Kate Foster writes children’s books about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from the south east of England, she now lives on the beautiful Gold Coast in Australia with her family and rescue dogs. She loves eating cake, reading books, and watching cooking programmes on TV!
Today, Kate Foster is on the blog to tell us why it was so important for her to write her new book for kids, Paws — a touching story about finding friendship where you least expect it. Read on …
Kate Foster
Why was writing Paws important for me?
I wanted to see an autistic character in a story which was about more than autism.
Our autism is part of us, a part of one person’s identity, and, I guess, we are part of our autism. I don’t think you can separate the two, and why should we? We can be autistic and be happy. We can be autistic and be a hero. We can be autistic and just be a person living a life. We’re not all about our autism. It’s a fraction of us, not all of us, and society needs to recognise this.
I love seeing the current increase in diverse characters, in particular disabled and neurodivergent kids in books and TV shows/movies, even if they’re only a supporting character. And, I’m not saying that there shouldn’t be books that focus on the disability, not at all. Those books are needed too. What I think we need are more published books where a disabled or neurodivergent character is heading up a dangerous quest or hilarious adventure, or saving the universe, or entering a rock music contest, or taking the form of a fairy or goblin or a knight or superhero. We deserve to see ourselves, and for other people to see us, in a variety of regular storylines.
I wanted to write about how friendship doesn’t present in the same way for everyone.
I see so many neurodivergent folk struggling to not only make friends, but to maintain friendships long term. Individually, there could be a number of reasons, but I believe for some children, it can be a struggle since they perceive the friendship groups around them, the “popular” children others look up to, and they’re convinced that must be what friendship is for everyone, so theirs obviously has to be the same. Yet, friendship isn’t one size fits all.
Through my experience, the people I once considered friends, who I always spoke to others about highly, actually weren’t very good for me or had their own specific friendship expectations or I was acting a certain way to please them. Of course, over time we all change depending on life’s path and our choices, so friendships can fizzle out naturally too.
Yet many friendships can survive time apart, differences of opinion, misunderstandings, and even a lack of things in common. Friends might not look like we thought they would, or live close by, or make regular contact. Friendship is as individual as an individual, and that should be talked about and celebrated more.
‘What I think we need are more published books where a disabled or neurodivergent character is heading up a dangerous quest or hilarious adventure.’
I wanted to write about a boy and his dog and the incredible bond they share.
I love dogs. I don’t think anyone who has encountered me over the years can say this will come as a surprise! Dogs are not for everyone, so of course let’s include other pet types in the conversation!
I’ve always been a huge dog lover. I grew up with a golden retriever, and now have two poodle/spaniel crosses – and hoping to grow this current pack! But what never ceases to amaze me, is just how tuned in dogs are to our needs and moods, the lengths they go to in order to protect and save us, the next-level skills they possess, and the deep emotional connection they make with humans – and often other animals.
Alex and Kevin, the stars of Paws, were inspired very much by my youngest son and one of my dogs. From the day he came to live with us, my dog immediately seemed to sense that my son needed support. It was as if he gave himself the title of therapy dog and no one would stand in the way of his duty! He’s a sensitive chap, and almost visibly reads the emotion in the room before deciding where to sit and how to act around each of us, but in particular my youngest son. It’s incredible to witness.
All in all, Paws is a story I believe is timely for many reasons beyond any importance it has for me. Though I do hope my story offers a unique insight into one person’s experiences as an autistic person, I also want it to feel like a warm hug. Our lives have been pretty unusual and stress-filled over the past year or so, and Paws counters that with a burst of joy, happiness, friendship, smiles, empathy, compassion, and love. We could all do with a spark of kindness and light in our lives, and I hope Paws encourages people to reach out to one another and make that a reality.
—Paws by Kate Foster (Walker Books Australia) is out now.
Paws
At home, Alex's best friend is Kevin the cockapoo, although what he wants most of all is a friend at school. But that is harder than he ever expected.
Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. With the first day of high school only a couple of months away, Alex is sure that having a friend by his side will help. So, he's devised a plan - impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin. This should be a walk in the park . . . right?
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