes of homesickness and connection, making it accessible for young readers.

How did you approach the delicate balance of warmth and danger in your writing, especially within the context of a children’s book?

CB: It's indeed a tricky balance, as you have to acknowledge the horrors of war without presenting them in a way that's distressing for children. I believe children are perceptive and can detect when a narrative isn't honest with them. By keeping Joey as the emotional focal point, I opted to convey tension through subtle details, such as the roar of an engine or the anxiety of distance, allowing Joey’s steadfast presence to provide the warmth in the narrative. His role is akin to an emotional anchor for both readers and characters like Art and Tab.

During the editing process, I found myself trimming more content than I added. My initial drafts sometimes leaned too close to the harsh realities faced by the Pflaum family. I had to continuously ask if a specific detail added value for a child’s understanding of separation and bravery or if I was merely indulging my historical interests. Ultimately, what remained centered on connection: the anxiety of being far from home alongside the comfort that comes from carrying pieces of home with you.

Jennifer, what attracted you to illustrate Joey Gets His Wings? How did Catherine’s writing influence your visual interpretation of the book?

JH: I was captivated by Catherine's ability to evoke emotion and convey a compelling journey through concise yet powerful language. Early on, I could visualize certain spreads based on how she articulated the internal experiences of Art and Joey.

When Big Sky approached me, I was in the midst of another project and estimated I had a tight five-month window to complete the illustrations. Normally, my practical side would deter me from taking on such a challenge, but the profound story and the chance to illustrate a historical context were too enticing. I had been impressed by the previous works of Shane McGrath and was eager to meet that level of skill.

My husband played a crucial role in supporting me through the tight schedule while juggling our two young kids, allowing me to meet the project deadlines. It was an intense experience, but I couldn’t be prouder of how everything turned out.

Can you elaborate on your artistic process for illustrating this story?

JH: I heavily rely on reference materials to ensure authenticity in poses, hand-drawing them before applying washes to create the final images. Many poses come directly from archival photographs from World War I. The aesthetic research involved in such a project is immensely rewarding. Watching period films and gathering resources has enriched my process. A nod of gratitude goes to Jacqui Halpin, who helped with historical insights during the creation of the artwork.

Illustrating in a realism style sharpens one’s perspective on details, like how light interacts with surfaces or the condition of various materials. Additionally, I curated a playlist filled with songs that captured the essence of the time, blending historical and contemporary pieces to foster inspiration for my work.

This has been an enlightening discussion, Catherine and Jennifer! We look forward to Part 2 of your interview and learning more about your creative journey!

ABOUT CATHERINE BAUER

Catherine Bauer is a South Australian journalist and writer with a rich background spanning news and political journalism as well as theatre. She began her writing journey at just eight years old and has since authored three children’s plays and two picture books. In her stories, she aims to evoke strong reactions in her readers, emphasizing the value of small joys amidst life's challenges. Catherine's childhood experiences, influenced by storytelling within her family, continue to shape her narrative approach.

Find Catherine Bauer at her website: www.catherinebauer.com and on Instagram and Facebook.

ABOUT JENNIFER HORN

Jennifer Horn is an illustrator and children’s writer based in Brisbane, renowned for her whimsical and expressive artistry. In addition to Juniper’s Painting, her work includes the junior fiction title Skippy Blackfeet. Her debut picture book, The Precious Plum, earned recognition through nominations for prestigious awards. Jennifer's artistic background in architecture informs her creative style, infusing movement and narrative into her illustrations.

Explore Jennifer Horn’s work at her website: www.jenniferhorn.com.au and on Instagram and Facebook.

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

Join the heartfelt journey with Catherine Bauer and Jennifer Horn as Joey Gets His Wings makes its rounds, engaging with readers across the blogosphere.

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