Let's Talk Illustrators #369: Zuzanna Celej

I was so lucky to grab illustrator Zuzanna Celej for a quick chat about her newly illustrated book The Vase with the Golden Cracks, written by Fran Nuño. This is a special book for so many reasons, and I'll let Zuzanna tell us more about the story and illustrations, but I would be hugely remiss if I didn't point out that one of the most special parts of this book literally has to be felt to be appreciated: The pages of the book are made from stone, not trees! This gives the book quite the unique tactile experience, and it's one of many excuses to run out and find it in person. Enjoy our interview about the illustration process for The Vase with the Golden Cracks!

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 #324: Jenny Lucander

Today I'm talking to Jenny Lucander about Freya and the Snake, written by Fredrik Sonck. You can tell from the cover that this is a playful book with a lot of serious layers to it, and I'm excited to share our conversation here about the process behind making the illustrations for this unique book. Enjoy!

Let's Talk Illustrators #318: Anaïs Lambert

I feel so lucky to share here today my chat with Belgian author-illustrator Anaïs Lambert about her illustration and storyboard for Giant Steps. This was such a fun interview to conduct, I hope you enjoy taking a closer look at this quintessential spring book!

Let's Talk Illustrators #306: Cristina Sitja Rubio

The cover of The Most Beautiful Winter really draws you in, so it's no surprise that I found myself having to askVenezuelan author-illustrator Cristina Sitja Rubio about her process for the whole book. Please enjoy this most beautiful peek at the process for creating a most beautiful book!

Let's Talk Illustrators #301: Eliza Kinkz

I am very excited to share my interview with author-illustrator Eliza Kinkz today about her illustration process for Mamá’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas, written by Jesús Trejo. Mamá’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas is the much-anticipated follow-up to the award-winning 2023 picture book Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock by the same duo, so there was lots to talk about! Let's dive in!

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 #297: Melodie Stacey

It was such a treat getting a chance to pick illustrator Melodie Stacey's brain about her newest picture book Else B. in the Sea, written by Jeanne Walker Harvey. Enjoy peeking behind the curtain with me to learn more about how the story of Else B came to life!

Let's Talk Illustrators #294: Saki Tanaka

Today I am so pleased to share my interview with debut picture book creator Saki Tanaka! Her first book is called Between Words: A Friendship Tale, and Saki graciously takes us on a deep-dive (pun intended!) of her process with lots of process images to share. Please enjoy!

Let's Talk Illustrators #290: Minnie Phan

I am so pleased to share my interview with Minnie Phan, illustrator of Simone by Viet Thanh Nguyen. This quiet book is touching and beautiful, and I'm grateful Minnie let me share her process of creating the character Simone and bringing her world to life with you all today. Enjoy!

Let's Talk Illustrators #286: Noar Lee Naggan

I am so pleased to share my interview with Noar Lee Naggan today! We discuss his new picture book The Storyteller, written by Lindsay Bonilla, the unique process behind making the illustrations, and the inspiration for the characters we see in the final book. Happy reading!

Let's Talk Illustrators #284: Carla Haslbauer

I got a chance recently to catch up with German illustrator Carla Haslbauer about her illustration process. Today we're talking about her most recent US publication There Are No Dragons in This Book, written by Donna Lambo-Weidner. I hope you enjoy this claw-some interview with absolutely zero dragons in it!

Let's Talk Illustrators #282: Sally Soweol Han

I recently found myself lucky enough to chat with Sally Soweol Han about her author debut Tiny Wonders! Sally has been illustrating for a while now, but Tiny Wonders marks her foray into the writer world, and it was no tiny wonder learning about her process. Happy reading!

Let's Talk Illustrators #277: Tang Wei

I recently had the absolute pleasure of talking to seasoned illustrator and debut author Tang Wei about Grandma's Roof Garden, translated by Kelly Zhang. This book is special for so many reasons––I think it's particularly worth noting that the text is told in rhyming couplets and quatrains reminiscent of Chinese nursery rhymes and folk chants––but the most important reason is how special it was for Tang to create. Enjoy our chat!

Let's Talk Illustrators #276: Vitali Konstantinov

Today I'm talking to Vitali Konstantinov, illustrator of Genius Noses: A Curious Animal Compendium by Lena Anlauf and translated by Marshall Yarbrough. This is such a fantastic start to a new illustrated series about what makes every animal special, and I'm excited to share Vitali and Lena's process for developing and executing the kick-off book Genius Noses!

 

Let's Talk Illustrators #272: Kate Gardiner

I am very pleased to share with you all today my interview with the venerable Kate Gardiner. Kate is the debut illustrator of Small Places, Close to Home: A Child's Declaration of Rights: Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, written by Deborah Hopkinson. I hope you enjoy learning more about how the visuals came together for this meaningful book and Kate's personal connections to the text! 

Let's Talk Illustrators #266: Sarah Gonzales

I was lucky enough to chat with Sarah Gonzales, illustrator most recently of The Only Way to Make Bread, written by Cristina Quintero. Among many topics, we spoke about how she always makes a conscious effort to work her personal experiences into her illustrations and how she feels her process has evolved (and continues to evolve!). Enjoy! 

Let's Talk Illustrators #253: Zo-O

Corner by Zo-O is a nearly wordless examination of space, creativity, and determination through the eyes of a little crow who becomes inspired by his empty surroundings. I'm so happy I got a chance to chat with Zo-O about how she developed this super-fun book, and I'm even happier that I get to share that chat with you all today! 

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.

Let's Talk Illustrators #231: Cat Min

I am so grateful I had a chance to talk to author-illustrator Cat Min about The Little Toymaker! This is Cat's second  book—her debut was Shy Willow—so it was such a pleasure catching her at what I know is going to be a long and illustrious career as a picture book creator! Enjoy!