The heart of I Wish That I Could Be a Whale began during the pandemic for Kate’s oldest son, a city-dwelling boy who suddenly found himself strapped into a car seat instead of riding trains. An animal enthusiast who loved a guessing game, he inspired a playful musical exchange that slowly grew from a simple car jingle into something much bigger.

Through school residencies and library concerts, the song has since reached thousands of children who gleefully shout out answers from the audience. Eventually, Kate longed to hold the song in her hands, to create a home for her animals beyond the stage. Collaborating with illustrator Olivia Chindamo, the world of I Wish That I Could Be a Whale was born.

Kate lives in Connecticut with her husband, their two sons and an impressive menagerie of animal figurines.  A second book is in the works, this time inspired by her youngest son.