Interview with Debut Author + Illustrator Skylaar Amann

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with a debut author/illustrator whose book is simply stunning. I’m a huge fan of any ocean themed books (maybe it’s the Californian in me) and LLOYD FINDS HIS WHALESONG is absolutely lovely! I can’t wait for you to hear from our author/illustrator and more about this beautiful book.

So without further ado, please welcome Skylaar Amann!

Where do you live?

Portland, Oregon

How many years have you been in publishing?

As a published author, just about a year! Lloyd Finds His Whalesong is my debut and it came out in 2020. But I’ve been writing and illustrating (and revising!) for several years before that.

How did you first get published?

A few years ago, I sent a promotional illustration postcard to Page Street Kids, and Kristen Nobles responded with a very nice email about my work. Although we’re on opposite coasts, we connected over one of my ocean/boat scenes, which was really cool because the ocean is really important to me. Soon after that, I submitted a draft of Lloyd to her. I went through many (many, many, haha) drafts with Kristen and Courtney Burke (who became the acquiring editor). We eventually landed in a place where the story was solid, and I finally got that “yes.” I ran around my house screaming when I got the news!

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

No, while I would love to reach that goal at some point, right now I do a mish-mash of work. My writing and illustrating work takes up a lot of my time, but I also work as a freelance corporate copy editor. 

What inspires you to create picture books?

I remember being inspired by picture books as a little kid. I wanted to write and draw them back then when I was first reading them. I was enraptured by the illustrations, which I would stare at for a long time, or I’d look at them repeatedly and always see new details. 

As an adult, I’m inspired by a lot of current creators, especially illustrators, who make such magical and beautiful worlds, and images you can fall into. As a writer, I’m inspired by the misfit kids (myself included) who have feelings, stories, and adventures that I want to share. Things that don’t always fit the mold. Right now, I’m working on finding more authenticity in my writing voice, leaning into that weirdness and not worrying so much about what others will think of it or if it’s marketable (that’s future Skylaar’s problem). 

Some of my stories are inspired by my real life and some are aspirational -- things I wish I had experienced as a kid. Creating some of that childhood joy is inspiring to me. 

I’m also always and forever inspired by nature — especially the ocean. I grew up on the Oregon Coast and that wild and rocky Pacific shoreline was a darn-near religious experience for me. If I can put even a sprinkle of that sublime wonder in my stories, I’ll have succeeded.

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

The waiting! The timelines are slower than what I’m used to coming from a background in tech and marketing where projects often have to turn around the same day, or even the same hour. Now that I know the lay of the land, it’s a little easier to understand the timelines, although I can get anxious wondering what’s happening on the other side sometimes -- even just waiting to hear back from a critique partner! It’s not a lack of patience, it’s more the anxiety that builds up internally that makes waiting hard. Learning to chill and do other things (not be totally consumed by writing) has been helpful but I’m still learning to do that! 

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

Probably getting to take the worlds and stories that bounce around my head and put them to use, get them on paper. I spend a lot of time dreaming up worlds and ideas without realizing I’m doing it. Plenty are just random thoughts that aren’t stories, just daydreams or wonderings and so on. But when I’m lucky enough that one of those worlds connects with other people, and I get to then turn it into a book -- there’s nothing better!

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

Even before the pandemic, I was working alone most of the time. I actually like a lot of things about working alone, but sometimes it gets old. Connecting virtually with other writers has helped with that. 

The work itself is also hard! Writing, rewriting, sketching, coloring -- it all takes work, continued learning, and practice. I tend to worry people won’t like anything I’m making, so I have to work on quelling that voice. But working on improving my skills also helps with growing my confidence. I feel like an imposter sometimes! I really put myself into my stories and want to create the best possible books I can, so I don’t like the idea of letting anyone down.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I don’t really understand where my ideas come from! Sometimes they just pop up out of nowhere as little kernels, a random sketch, or a strange phrase that runs through my mind. And then I develop them from there. When those kernels aren’t popping up, I tend to stress out. If I get stressed like that, sometimes I need to take a break, not try to force it, read other books, do other fun things … maybe even get some sleep! 

That said, I don’t believe in waiting around idly for inspiration to strike. If I’m really stuck, I’ll brainstorm ideas, just jot down concepts or lines, or sketch a random character and see if it goes anywhere. I also like to work on other stories or just paint or draw for fun (not with a story in mind) … and see where that goes.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I tend to work at my desk or on my couch (or in coffee shops in the Before Times, sob). Having specific work spaces helps me focus on work. I’m not the type to say you should work every day -- life happens. But I do think consistency and self-discipline is important. So I set deadlines or goals for myself, especially when I’m developing an idea that no one else is yet invested in. Other than that, I try to be pretty flexible so my work doesn’t feel ritualistic. I feel that if you get too precious about it, it becomes a barrier to getting anything done.

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

I’ve had some great support over the last couple of years from the KidLitCollective group. We were formerly called the Perfect2020PBs as a group of debut picture book authors in 2020, and it’s nice having that support system.

I also have to give a shout out to my critique partner Nora Nickum who is a fabulous writer and fellow ocean lover. She’s an incredible editor, and (I don’t know if she realizes this) she helped me believe I could write middle grade. If you’re reading this, Nora — thank you, it means so much to me!

I’ve also been working as a picture book mentor with WriteMentor for the last few years, and I’ve found that community to be really supportive of each other, no matter what stage of the journey anyone is at. It’s really cool to see people (myself included) progress and I enjoy helping others with the knowledge I’ve gained -- and then see them do the same!

Recommended reading?

I just read Seaside Stroll by Charles Trevino and illustrated by Maribel Lechunga. Geez, that book is gorgeous!

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Getting the news that I had an offer on Lloyd was such an exciting moment. It felt like a huge turning point after years of struggle. Signing with my incredible agent Jessica Watterson last year was also amazing, and another big milestone. Even though there are still ups and downs to this day, every celebratory moment I have, like selling Smile, Sophia, feels like the newest and best highlight. 

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?

I don’t know that anyone could have convinced me by telling me (I think I needed to experience it myself) but I’d say: The process takes time and everyone is on their own path. That’s cold comfort when you’re struggling or getting tons of rejections, (or watching others succeed) but if you keep developing your skills and improving bit by bit, you can move forward.

Can you tell us about your debut book?

My current book out right now is Lloyd Finds His Whalesong. It’s the story of a little humpback whale whose voice is too quiet to sing the whalesong. He seems destined for silence until he finds a mysterious ukulele in the kelp forest and must use it and his newfound voice to help his family out of danger.

Interior art from LLOYD FINDS HIS WHALESONG by Skylaar Amann, Page Street Kids

Lloyd is fiction, but the story includes some real-life whale things, like the way humpbacks communicate with each other and the effects of noise pollution. The book has some fun back matter too about how real whalesong works and how other noises in the ocean can affect whales. 

Interior art from LLOYD FINDS HIS WHALESONG by Skylaar Amann, Page Street Kids

Growing up on the Oregon Coast, the ocean was a huge part of my life. I was lucky to see whales like Lloyd migrating offshore, as well as orcas that would occasionally come into the bay, plus tons of other marine life. My illustration work has always centered on the ocean, whales, the biodiversity of tidepools, and marine science/conservation. I’ve drawn whales for years. Eventually one of them started to become Lloyd, and that was the start of the idea behind the story. I also learned to play ukulele some years ago, and it was really cool to have this new way to communicate and share stories. I guess that rubbed off on Lloyd, and the rest is history.

What’s up next for you?

My next book is called Smile, Sophia and it’s coming out in 2022 from Feiwel & Friends! It’s about a girl who loves dinosaurs and science -- but she only smiles when she wants to, not when grownups expect her too. It’s filled with lots of fun STEM visuals, and I’m really excited to share it with the world!

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

The journey can be really long, winding, and hard. And it doesn’t have an end point. It’s not like reaching a certain milestone (like getting an agent, selling a book, etc.) is the end. Each is just a new beginning. I’m always trying to improve my illustration skills and my ability to tell stories, and I don’t see that stopping no matter what I achieve. So I’d just say keep learning and be persistent. Find avenues that help your mental health when it gets hard. Be kind too. Kindness is very important.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

So hard to pick, but probably Beetlejuice (although The Last Unicorn left a lasting impression, lol. The Red Bull really scared me!).

---

Huge thank you to Skylaar for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your beautiful debut book! We can’t wait to see Smile, Sophia when it comes out!

---

SKYLAAR AMANN is the author-illustrator of Lloyd Finds His Whalesong, (Page Street Kids, 2020). Her next book, SMILE, SOPHIA, is forthcoming from Feiwel & Friends in 2022. She is an affiliated artist with the Climate Science Alliance, a picture book mentor for WriteMentor, and a member of SCBWI and Women Who Draw. Skylaar specializes in children's and science-themed art, with clients including Surfrider, Pinna, Sitka Sound Science Center, 826 Seattle, Adventure! Children's Museum, Scientific American, and Paxton Gate. She has fifteen years of experience in communications and now works as an author, illustrator, and editor. Skylaar is represented by Jessica Watterson of Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Skylaar online: www.skylaaramann.com.

Or follow her on social media:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/skylaara

Instagram: www.instagram.com/skylaara

ACTIVITY SHEETS: Lloyd freebies (coloring pages, music, and more info): www.skylaaramann.com/lloyd 

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy Skylaar’s books click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LLOYD FINDS HIS WHALESONG?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, July 1st! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author/Illustrator Paddy Donnelly

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author/illustrator Paddy Donnelly! His newest book, THE VANISHING LAKE, just came out this week with Yeehoo Press. The art in this book is charming and the story is fantastic too— it’s based on a real lake in Ireland that disappears and reappears depending on the weather. I love a good mystery. I’m thrilled to have Paddy with us today to chat about his new book and becoming a debut author/illustrator.

So without further ado, please welcome Paddy Donnelly!

Where do you live?

Belgium, however I'm originally from Ireland.

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

My background is in web design. I've never formally trained as an illustrator and only started experimenting with illustration a few years ago. I got into making iPhone apps for kids, which was a great mix of design and illustration, and that then got me interested in trying my hand at picture books. Around the end of 2017 I started broadening my portfolio with children's illustration work and I signed on with my illustration agent. In 2018 I started working on illustrating my first children's books. I hadn't really thought I would be writing my own stories as well, but I gave it a go in 2018 and found I absolutely loved the process. Having that total creative control over both the words and pictures really appealed to me.

Tell us about your debut author illustrated picture book.

THE VANISHING LAKE - Something mysterious is happening at Grandad's lake. There are days the lake is beautiful, shimmering, and full. And then there are other days . . . where the lake is completely empty! Meara asks her granddad why the water disappears, but doesn't believe any of his far-fetched stories of mermaids, giants and narwhals. Meara sets out to uncover the truth for herself. Little does she know the answer is much larger than she realizes...

Loughareema empty.

Loughareema full.

This story is actually based on a real place, close to where I grew up in Ballycastle in Ireland. It’s a lake called Loughareema which actually does disappear and reappear every few days, depending on the weather. Growing up in Ireland, storytelling is an important part of life, so I was surrounded by myths and legends from a young age and I think that’s had a big influence on what stories I like to write about.

Sketch from THE VANISHING LAKE by Paddy Donnelly

Interior Art from THE VANISHING LAKE by Paddy Donnelly

Interior Art from THE VANISHING LAKE by Paddy Donnelly

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

For my author illustrated picture book, I had the initial idea around spring 2018. My agent pitched it to publishers and Yeehoo Press purchased the rights to the story about a year after that, and I created the artwork during the summer of 2019. The Chinese version of the book was released in fall 2020 and the English language version will be released on April 20th 2021. In total I think it was about three years from idea to publication. During that time I illustrated a number of other picture books, including a recent one - HERE BE DRAGONS, written by Susannah Lloyd which follows a rather hapless knight who thinks he knows exactly how to find a dragon. He travels right to the spot marked ‘X’, past treasure, suspicious bones, and many signs telling him to turn back. The knight is missing all the signs of the dragon, but kids surely won't.

Can you share a bit about your process?

For my author illustrated picture book the story was based on the real Vanishing Lake, Loughareema. I think I must have been reminded of it one day and thought it could be an interesting idea for a picture book. When you grow up with a wonder like this on your doorstep, you definitely take it for granted, and I hadn’t really thought about it in years. I thought the title itself was intriguing and then I set off to develop a story around that. The mystery of ‘why’ the lake would disappear and reappear had potential to be a good driving force for the story, and then setting the character up to be unwilling to believe these reasons, spurred myself on to come up with crazier and crazier ones. That’s how the story started with me and it developed from there. I knew how many pages I'd have in the story, and I knew there had to be certain beats like the lake there, then disappearing, then there again, and I knew I wanted 3 or 4 wild stories to feature and then a resolution at the end. So once I had those basic big blocks in place, I started to write. And then the writing had an influence on the illustrations, and the illustrations had an effect on the words and I bounced back and forth along the way. For creating the illustrations, I use a Wacom Cintiq and Photoshop. I've always worked digitally as my background is in graphic design, so even my sketches will be done on the tablet.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I play the Irish sport of hurling over here in Belgium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1Vw66Zs0dQ Sport is such a fantastic way to clear your head, escape and recharge. Especially as I work from home (although everyone is doing that now) it's tough to sometimes separate your home and work life. So getting out of the house and participating in a team sport really helps me find that balance.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

Apart from my Wacom Cintiq and Photoshop, I guess coffee and biscuits!

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Chris Haughton's blend of storytelling and unique visual style is incredibly inspirational. His use of vibrant colour and the way he can give a seemingly simple story so many layers is amazing.

Molly Mendoza's book Skip is a masterpiece. You really feel like you fall into the psychedelic artwork.

Ximo Abadía's amazingly textured and unusual style just feel timeless and yet other-worldly. I love it.

Dream project to work on?

My favourite book as a child was Watership Down, so if I got to work on illustrations for an edition of that, that'd be amazing.

What’s up next for you?

I actually have my second author illustrated picture book - DODOS AREN'T EXTINCT - coming out in Spring 2022, so I'm working on the illustrations for that as we speak. A Dodo reveals a huge secret: they're not actually extinct—they've been hiding in plain sight all this time, and they're not the only ones... Along with that, I have a few other picture books all in the works.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Back to the Future.

---

Huge thank you to Paddy for visiting us at Critter Lit today! Congrats on your new book— it’s fantastic! We can’t wait to see your upcoming titles.

---

PADDY DONNELLY is an Irish author & illustrator living in Belgium. He grew up on the north coast of Ireland, surrounded by mythical stories of giants, magical creatures and shape-shifting animals - all set in a stunning landscape from another time. All of this prompted his love for nature, animals, the sea and storytelling. He creates his illustrations digitally, but loves working with a textured, painterly approach. The Vanishing Lake is his debut author illustrated picture book, based on a real lake close to his childhood home in Ireland. He wishes Pluto was still a planet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Paddy or his books, visit him online: http://lefft.com or follow him on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paddy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/paddydonnelly
My Books: http://lefft.com/books/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of THE VANISHING LAKE click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE VANISHING LAKE? Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 29th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Matthew Cordell

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with extremely talented, Caldecott medalist, author and illustrator Matthew Cordell! His newest illustrated book, FOLLOW THAT FROG, written by Philip C. Stead, came out early this year and is the third book in their picture book trilogy featuring Sadie and and her Aunt Josephine. It has received starred reviews from both Booklist and The Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books, and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. FOLLOW THAT FROG is a must have for your library. I’m a huge fan of Matthew’s work and I’m thrilled to have him stop by Critter Lit today!

So without further ado, please welcome Matthew Cordell!

Where do you live?

I live in the far northern suburbs of Chicago. A little town called Gurnee.

How many years have you been in publishing?

My very first publishing gig was a middle grade novel called The Gorillas of Gill Park by Amy Gordon. That came out in 2003 from Holiday House so... (takes out calculator) 18 years!

How did you first get published?

My wife, author Julie Halpern, and I were submitting a picture book proposal around to a number of publishers in 2001-2002. One publisher, Holiday House, asked me if I would be interested, instead, in illustrating a middle grade novel. Of course, I jumped at the chance. It was a terrific first project to get my feet wet as an illustrator. Incidentally, the picture book Julie and I were hoping to get published, Toby and the Snowflakes, happily found a home with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (simply called Houghton Mifflin at the time) and was published in 2004.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes. I worked as an illustrator nights and weekends for 7 years until I made the leap to go full-time in 2007.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I love the audience. Children are tremendously inspiring to me. They are bursting with hope, potential, beauty, and brilliance. Everything is new to them and they are open to new experiences. And they are open and honest about their feelings. It's exciting to create art in this space. I'm a big picture book fan. I love the storytelling dance between words and pictures. Picture books are immensely challenging to make. To create a book that speaks to both a child and an adult is quite the task. When it works, it's absolute magic!

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

Up until I met Julie and she suggested the idea of making a children's book together, It had never occurred to me. I'd been an artist in different ways all my life, but I hadn't thought about children's books since I, myself, was a child. I didn't have children in my life at the time. Honestly, initially, it didn't sound very appealing. But Julie won me over by showing me lots of lots of picture books. Her childhood favorites as well as contemporary successes. I was blown away by how incredible picture books could be. I'd completely forgotten! Once I started working with publishers, and sharing books with children, it was all so tremendously inspiring. I loved it. I love it. So... what surprised me the most about working as an author/illustrator? All of it.

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

I think it's a tie. Being able to draw everyday for my job. And getting to hang out with kids all the time for my job.

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

Being, essentially, a freelance artist, it can be stressful at times, not having the stability of other jobs. Health insurance, regular paycheck, job security, etc. But there's an invaluable freedom in my situation that I wouldn't trade for anything.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I try to get away from my desk--every day if I can--to go for walks out in nature. It helps to break away from what I'm working on, and to get the blood pumping, and to immerse myself in the outdoors. I love animals and I'm really into birding. I sometimes bring my sketchbook and draw. I often get new ideas and jot them down. I have high cholesterol too, so a daily walk is a win-win.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I'm very much a creature of habit. I've been drawing with the same brand of ink for years with the same type of pen nibs on the same brand of paper. If I find something that I like, I'm not usually looking around for something different or better. Sometimes, though, I wouldn't mind breaking out of my shell to try new things and experiment with new media and techniques.

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

When I was first starting out and didn't know very many people at all, Julie and I were at an ALA cocktail reception. I was standing against a wall feeling and looking awkward as can be. Someone came up and introduced himself to me. He recognized my name on my name tag and remembered some mailers or postcards I'd sent his way. We had a nice conversation and he was very kind about my work. I was genuinely surprised and moved by the gesture he made. It was David Gale, longtime editor at Simon and Schuster. In the years that followed, whenever I saw him at conferences, we would say hello and have a nice chat. Sadly, David passed away last year, but I'll always remember that party and his kindness and the warm welcome he showed when I really needed it.

Recommended reading?

My new, favorite new-to-me book is Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and John Schoenherr. I've been obsessed with owls and owling this winter, and several folks suggested I look at Owl Moon. I knew of it, of course, being a Caldecott medal-winning book, but I had never seen it. (I'm embarrassed to say!) I bought a copy from my local bookshop and it most definitely lives up to the praise. It is a perfect picture book. Perfect text. Perfect art. It really captures the spirit of birding, owling, sharing a magical experience between father and child. I love it so much.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Without a doubt, when Wolf in the Snow received the Caldecott Medal in 2018. It was a shock, surprise, explosion of emotions, and it still gets me choked up. It's hard to fathom that a book of mine is part of that rich and wonderful legacy.

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?

That on top of writing and illustrating, you'll need to work as a public speaker, publicist, amateur educator and mentor, and other unexpected crash course, odd jobs. There are a lot of hats to be worn in this business. Making the books is just one part of it.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

I have two new books that just came out. Bear Island is my newest author/illustrator picture book about a girl, Louise, and her family processing and healing over the loss of their pet dog. Much of it plays out on a lake island that Louise visits and encounters a massive grizzly bear. Follow that Frog! is the third book in a picture book trilogy by Philip Stead and me (the first two being Special Delivery and The Only Fish in the Sea). All three of these books are wild, weird, madcap adventures starring headstrong, unflappable Sadie and her eccentric Great Aunt Josephine. These books are so much fun and were so much fun to illustrate!

Interior art from FOLLOW THAT FROG, written by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Interior art from FOLLOW THAT FROG, written by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Interior art from FOLLOW THAT FROG, written by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Matthew Cordell

What’s up next for you?

My next book to come out (September 7, 2021) will be What Isabella Wanted, by Candace Fleming, pictures by me. It's a fascinating picture book biography of Isabella Stewart Gardner, late 19th century world traveler and art collector who built and opened her own museum in Boston at the turn of the century. In the 1990's there was a late night heist where several priceless drawings, paintings, and artifacts were stolen, and the mystery has never been solved.

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

Read lots and lots of picture books. Know the past, present, and future--what's coming out next. Having that education of the world of picture books and publishing, and also knowing what you personally like and don't like, is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Definitely the original Star Wars Trilogy. (Even though the first film was a 1977 release) I was a huge Star Wars kid and am now a huge Star Wars grown-up.

---

Huge thank you to Matthew for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited about your upcoming books. Congrats on all your success!

---

MATTHEW CORDELL is the Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator of Wolf in the Snow and Hello Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers, recipient of four starred reviews, and the illustrator of numerous highly acclaimed children's books including Philip C. Stead's books Follow That Frog!, The Only Fish in the Sea, and Special Delivery, which was a Washington Post Best Book. He wrote and illustrated Another Brother, Wish, and Hello! Hello!, a New York Times Notable Children's Book. Matthew lives near Chicago with his wife, author Julie Halpern, and their two children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Matthew, visit him online: http://matthewcordell.com

or follow him on social media:

Twitter: @cordellmatthew

Instagram: @cordell_matthew

TO ORDER Matthew’s books, ring up your local bookstore or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of FOLLOW THAT FROG?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, April 8th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Sandra Salsbury Part 2

Happy Thursday Critters! Isn’t it awesome when things come full circle? I love it. It just feels right. Like all is right with the world— which let’s be honest, is a rare feeling these days. Needless to say, today our interview is very full circle.

Back in 2018, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to mentor Sandra Salsbury, an up-and-coming author/illustrator, through Writing With the Stars. If you don’t know about this fantastic mentorship, click here. It is very cool and an amazing opportunity for unpublished authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators. Hopefully, it will be up and running again in the near future.

When I first interviewed Sandra, she hadn’t found an agent yet and was unpublished— which I knew was only a matter of time. She is supremely talented (see stunning art below). So, I’m thrilled that today, I get to interview Sandra as an author/illustrator with a debut picture book, BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD, which just came out with Peachtree Publishing. This is the manuscript and book dummy that led me to select her to mentor. Like I said— full circle. So cool.

So without further ado, please welcome Sandra Salsbury!

Where do you live?

I live in Berkeley, California in a house full of ferns.

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

Drawing was always one of my favorite hobbies growing up, but I didn’t seriously consider art as a career until after I had already started college. One semester as a biology major and I realized that I should probably study art instead. I spent 4 years getting a BFA in illustration and it wasn’t until my last semester, when I enrolled in children’s illustration because it fit my schedule, that I realized picture book illustration might be something that interested me. 

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

The funny thing about the road to publication is that it’s hard to pinpoint when it really starts. I took that first children’s illustration class in 2006, the semester I graduated with my BFA. I didn’t feel ready to go out there in the world, so I continued to get an MFA as well. In 2011, I started getting published as an illustrator, mostly with educational companies and small presses. Finally, in 2014, I realized that to get the kind of agent I wanted and the sorts of work I was interested in, I would need to try writing as well. In 2016, I came up with the idea for Best Friend in the Whole World and started developing it. In 2018, I won a mentorship with you and then went on to win the Don Freeman Grant from SCBWI. I also signed with my agent at the very end of the year and we went on submission in 2019. After 7 months of being on submission, we had offers from 2 publishers and selected to publish with Peachtree. From there, everything came together fairly quickly (at least, compared to the rest) and now the book is out! So, it only ended up taking about 15 years. 

Thumbnails, sketches, and final art from BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD by Sandra Salsbury

Can you share a bit about your process?

When I begin working on a story, it spends a long time in my head at first. I like to figure out the major plot points, my middle, and my end, all before I even look at a piece of paper. I will sometimes begin by writing out the opening lines of my story in my head. Once I feel like I have a good understanding of where I am going, I will do character sketches and start working on the manuscript. After I have the words written out, I will do thumbnails of my pages and then go back and forth between the words and the pictures until I find the right balance. At this point, I usually realize there’s something impossibly broken with the story and I will agonize over how I didn’t see it sooner and how the story is terrible, but after a couple weeks of hand-wringing, the answer will smack me in the face and end up with something that works.  

 The process for my art involves many incremental steps from thumbnails (each stage getting more detailed), to value studies, to color roughs, then line art, and finally the final paintings. The paintings are done on Arches 140lb cold press watercolor paper with Prismacolor Col-Erase pencils in brown and Winsor & Newton paints in Cadmium Yellow, Scarlet Lake, French Ultramarine, and Burnt Umber.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Read more books! I find that if I don’t read enough picture books, all my ideas slowly dry up. I start to worry that I will never get another good idea in my life. I tell all my friends that it’s over and I have to quit. And then finally, I go to the library and pick up a pile of new books and magically, inside those books are also new ideas.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

When I am writing or drawing, I actually need total silence and zero distractions. So much of the writing and drawing process is about thinking for me that I can’t work with music or tv in the background. However, once I get to the painting stage, I don’t need to think anymore and I love listening to audiobooks. When painting Best Friend in the Whole World, I finished fourteen audiobooks in six weeks. 

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

My current picture book obsession is Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe. I also am in love with In A Jar by Deborah Marcero. Some illustrators I routinely look at are Julia Sarda, Rebecca Green, Jon Klassen, and Jessixa Bagley. 

Dream project to work on?

The wonderful thing about being an author-illustrator is that if I can dream it up, I can work on it! I would love to someday do a middle grade graphic novel and right now the only thing really stopping me is my own fears (in my defense, graphic novels seem really scary).

Tell us about your debut book.

Roland lives a quiet life all by himself. One day, he stumbles across someone to be his new best friend. It’s fine it’s just a pine cone! But soon signs start popping up in the woods that make Roland realize someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend and Roland must make the choice between having a good friend and being a good friend.

Interior Art from BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD by Sandra Salsbury

The funny origin story of this book is that once when I was a child I found a perfect stick and then tragically lost it later that day. The inexplicable and irrational bond I felt with that stick has stayed with me into adulthood and I wanted to write a story that captured the bond children can have with their friends—real or imagined. 

Interior Art from BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD by Sandra Salsbury

Interior Art from BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD by Sandra Salsbury

What’s up next for you?

Hopefully more books! I have a couple more ideas that feel could actually turn into something, so I’m currently coxing them to life. Some of them are being more stubborn than others.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

If I had to pick just ONE, it would definitely be The Princess Bride. I know a million people probably pick The Princess Bride, but that’s only because it’s SUCH AN AMAZING MOVIE!

---

Huge thank you to Sandra for stopping by Critter Lit again! We are so so proud of you over here at Critter Lit and can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

---

Sandra Salsbury grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains, where she made friends with many pine cones and sticks. She received a BFA and MFA in illustration from the Academy of Art University. She currently lives in Berkeley with her husband, a large collection of staghorn ferns, and countless spiders who provide moral support, as the great spiders in literature are known to do. For more information about Sandra or her book, visit her online or follow her on social media:

Website: www.sandrasalsbury.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sandrasalsbury

instagram: www.instagram.com/sandrasalsbury

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, March 18th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Kayla Stark

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author/illustrator Kayla Stark whose new book FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE, which released in August with Chronicle Books, is one of the coolest lift-the-flap books I’ve seen in a long time! I’m so excited to share her work with you all today and continue our week of creatives that work with novelty and board books.

So without further ado, please welcome Kayla Stark!

Where do you live?

Nashville, TN USA

How many years have you been in publishing?

This is a rough approximation, but I think it’s been close to 4 years now!

How did you first get published?

Parallax Publishing reached out to me about illustrating a picture book called “Mr. Pack Rat Really Wants That”. The author saw my work on the Women Who Draw website and then asked the editor to email me. I think that’s a pretty unusual way for the publisher to reach out, but I’m so happy they did. I did a few tests before I officially landed the job. Since this was my first time working on a picture book, Parallax wanted to make sure I was up to it. 

Do you write/illustrate full-time? 

Yes, I do! I spend more time illustrating than writing at this point, but I’m hearing the siren call of writing and I can’t stay away. It’s intimidating because I’m not as practiced in writing, but I do want to pitch my own stories—and I have so many ideas!

What inspires you to create picture books? 

That’s a good question. The picture book industry seems to be where my work best fits. In the beginning I didn’t set out to make my work fit the picture book industry, but once I became friends with other picture book illustrators and learned more about the industry I felt like I had finally found a place to park my work and settle in. 

In my work I like to ask silly questions and play with ridiculous “what ifs”. Questioning and observing everything always leads me to an idea or story that begs for further exploration. 

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

I was surprised when I saw how much work and energy went into the creation and promotion of a new book. It’s a true team effort! I’m also constantly surprised by how connected the illustration/publishing world is. Everyone knows everyone!

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

There are 2 things that immediately come to mind.
#1 - I love the initial stages of a job. The research phase and open possibilities give me such a rush!
#2 - Once a book/project is finished I look forward to the promotional events. Launch parties, process posts, interviews, readings, signings etc. I’m an extroverted person and getting these opportunities to travel, meet, and speak to new people fills me up!

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

Sometimes the daily monotony and isolation gets to me. It can feel like I’m working in a vacuum and treading water. It’s imperative to keep up my momentum and focus in order to finish projects. Knowing I have to power through on the days I don’t feel creative is difficult. I try to spin it in my brain and think of it as leveling up my self discipline.  

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Hmmm…I’ll try a few different things. FaceTiming a friend who gets it is the best medicine. I’m so happy (and lucky) to be friends with a number of illustrators and other artists—both local and online! I’m a part of The Warren Studio here in Nashville, TN. When I need a change of pace I’ll go in and see people, get lunch, and just have a fun day.

Some other things I’ll do when I need new ideas is— read; workout; go to a museum*; schedule a trip*; go to my list of ideas and thoughts I keep in my phone; create a new color palette and imagine what type of scene or story would use it. 

*I’m not doing these things currently due to Covid-19 safety concerns.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity? 

I used to watch a little bit of TV after waking up, however I realized that when I do that my mind wants to be entertained all day instead of getting into work mode. Now when I wake up, instead of turning on the TV, I do these things in this order to feel like it’s time for work—open the blinds, brush my teeth, wash my face, grab my coffee, and walk upstairs to my desk. 

I also like to be left alone for the first few hours of the work day. My husband has been working from home since March and I had to set up a no talking rule for the first 3 hours of the work day. 

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

Wow, most everything has been positive. Hmm…something that stands out is getting to know others in the Kid Lit community on Instagram. It’s led to friendships, critique groups, collaboration opportunities, agents, meet ups, and a wonderfully fulfilling life/career. 

When I think about it, it’s crazy how many friends I’ve made through Instagram and the close knit connections of the kid lit community. 

Recommended reading?
All of Martin Salisbury’s books on picture books and illustration. 

The Fog by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Kenard Pak.

Mac Barnett’s books are always a delight.

I’ll stick to these few for this purpose, but I need to make a whole list separated into categories.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far? 

I just illustrated the covers for a new release of classic titles (The Jungle Book, Black Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, and Treasure Island). It was surreal to see that job land on my desk and I am happy I was trusted to take on these beloved titles. I’ll be sharing those on my Instagram very soon along with some behind the scenes process posts! 

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?

This is still a job, sometimes you are going to have to put in extra hours and work when you don’t feel like it. Somedays it will feel like you are going nowhere and somedays you’ll feel on top of the world, but most days you’ll feel somewhere in between. Ask for help when you need it, take care of yourself, take criticism (but not personally), and just keep going. You will never feel like you’ve “arrived”, so stop expecting that. You are doing what you love, celebrate that!

Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Friends at the Firehouse written and illustrated by me is a lift-the-flap journey through a firehouse. The annual parade is about to start and we need to find the missing Dalmatian puppy. There are 35 flaps to inspect and tons of details for kids to pour over. It’s published by Chronicle Books as part of their Double Booked series—which means the book is a unique die cut shape (a firehouse in this case) and opens from both sides as a gate fold! 

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

It’s the most complex book I’ve worked on and it took me a WHILE to wrap my mind around everything as I was laying out the illustrations. I visited 2 local fire stations before starting and took hundreds of photos. The firefighters drove me around in the truck and I got to slide down the pole like a real fire fighter!

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

What’s up next for you?

I have some stories of my own I’m going to pitch! So I’ll be going into writing mode and working on getting a manuscript and book dummy together.

I’m also working on a language learning vocabulary book! —along the lines of Richard Scarry’s Big Book of Words, but with my own world and characters. :)

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

I know this is said over and over again, but I believe it bears repeating. Create the work you want to get hired to do! All the time I see and talk to artists that are just waiting for someone to hire them for their dream job, but there are no clear examples in their portfolio to show they CAN do that job. You have to show you can already do something before someone will hire you do it. 

Draw and write a lot! Start building your social media platform now and engage with other people. It can be annoying to keep up with all the platforms, so pick 1-2 and post consistently!

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Oooh. I’ll say The Shining. I’m not a horror nut, but there’s just something about that movie.

---

Huge thank you to Kayla for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your new book, we can’t wait to see your upcoming projects!

---

After graduating with a BFA from the University of Tennessee at Martin and working for a few years as a graphic designer; KAYLA STARK decided to shift into the world of her first love—illustration! She works both digitally and traditionally, depending on the project, and is most comfortable when settling into the beginning “research” phase of projects. The traditional media she uses most often are: watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils (she is on a constant search for the perfect, scratchy pencil texture) She is naturally very curious and asks a lot of questions—this quality is a constant fuel for inspiration.

She lives in Nashville, TN in a small house with her husband and 2 cats. Most of the time she is working upstairs in her studio, but a few days a week she joins a group of friends and fellow illustrators at a co-working space in East Nashville.

Kayla’s hobbies include playing board games, participating in (almost) any event, learning languages, and planning trips (she loves public transit). Some of Kayla’s favorite topics are birds, traveling, science, animal fun facts, and history.

She has done work for various clients including Highlights Magazine, Sleeping Bear Press and Chronicle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Kayla online at www.kaylastark.com or on social media:

Instagram: @kayla_stark

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. TWO lucky winners will be announced on Thursday, October 29th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Eva Byrne

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m thrilled to feature an interview with author and illustrator Eva Byrne today! I was first introduced to Eva’s work when she released her debut as an author/illustrator, Along Came Coco: A Story About Coco Chanel, which I adore. If you haven’t read it— go out and pick up a copy. It’s utterly fabulous!

Many of you may be familiar with Eva’s illustration work, as she was the illustrator for Savanah Guthrie and Allison Oppenheim’s Princesses Wear Pants, a New York Times bestseller, which will soon be made into a Netflix series. I can’t wait for you all to meet Eva and her wonderful work!

So without further ado, please welcome Eva Byrne:

Where do you live?

I am lucky enough to live in the West of Ireland, right beside the sea in County Sligo. It is a beautiful part of the world.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I have been a freelance illustrator since I graduated from FIT in 94, I’m old enough to remember running into the editorial offices of newspapers with hand-drawn barely dry illustrations!

How did you first get published?

I was first published in national newspapers here in Ireland and in women’s fashion magazines. It was such a thrill to see my work in print. The very first children’s book I illustrated was for a French educational company, the editor had seen my work in a French fashion magazine and thought my fashion illustrations were a nice match for a book aimed at young teenage girls.

Do you write and illustrate full-time?

I do write and illustrate full-time.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I’m inspired by people’s stories, as a child I loved being around my grandmother and great grandmother and hearing the stories of their lives, also I worked for years as a fashion illustrator and I adore bringing fashion in the children’s books I illustrate.

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

I’m surprised by how fond you become of the characters you have brought to life, I suppose it makes sense, you spend a lot of time alone in the studio figuring out the characters and drawing their reactions to the situations they find themselves, it’s a pretty personal relationship. 

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

There are so many wonderful things about being an author/illustrator, from the excitement when you sign with an agency, then when you are offered a book deal, to building a relationship with an editor whose work you have admired and then the thrill of seeing your book in print!

What do you find difficult about working as an author/illustrator?

I find the few days after you have finished a book quite difficult, you have spent quite intense amounts of time alone and then you hit send and its all gone, then you turn around and the laundry room looks like a tornado just hit it and never mind the rest of the house. There is also that weird phase when you have become so used to your own company that you have to remind yourself to make an effort to see your friends and when you do you feel a tiny bit awkward because you need to brush up on your social skills! Luckily I have very understanding friends.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I love stories about women and hidden histories particularly when they link into fashion so I tend to reach for my huge stacks of Vogues and Harpers Bazaar and try to find articles about trailblazing women in history/fashion.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I habitually buy new sketchpads for each new project I’m working on however I also habitually end up drawing on envelopes, receipts  and another bits of paper I can find in my car while my brand spanking sketchbooks sit untouched in my studio. I need to work on that!

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

I had the pleasure of visiting the Conte West school in Connecticut last year with Along Came Coco (my first author/illustrated book) and the response of the children  was so joyous and welcoming it just blew me away. 

Recommended reading?

I would recommend reading the new children's books that come into your library, I do get funny looks from the other parents when I am sitting on a tiny chair surrounded by picture books, I would also recommend Show Me A Story by  Leonard S. Marcus for an enjoyable and informative read.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

There are so many highlights in a children’s book career, each time you walk into a bookstore and see a book you have worked on sitting there, it’s such a cool moment, I recently walked into a store and saw Along Came Coco which I wrote and illustrated and Piglette, written by Katelyn Aronson, illustrations by moi, sitting side by side, that was pretty thrilling. (I probably need to get out more).

One definitive highlight was when Princesses Wear Pants made it onto the New York Times bestseller list. That was incredible.

Also, when I got the email that Piglette was getting her very own sequel, Piglette’s Perfect Plan, which comes out next year, that was pretty special and then when Abrams bought my latest book, SuperNana which I wrote and have just finished illustrating a few days ago, that was a real highlight!

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?

I wish someone had told me to stop waiting for the perfect story. Agents and editors know if a story appeals to them and if it’s something that they can work with and what I’ve found is that it is a collaboration, and it is all the better for that.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

My newest book out in the world at the moment is Piglette by Katelyn Aronson, it is an absolutely gorgeous book about a little pig with big city dreams.

Interior art from PIGLETTE by Katelyn Aronson, illustrated by Eva Byrne

Jacket from PIGLETTE

It is a whimsical and gentle, perfect for cosy reading bedtimes. I loved illustrating this book and found being in the studio with Piglette was the perfect antidote to all the news beyond the studio door.

Art from SuperNana by Eva Byrne to be published by Abrams 2021

What’s up next for you?

Coming up next would be the revisions for SuperNana— tweaking the artwork here and there to get it as close to perfect as I can. I’m really excited about this book! When I started writing SuperNana I had no idea she would turn into such a spandex wearing powerhouse!

Also, I have been itching to get stated on a non-fiction picture book bio about Catherine Dior, Christian Dior’s younger sister who was a member of the French Resistance during WW2, the world famous perfume Miss Dior is named in her honor but so few know the story behind this remarkable woman.

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

To younger illustrators/authors I would say keep drawing and writing, really hone your craft so that it is your voice and vision that comes through the work.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

The 1980s movie that sticks in my head is Flashdance not because I’m such a great dancer more because of all the family vacation photos where I’m wearing a pink headband, in a misguided attempt to look like Jennifer Beale but in reality I’m looking a lot more like the Karate Kid. My mother did try to warn me…

---

Huge thank you to Eva for stopping by Critter Lit today! We love your books and are so excited to see Piglette and SuperNana out in the world!

---

EVA BYRNE has worked as a professional Illustrator since 1994 in editorial, advertising, package design and children’s book publishing. Recent clients have included Viking, Penguin Random House, Abrams Books for Young Readers, Collins Press, Orion, Simon and Schuster, American Girl, Netflix, Atomic Cartoons, Claire’s Accessories.  

In 2017, Eva illustrated the New York Times bestselling Princesses Wear Pants and her follow up book Along Came Coco was chosen for a Bank Street Book of the Year award.

Eva’s background is in Fashion Illustration, where she has worked with clients such as Estee Lauder, Calvin Klein and Brown Thomas. Her work has been commissioned as gifts for front row guests during London Fashion Week.

This year Eva worked as a wardrobe consultant with Atomic Cartoons and Netflix on the upcoming series based on Princesses Wear Pants. She is currently writing and illustrating a new book, SuperNana, which will be published by Abrams in 2021 and illustrating Piglette’s Perfect Plan to be published by Viking Press 2021.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Eva online.

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of PIGLETTE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of PIGLETTE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 22nd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Julie Rowan-Zoch

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with Julie Rowan-Zoch, whose illustration debut, LOUIS, written by Tom Lichtenheld, is receiving rave reviews! I adore this book and I’m so excited to introduce you all to Julie’s work.

So without further ado, please welcome Julie Rowan-Zoch!

Where do you live?

In sunny northern Colorado! If I sound excited about the sun, it's because winter in CO has many sunny days, and especially this winter it will really come in handy for sanity!

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

I talked about it a lot when my kids were small, but finally put serious effort into it upon joining Julie Hedlund's 12x12 Picture Book Challenge in its inaugural year, 2012.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

When I started out I naively assumed my drawing talents were good enough, so I set about learning how to write, first by reading (100 PBs/wk for 3 yrs!), then writing, then critiquing - I formed a crit-group locally, but I also used to belong to an online group. Very soon I realized how overconfident I was about my own illustration skills! That's about the time I started the practice of drawing daily. All elements were vital - especially the naiveté!! No joke! I started submitting to multiple agents, but my agent actually found me!

Can you share a bit about your process?

I try to start every day with a warm-up sketch which I post with birthday greetings for facebook friends. It allows me to draw with blithe abandon at least once every day, and almost all of my characters have developed directly from that exercise. All my illustration work is now done digitally, thanks to advice I got during a portfolio critique from illustrator Michael Garland in 2013. Never looked back! I use the Procreate app on an iPad for all the work, from sketches to finished art. Even some revisions for art on LOUIS were done in a hospital waiting room on the iPad.

Doll sketches by Julie Rowan-Zoch

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Last month I actually wrote a short article about just that HERE, but it's the daily practice of drawing every day that really helps keep juices flowing. I post just about all of them on Instagram.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

Quiet. Once I am in later stages of drawing, I do like to run a movie I have already seen just so that I might look up now and again. but for writing I would even prefer to be alone in the room - VERY quiet.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many! And my taste varies widely. I keep a list of illustrators I like on my website, with links to theirs, but it's really just a drop in the bucket! Some of the picture book authors I admire off the top of my head are William Steig, Russell Hoban, Arnold Lobel, Janet and Allen Ahlberg, Julie Fogliano, Fannie Britt, Suzy Lee, and Michael Rosen.

Dream project to work on?

I would love to create a book for young people experiencing the hospital, as a patient or a visitor, that communicates the pain and sadness along with a BIG dose of humor and art. 

 Tell us about your debut book as an illustrator:

Louis the bear has had enough. From day one, life has been one indignity after another. If he's not being used as a hankie, he's being hung out to dry—literally. (No one likes clothespins used on their ears!)

Early sketch for dedication/title page for LOUIS, written by Tom Lichtenheld, illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch

Dummy page from LOUIS by Tom Lichtenheld, illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch

This teddy is sneaking away just as soon as he can. Then again, no use running off in the rain . . .or during a show-and-tell routine. Maybe Louis has something to lose, after all.

Character studies from LOUIS by Tom Lichtenheld, illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch

What’s up next for you?

My author-illustrator debut is with HMH, I'M A HARE, SO THERE!, and releases in March 2021, and have hopefully completed all final revisions for the art. I will soon get to work on coloring/activity sheets and other graphics for social media for it. Otherwise, revising more stories to submit!

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

An Angel at My Table or Brazil or Room with a View? Sorry! Can't decide!

---

Huge thank you to Julie for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your fantastic debut!

---

Author, illustrator, bookseller, and activist: JULIE ROWAN-ZOCH grew up collecting freckles and chasing hermit crabs in NY, and spent years slicing rich breads in Germany before waking up to 300 days of blue Colorado skies. If she doesn’t answer the door, look in the garden!

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Julie online or follow her on social media:

Twitter @JulieRowanZoch

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of LOUIS, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LOUIS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 15th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Jane Smith

Happy TUESDAY Critters! I’m so excited to be featuring an interview with another illustrator this week. As you may have noticed, it’s TUESDAY, not THURSDAY! This week we will be featuring two fantastic interviews with two incredibly talented women. I can’t wait for you to meet them both and learn about their work. So without further ado, let’s kick off the first interview of the week with the immensely talented Jane Smith!

Where do you live?

I live in Wilmington, North Carolina, which is a small city along the Atlantic coast.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I’ve been working in publishing for about 18 years now.

How did you first get published?

I’ve spent the majority of my career as a freelancer, and so when I was beginning, long before I had an agent, I just sent out tons of promo postcards, dummy book submissions and answered lots of job ads for freelance illustrators in places like Craigslist. I would do whatever book publishing gigs I could—mostly educational work. I’m not sure exactly what my very first published project was, but I do remember fondly illustrating two nursery rhyme board books for a Hooked-On Phonics box set for babies that was packaged with a CD, DVD and several other board books.

Those early dummy book submissions also yielded my first published book as an author. It was a six-spread novelty pop-up book titled Fairytale Mix-Up, in which the reader could mix and match the split pop-up pages to create different versions of classic fairytale characters. I had originally proposed myself as the illustrator, but my art style at the time wasn’t right for the book. However, the project led to many more freelance book design gigs and later to an in-house position as an art director of children’s novelty books, which was where I learned the publishing business from the inside out.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

I do. However, this is a tricky question, because I think that the term “full-time” often means different things to different people! In my case, as a freelance author-illustrator, I show up and work in my studio six days a week. There are times when there’s a lot of paying jobs. There are also times when there’s not. There are also times when I’m putting in crazy hours and other times when it’s more quiet and relaxed. Sometimes I’m working on a book for a paying client. Sometimes I’m working on a book I hope to sell to a publisher. Sometimes I’m working on my portfolio, and sometimes I’m working on self-promotion. It’s a job no one can ever fire me from, because it’s a job I gave to myself!

What inspires you to create picture books?

Growing up, my mom was a school librarian, and so I was always surrounded by books. I fell in love with reading and stories and the endless ways they can inspire, connect and comfort at an early age. I spent the better part of my childhood on our screened in porch reading, writing and making art. Those experiences have carried over into adulthood.

These days, I’m inspired by pretty much everything around me—cartoons, succulents, cupcakes, unicorns, animals, adventures, mysteries, rainstorms and more—but mostly by my own deep feelings of compassion for kid’s emotional lives and experiences. The best picture books combine this with a bit of whimsy and magic is made.

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

Hmmm...probably that when you’re young and everyone tells you the cliché that it’s about the journey, not the destination, they were 100% right! I don’t think you ever do get to a place where you feel like you’ve “arrived.” Beyond each milestone is the continued drive and energy to keep growing, learning, changing and creating.

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

Working at home alone in my studio! And also, the flexibility that comes with it!

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

Also, working at home alone in my studio! Ha! It can be a lonely business at times and often it’s hard to get perspective working in a vacuum. This is why I love traveling to illustration & SCBWI conferences, visiting art friends in cities across the country and chatting with my lovely agent, Nicole Tugeau, on the phone!

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I get out of the house/studio! Go for a walk. Meet up with a friend. Travel. Read a book. Visit a museum. (I LOVE museums!!!) Hang out with my family. Try a new restaurant. Cook a new recipe. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Every day I meditate for 10 minutes. For me it’s a must to calm my mind and body, so I can focus.

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

Oh, goodness! I’ve honestly had so many! It’s been my experience that the Kid Lit community, especially the SCBWI, is incredibly supportive, willing to share information and eager to champion one another!

For several years a good while back, I had the absolute pleasure of co-coordinating the SCBWI Westside Illustrators “Schmooze” (now called “Mingle”) in Los Angeles with one of my dearest friends. And it was a blast! We hosted monthly meetings and even organized a couple art exhibitions together. I meet so many talented and wonderfully kind kid lit writers and illustrators—many of whom I’m still friends with today!

Recommended reading?

Ooo! I have to admit that even though I adore reading children’s books of all genres, my pleasure reading consists mostly of creepy mysteries, crime and horror stories, which I would only recommend to a fellow lover of the macabre! So, instead, I’ll share the latest professional reading that has helped me with my children’s book work:

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master by Martha Alderson

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Developing, selling and launching children’s picture book projects that I’ve written & illustrated myself: the 6-book CHLOE ZOE picture book series, HELLO NEW HOUSE and my forthcoming picture book, MISS MEOW! 

Interior art from HELLO, NEW HOUSE by Jane Smith

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?

When I was first starting out, I wish someone had told that illustrating stories and characters is not about drawing everything “correctly” or getting the perspective or lighting “right”; that it’s actually about creating believability. The point of the artwork is not to be in service to an objective idea of what is “good,” but rather about transporting the reader in time, space and emotion. As long as it is believable within the context of the story you are telling, it doesn’t matter if the lighting is off or if the proportions are wonky. As long as you’ve convinced your reader to believe in your story that all that really matters!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Yes, I’m absolutely thrilled to share that my new picture book, HELLO NEW HOUSE, is releasing on October 1st. with publisher Albert Whitman & Company! This title is close to my heart, because it is directly inspired by my family’s real life, coast-to-coast move from Hermosa Beach (in the Southbay of Los Angeles), California to Wilmington, North Carolina. It was a dramatic move that was a study in relative contrasts—big city vs. small town, urban vs. rural, west coast vs. east coast, desert vs. lush tropics. And the changes were both exciting and intimidating.

Interior Art from HELLO, NEW HOUSE by Jane Smith

I wrote HELLO NEW HOUSE as a kind of meditation for myself and my daughter, comparing what was new to what was different to what was still the same, as a way to calm and reassure us when adjusting to the move was hard. Through the use of short, light and direct language, it is my hope that young kids will also experience HELLO NEW HOUSE as a meditation on change and that it will be a happy, welcome tool for families adjusting to their own moves in life.

Interior art from HELLO, NEW HOUSE by Jane Smith

Interior art from HELLO, NEW HOUSE by Jane Smith

What’s up next for you?

I’m so excited to share that I’m working on final art right now for my next picture books as an author-illustrator: MISS MEOW! This is a super fun story about an unexpected intruder who ruffles the fur of Miss Meow, a little girl who loves pretending to be a very territorial family pet cat. It releases next fall in 2021 with West Margin Press.

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

My best advice for aspiring author and illustrators is to remember that publishing is a long game—endurance, persistence and perseverance are the tools that will get you to where you want to go.

And always keep writing and illustrating NEW stories—don’t get stuck on one singular story and don’t be afraid of letting a story go once you’ve learned whatever it is you needed to learn from it! You are a storyteller and you have LOTS of stories inside you! 

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Ooo!!! It’s almost too hard to choose—I have LOTS of favorites! Ha! But I think I have to go with Footloose! Followed closely by Pretty in Pink, Flashdance (which totally does not hold up! Ha!) and Quicksilver!

---

Huge thank you to Jane for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on all your wonderful books! We so appreciate your insightful answers and advice.

---

JANE SMITH is the author-illustrator of the 6-book CHLOE ZOE picture book series, published by Albert Whitman & Co. Her forthcoming picture books, HELLO NEW HOUSE (Albert Whitman & Co.) and MISS MEOW (West Margin Press) will release in fall 2020 and fall 2021 respectively. Jane earned her BFA in Illustration at the Columbus College of Art & Design before beginning her career in publishing as an art director of children’s novelty books. She currently creates artwork for a variety of publishing and art licensing clients in her Wilmington, North Carolina studio, where she lives with her graphic designer husband, super star daughter and lots and lots of bugs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JANE SMITH follow her on social media:

• Personal Website: http://www.superjane.com

• Blog: https://birdmeetsworm.blogspot.com/

 • Instagram: @superjanesmith

• Twitter: @SuperJaneArtist

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperJaneSmith/

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/superjanesmith/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of HELLO, NEW HOUSE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of HELLO, NEW HOUSE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 6th! US addresses only please.