An Interview with Katherine Lockwood

Katherine is an award-winning picture book author who writes stories that celebrate the love and joy found in family life. Her books often feature authentic disability representation, inspired by her belief that every child deserves to see themselves in literature. Katie lives on Cape Cod with her husband and two young daughters.

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My Body Beeps! — Winner (First Prize, Children’s Picture Book) of the North Street Book Prize 2025

Read more about the award-winning work here!

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Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title My Body Beeps! came from a very real, everyday experience of mine. When my diabetes equipment beeps, people around me—especially my mom—often ask, “What’s that noise? Are you okay?” My response is always the same: “It’s me. My body beeps!” I loved how that simple line captures the humor, honesty, and reality of living with chronic illness.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

I was so excited when my books arrived, I ran out to the truck, grabbed a photo with the delivery driver, and gave him a hug.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

My daughter was born in 2020 with a rare diagnosis, and when I searched for picture books that reflected her experience, I couldn’t find any. That gap inspired me to take action—I launched a successful Kickstarter campaign and created Why Me, Mama? I originally intended it to be a one-time project, but the response was overwhelming. Families reached out saying it was the first time they had seen their children represented in a book—and that they wanted more stories like this. That encouragement showed me the real need for authentic representation in children’s books and motivated me to keep writing and publishing.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’m an Imago-trained couples therapist, school adjustment counselor, disability advocate, and former teacher.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The best part of publishing my books is hearing from children and families who see themselves in my stories—and getting to see a picture of them enjoying it! Knowing my stories can make kids feel seen and understood is amazing.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

With My Body Beeps!, I hope kids can say, “That’s like me! My body beeps too!”—and feel seen, understood, and proud of who they are. My perfect reader is any child who recognizes themselves in the story, and the grown-ups who read alongside them.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

I’m working on My Body Beeps TOO! (Diabetes at Camp) and My Body Bounces (ADHD), and printing Getting Ready for Surgery Day!—all designed to give kids authentic, empowering stories where they see themselves and their experiences reflected.

What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

I’ve learned that the best stories come from writing what you know and doing it in a way that keeps you excited about the process. Publishing isn’t something you do alone—you need a team, collaborators, and mentors, and it’s just as important to help others along the way. Every project I’ve worked on has taught me something new about storytelling, publishing, and connecting with readers. By focusing on growth, collaboration, and supporting others, you can create books that are meaningful, authentic, and empowering—not just for the children who read them, but for everyone involved in bringing them to life.

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Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.