The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Amanda Abler, Katy Wu, and Review of Big Bertha

Amanda Abler grew up in New Hampshire where she developed a love of snow, being on the water, and maple syrup. She studied biology in college and continues to love all things related to science.

She loves writing nonfiction because of the many interesting things she gets to learn and the new people she gets to meet. Amanda lives in Seattle with her family and their small, ferocious dog, Bear.

Amanda’s the author of Galloping Gertie: The True Story of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse, illustrated by Levi Hastings (2021) and The Spirit of Springer: The Real-Life Rescue of an Orphaned Orca, illustrated by Levi Hastings (2020).

Katy Wu is currently a vis dev artist at Dreamworks Animation and a children’s book illustrator residing in Portland, OR.

With over 15 years of experience, Katy has experience leading an art department and working with clients on a wide variety of projects. She specializes in art direction, set and prop design, color/lighting keys, texture application, and graphics for animation, film, TV, stop-motion projects, commercials, and digital content. Katy is most interested in creating stylized, unique looking worlds that are integrated with the narrative projects.

Previously she has worked at animation studios such as Dreamworks, ReelFX, Blue Sky, Cinderbiter, Pixar, Laika, and with numerous freelance clients. She has also worked at Google as a “Doodler”, creating Doodles for the Google homepage.

Katy is the author/illustrator Tiger Bee (2009) and the illustrator of A True Wonder: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything by Kristen L. Larson (2021), Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to be Awesome Scientists by Martha Freeman (2020), Frankenstein: Adapted Edition by Mary Shelley, adapted by Anna Meriano (2020), The Little Red Stroller by Joshua Furst (2019), Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor by Laurie Wallmark (2019), Sylvia’s Bookshop by Robert Burleigh (2018), Grace Hopper Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark (2017), and Dumpling Dreams by Carrie Clickard (2017). As well as Imaginary: A Novel by Lee Bacon (2021).

Their newest picture book, Big Bertha: How a Massive Tunnel Boring Machine Dug a Highway under Seattle, releases on September 17th.

Welcome Amanda and Katy,

Tell us a little about yourselves. (Where/when do you write or illustrate? How long have you been writing or illustrating? What is your favorite type of book to write or illustrate?

AMANDA – I was in third grade when I first started to like writing. Poems were my favorite, but I also liked writing stories. I wanted to write books like Judy Blume. After I graduated from college, I started to think more seriously about writing books for kids. It took me a long time to get published— 19 years!

I do write fiction, but recently I have been enjoying writing nonfiction. I like that the story is already planned out; I just have to figure out the best way to tell it. I also enjoy all the research I need to do and all the interesting people I get to interview.

KATY - I do my children’s book illustration work on weekday evenings and weekends in my at home office which is behind the garage. It’s where I do my remote daytime work too as an artist in the animation industry. I’ve been drawing since I was a little kid and started my career in the animation industry after art school when I was 22. So, it’s been almost 17 years since I started! 

My favorite types of books to illustrate are fantasy and action books, which I haven’t really worked on since most the books I’ve done so far are biographical and historical stories.

It's nice to get to know both of you. What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written or illustrated a manuscript?

AMANDA – Because I have three kids, I have done a lot of writing in doctors’ offices and especially at the orthodontist. Right now, I spend a lot of time writing in my car while waiting at soccer practice.

KATY - I’m bound to my home office since I prefer using my large Cintiq drawing pad for illustration.  It’s not mobile at all!

Amanda, what was your inspiration or spark of interest for Big Bertha: How a Massive Tunnel Boring Machine Dug a Highway under Seattle? 

AMANDA – I grew up in NH and we often drove down to Boston for the day. For as long as I can remember, I knew about the Big Dig, a construction/transportation project in Boston, which involved moving elevated highways underground into tunnels.  It seemed like that project was going on for almost my entire life. I moved from Boston to Seattle the year that the Big Dig was finished and right away I heard about Seattle’s elevated highway problem that needed to be solved. I thought, “No way! Here we go again.” When I read about how a tunnel boring machine would dig the tunnel and about how different the SR99 tunnel project was compared to Boston’s Big Dig, I wanted to learn more. Technology has changed so much since I was a kid!

Boy, talk about coincidences. Katy, what about the Big Bertha manuscript appealed to you as an illustrator? 

KATY - I liked the challenge of simplifying a large complex machine, like Big Bertha, into something visually interesting and playful to look at. 

That would be quite a challenge and one you did remarkably well. What is the hardest or most challenging thing for each of you about writing or illustrating Big Bertha?  

AMANDA – Bertha had a lot of problems, and she cost a lot of money which meant there were many unhappy people involved in the project. It was challenging to write a manuscript that I thought all parties involved would be satisfied and comfortable with.

KATY - What was most challenging was making sure my illustrations were clear and accurately portrayed how Big Bertha worked.  This meant checking in with Amanda and cross-referencing images and videos of Big Bertha and similar drills to ensure accuracy.

Not an easy task for either of you. So, how many revisions did Big Bertha take for the text or illustrations - from first draft to publication?

AMANDA – I can’t believe I am saying this, but I counted 35 drafts! This includes my five drafts before the book went under contract.

KATY - It’s been a while, so I don’t remember specifically how many tries it took.  We did go through a few passes in order to fine tune some of the more technical drawings about how Big Bertha worked.

Wow. Thanks for your candor. Amanda, was there anything from your research that you wish you could have included in the text or back matter?

AMANDA – This isn’t research, but rather a detail.  Someone from WSDOT gave me a commemorative piece of Bertha’s cutterhead, and it is crazy heavy.  I love to watch kids’ faces as they pick it up. The piece is shockingly heavy to kids and adults alike. I wish there were some way to convey in the book how dense and strong Bertha’s cutterhead was.

What an awesome thing to have for class visits and book readings! Katy, many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in Big Bertha? If so, could you share one or more with us?

KATY - Something I illustrate in all of the children’s books I work on is diversity. I like to portray a variety of people and relationships because I think that’s how the real world looks like. 

I totally agree and am personally appreciative that you do that. Amanda, when you first saw Katy’s illustrations in Big Bertha, did anything surprise, amaze, or delight you? Which is your favorite spread?  

Text © Amanda Abler, 2024. Image © Katy Wu, 2024.

AMANDA – The first time I saw Katy’s illustrations for the book was the sample that she provided for Sasquatch. It included a drawing of Bertha and an adorably stout Greg Hauser. I was delighted. One of my favorite spreads is the back cover where we see Bertha, cars, and the monorail all intersecting. I love all the colors that Katy uses as well.

That's quite the image! Katy, is there a spread that you were especially excited about or proud of? Or perhaps one which is your favorite spread? 

Text © Amanda Abler, 2024. Image © Katy Wu, 2024.

KATY - My favorite spread is the one that shows Big Bertha tunneling underneath Seattle and the passage of time.

That is such a stunning image, Katy. What's something you want your readers to know about Big Bertha?

AMANDA – I want them to understand how big and what an amazing machine Bertha was. I find it hard to comprehend that she was five stories tall. Also, she was cutting edge technology. She was literally one of a kind.

KATY - I hope they get a sense of wonder from how many people worked together to create Big Bertha and the big things that were accomplished with such an enormous machine. And although they encounter problems along the way, people can achieve great things when they work together to solve problems.

Bertha is an amazing machine. And I love your sentiment Katy. Can you think of something you wish you’d known before you started the publication journey with Big Bertha?

AMANDA – I wish I had known to be more patient. There were a lot of delays with this book including COVID which pushed back the book’s release by at least a year. In the end, it all worked out and it was worth the wait!

KATY - Not really, I enjoy learning something new with each new project I take on!

I'm glad it all worked out. Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?

AMANDA – I have been working on a book with Sasquatch called Pacific Northwest Dog Heroes. It is in the illustration process as the moment. This book was so much work to research and write, but I loved it. I talked with many kind people who love their dogs dearly. Everyone had a heartwarming story to share. Be prepared to be amazed at what these dogs can do and be sure to grab a tissue. 

KATY - I’m illustrating a 200-page graphic novel about another amazing woman of historical importance.  I’m enjoying it so far but it’s a lot of work!

These projects sound intriguing. We'll have to keep our eyes open for them. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why? 

AMANDA – One of my favorite parks of all time is the Boston Public Gardens. The flowers are beautiful in the spring and summer. I love to ride the Swan boats and visit the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture. One winter when I was in college, a friend and I brought our own ice skates and went skating on the large pond. We skated around the island where Mr. and Mrs. Mallard brought their ducklings at night to keep them safe. When we were done and came back to the pond’s bank, someone had stolen my boots. I had to walk home in the snow and ice in my socks, but even this is a fun memory! [😲 Oh no!] 

KATY - It’s hard to choose a favorite one, but I like to visit national parks that have interesting and alien landscapes!  My favorites in the US so far are Olympic National Park and Crater Lake. I’d like to visit Antelope Canyon someday.  A few of my favorites abroad are the Atacama desert in Chile, Jiuzhaigou Valley in China, and the Galapagos Islands.

Thank you Amanda & Katy for sharing with us a bit about yourselves and your new picture book.

To find out more about Amanda Abler. or to contact her:

Website: https://www.amandaabler.com/

X(Twitter): https://x.com/AblerAmanda

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaablerbooks/

To find out more about Katy Wu, or to contact her:

Tumbler: https://katycwwu.tumblr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewildkat/

X(Twitter): https://x.com/thewildkat

Review of Big Bertha: How a Massive Tunnel Boring

Machine Dug a Highway under Seattle

Having lived in the Seattle area for a number of years, including during this enormous project, and driven the resulting tunnel, I was really excited to read this book. I love that it focuses on the one of a kind, amazing tunneling machine, as seen through the eyes of the crew who worked with and monitored her. This is a great picture book for all kids (and adults) who like tunnels, machines, and 'how things work' books.

Big Bertha: How a Massive Tunnel Boring Machine Dug a Highway under Seattle

Author: Amanda Abler

Illustrator: Katy Wu

Publisher: Little Bigfoot/Sasquatch Books (2024)

Ages: 7-10

Nonfiction

Themes:

Engineering, tunnel boring machine, perseverance, and ingenuity.

Synopsis:

This incredible story about Bertha, the massive tunnel boring machine that successfully constructed the longest and widest road tunnel in the contiguous United States, under the city of Seattle, brought to life in vibrant and engaging illustrations, will appeal to kids ages 7-10 fascinated with big machines and how they work.

In 2013, construction crews raced to replace a crumbling elevated highway along Seattle’s waterfront with a double-decker tunnel running almost two miles under the city. This is the story of Bertha, the mammoth and complex tunnel boring machine that simultaneously dug and built the tunnel, and Deputy Project Manager Greg Hauser and his dedicated crew.

Kids interested in engineering and how machines function will love learning about the tunnel boring machine, how it worked, and how Bertha's crew solved problems that arose along the way to ultimately construct an amazing, earthquake-safe highway under the city.

Opening Lines:

On February 28, 2001, the Space

Needle began to sway back and

forth amid the passing clouds.

Inside, visitors could hear a low rumble climbing up from below. They

grasped railings and steadied themselves against walls. All around

them, the structure shook like a giant baby rattle. An earthquake was

rocking the city of Seattle, Washington.

What I LOVED about this book: I lived near Seattle at the time of this quake. I have many memories and thoughts about it. But I don't think comparing the Space Needle to a baby rattle was one of them. What a great, powerful analogy of how much it swayed. I love Katy Wu's colorful conceptualization of the earthquake with the vibrations of the Needle and the "rumble" moving across the city (and the page). And of course, Mt. Rainier in the background!

Text © Amanda Abler, 2024. Image © Katy Wu, 2024.

The book does a great job of concisely capturing the concerns, issues (continual cracking of the support posts), and long years of arguing and fighting over whether to fix the current viaduct (if it could be). build another viaduct, or open up the waterfront by digging a tunnel.

I also love how, although she's telling the story about the tunnelling machine, Amanda uses the deputy project manager - Greg Hauser - as a person involved with the project who the children can identify with. And offers a fun introduction to him as a young Greg and his dog digging holes in their yard.

Text © Amanda Abler, 2024. Image © Katy Wu, 2024.

After, briefly touching on the fact that the machine - "the height of a five-story building" - was specially created in Japan and named by Seattle school children, Greg meets the impressive Bertha, at the Seattle docks. Three months later, assembled piece by piece like a giant Lego set, this huge, impressive machine began her job. Remarkable cut-away illustrations show Bertha tunnelling under Seattle streets and how she dug out the tunnel AND installed the "arcs of concrete to form the outer walls of the round tunnel." Working behind her, crews built the upper-level roadway. Everything was going great.

Text © Amanda Abler, 2024. Image © Katy Wu, 2024.

Until, five months after starting, and "just a few hundred feet from the viaduct," Bertha overheated. To fix a machine working miles underground, they had to dig a rescue shaft in front of her. Fourteen months later, a giant crane removed the cutting shaft and repairs began. Ten months later, Bertha is finally back on the job. See Kathy's favorite spread (above) for the beautiful passage of time illustration of Bertha working around the clock, approaching the trickiest part of the dig - going under the damaged and fragile, double decker viaduct freeway.

Since Bertha offers no reaction to breaking down, starting again, or succeeding through the tricky areas, Amanda Abler very effectively uses Greg's (and his team) admiration, disappointment, frustration, worry, and anxious round-the-clock observation to bring heart and emotion to the nonfiction account of Bertha's tunnel construction. "Some of the crew blinked back tears. They had grown to love Bertha, and they knew their time together was coming to an end. She would be missed." Creating a bit of a bond between the reader and Big Bertha. In addition to the delightfully detailed and colorful illustrations of the mechanics and instruments involved with the whole dig, Katy Wu beautifully highlighted the emotions and reactions of Greg and the crew, as well as some of the citizens and TV crews. Including an especially poignant and heartfelt moment between Greg and Bertha.

Though it has the expected ending of a successfully built tunnel, there are a few special moments and twists that create a fun ending to this wonderful nonfiction STEM picture book. Back matter includes a great photo of Bertha and the crew, "Bertha's Unbelievable Numbers" (some which will blow your mind), an amazing schematic of Bertha's internal workings, information on the tunnel construction, and a little bit about the breakdown. This is a phenomenal nonfiction book detailing the amazing cooperative endeavor involving engineering, electrical and mechanical laborers, teamsters, and a giant dose of creativity to build this enormous, stunning tunnel in Seattle.

Resources:

• build a tunnel for yourself. Using cardboard boxes make a tunnel for you to crawl or walk through or a tunnel for a toy train or car? How long can you make it?

  
  

• using the PBS interactive Tunnel Challenge, try building "a safe and stable tunnel through a mountain, under a river, and beneath a city."

  
  

• watch a video of Bertha in action, an animated video of Bertha, and/or a video with an operator Steering Bertha.