Host Shara Curlett introduces episode one of The KidLit Pod and interviews New Zealand author-illustrator H.P. Fryer (Hannah Powell Fryer), whose debut picture book OGG was published by Scholastic Australia in 2025.

Hannah explains entering the publishing scene via an illustrator portfolio call, developing OGG from a university character exercise, and describes how she created the book’s detailed gouache-and-pencil illustrations.

The conversation covers her history and illustration studies, artistic influences, how parenting increases exposure to children’s books, and shared views on limiting devices, valuing boredom, and “feeding” children’s minds with stories.

Hannah's illustration Influences, mentioned throughout the podcast:

• Quentin Blake
• Sarah Ogilvie
• Júlia Sardà
• Alex Scheffler
• Beatrice Alemagna
• Lynley Dodd
• Bob Graham
• Alison Lester
• Briony Stewart
• Briony May Smith
• Alex T. Smith

You can find out more about our guest, H.P. Fryer (Hannah Powell Fryer), here:

HP Fryer on Instagram (@hpfryer)

HP Fryer Website (www.hpfryer.com)

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BOOK SHOUTOUT LINK:

Josie Mack and the MEGA Division

Follow The KidLit Pod on Instagram (@thekidlitpod)

Find out more about The KidLit Pod host, Shara Curlett, here:

Shara Curlett on Instagram (@sharacurlett)

Shara Curlett Website (www.sharacurlett.com)