Katrina McKelvey is a children’s author, former primary school teacher, wife and mother living in Newcastle, NSW, Australia. She is left-handed, loves tea, scary movies and rollercoasters, and is addicted to mint chocolate. When she was little, a hot air balloon accidentally landed in her backyard.
Katrina began writing picture books when her children were 3 and 5. Her parenting path has included the loss of a son, 17 weeks into her first pregnancy. This experience highlighted for her the preciousness of each moment with her children.
Katrina’s previous books for children include Dandelions (2015), Up to Something (2019) and Isla’s Family Tree (2020) published by EK books.
Deb Hudson is an illustrator who is passionate about drawing images that evoke emotion and thought in their viewer. Inspired by joy- and wonder-filled dreamy moments of the everyday, Deb has been drawing and creating since she was a little girl.
Deb taught English in Japan for four years. She then studied for a degree in Fine Arts and became a mother. She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband, three children, energetic border collie and a bright yellow canary.
Deb’s first picture book, The Golden Thread, was published in 2019. Her other works include Pear of Hope (2021) and Milly and the Mulberry Tree (2022), both published by EK Books.
Story Links
“There is a vocabulary of feelings that come from the heart as the mother watches and interacts with her child. An ideal gift for mothers to be, new mothers or for a special reading time for mother and her 3–6-year-old child.”
Reading Time
“From birth through the toddler years and all the way up to the first day of school, this heart-warming picture book explores that loving connection between parent and child that grows as kids do.”
Buzz Words
“Delightful and relatable, it depicts the many ways a mother’s heart can experience love and emotion while her baby journeys through the milestones of growing up. ”
Midwest Book Review
“My Heart from EK Books is a beautifully crafted and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.”
Get Kids Books (Instagram 12.8K followers)
“My Heart, is the perfect gift for any mother, or even a soon-to-be mother. This gorgeous picture book, by Katrina McKelvey @katrinamckelvey and Deb Hudson @debi_hudson celebrates the milestones in a child’s life, from the perspective of a Mum.”
Blue Wolf Reviews
“There are so many times when we just want to say to our babies, toddlers, and children, “You are my heart’s treasure.” My Heart makes it very easy to do just that. From the gentle colours, the peaceful illustrations and the tender words comes a feeling of tranquillity and love. .”
Reading Time
“Beautifully illustrated, My Heart opens with a mother embracing her baby. I especially love the spread where the children ‘whirled and twirled in mixed-up outfits …’ The author brings out the moving moments of raising a child and makes ‘my heart’ smile. ”
Books+Publishing
“My Heart by Katrina McKelvey is a picture book about a loving mother–child relationship. Moods traverse the tender and sorrowful to the playful and humorous, My Heart is a sweet gift for a baby shower or Mother’s Day”
The Corner on Character book review blog
“As a counselor, I see so much potential for enrichment with this gem; as a mom, I wish I’d have written this terrific tribute to that unimaginable gift of compassionate connection, unbridled joy and unconditional love.”
Picture Book Book Club (via Instagram)
“A very beautiful and special keepsake picture book.”
Northern Beaches Mums
“It is all about a loving mother-child relationship, which is exactly what I have. My daughter and I have read the book a few times and just love the story and illustrations. This book is a celebration of the arrival of a baby. I highly recommend this book!”
