In a world where stories bridge childhood wonder and adult introspection, Ké Kampeas-Rittenhouse has carved out a unique space. Their debut illustrated-children’s book, Mara and the Bad Wolf, weaves together themes of identity, self-discovery, and emotional resilience. In a recent conversation with Ké for the Township Sun, they shared their journey from loving children’s books as a child to creating a story that resonates across generations.
The Journey Behind Mara and the Bad Wolf
The story itself is a whimsical yet profound tale centered around Mara, an 11-year-old fox navigating a series of extraordinary challenges on the eve of their birthday. Disappointment strikes early when Mara’s plans with their mother — a midwife called away for work — are disrupted, leading to an unexpected stay with a mysterious neighbor, Madame Lupassian. What begins as a mundane inconvenience soon transforms into the start of a fantastical journey.
Guided by Seth, Madame Lupassian’s teenage grandson, Mara sets out for a mysterious island across the South River. The island’s peculiar inhabitants — a turtle bartering exchanges, a mischievous tree frog, and a steadfast alligator guarding a “Cave of Many Doors” — test Mara’s courage, wit, and burgeoning sense of identity. The cave, a pivotal part of the journey, challenges Mara to look inward, unlocking their latent abilities as a shape-shifting fox.
The narrative delves deeply into themes of transformation, resilience, and self-acceptance. Mara’s struggles echo universal feelings of frustration and self-doubt, particularly stemming from fractured family dynamics and questions of belonging. The whimsical setting amplifies these themes, creating a magical realism framework for readers of all ages to reflect on their journeys of growth.
A Lifelong Love of Children’s Literature
Ké’s passion for children’s books began early. “Even beyond the point when you’re supposed to outgrow illustrated books, I kept reading them. That was my happy place,” Ké reflected. Yet, the idea of becoming a children’s author didn’t come immediately. “It took me a long time to realize that this was something I could do. I loved writing, but for years, it was more about theater, sketches, and essays on pop culture.”
Ké’s writing journey formally began during their time in university, where they studied Women’s Studies and Sexuality Studies. Their assignments often turned into deep dives into pop culture, eventually leading to writing for Cleo, a feminist film journal based in Toronto. They also contributed to the now-defunct website The Toast, an experience that honed their voice and confidence.
Finding Their Path to Fiction
While working in nonprofit roles, Ké had an idea for a mystery novel set in Montreal. But balancing a full-time job with the demands of fiction-writing proved challenging. “In 2016, I quit my job to focus on writing full-time,” they shared. A creative-writing certificate from the University of Toronto provided structure, but the novel’s completion was bittersweet. “I realized I didn’t want to publish it — it was more of a personal exercise.”
The pivot to children’s literature came like a spark of inspiration. “I had this idea for a young adult novel, but then it hit me — why wasn’t I writing what I loved most? Children’s books have always been my favorite.”
With this realization, Mara and the Bad Wolf was born.
Mara and the Bad Wolf
Ké’s inspiration for the story stemmed from their interest in archetypes, particularly the Big Bad Wolf. “What if the wolf wasn’t a villain, but a guide? Someone who helps you find your own path?”
The process of creating Mara and the Bad Wolf felt intuitive. “It came out so easily compared to my previous projects. I wanted it to feel adventurous, magical, and emotionally honest.”
Drawing on personal childhood experiences of anger and frustration, Ké imbued Mara’s journey with authenticity. Scenes like Mara’s tantrum in the mushroom patch were rooted in their own feelings of powerlessness as a child.
The book also explores themes of gender identity through a magical lens. “I wanted the story to reflect the interconnectedness of gender exploration, emotions, and reality. For Mara, these elements are all part of their shape-shifting journey.”
The Journey to Publication
Ké opted for self-publishing, a choice driven by the book’s hybrid nature and the often slow response time from traditional publishers. Partnering with Polish based illustrator Kamila Wojciechowicz-Krauze and crowdfunding to cover costs, they brought the story to life. “Seeing the final book with Kamila’s illustrations was pure joy,” Ké said.
Self-publishing, however, was not without challenges. “It’s a cost-intensive process, and while crowdfunding helped, I had to invest a lot of my own resources. Moving forward, I want to explore more cost-effective options like audio books or digital formats.”
Resonance Across Generations
Though written for children aged seven and up, Mara and the Bad Wolf has struck a chord with adult readers. “I’ve had adults tell me they cried or found emotional release through the story,” Ké shared. The book’s universal themes — anger, self-discovery, and unconditional love — transcend age, offering something meaningful to every reader.
Ké also intentionally crafted the story to be accessible in diverse environments. “I wanted the book to slip into spaces where discussions about gender might not normally happen. A kid could pick it up, read it, and connect with its message.”
Looking Ahead
Ké is now in a period of rest and reflection, recovering from the intense effort of publishing. However, they have ambitious plans for the future. Sequels to Mara and the Bad Wolf are in the works, exploring even more about Mara’s reality-shifting journey. Ké is also keen to connect with other creatives, hoping to collaborate on new projects and translations of their work.
“I’d love for Mara and the Bad Wolf to be available in other languages and to reach wider audiences. This book is for anyone curious, anyone searching for their path.”
Ké’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passions and embracing creative intuition. In Mara and the Bad Wolf, they’ve created a tale that’s not only enchanting but also deeply meaningful—a story that reminds us all to tap into our inner magic and find our own way.
– by Daniel Kirchin
Daniel Kirchin is a writer who moved to the Eastern Townships in January from England after studying French at University. Whilst here, he’s written about local events, history, and culture.
Daniel, you’re an excellent interviewer and writer.