We were so excited to have the incredible author and illustrator Li Chen come to visit our new Hero HQ to chat all things Detective Beans and Krispy Kreme thickshakes
Detective Beans is one of our favourite characters (Biscuits too!). The graphic novel series is one of my go-to's in store for anyone wanting a delightful read (adults and children alike!), and I've followed Li Chen since she was posting her comics online YEARS ago (where does the time go?). I have been itching to ask her questions about the inspiration behind Detective Beans, which book is her favourite, what she reads and what tea she drinks (nosey I know), and everything else about her process, so it was super exciting to have her visit along with her lovely husband and to pepper her with quickfire questions while she signed our many MANY copies of her wonderful books.
Who Is Detective Beans:
Detective Beans is a mystery solving kitten from Cat Town who jumps into action to crack cases and maybe taste some ice cream if the time allows. Along for the adventure is his best friend Biscuits, and together the two are ready for anything - as long as they are back for dinner.
The three graphic novels (so far!) are full of full colour illustrations with the cutest and coziest colour palette, perfect for graphic novel lovers of all ages. Li Chen was shortlisted for the NZ Booklovers Best Junior Fiction Book for 2026, and took home the top prize the year prior! I am obsessed with Detective Beans and Biscuits, and love the combination of quirky humour and adorable detail that Li Chen uses. Also, they are about kittens solving low-stress mysteries - what could there not be to love?
Want to learn how to draw Detective Beans?!
I sure do. Luckily for us Li Chen has already filmed a little tutorial - perfect for School Holidays and to maybe inspire tamariki to start writing their own graphic novel adventures!
There's also a Detective Beans Colouring Club book that is out tomorrow - with 40 removable colouring pages from all over Cat Town, which I cannot wait to bring home!
Lizzy's Kind Of Quickfire Questions for Li Chen
- Tea or Coffee? Tea, usually green tea with mint! But if out at a cafe will indulge in a matcha latte.
- Who are your two cat assistants in real life? Two cats - called Copy and Paste because they are siblings who look almost identical! They were adopted from the SPCA and inspire the characters of Beans and Biscuits, but the idea of a comic based on Cat Town has been floating around for ages.
- Early bird or Night owl? Definitely Night Owl!
- Favourite place to draw and write? In her office - it's set up in the particular way she loves it. Also loves a cosy cafe for sketching in - here in Auckland recommends Churbae or Mezze which both have great vibes.
- Beans or Biscuits? Terrible question but if she had to choose it would be Beans because she (Li Chen) is basically Biscuits so Beans is like her other half.
- Favourite illustrator? Jon Klassen, or Jo Todd-Stanton who is the author of A Mouse Called Julian
- Donuts or Ice Cream? Both! The thick shakes from Krispy Kreem which combine their donuts with a thick shake is INCREDIBLE.
- Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot? Poirot! Has never read any of Hercule Poirot's books but loves the series with Suchet and Poirot just has that extra something that makes him so special.
- Best piece of advice you have been given? Li's Dad said you just have to work really hard, that to get better at something you have to work at it. But alongside that the other important advice is to go against the grain, take chances, and believe in yourself.
- When you're not creating awesomeness, what do you read? Li Chen loves books about women in their 30s-40s, ideally in the UK, who are navigating life.
During the signing we had some interesting chats about Li Chen's process to publishing Detective Beans. The whole journey started with her sharing Cat Town comics for paid Patreon members online, which means her original audience were all adults and she doesn't think of them as children's books! I absolutely concur - yes the kids love them (SO MUCH), but I think adults will also have a delightful time. Pick it up after your read of East of Eden and enjoy a little whimsy.
Li has always wanted to be an artist, and an author (also an archaeologist and an architect so clearly only got to the A section of the job options), and feels stoked to now get to do what she loves. We also got to chat a bit about what is coming up from her but it's all top secret so you will just have to wait and see.
Roopa was also delighted to show Li Chen one of her prized possessions, an commissioned illustration of Li Chen's that she was gifted 10 years ago!
Lastly, we wanted to gift Li with a book to say thanks for taking the time to visit us. Shirl picked out Stations by Louise Kennedy, an immersive Irish novel about love and friendship that she loved and we're pretty sure Li will too!
A huge thank you to Li for coming to visit us and for signing our many copies of her books. We are huge fans and love delighting kids and their families when they pick up a copy by showing them that it is signed by the author and artist herself! Thanks to the amazing folks over at Penguin NZ too for helping make this all happen.
Signed copies of all three Cat Town books are in store and online now so if you haven't already, make sure to pick up your copy!
Detective Beans and the Map of Mystery
Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over Cat Town - to places he doesn't expect! With Biscuits by his side, and with help from some other familiar faces, can Beans find the treasure . . . and get home in time to clean up his room?
I (Lizzy) buy this novel for so many of my family members (including all three for myself and my daughter to share!). They are so excellent for reluctant readers, perfect for ages 8+ (or younger if reading together with others, or older if, like me, you just love a great book). The illustrations are adorable and wonderful in the little funny details, and the story is the perfect mix of adventure and mystery and the cutest cat characters you will read.