Raven Howell's Blog - Posts Tagged "children-read"
Reading to children
Fun reminders now that fall and school season is getting into full swing: Use voice inflection to imitate characters or make animal sounds - it will usually make your kids giggle, especially if it's not something they're used to seeing or hearing from you! How about taking turns to read certain parts or even just some words, depending on the child's age? When finished, share your thoughts about the book and ask your child to tell you how they feel about it, too. If possible, start "writing" your own story together with them. Ask them what they would write about if they authored a book!
Author Amy Newbold considers sharing lasagna with a monster and space travel with Harold & his purple crayon
When one thinks of French artist Monet, visions of pretty landscapes and gentle colors come to mind. Probably, like me, the images are of water lilies, ponds and flowery fields. So when author Amy Newbold, and illustrator Greg Newbold consider “If Monet Painted a Monster” in their new children’s book, I’m intrigued and ready for the vivacious art history tour!
How delightful to share a little conversation with Amy. She is the author of three Tilbury House picture books that are unique on theme and not only fun, but educational for kids as well.
Amy, what roused you to write your first children’s book, “If Picasso Painted a Snowman”?
“I got the idea while visiting the Musee Picasso in Paris. Picasso experimented so much with materials and styles. I saw not only paintings, but sculptures and paper cut-outs. I wondered (aloud) what his snowman would look like, and my sister told me I should use that as a children's book. I had been trying my hand at writing picture books, and I loved the idea, so I ended up creating the kind of book I would have purchased for my kids in an art museum gift shop if it had been available.”
I know you grew up building snowmen in your childhood, but if you were required to build a snowDOG, what would you choose?
“Although I love Bernese mountain dogs and had a border collie mix growing up, I'm going to choose a corgi. They're kind of stocky, and have short legs and big ears. I think they're adorable. And I might be able to approximate their shape in snow-form.”
When you were writing your first book, did you already have your following books in mind?
“No. I thought "If Picasso Painted a Snowman" would be a stand-alone. The publisher was getting good response on pre-orders though, so they asked me to consider a second book before the first one was released. Greg and I brainstormed artists and a theme, and then I ran that by the publisher. Once we agreed on "If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur", I got to work. It was much more difficult writing the second book. I had to start from scratch and complete it on a deadline. Having that experience taught me about the work of writing, though, and now I know I can create on days when I don't feel "inspired." That was a good lesson, and it continues to help me as a writer.”
How long did it take to place "If Picasso Painted a Snowman" with your publisher? Did you spend a lot of time submitting your manuscript?
“It took about 8 years from first draft to signed contract. However, I didn't submit it that entire time. I'd taken the manuscript to the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference and gotten encouraging feedback on it. I submitted it to a lit agent in 2013. It did not get picked up by the agent. Greg was busy with other projects, and I was recovering from cancer treatments, so I ended up shelving the manuscript for a while. In 2016, Tilbury House contacted Greg about illustrating another book, and as he talked to them about their publishing focus, he thought my book might be a good fit. I submitted to Tilbury with a query letter and the manuscript. They asked me to send them comparable titles, and then they had Greg do a sketch dummy. After that, we signed a contract. I had not written any artist biographies for the back matter at that point, so I had a bunch of research and writing to get done in time for publication.”
What advice would you share with other children's writers starting out in the business?
“Learn your craft, get critique partners, and write. Then write some more. It is a learning process, and it's hard work, so if you educate yourself, get feedback, and keep writing, you will get better.”
Would you say that your books come to fruition because of a 50/50 creative inspiration from both you and Greg (the illustrator), or is it your own incentive?
“With my first book, "If Picasso Painted a Snowman", it was definitely my idea and my project. Greg saw my early drafts and suggested a couple of artists, but that was it. Initially, he wasn't on board with illustrating it. I think the thought of imitating all those art styles was a bit daunting. By the time we were in contact with Tilbury, he was ready and he fully embraced the project and had a lot of fun creating the art for the book. I joke that it took me several years to talk him into doing the illustrations. "If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur" and "If Monet Painted a Monster"If Monet Painted a Monster
were far more collaborative and closer to that 50/50. Greg was involved from the beginning with those books as we chose themes and artists. He helped write a sentence in da Vinci when I was completely stuck, and I did a rough sketch for the Monet cover when he wasn't happy with his early designs. We're a good team, and it's fun to work together!”
Your second book, “If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur”, is a favorite among many dino-loving children! All nineteen artists you’ve featured are wonderful. Which one is your favorite and why?
“I have become a big fan of Alma Thomas. As a kid, I was fascinated by astronomy, and she painted space themed paintings. She also painted aerial view florals, which I love. Her art is colorful and fresh, and I am so impressed with her career and her story. (On a quick side note, my dinosaur loving kids are thrilled that their dad finally did a dinosaur book).”
Monet, the subject of your most recent book, rejected the more traditional approach to painting nature during his life. Because of this, he influenced a shift in color and light in the world of art from that time period.
Amy, I see all your wonderful books as distinct stand-outs in theme, idea and information from other children's books available these days. Do you find that as an author you’ve also tackled a little bit of a non-traditional approach in some way like Monet?
“Oh, that's a really big compliment! I hope so. I really wanted to create a book that did two things: introduced kids to art in a simple, fun way; and, let kids know their own individual styles matter. One of my kids was told at a pre-school that he had to conform and create his art just like everyone else. It frustrated him, and me, and Greg. Kids are so naturally inventive and creative, I wanted to write a book that encourages those traits.”
Do you think you or Greg would have liked Monet as a friend?
“I like to think so. I loved the quote I found by him about drawing caricatures of his teachers when he was in school. I think I would have connected with his drawings and humor in school. Greg loves to go painting outdoors with other artists, so I imagine he would've spent quite a bit of time painting with Monet and his friends.”
Any ideas floating around for another book?
“Yes, I always have ideas. At this time, there isn't another art book on the horizon, but I have three fictional picture books in various stages of revision. There are a couple of non-fiction picture book ideas I want to research, too. I also have a YA novel in the works. Jumping to a novel-length project has been a challenge, but I am learning. A lot of skills in story-telling apply to both picture books and novels.”
If you had the chance to have a monster over for dinner to discuss your new book, what meal would you prepare?
“Maybe lasagna? Or better yet, I'd get Greg to grill some steaks or chicken!”
Would you go on a hike with a friendly dinosaur? Why? What do you suppose would happen?
“Yes! I love dinosaurs. I've always had a soft spot for stegosaurus, but I like many other species as well. If I hiked with a herbivore, it would probably stop to bask in the sun by a lake, and forage in a mountain meadow. I love taking pictures, so I would photograph the dinosaur and the wildflowers.”
What’s your favorite picture book from childhood?
“It's so hard to choose. I loved Go, Dog, Go! The pictures fascinated me, especially the scene where the dogs are at the party in the tree. It was easy to read on my own. I loved books by Bill Peet, too.”
Who in contemporary children's art is a favorite?
“Loren Long is an amazing artist. Greg was already acquainted with him when I finally met him in 2017 at a book convention. Loren is very gracious, and very talented. He illustrated Matt de la Pena's book, Love, and has his own wonderful series of picture books about a tractor named Otis.”
What’s the most favorite place (city/country) you’ve visited and why?
“I love to travel, and I've been to some great places, but I'd have to choose Maui, Hawaii. It's so relaxing there. I'd sit in a beach chair, put my feet in the warm sand, hold a book with the intent to read, and watch the waves at sunset. I love the snorkeling and hiking and whale watching, but mostly I love sitting by the ocean. It's restorative for me.”
Raisinets or Reese's Peanutbutter Cups?
“Reese's Peanutbutter Cups.”
Hot dogs or marshmallows at a campfire?
“Marshmallows! I love toasting marshmallows to the perfect golden brown.”
Monopoly or Parcheesi?
“I liked both as a kid, but I've definitely played Monopoly more, so I'd have to say Monopoly. However, I love board games, and I am more likely to play Clue, Life, Risk, Settlers of Catan, Splendor, Codenames, etc.”
Finally, you're sitting in a nice, cozy writing area at home. Harold with his Purple Crayon marches onto your desk. He looks up and smiles at you. What happens next?
“I would follow Harold on an adventure, perhaps through a jungle or even better, into space. That'd be amazing.”
How delightful to share a little conversation with Amy. She is the author of three Tilbury House picture books that are unique on theme and not only fun, but educational for kids as well.
Amy, what roused you to write your first children’s book, “If Picasso Painted a Snowman”?
“I got the idea while visiting the Musee Picasso in Paris. Picasso experimented so much with materials and styles. I saw not only paintings, but sculptures and paper cut-outs. I wondered (aloud) what his snowman would look like, and my sister told me I should use that as a children's book. I had been trying my hand at writing picture books, and I loved the idea, so I ended up creating the kind of book I would have purchased for my kids in an art museum gift shop if it had been available.”
I know you grew up building snowmen in your childhood, but if you were required to build a snowDOG, what would you choose?
“Although I love Bernese mountain dogs and had a border collie mix growing up, I'm going to choose a corgi. They're kind of stocky, and have short legs and big ears. I think they're adorable. And I might be able to approximate their shape in snow-form.”
When you were writing your first book, did you already have your following books in mind?
“No. I thought "If Picasso Painted a Snowman" would be a stand-alone. The publisher was getting good response on pre-orders though, so they asked me to consider a second book before the first one was released. Greg and I brainstormed artists and a theme, and then I ran that by the publisher. Once we agreed on "If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur", I got to work. It was much more difficult writing the second book. I had to start from scratch and complete it on a deadline. Having that experience taught me about the work of writing, though, and now I know I can create on days when I don't feel "inspired." That was a good lesson, and it continues to help me as a writer.”
How long did it take to place "If Picasso Painted a Snowman" with your publisher? Did you spend a lot of time submitting your manuscript?
“It took about 8 years from first draft to signed contract. However, I didn't submit it that entire time. I'd taken the manuscript to the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference and gotten encouraging feedback on it. I submitted it to a lit agent in 2013. It did not get picked up by the agent. Greg was busy with other projects, and I was recovering from cancer treatments, so I ended up shelving the manuscript for a while. In 2016, Tilbury House contacted Greg about illustrating another book, and as he talked to them about their publishing focus, he thought my book might be a good fit. I submitted to Tilbury with a query letter and the manuscript. They asked me to send them comparable titles, and then they had Greg do a sketch dummy. After that, we signed a contract. I had not written any artist biographies for the back matter at that point, so I had a bunch of research and writing to get done in time for publication.”
What advice would you share with other children's writers starting out in the business?
“Learn your craft, get critique partners, and write. Then write some more. It is a learning process, and it's hard work, so if you educate yourself, get feedback, and keep writing, you will get better.”
Would you say that your books come to fruition because of a 50/50 creative inspiration from both you and Greg (the illustrator), or is it your own incentive?
“With my first book, "If Picasso Painted a Snowman", it was definitely my idea and my project. Greg saw my early drafts and suggested a couple of artists, but that was it. Initially, he wasn't on board with illustrating it. I think the thought of imitating all those art styles was a bit daunting. By the time we were in contact with Tilbury, he was ready and he fully embraced the project and had a lot of fun creating the art for the book. I joke that it took me several years to talk him into doing the illustrations. "If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur" and "If Monet Painted a Monster"If Monet Painted a Monster
were far more collaborative and closer to that 50/50. Greg was involved from the beginning with those books as we chose themes and artists. He helped write a sentence in da Vinci when I was completely stuck, and I did a rough sketch for the Monet cover when he wasn't happy with his early designs. We're a good team, and it's fun to work together!”Your second book, “If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur”, is a favorite among many dino-loving children! All nineteen artists you’ve featured are wonderful. Which one is your favorite and why?
“I have become a big fan of Alma Thomas. As a kid, I was fascinated by astronomy, and she painted space themed paintings. She also painted aerial view florals, which I love. Her art is colorful and fresh, and I am so impressed with her career and her story. (On a quick side note, my dinosaur loving kids are thrilled that their dad finally did a dinosaur book).”
Monet, the subject of your most recent book, rejected the more traditional approach to painting nature during his life. Because of this, he influenced a shift in color and light in the world of art from that time period.
Amy, I see all your wonderful books as distinct stand-outs in theme, idea and information from other children's books available these days. Do you find that as an author you’ve also tackled a little bit of a non-traditional approach in some way like Monet?
“Oh, that's a really big compliment! I hope so. I really wanted to create a book that did two things: introduced kids to art in a simple, fun way; and, let kids know their own individual styles matter. One of my kids was told at a pre-school that he had to conform and create his art just like everyone else. It frustrated him, and me, and Greg. Kids are so naturally inventive and creative, I wanted to write a book that encourages those traits.”
Do you think you or Greg would have liked Monet as a friend?
“I like to think so. I loved the quote I found by him about drawing caricatures of his teachers when he was in school. I think I would have connected with his drawings and humor in school. Greg loves to go painting outdoors with other artists, so I imagine he would've spent quite a bit of time painting with Monet and his friends.”
Any ideas floating around for another book?
“Yes, I always have ideas. At this time, there isn't another art book on the horizon, but I have three fictional picture books in various stages of revision. There are a couple of non-fiction picture book ideas I want to research, too. I also have a YA novel in the works. Jumping to a novel-length project has been a challenge, but I am learning. A lot of skills in story-telling apply to both picture books and novels.”
If you had the chance to have a monster over for dinner to discuss your new book, what meal would you prepare?
“Maybe lasagna? Or better yet, I'd get Greg to grill some steaks or chicken!”
Would you go on a hike with a friendly dinosaur? Why? What do you suppose would happen?
“Yes! I love dinosaurs. I've always had a soft spot for stegosaurus, but I like many other species as well. If I hiked with a herbivore, it would probably stop to bask in the sun by a lake, and forage in a mountain meadow. I love taking pictures, so I would photograph the dinosaur and the wildflowers.”
What’s your favorite picture book from childhood?
“It's so hard to choose. I loved Go, Dog, Go! The pictures fascinated me, especially the scene where the dogs are at the party in the tree. It was easy to read on my own. I loved books by Bill Peet, too.”
Who in contemporary children's art is a favorite?
“Loren Long is an amazing artist. Greg was already acquainted with him when I finally met him in 2017 at a book convention. Loren is very gracious, and very talented. He illustrated Matt de la Pena's book, Love, and has his own wonderful series of picture books about a tractor named Otis.”
What’s the most favorite place (city/country) you’ve visited and why?
“I love to travel, and I've been to some great places, but I'd have to choose Maui, Hawaii. It's so relaxing there. I'd sit in a beach chair, put my feet in the warm sand, hold a book with the intent to read, and watch the waves at sunset. I love the snorkeling and hiking and whale watching, but mostly I love sitting by the ocean. It's restorative for me.”
Raisinets or Reese's Peanutbutter Cups?
“Reese's Peanutbutter Cups.”
Hot dogs or marshmallows at a campfire?
“Marshmallows! I love toasting marshmallows to the perfect golden brown.”
Monopoly or Parcheesi?
“I liked both as a kid, but I've definitely played Monopoly more, so I'd have to say Monopoly. However, I love board games, and I am more likely to play Clue, Life, Risk, Settlers of Catan, Splendor, Codenames, etc.”
Finally, you're sitting in a nice, cozy writing area at home. Harold with his Purple Crayon marches onto your desk. He looks up and smiles at you. What happens next?
“I would follow Harold on an adventure, perhaps through a jungle or even better, into space. That'd be amazing.”
