Queensland author, Kathryn Apel writes poetry, verse novels, poetry and picture books. She has achieved acclaim as a verse novelist – dealing with emotive issues such as bullying, sibling rivalry, self-doubt, and the intricate balance of friendship. Bully on the Bus won the 2015 Australian Family Therapy’s Award for Children’s Literature – younger reader/picture book category, while Too Many Friends was a 2018 CBCA Notable Book.
Kat’s passion for poetry quickly sweeps participants into a fun-filled play with words. Her student workshops equip kids (and teachers) with fun and creative techniques to take away and apply in new situations. Kat brings her skills as literacy coach, teacher and author to staff poetry workshops (Primary and Secondary) with specific activities to engage students across curriculum areas.
During author talks, Kathryn touches on topics of bullying, friendships, identity, self-worth, sibling rivalry, sporting excellence and rural living. As a mum of two innovative farm lads, Kat also shares a quick glance at things kids can do when they turn off the screen and create.
Published Titles
The Bird in the Herd, 2021, UQP, (Illustrated by Renée Treml)
Up and Down on a Rainy Day, 2020, State Library of Queensland (Illustrated by Janet Turner)
First Five Forever, Stories for Little Queenslanders Winner
Too Many Friends, 2017, UQP
2018 CBCA Notable
On Track, 2015, UQP
Bully on the Bus, 2014, UQP
Winner of the 2015 Family Therapy's Award for Children's Literature
This is the Mud, 2009, Lothian Hachette (Illustrated by Warren Crossett)
Fencing with Fear, 2008, Aussie Reads
