Creator Corner: Author and Illustrator Katie Arthur
Welcome to Creator Corner, a blog series where we interview the creators of our recent and upcoming books. For this post, we interviewed Backpack author and illustrator Katie Arthur, whose book published August 11, 2026!
Owlkids Books: Katie, what was the inspiration for writing this book?
Katie Arthur: It was probably a combination of watching my kids head off to school for the first time—carrying all of their little labeled items on their backs—and reflecting on my own childhood backpacks and the adventures we went on together. I think I’m always very drawn to stories that highlight the specialness of everyday moments (or objects).
Owlkids Books: What was the most enjoyable part of bringing this story to life? What was the most challenging part of the process?
Katie Arthur: I really enjoyed working with editor Jen Stokes and designer Claudia Dávila again. This was our third time collaborating, and I loved bouncing ideas around and watching the story evolve.
The biggest challenge? Time, probably! There are a lot of spreads with multiple panels, and I underestimated just how long it would take to draw all those tiny backpacks with all their tiny details. It was a busy few months!
OKB: Do you have a favorite spread? What was your process for it?
KA: There’s a spread with two full pages of different kinds of backpacks, all lined up in rows. Kids seem to really like that one, and I do, too. I paid very close attention to backpacks at school pickup, and also wandered store aisles for inspiration. I have a pretty extensive collection of backpack sketches in my notebook now, which came in handy when I painted a back-to-school window mural at Woozles in Halifax.
OKB: What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
KA: An appreciation for the different seasons of life (the big and small moments), and the things we all carry with us. And I also hope they like looking at the pictures!
OKB: What are the must-have items in your backpack?
KA: Always my notebook and pencil case (with my favorite Blackwing pencils). And a big water bottle.
Thank you so much Katie for taking the time to do this interview and creating a wonderful book! We hope readers enjoy Backpack as much as we did!
Grab your copy today!
