Katherine Orr
Katherine’s writing career began while she was working as a marine biologist in the Caribbean and Caicos Islands. To address the need for simple educational tools in regional communities, she began writing and illustrating grant-funded booklets and posters about the environment and local fisheries. This proved to be such a satisfying experience that Katherine branched into writing and illustrating children’s books about nature. She has authored and illustrated more than a dozen books, mostly for children. She has also contributed articles to professional scientific journals and popular magazines. Her commissioned artworks include a hotel mural, logos, posters, portraits, scientific drawings, cartoons, and cookbook illustrations.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Pagoo, by Holling Clancy Holling
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“And this, too, shall pass.”
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Arthur Rackam, Kay Nielsen, Maxfield Parrish
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
To communicate what mattered to me. To help educate both children and adults in a way that’s fun, as well as informative.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Good writing and illustrating are both inspired by passion for your craft and passion for your subject. Write about those things that really matter to you.
