Let's Talk Illustrators #365: Susie Ghahremani

I have long been a fan of Susie Ghahremani. It was her award-winning book Stack the Cats that put her on my radar (see my review from almost 9 years ago to the day here), and I've been itching to find an opportunity to interview her since. It turns out, Rosemary Long Ears was that opportunity! Tune in below to check out the process behind creating it.

Let's Talk Illustrators #300: Cathy Fisher

From the moment I saw the cover of The Panda's Child, written by Jackie Morris, I was blown away (for more on that, check back tomorrow!). From the story to the illustrations to the book's design, The Panda's Child is super special, and I'm glad I get to share my interview with illustrator Cathy Fisher about it here today. Enjoy! 

Let's Talk Illustrators #268: Ruth Whiting

I recently talked to author-illustrator Ruth Whiting about her highly unique mixed media illustration process for Lonely Bird. This story has lived inside Ruth for almost as long as she can remember, and it's an honor to have had the chance to pick her brain about creating a story out of a life-long idea. Enjoy a peek behind this fascinating curtain!

Let's Talk Illustrators #265: Nancy Whitesides

Today I'm very pleased to share an interview for a book very near and dear to my heart. Grief Is an Elephant, written by Tamara Ellis Smith, touches on the intricacies of feeling grief, and the book is thoughtfully illustrated by Nancy Whitesides. Nancy was gracious enough to share her process with me, and you can take a closer look at that below.

Let's Talk Illustrators #244: Abigail Halpin

Recently I spoke with veteran illustrator Abigail Halpin about her most recent picture book Mouseboat, written by Larissa Theule. We discussed Abigail's career so far, what she has planned for the future, and the importance of leaning into certain emotions (even the hardest ones) to best connect with a manuscript. Enjoy the read.

AT THE DROP OF A CAT

At the Drop of a Cat by Élise Fontenaille and Violeta Lópiz, and translated by Karin Snelson and Emilie Robert Wong is the loving story of a child getting to know their grandfather.

Let's Talk Illustrators #234: London Ladd

I am so excited to kick off 2023 by sharing my interview with award-winning illustrator London Ladd! London most recently illustrated You So Black, a poem by Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D, and the book is a designer's dream. You So Black is all about celebrating Black joy, and it was such a joy, in turn, talking to London about how he developed Theresa's poem into a picture book for kids. Enjoy our conversation and a peek behind the curtain of how this book was made!

Let's Talk Illustrators #228: Gökçe İrten

Turkish author-illustrator Gökçe İrten recently gave me some insight into her process for her latest picture book All of Us, and I'm excited to share those pearls of wisdom here today! I hope you love taking a deeper look at this sweet and uniquely-illustrated book with me!

BERRY SONG

Berry Song, Michaela Goade's author debut, encourages readers to show gratitude toward nature for all that it provides humans.

AMERICAN DESI

American Desi by Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Supriya Kelkar takes readers on a journey to the intersection of identity, culture, and family.

THE BEAR AND THE LITTLE GREEN THING

The Bear and the Little Green Thing by DianDian is the story of an unusual friendship between a sapling and a bear.

189 CANARIES

189 Canaries by Dieter Böge and Elsa Klever and translated by Laura Watkinson is a third-person narration of a Harz Mountain canary's journey to the United States.

GIBBERISH

Gibberish by Young Vo is a visually breathtaking look at a young boy's journey to fit in at his new school.

APPLE AND MAGNOLIA

Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola celebrates the inherent connections people have with nature.

CAN YOU HEAR ME?

Can You Hear Me? by Ekaterina Trukhan encourages readers to connect with the nature around them using the five senses: smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound.

WHERE IS BINA BEAR?

Where Is Bina Bear? by Mike Curato is a gentle, yet powerful tale of two friends learning to understand and trust one another.

IN THE MEADOW OF FANTASIES

In the Meadow of Fantasies written by Hadi Mohammadi, illustrated by Nooshin Safakhoo, and translated by Sara Khalili is the story of one girl's imaginative escape from her own time and place.

ANTONIA

Antonia: A Journey to a New Home by Dipacho is the wordless story of a family who experiences loss as they leave the home they know to find a new home in a strange land.

WAR

War by Portuguese father-son duo José Jorge Letria and André Letria is a sobering look at the consequences -- and futility -- of war. 

WISHES

Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn and Victo Ngai is a powerful and succinct look at one family's harrowing and emotional journey from Vietnam to Hong Kong.