A FATHER’S DAY Interview with Children's Author: Blake Nuto
“THE WHOLE
WORLD IS RATHER
MIRACULOUS…”
Tucked away at the base of Mount Wellington, Tasmania, lives children’s book author Blake Nuto, with wife, Danika, and their three kids — Teddy, Daisy and Goldie. They are a family that oozes coolness, and their everyday lives project a beautiful simplicity.
Blake and his family live in a newly renovated home that is drenched in light with floor to ceiling windows that capture the enormous snow-covered mountaintop in a frame. In the centre of their home is a long wooden table often sprinkled with children’s drawings, fresh fruit and the crumbs of bakery goods. There was something about their home that seems to call out to your childhood self — asking you to put away adulthood for a moment to join in the adventure of blissful, uninhabited imagination.
Blake is a man with a gentle and kind soul. He views the world in a cautious and serious way, yet has an epic sense of humour noting the funny, weird things that life has to offer. Blake is not one that is interested in trying to impress or push his work onto others. He doesn’t need to, because his work seems to find its way to the hungry soul. Child and adult alike.
His recent book “A Day that is Ours” is a moving story for parents to share with their little ones as they take their first steps into school.
In this heart-warming, poetic story, a father and child share the last few moments of quiet before the school year begins and it leaves you with all the feels. The story brings attention to the beauty in the everyday that surrounds you, from making a special pancake breakfast together, to noticing a spider's web and a falling feather. It encourages the reader to be present with their child and absorb the things that are happening all around them. A much needed awakening in our society.
What are your favourite childhood books?
We had all kinds of books in our home growing up. Some that I loved at that age aren’t worth mentioning, but we had some classic picture books like The Eleventh Hour and Animalia, both by Graeme Base. The worlds he created could draw me in for hours. We had novels too, Roald Dahl was there of course, but I didn’t seem to find the really good ones until I was a teenager. Maybe that is why I formed a sustained interest in children’s literature, because I realised there was this whole world of amazing work that had passed me by. The books that really arrested my attention were The Hobbit, His Dark Materials, Winnie-the-Pooh, The Moomin Trolls. The authors create such transcendent worlds and also manage to weave in these beautiful poetic moments.
What are you reading currently?
I’ve actually just been reading my friend's middle-grade fiction manuscript, because we’ve both entered the realm of completing our first novels. It’s a real privilege to see someone’s work in its development — it is a bit like holding a seedling in your hands. It's delicate and it's not ready for the world, but with love you know what it can become.
Alongside that I recently finished reading Snow Falling on Cedars, which I wish I’d discovered earlier — it was astonishing. And there’s always Walt Whitman nearby. His works are my transcendental hymnal. Not to mention the picture book authors I’ve been revisiting — Carson Ellis, Shaun Tan, Marc Martin, Sydney Smith.
Why Tasmania?
We came here on our honeymoon and were taken with it. I think Danika’s aunt, who lives in Launceston, noticed that and seized the moment. She kept organising holidays for the family to see different parts of the state. By then I was pretty convinced it was one of the most beautiful places in Australia. I remember we were driving on a road trip one morning and I just kept saying, ‘It’s bloody beautiful!’
We were about to have our third child and were certainly not about to buy a home in Sydney. So we dipped our toes in and bought something as an investment. Within a year we decided to try living here. That was 5 years ago. It turns out it is the most amazing community, that combined with the freedom and natural beauty make it the ideal place to raise a young family.
Favourite places to eat in Tasmania?
We love Templo and Lucinda’s for a date night. Devil’s Corner Winery for an East Coast road trip. Farmgate Markets for breakfast.
Favourite place for coffee?
Sunbear, no question.
Favourite places to hike and see in Tasmania?
It’s hard to think of a bad place to go. Wukaluwikiwayna/Maria Island is idyllic and basically convinced us to move states. Mt. Field is perfect for a day walk, especially during the fagus season. Lake St. Clair in peak fungi bloom. Our own Kunanyi/Mt. Wellington is always stunning and just outside the door.
When did you start writing children’s books?
I’d been interested for a while, but the first thing I wrote that felt like it was worth completing was “Child of Galaxies”. It came to me all at once. I couldn’t find anyone to illustrate it, so I decided to teach myself. I muddled through and launched a Kickstarter for it, which worked. I just really wanted to see my children holding a copy, and that came true. At the same time Flying Eye Books showed interest in the text, so after I sold out of my self-illustrated version, I didn’t print anymore and handed it over to them. They print the most incredible books and I couldn’t believe it when they contacted me. It was re-worked with beautiful new illustrations and they signed me up for a second one too, which became A Day That’s Ours. I am now working on my next book with Affirm Press and I get to illustrate this one too.
Why children books?
That’s a good question. I still intend to write some adult fiction one day, but children’s literature has proved to be a persistent interest. There’s something about the way the books from childhood take root in us. Being a part of that just seems like the greatest privilege. The actual process of making them is just as great. Imagine spending your day exploring your imagination and bringing it to life. It's such a romantic way to spend your time.
I also just love the tangible slowness of books. There’s something anchoring about them. They are also much better to read outside in the daylight, rather than trying to negotiate the glare of a phone screen. Some of my best good weather memories revolve around lying in the sun with a book. You forget the world and immerse yourself in it, all at once.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
I was talking to my daughter in the kitchen and asked her if she’d like to give the dog some attention. Without thinking she said, ‘No, sorry. I’m crying in my bedroom.’
What are your favourite qualities in a human?
One of my first favourite people was my Nanna Alice. She was kind, gentle, warm — I’ve always been drawn to people like her. I also love it when people are able to laugh about things, especially themselves. People with the ability to recognise life as both serious and absurd.
What’s most important to you?
Family. Home. Making. Enjoyment. A connection to nature. With that comes balance and equity. I want that for my family, so I want that for everyone.
What do you want children everywhere to know?
I want them to know that they are completely improbable, nearly impossible. That the whole world is rather miraculous. That even through trauma, this is still true. This is an empowering perspective and to view life in this way shapes our values and compels us to show grace and give care.
SOME QUICK FATHERHOOD QUESTIONS…
What time do you wake up on Father’s Day?
The kids are always buzzing on these days. The usual goal is to let me sleep in, which would be repaid on Mother’s Day, but eventually the dam walls break and the sleep-in only lasts until 7 o’clock. Early-20’s-Me says, ‘That does not qualify.’ But Mid-30’s-Me thinks, ‘That isn’t too bad, really.’
What’s your favourite Father’s Day ritual?
Breakfast. There is something so nice about starting the day purposefully and seeing everyone working together to make someone feel special.
What do you want for Father’s Day this year?
A warm sunny day — the greatest gift of all during September in Tasmania.
What will you do on Father’s Day this year?
If my warm day comes to fruition, hopefully a hike together — which isn’t always an easy sell on a regular day, but you have a bit more influence on Father’s Day. After that, a late lunch around the fire.
What’s your favourite memory of becoming a father?
Every birth was a miracle. It is impossible to describe to anyone. But watching the first two meet their baby sister for the first time has to be the most wholesome moment of my life.