Let's Talk Illustrators #316: Manuel Marsol

Every so often a book comes along that speaks to a very specific part of me. Astro by Manuel Marsol, translated by Lizzie Davis, is one such book. I'd like to let Manuel do the talking, though, so check out our conversation to learn more about this unique exploration of grief and loneliness.

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 #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!

GOTCHA!

Gotcha! by Clotilde Perrin and translated by Daniel Hahn is an oversized, lift-the-flap book about fairy tales and finding your inner power.

SHU LIN'S GRANDPA

Shu Lin's Grandpa by Matt Goodfellow and Yu Rong sweetly demonstrates the power of art to transcend language and cultural barriers.

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!

Let's Talk Illustrators #225: Isabel Roxas

I finally, finally got to talk to my friend Isabel Roxas! We talked about her newest illustration work on Sophia N Lee's picture book Holding On, as well as how her picture book work differs from her comic book work. It was a blast to talk to her, I hope you enjoy our chat!

AMERICAN DESI

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

Let's Talk Illustrators #212: Amanda Jane Jones

I got a chance to talk to Amanda Jane Jones, co-author with LaTonya Yvette and illustrator of The Hair Book, which publishes simultaneously in board book and hardcover today. These books celebrate the infinite ways people can style their hair and find their own beauty and sense of self, and I'm thrilled to share my conversation with Amanda here! Enjoy!

Let's Talk Illustrators #211: Dylan Hewitt

I was lucky to catch up-and-coming author-illustrator Dylan Hewitt to talk about his newest book Giant Giant! Dylan has a keen eye for color, especially complementary colors, and this book is no exception. I hope you enjoy our chat and a peek at what's coming up next for Dylan!

AWAKE

Awake by Mags DeRoma is full of surprises around every corner.

Let's Talk Illustrators #190: Carter Higgins

It's truly a magical moment when you get a chance to interview one of your idols! Talking to Carter Higgins about her illustration debut Circle Under Berry was truly a dream come true for me, having been a follower of her Design of the Picture Book blog for many years and then getting the chance to work with her many moons ago at the website All the Wonders. Circle Under Berry is an incredibly special book that works hard not to fit into any particular mold, and I hope you enjoy our chat about one of this year's most unique books for children!

Let's Talk Illustrators #180: Motomitsu Maehara

Words of the World by Motomitsu Maehara is a unique set of eco-friendly primer board books that explores sustainable subjects for babies. So far Motomitsu has published Birds and Ocean Animals, with Plants and Animals coming later this year, and each book features not one but six languages, taking a new generation of readers one step closer to inclusion and representation in the books they consume. I hope you enjoy my chat with Motomitsu Maehara about this stunning new series!

Let's Talk Illustrators #167: Estelí Meza

I was so excited to talk to award-winning Mexican illustrator Estelí Meza about her author debut Finding Home! Estelí's illustrations are bright and welcoming, and like the book, our conversation is a real treat. I hope you enjoy!

OVERGROUND RAILROAD

I completely missed Overground Railroad by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome from last year, and I'm so glad it found its way to me.

Let's Talk Illustrators #165: Nicola Davies

For my last interview of 2020, I am pleased to present my conversation with seasoned author and debut illustrator Nicola Davies about Last: The Story of a White Rhino. Already an accomplished zoologist and writer, Nicola easily (or so it seems!) slides into the role of illustrator with eye-catching and meaningful visuals that push her text forward and tell their own story. Enjoy our chat!

LITTLE WISE WOLF

Little Wise Wolf by Gijs Van Der Hammen and Hanneke Siemensma is a quiet, beautiful story about the benefits of teamwork and community.

THE PAPER BOAT

The Paper Boat: A Refugee Story by Thao Lam is another brilliant wordless display of Lam's talents as a paper cut and collage connoisseur.

THE MAGIC DOLL

The Magic Doll by Adrienne Yabouza and Élodie Nouhen is a story of deep motherly love inspired by the African fertility doll Akua'ba.

AMBUSH

Ambush by Hongcheng Yu is the story of a feud between two warlords during the Qin Empire.