Let's Talk Illustrators #323: Catarina Sobral

I am pleased to share my interview with Catarina Sobral about Ashimpa: The Mysterious Word , translated by Julianna Barbassa, here today! This is a particularly exciting interview for me because I have owned the Portuguese edition for over a decade, and now that it's publishing in English I have a chance to show you the process behind making it! Enjoy taking a closer look at this gorgeous and whimsical book with me!

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 #194: Rashin Kheiriyeh

The Shape of Home by Rashin Kheiriyeh is the sweet story of bridging differences by finding common ground. I was so pleased to catch up with Rashin and talk to her about her latest loosely-autobiographical book featuring a character with her own name. I hope you enjoy a peek behind the curtain for this personal and relatable story!

IMAGINE A WOLF

Lucky Platt's debut picture book Imagine a Wolf is a visual delight.

Let's Talk Illustrators #159: Khoa Le

I was so thrilled to catch illustrator Khoa Le to chat about one of her newest picture books Sugar in Milk, written by Thrity Umrigar. Khoa is incredibly prolific at the moment, and this is a special interview because Khoa showcases artwork from several of her recent books. Learn about her process and check out her artwork below!

THINGS THAT GO AWAY

Things That Go Away is another beautiful and powerful story from Beatrice Alemagna centered on love and self-reflection.

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!

CICADA

I've been waiting for Cicada by Shaun Tan for so long that I finally asked a friend in Australia to send a copy to me, and I'm so excited to talk about it here.

Let's Talk Illustrators #74: Lane Smith & Molly Leach

Lane Smith and Molly Leach have been working together on books for over 26 years. Their first book together was The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, and if that book proves anything it's that these two are meant to create books together. Lane is an author-illustrator and Molly is a book designer, and today I talk to both of them about their newest book A House That Once Was, written by Julie Fogliano. Their banter is fast-paced, hilarious, and insightful, so try to keep up!

Let's Talk Illustrators #51: Gordon C James

The inspiration behind the story in Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is magical in both its simplicity and its complexity. Author Derrick Barnes says he was inspired by a photo of a friend's son who had just received a hair cut. The boy's look reminded him of how he felt as a child sitting in the barber's chair: he felt like royalty. But as a young black man, that was probably the only place he felt royal, so it was extra special. Simple, yet complex. The magnitude with which illustrator Gordon C James brings Derrick's words to life is awe-inspiring: it's intimate and thoughtful, and it places readers in the barbershop chair with the boy. I chatted with Gordon (pictured below with his own little crown halo!) about his work on this book. Enjoy! 

Let's Talk Illustrators #4: Janet Hill

Back in January at the American Library Association's Midwinter Conference, I saw Janet Hill's Miss Moon: Wise Words From a Dog Governess for the first time. I remember walking past the book, picking up a poster (finally framed it last week!!), and then eyeing the book for the rest of the day as I walked back and forth across the display floor.

I think you know where this is going...