Let's Talk Illustrators #195: Amélie Graux

Benji's Doll, written by Luis Amavisca and Alicia Acosta and illustrated by Amélie Graux, is a sweet and gentle story that highlights the importance allowing children the freedom to select whatever toy they want for playtime, regardless of how the toy is perceived or marketed (ie, a "girl's toy" or a "boy's toy"). I got a chance to talk to illustrator Amélie about bringing Benji's story to life, and I'm excited to share it with you today––have a read!

TIME IS A FLOWER

Time Is a Flower by Julie Morstad is a thoughtful mediation about the passage––and concept––of time.

Let's Talk Illustrators #191: Erika Meza

There's little chance at this point you haven't heard about My Two Border Towns, written by David Bowles and illustrated by Erika Meza, and there's good reason for that! Today I'm excited to jump on the praise train and share my conversation with Erika, who discusses her inspiration for the imagery and the evolution of the characters! Enjoy!

JUMP AT THE SUN

Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston by Alicia D Williams and Jacqueline Alcántara is the story of Zora Neale Hurston's perseverance and positivity in the face of adversity.

Let's Talk Illustrators #150: Cinta Arribas

Today I'm talking to Spanish illustrator Cinta Arribas, whose illustrations in Naomi Danis' My Best Friend, Sometimes are equal parts funny and relatable. This is the same duo who created I Hate Everyone two years ago, and it was such a pleasure to catch Cinta to discuss her uniquely bubbly and energetic illustration style with this new book. Enjoy!

Let's Talk Illustrators #138: Reza Dalvand

I was so pleased to catch up with Reza Dalvand about What Could That Be?. Reza has published over fifteen picture books in Iran, Europe, and Asia, and I'm so thrilled to see them making their way to the States (and quickly, too!). I hope you enjoy our conversation about his career so far and what he's working on now!

AT THE POND

At the Pond by Geraldo Valério is a wordless masterpiece about the intersection of empathy and nature.

Let's Talk Illustrators #129: Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Get ready, everyone! Today I'm talking to the incredible Vanessa Brantley-Newton about her newest book Just Like Me, which showcases her expertise in using a wide array of mixed media and textures to heighten the overall design of her books. Vanessa took time to chat with me about what it's like to be writing and illustrating books, how her process has evolved, and what she has on the docket next. Enjoy!

Let's Talk Illustrators #102: Julia Sarcone-Roach

I recently talked to Julia Sarcone-Roach about one of my new favorite literary cats, Muffin! Muffin is from Julia's latest book There Are No Bears in This Bakery, which finds a smart cat and a curious bear in a bakery at the same time. The book is equal parts tender and funny, and I was thrilled to pick Julia's brain about how she made it. 

WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART

Illustrated by April Harrison, What Is Given From the Heart is Newbery Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Award winner Patricia C McKissack's final book. Ms. McKissack passed away in the summer of 2017.

POTATO PANTS!

Potato Pants! by Laurie Keller is as earnest as the title suggests and, yes, the need for potato pants in this particular story is quite urgent.

Let's Talk Illustrators #62: Jacqueline Alcántara

I feel very lucky that I got to talk to illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara about her debut picture book The Field. I have a feeling Jacqueline will be quite coveted — as an illustrator, as an interviewee, you name it — going forward, and it feels like such a success to get to talk to her about her very first book in the field (pun intended!). This book is wonderful for so many reasons thanks to author Baptiste Paul, but Jacqueline's ability to match the fast-paced language Baptiste presents and still add in whole new layers of narrative is incredible. Enjoy the conversation! 

THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE

This Is NOT a Valentine, written by Carter Higgins and illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins, is maybe the sweetest, least saccharine, most touching book about love that ever existed. And much of that beauty lies in the message of the story.

MUDDY: THE STORY OF BLUES LEGEND MUDDY WATERS

It's hard to know where to start when it comes to Michael Mahin and Evan Turk's collaboration Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters. Every part of the book was created with precision, from the musical flow of the text to the bluesy feel of the illustrations.

Let's Talk Illustrators #32: Ingrid Chabbert and Guridi

In my mind, there is no finer author-illustrator partnership than Ingrid Chabbert and Raúl Nieto Guridi (who pens his picture books with just his surname). The pair has created a handful of books now, including one of my favorite books of all time, The Day I Became a Bird, and their newest collaboration to be published in English, The Last Tree, further solidifies them as one of the most creative picture book teams. Truthfully, interviewing one without the other felt silly to me, so I reached out and managed to get both Ingrid and Raúl in one interview! I hope you enjoy -- this was a blast to put together!