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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 specialises in poetry workshops for kids and adults – and staff professional development sessions across grades and curriculum area.

Information and images on this website are copyright Kathryn Apel. Not to be reposted or published without prior written permission.

Cat Call – Me? Ow!

Sliding into the Poetry Friday round-up with a cat-themed poem, and a hint of Christmas. (That is my Christmas tree box and tinsel sprinkled on the floor.) What cat doesn’t like to hide in boxes? (And what human can resist those poised paws, and twitching tail!) Our cat has been affectionately dubbed many things, but … Continue reading →

Poetry at Sharjah International Book Fair 2018

I am really struggling with blog posts these days. It feels there are so many things I need to write in other places – most especially in my stories (LOVE), and the submissions to accompany them (Aaargh!) and blog posts just keep getting pushed to the bottom of the pile … I do want to … Continue reading →

On Silence and Writing

It has been so long since I posted to my blog, that I feel like I need to just jump in and not even try to play catch-ups … so here I am! Life has been gloriously busy, with Book ‘Week’ visits waaay back in August, and so many other wonderful activities celebrating literature and/or … Continue reading →

Flocking with Feathers

They say birds of a feather flock together – and that is never more true than in the Poetry Friday community. This week, our hostess, Christie Wyman has asked us to hatch up some feathered friends in verse form. Since Book Week is upon us, and life is busy, I’m cheating, and pulling out some old … Continue reading →

Find Your Costume Treasure!

Looking for Book Week costume ideas? I’ve just created a new tab with easy-peasy ideas linked to my books – so you can find them year after year. 🙂 Don’t have a copy of the books? You can order signed copies here. From now until end of August 2018 you can order two-for-one on copies of … Continue reading →

Thank-you, Mr Postman

My mailman has been unusually busy of late, which has been quite lovely. And I’ve been a bit slow in posting them – to the blog… So, here goes; 1) Imperfect – poems about mistakes an anthology for middle schoolers, edited by Tabatha Yeatts. (Available online here.) I’m chuffed to have my poem, ‘Scared of … Continue reading →

Poetry Swap – Tabatha Shapes Up

I love what Tabatha Yeatts has done with the Seasonal Poetry Swap – but this year I’m doubly thankful to her, because not only did she organise the swap, but she drew my name… So sent her poem to me. And not just any poem… a shape poem, inspired by my whale concrete poem. And … Continue reading →