Little Krampus, Big Heart: Behind the Book with Killian Wolf

Little Krampus and the Magical Sleigh Ride by Killian Wolf is a delightful reimagining of a traditionally fearsome character, presented instead as a gentle soul with a big heart. This beautifully illustrated festive tale follows Little Krampus, who is bursting with good intentions - he wants to help, to be kind, and to feel the magic of Christmas.

With themes of kindness, courage, and self-belief, this heartwarming story brings a fresh and tender perspective to folklore. In this Q&A, Killian shares the inspiration behind the book, her creative process, and a few surprises about her journey as an author.

What inspired you to reimagine the legend of Krampus as a heartwarming children’s story?

I have always loved old legends, especially the ones with a little mischief in them. Krampus has this huge scary reputation, but I kept thinking, what if his kid was different? When I was little, I read The Cat Who Wanted to Fly by Robyn Supraner, and it really stuck with me. It showed me that a story could be funny and a little sad and still leave you smiling. That is the feeling I wanted for Little Krampus. Klaus is just a kid trying to figure things out, not out to scare anyone. He is proof that even if you come from a long line of coal and punishments, you can still choose your own path.

How did you come up with the idea of Krampus being a little boy who feels left out at Christmas?

Klaus grew out of that feeling all kids have, wanting to be just like their parents. At Christmas, his dad has this big important job, and Klaus wants nothing more than to go with him. But he keeps getting told he is too little and has to wait. I thought a lot of kids could relate to that because waiting is hard when you just want to be part of the action. So like any determined kid, Klaus decides to sneak into Santa’s sleigh to prove he is ready. Of course, things do not exactly go as planned.

What message do you hope children take away from Little Krampus?

I hope kids see that making mistakes does not make you a bad person. It just means you are still learning. Klaus messes up sometimes, but he always tries to make things right. I want kids to know that it is okay to mess up, it is okay to be different, and you do not have to be perfect to be loved. What matters is what you choose to do next.

Share something your readers might not know about you.

When I was a kid, I used to be friends with a manatee that would swim by my house. I would run down to the water whenever I saw her and talk to her like she was a person. I am pretty sure she understood every word.

Was there a particular scene in the book that was especially fun or meaningful to write?

Honestly, the whole series has been special to write. Every book shows a little more of who Klaus is and how he sees the world. But if I had to pick, writing the mischievous Yule Lads in Book 3 was probably the funniest for me. They are so chaotic and ridiculous, and it was a blast figuring out all the ways they could get Klaus into trouble.

Did you always intend to write this as a Christmas story, or did that evolve as the idea took shape?

Yes, I always knew it was going to be a Christmas story. Krampus is so tied to the holiday season that it just made sense. From the start, I imagined Klaus growing up in that world, watching his dad get ready for Christmas every year and dreaming about the day he could join him. The whole idea grew from there.

The illustrations beautifully capture Krampus’s emotions. What was it like seeing your character come to life visually?

It was exciting and honestly amazing. My illustrator, Alice Pieroni, somehow has the ability to see right into my mind. Every time she sent me sketches, it felt like she had pulled Klaus straight out of my imagination. Watching him come to life with all his emotions and little expressions was one of the best parts of creating this story.

Do you think we’ll see more stories from the world of The Little Krampus?

Yes, definitely. There are already four Little Krampus books published, and another one is on the way. Klaus has a lot more adventures ahead of him, and I am excited to keep growing his world.

What advice would you give to writers who want to retell folklore or myths for younger readers?

I would say start by really understanding the heart of the original story. Once you know what makes it special, you can figure out how to make it your own. Keep the spirit, but do not be afraid to twist it a little, soften it, or show it through a different lens. Kids are smart. They love stories that feel a little mysterious and full of heart, no matter where the idea comes from.

How can readers connect with you or follow your journey as an author?

I love hearing from readers. You can find me on Instagram at @killian_wolf_storybooks and on Facebook at Killian Wolf Storybooks. I share updates about Little Krampus, new releases, and a lot of behind-the-scenes fun.