DOUBLE Interview with Best Friends and Author/Illustrators Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal!

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a DOUBLE interview with real life besties Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal! I’ve been a long time fan of their individual books— they are STUNNING and you should check them out immediately here and here if you haven’t already. I’m so excited to have them BOTH with us today to talk about their road to publication, creative process, and their newest book, I DON’T CARE, written by Julie Fogliano, published with Neal Porter Books this past November, which Molly and Juana illustrated together.

So without further ado, please welcome Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal!

Where do you live?

As we are two, we’ll answer in a world-class-ping-pong game style!

Juana: I live in small coastal town in Southeastern Connecticut. Before moving here in February of 2021, I always lived in the city. I love small town living!

Molly: I can see why you do! Your small town is completely and utterly charming! It aaaaalmost makes me want to move there too… but right now the weather here in Arizona is perfect. 70 degrees in February. Ask me again in July :)

How many years have you been in publishing?

J: Let me see… I decided to start making children’s books in October of 2005. That does not mean I was published, but that I was determined to be. So, what? Seventeen and a half years here and counting. Moll?

M: Almost the same! I left animation with the idea that I’d like to start writing and illustrating in 2003. So… 20 years now?! Eek! 

How did you first get published?

J: My work was first published by educational and small publishers. It is not until July of 2016 that I was published by one of the “Big-Five” (four now?) here in the United States. It was “La Madre Goose: A Nursery Rhymes for los Niños”, written by Susan Middleton Elya, published by Putnam/Penguin Random House.

M: We’re on the same page again! After years of juggling small illustration jobs, and caring for small people as a new mom, Penguin Random House gave me my first big break too! Viking Children’s Books published Tea Rex, in 2013. 

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

J & M: Yes, we do!

What inspires you to create picture books?

M: I love creating and exploring the relationships between characters. In the process I not only get to know and better understand them, I get to know and better understand myself too. 

J: And I make books about finding our own selves, our identities, our places in the world, the reason why we are in this world. That’s a constant personal search and what drives me to make new work.

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

M: Ooooo, there are so many that it’s hard to pick a favorite! One of the things I love most is the feeling when something ineffable falls into place. Like when I’m sketching and sketching, trying to capture the essence of a character and then, suddenly, find them—“There you are! It’s you!”

J: I agree with Molly. That’s an amazing moment! I love being able to create the worlds that we want to see exist.

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

M: Deadlines. They’re my Achilles heel!

J: We are best friends for a reason! My biggest challenge is that we create our own schedules. It can be a trap when you are so easily distracted.

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

M: For rust, I recommend WD40 — it really helps get things moving. For ideas, I recommend work. I used to worry all the time that I’d run out of new ideas. But then I noticed that as soon as I wrapped up one story another idea would present itself! Finishing one seems to get things moving for another. Work is the WD40 of my mind!

J: As I was saying, I can get distracted and bored easily which is the reason why I’m a mixed media artist. If I use different ways of making the art, I have to be present while I’m solving this new puzzle. A new puzzle I just made for myself.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

J: Same answer as above but with a contradictory twist, I need routine. Having my quiet walks outside, listening to my favorite music, making art in a room where natural light floods the space are all a-must. 

M: Same. I love new puzzles, but I love to them with a fresh cuppa coffee in my favorite mug, next to my pencils organized by color, with my work mix playing, next to the sunny window… no wonder we’re besties!

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

J: I have to say meeting Molly Idle. Have you met her? She’s pretty amazing!

M: Jinx! I was going to say meeting YOU!!!

Recommended reading?

Lightning-Ping-pong-round!

M: A Polar Bear In the Snow, by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris

J: What is Love?, by Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis

M: Kafka and the Doll, by Larissa Theule and Rebecca Green (I’m so glad you introduced me to this one, Juana!)

J: I love that book! Give it a second read and then read I Talk Like A River, by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith. 

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

M:  I mean, we could say winning Caldecotts…that feels like bragging. But it was incredible to have our books honored! 

J:  They were a huge recognition for our work. Hooray for awards!

M: And Hooray for teachers, and librarians, and Readers!

J: Yes!!!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

J & M: Our newest book is “I Don’t Care”, written by Julie Fogliano and published by Neal Porter Books. We co-illustratred the book, a process that was both scary and fantastic at the same time. We have been critique partners for years but not until this story that we had worked on a book together! 

Juana’s Favorite Interior Illustration from I DON’T CARE, written by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal, published by Neal Porter Books

Molly’s Favorite Interior Illustration from I DON’T CARE, written by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal, published by Neal Porter Books

What’s up next for you?

J & M: We’re making more books together, and we’re each making board books too!

J: Alma’s Words, two new bilingual board books, are releasing September 5, 2023: Alma and Her Family and Alma, Head to Toe, with two more books coming in 2024.

M: And I have Flora and Friends ABCs, publishing October 10, 2023, with an entire flock of new bird buddies, and Flora and Friends Colors flying off shelves in 2024!

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

J: Making children’s books requires drive, determination, and a thick skin. It is a matter of when, not if , it will happen. Your time will come!

M: Agreed! That’s one of the nicest things about the publishing industry. There’s no limit on how many stories can be told. If you make good work- there’s a place for it. There’s always room for one more!

And last, but not least, who is your favorite children’s book character?

J: If I have to pick just one, it is The Little Prince from El Principito (The Little Prince). 

M: One?! I’ll pick two: Toot and Puddle. Two best friends who are very different and very similar at the same time. Remind you of anybody?

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HUGE THANK YOU to Molly and Juana for stopping by CritterLit today! It was truly an honor!

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MOLLY IDLE is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning book Flora and the Flamingo. She is also the creator of Tea Rex, the mermaid tales Pearl and Coral, and Witch Hazel. Molly lives with her fabulous family in Tempe, Arizona—where she can most often be found with a cup of espresso in one hand and a pencil in the other, scribbling away on her next book. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Molly or her work visit IdleIllustration.com or follow her on social media:

@mollyidle on Instagram

@mollyidle on Twitter

JUANA MARTINEZ-NEAL is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning book Alma and How She Got Her Name. She also illustrated New York Times bestselling picture book Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi; Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, which won a Robert F. Sibert Medal; and La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya, for which she won a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award. Juana Martinez-Neal lives in Connecticut with her family. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Juana or her work, visit juanamartinezneal.com or follow her on social media:

@juanamartinezn on Instagram

@juanamartinez on Twitter

Check out I DON’T CARE on the Holiday House website here or follow on social media: @holidayhousebks on all platforms.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of I DON’T CARE click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of I DON’T CARE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 23rd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author + Illustrator David Catrow

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with the incredible author and illustrator, David Catrow, whose books I’ve adored since wanting to become an author/illustrator myself. I remember the first time I discovered STAND TALL MOLLY LOU MELON and poured over the illustrations— so much to look at! One of my favorite details in his books are the dogs— they are fantastic and such accurately, hilarious portraits of canine behavior. I’ve always loved David’s books and I’m thrilled to have him with us today to talk about his experience in the industry and his new book, I WANT AN APPLE: HOW MY BODY WORKS, by David L. Harrison with Holiday House.

So without further ado, please welcome David Catrow!

Where do you live?

I live in Ohio but mostly I live inside my head. Being an artist is a 24/7 existence and there are times when it’s hard to separate what is actually happening around me and what I am imagining or wish was happening around me. Which is probably why I’m not in an occupation like brain surgery or being an airline pilot. 

How many years have you been in publishing?

My First Book was published in 1990 which is well... a long time ago (you probably should do the math, I am a picture person) 

How did you first get published?

It was completely unexpected actually, I was studying to be a doctor at the time and someone asked me if I could illustrate the procedure for doing an emergency cricothyrotomy on an un-anaesthetized patient in the middle of nowhere. My drawing was published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine and here I am. 

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes, I write and illustrate full-time, but I would happily do it more if I could figure out how to get the earth to rotate a little bit slower thus gaining me a few more hours of daylight. 

What inspires you to create picture books?

Oh, anything and everything—you name it, I’ve been inspired by it... (Go ahead, name something, the first thing that comes into your mind and just shout it out!)  I heard you! YUP, I’ve been inspired by that too.

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

What surprises me the most is that I’m never done. The minute I’ve finished a book that I think pretty much says it all, I’ll suddenly think of something else to say- (which is surprising because most people who talk to me think I’m a person of few words.) 

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

My Favorite thing about being an Illustrator is, that not only do I have something that I love to do, but I am able to keep doing it for as long as I wish. After I’m done being an artist I plan on devoting all of my time to learning how to catch a frisbee in my mouth. 

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

For me the most difficult thing is trying to swat away all the pesky other ideas that buzz around my head and interfere with me doing my work that is front of me.

For me the most difficult thing is learning that I can get carried away sometimes and forget what it is that am supposed to be doing. 

-which reminds me of a funny story about an elephant, a turnip, and a guy named Ned who all decide to go on a road trip together- Ned didn’t have a driver’s license so the turnip has to drive, because, honestly, whoever heard of an elephant driving a car.

(sorry, what the question again?)

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

I get lots of sleep, I eat right and I take a multi-vitamin.  

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I eat right, I get lots of sleep, and I take a multi-vitamin.

Recommended reading?

Everything and anything.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Waking up and doing what I love to do—Oh and playing with my dog.

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

I wish someone had told me that you can’t do it all.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Your body is busy, busy, busy! Learn how it works in this funny-but-informative book.

I want an apple. Smart brain, help me find one. Sniffy nose, smell the apple. Bright eyes, help me see it.
Legs, feet, arms, teeth, tongue, tummy . . . and long intestine too . . . all snap into action when a child decides she wants an apple. A clever and humorous introduction to body parts and their function.

Interior art from I WANT AN APPLE: HOW MY BODY WORKS by David L. Harrison, illustrated by David Catrow with Holiday House

Interior art from I WANT AN APPLE: HOW MY BODY WORKS by David L. Harrison, illustrated by David Catrow with Holiday House

Interior art from I WANT AN APPLE: HOW MY BODY WORKS by David L. Harrison, illustrated by David Catrow with Holiday House

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

Keep working hard at what you love to do and eventually you will make it- no matter what it is that you want to do- whether it’s juggling on a tightrope, walking in space, writing poetry, or singing an aria, or anything in between- all the people that are doing those things now, were once like you.  

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

Turner and Hooch.

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DAVID CATROW is a political cartoonist, artist for animated films, and illustrator of best-selling books for children, including two New York Times Best Illustrated books. His books for Holiday House, which he also wrote, are The Fly Flew In and Fun in the Sun. He lives in Ohio. Learn more about him at Catrow.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about David, visit him online: www.catrow.com

Or follow him on social media:

@DavidCatrow (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

BUY THIS BOOK To order David’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of I WANT AN APPLE: HOW MY BODY WORKS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, November 18th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author and Illustrator Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with the incredibly talented, two-time Caldecott honor winning Laura Vaccaro Seeger! I’m such a huge fan of her books and she has had an amazing career in publishing— I’m so thrilled she can be here with us today!

So without further ado, please welcome Laura Vaccaro Seeger!

Photo Credit: Dylan Seeger

Where do you live?

My husband and I have a home in Rockville Centre, Long Island, and an apartment in Manhattan, New York.

How many years have you been in publishing?

20.

How did you first get published?

I was extremely fortunate to have met Neal Porter - my editor and publishing soulmate - almost immediately after I began looking for a publisher. He’s been my editor for every one of my books - we're now working on my 21st book together. It’s kind of a long story, actually. You can read more about it here: https://studiolvs.com/educators-kids/2017/7

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes.

What inspires you to create picture books?

Everything! But I am mostly inspired by the human condition. While my books are quite varied, I think they are all, at their core, about empathy, love, and friendship.

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

Hmm. That’s a tough question! I suppose what has surprised me most is the tendency in publishing for people to consider each other family. There is a real sense of sincere friendship that I find totally endearing.

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

Now, that’s an easy one to answer. I love that each book is a completely new blank canvas. I enjoy the process of making picture books and feel lucky that Neal and I work together so organically. I am fortunate to be able to both write and create art, and I love it that I can work at the beach, at home, anywhere! And mostly, it’s so rewarding to know that my books are (hopefully) enjoyed by children of all ages.

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

I find it challenging to adhere to a schedule, which is probably a common problem for most people who work at home. There are so many distractions, so discipline is a must. And even more difficult is the inevitable encounter with writer’s block!

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

I go for a long run at the beach.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Not really. It truly is an organic process.

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

My favorite and repeated experiences are when I get to hang out with other authors at literature conferences and festivals. We always have so much fun together and I’ve made so many wonderful author friends over the years. One memory that really stands out is when Kadir Nelson, Chris Crutcher, and I were in Singapore together. One night after dinner, we decided to go carpet shopping. After an amazing and hilarious haggle session with the shop owner, we got great deals on a couple of carpets and then proceeded to carry them around the city in the rain while we (unsuccessfully) tried to hail a taxi. We laughed so hard that night and we all still talk about it.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Interacting with children is always a joy. It’s such a privilege to be able to create for and present to them. And I must admit that recognition from librarians, teachers, and publishing professionals means so much to me. We artists/writers can be very hard on ourselves, so it’s reassuring when our books win awards and receive starred reviews. But the highlight of all highlights were the two Caldecott Honors, for sure!!

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

I’m not sure what I wish someone had told me, but I’m thankful for the advice an author friend gave me when I was working on my first book - he said the most important thing is to find my voice.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

RED will be released in a few weeks, and I’m very excited about it. It was inspired by all the division in our society, particularly the last few years. The book explores the many shades of the color red, but more importantly, it’s about red in terms of anger, conflict, rage, empathy, and love.

Interior art from RED by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Published by Holiday House Books

Interior art from RED by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Published by Holiday House Books

Interior art from RED by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Published by Holiday House Books

Interior art from RED by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Published by Holiday House Books

What’s up next for you?

Right now I’m working on a book called I’M NOT LOST.

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

It’s really important, when trying to find a publisher, to find one that publishes books like yours. Many authors spend years getting rejections because they’ve not found the right match for their work.

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

When Harry Met Sally.

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Huge thank you to Laura for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so lookiing forward to RED! Congrats on your stunning collection of books!

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Laura Vaccaro Seeger is the author and illustrator of nearly two dozen acclaimed picture books, including Why?, the recipient of four starred reviews, and the popular Dog and Bear series, the first of which won the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. She has been awarded a Caldecott Honor twice, for First the Egg and again for Green, and a Geisel Honor twice, for First the Egg and One Boy. Blue, her companion to this book and Green, received four starred reviews. Red is the final book in her color trilogy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Laura, visit her online: studiolvs.com

Or follow her on social media:

@lauravseeger (Twitter)

@LauraVaccaroSeeger (Facebook)

BUY THIS BOOK To order Laura’s book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of RED?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, November 4th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author and Illustrator Rachel Isadora

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m honored to be posting an interview with the incredibly talented Rachel Isadora today! She has had an amazing career in publishing, including a Caldecott honor for BEN’S TRUMPET. I’m thrilled she is with us today to share her experiences and TWO new books written with Robie Rogge, published by Holiday House, releasing this month.

So without further ado, please welcome Rachel Isadora!

Where do you live?

New York and France.

How many years have you been in publishing?

Approximately 40 years.

How did you first get published?

I was a ballet dancer and after an injury prevented me from dancing for a few months, I brought some drawings I had done to McMillan Publishers. I met Elizabeth Shub, an editor, and she asked me if I would like to do a book with her. Having had no formal art or writing training, she patiently worked with me and the result was my first book, Max. I returned to dance and continued to illustrate and write books at the same time.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes, I have all these years and continue to do so.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I enjoy thinking of new ideas and how to illustrate them. Many times, my visual ideas come first, things I want to draw, and the story follows. I enjoy creating new ways to express the illustrations. I use various mediums; watercolor, pastels, oil paint, collage and have done a few books on the computer.

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

I was very surprised that I could actually write and illustrate a book. As I said, I had no training in neither art nor writing and, from the beginning, learned to do so on the job. I was very proud  when I got my first contract and then was presented with my first book. I remember getting on the bus, in New York, and showing all the riders around me my book, Max.

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

I love working alone. When I was a ballerina, I was always in the presence of others. Being in my studio working by myself, listening to music, is total joy.

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

I am thinking all the time about ideas I’d like to express whether visually or through writing. I read a great deal, observe people around me, visit many museums and go to the theater, etc. All of these stimulate new ideas. I think of ways in which I can interpret them and then express them in a children’s book. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Whether illustrating or writing or painting, I do it everyday. 

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

It’s all been a high.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

I’m doing two books for Holiday House both of which enter a new realm for me, they are “lift-the-flap” books. They involve more than turning the page and require a child’s physical participation. This meant I had to do more complicated layouts and planning. I think both books lend themselves to their themes, one is manners (I Say Please and Thank You: Lift-the-Flap Manners) and the other animal sounds (After the Buzz Comes the Bee: Lift-the-Flap Animal Sounds). When the child opens the flap, there is a surprise finale.

(Flap closed) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

(Flap open) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

(Flap closed) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

(Flap open) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

(Flap closed) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

(Flap Open) Interior art from I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU written by Robie Rogge and Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora published by Holiday House, October 2021

What’s up next for you?

I will soon be working on another flip the flap book for Holiday House, The Nutcracker. I look forward to this book as dance is always my favorite subject to paint.

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

In order for this, or any other career to work, you must go at it continually, all the time. That’s the kind of devotion it takes to succeed….and, of course, only you and you alone can determine what success means to you.

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

Dirty Dancing, boiled down to one. I knew many people involved in this movie…..

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Huge thank you to Rachel for stopping by Critter Lit today! You’ve had such an incredible career and we are big fans!

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Rachel Isadora has written and illustrated more than two hundred children’s books, including Ben’s Trumpet, a Caldecott Honor book. A former ballet dancer, she is also a fine artist with a special interest in dance. Rachel lives in France and New York City.

FOR MORE INFO about Rachel, visit her online:  http://www.rachelisadora.com/ or follow her on social media:

Twitter - @chomsk7

Instagram - @rachelisadoraart

BUY THIS BOOK To order Rachel’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of I SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 21st! US addresses only please.