Home

Kathryn Apel is an Aussie children’s author who writes too much. She paints pictures with words, because much as she’d love to, Kat can’t draw. Kat’s goal is to find the perfect word for every situation. Sometimes that’s a lot harder than you think!

Click the tabs above to find out more about The Kat’s Whiskers and her words. Read about Kat’s Books, with links to reviews & activities. Check out Kat’s Blog about life and writing – with emphasis on picture books & poetry. Under the Kid’s Stuff tab you’ll find activities to download for home & classroom use. Or you can Buy Books.

Kathryn presents poetry workshops for kids and adults – and staff professional development sessions across grades and curriculum areas. Book now for 2018!

Information and images on this website are copyright Kathryn Apel.

Book Week Costumes

Book Week is this week – and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably just starting to think about costumes. Don’t panic! I’ve got your covered, with quick and EASY ideas for each of my verse novels. That gives you more time to do what we all love best, right? READ!! Enjoy! 😀 SaveSave SaveSaveSaveSave … Continue reading →

Mr Ferris Wheel – National Science Week

Inspired by National Science Week, I’m sharing a found poem, taken from the picture book, ‘Mr Ferris and His Wheel’ – a book that I borrowed as much for my late-teenaged sons as for myself. They’re both so busy with studies at the moment that a picture book is about all they have time for! … Continue reading →

Bookings Open – 2018

Poetry inspires creativity and builds writing muscles that flex across all curriculum areas and genres. A passionate and diverse poet and children’s author, I have an ever-increasing bag of tricks to share with your staff and students. If your school is considering an author visit, register your interest below. Student poetry workshops involve fun activities that … Continue reading →

Brisbane Booking

I will be in Brisbane during the first week of August for author visits – and I have one day still available! I offer author talks and poetry workshops, for primary and secondary students – and staff. “If you are a Brisbane school, I can highly recommend Kat for an author visit.” (Kim Yeomans) Read … Continue reading →

Horsepower

It’s Friday. Time for some poetry love – though I do hope you can love poetry every day of the week! Today I’m sharing a solage – (and a rush of memories) and two snippets of news. First the news… I was thrilled to hear that my poem ‘Big Blue Whale‘ is being used in a … Continue reading →

Cheesy Mac

I was all set to roll with a horsepower post today… but then my tweet stream started to fill with… (Oh no! I forgot!!) CheesyMac! Here’s the quickest-ever batch of Mac&Cheese that I have every whipped up! When you’re wanting a tasty, quick snack that won’t line your washing up rack, grab some pasta and … Continue reading →

Hairy Huntsman Spider – Repost

This week I’m cheating and linking back to one of my earlier bush poetry posts. I don’t feel like I’m cheating readers though, because Hairy Huntsman Spider is one of my better bush poems – and overseas readers will get a glimpse of an iconic Australian creature. And there are pictures. Big, scary pics… (Well – … Continue reading →