Author Belinda O’Keefe has a degree in Japanese, and worked in the tourism industry before changing career paths to focus on the exciting world of literature, studying book editing, proofreading and publishing. She grew up surrounded by books, learning that no tale is too tall to tell. She loves visiting schools, and her goal is to spark a passion for reading and writing in children, and share the magic of storytelling. Belinda now lives in Christchurch with her husband, two boys and two cats, who all give her great inspiration for her writing.

What’s been the best part of writing and releasing Tales through the Cat Door, your second novel about Enzo’s adventures?

The best part of writing Tales was studying my cats’ behaviour and researching scenes for the book. I had heaps of fun imagining cats on the loose in a busy shopping mall, wondering how people might react if a cat scurried between mannequins in a clothes shop, or got zapped under the laser in the self-checkout at
the supermarket. Now I can’t ride an escalator without imagining Enzo getting his tail stuck!

The best part of releasing the book was celebrating with friends and family at the book launch.

Who is your ideal reader for this book? Who needs to read it?

The book is aimed at 8–12-year-olds, although I know some younger kids have loved their parents reading it to them. Also adults who love humour, and cat-lovers of all ages of course! Many of us have had a missing pet at some point – wouldn’t it be nice to imagine they’re on a journey through their cat door portal?

Tell us what inspires you? An author, a book, a place, or whatever you like…

My ideas can be sparked by something as simple as looking out the window at the clouds, something insignificant happening while on a walk/drive/holiday, or by people (and pets!) I encounter on a daily basis. I love taking something simple and stretching the truth to make a good story. I always have a notebook nearby in case a
story idea pops into my head unexpectedly!

What Aotearoa New Zealand book do you wish you’d written?

The Mess of Our Lives by Mary-anne Scott. She’s written some fantastic YA novels, but this one tops the lot.

What’s been your best read this year so far?

When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson. It was a real page-turner – jam-packed with stunning lyrical language, quirky characters and a unique plot.

And last, but definitely not least, what are you planning to write next?

I have several new picture book manuscripts in the pipeline, and I’m working on the third book in the Cat Door series – Enzo has another journey through the portal to share!

Tales Through The Cat Door by Belinda O'Keefe (Bateman Books, February 2025, 97817768991108) is available in bookstores now.