Raven Howell's Blog, page 3
February 16, 2020
Dedication & determination! It took artist Linda Stephen 600 hours to create the artwork for her new book.
After over 25 years of combining colored patterns, textures and lots of detail, one can safely state that Linda Stephen is an origami artist extraordinaire. Linda’s origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, also includes her unique “extensions” such as the use of yuzen patterned papers, handmade washi papers, and unique origami sculptures.
When I saw Linda’s paper art illustrations from the new book, The Day We Went to the Park, I was astounded, and found myself reaching out with questions and insight into her creative world. Receiving a bright response, I found her friendly, worldly, and seemingly patient with those of us who still grapple in trying to make those first few folds of paper evolve toward perhaps just a simple paper flower. Besides, when she happened to rather casually mention that she’d read around 1,000 books a year with her children when they were growing up, I knew our conversation would sparkle!
We share similar picture book influences such as The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey, and Frederick by Leo Lionni. Her influences as an artist range from the Japanese series “Guri and Gura” (by Rieko Nakagawa/Yuriko Yamawaki), The Day the Goose Got Loose (by Reeve Lindbergh/Steven Kellogg) to illustrators such as Susan Jeffers and Mark Teague.
Linda, what are you most inspired by?
“I’m inspired by the beauty that surrounds us in every season. I particularly love watching people being active outside. This may be a farmers’ market, an outdoor jazz concert, a local park or beach. In my art, I aim to celebrate both the festive and the quiet moments in our everyday lives. There is beauty of place, and of spirit, all around us, though these are often overlooked.”
You’ve spent lots of time traveling around the world and lived in Japan for several years. What’s your favorite place to travel to?
“I do love Japan, particularly rural Japan. I love narrow roads and old markets and the contrast of high-speed trains next to 800-year-old temples. Another favorite place is the fjords of Norway – hiking up a mountain to touch a glacier.”
Tell us a few things about your new book, The Day We Went to the Park.
“I am always inspired by local parks and the people of all ages and all walks of life who enjoy the parks alone or with a friend or with family in every season. The art for The Day We Went to the Park is inspired by Holmes Lake Park in Lincoln, Neb. and Grand Lake in northern Michigan.”
“The most challenging origami from my book was a child in the foreground who is kneeling on rocks poking with a stick in the water. For me, making a person who is walking or running is straight-forward (though it still takes a long time). The challenge with the kid next to the pool was in getting the right angle for the shoulders, arms and legs. I eventually recruited a model to do the movement I was looking for (though we did it bending over grass rather than at the water). I must have changed the position at least 100 times. The kid was still not glued down during the photo shoot for the book.”
“My origami landscapes take anywhere from 20 hours to six months. I love listening to audio books while I work. This helps me to keep going (what’s next in the story?) even if I am tired. I prefer finding a series because one artwork usually takes 60 hours. The Day We Went to the Park took about six months and 600 hours. I work on a ping pong table so I have a lot of space to have little origami pieces in front of me and lots of paper choices spread out to choose from. I never have any liquids on the table – and no snacks, either. I may have a cup of coffee or tea behind me on a bookshelf. The only liquid on the worktable is a little bit of bookbinding glue.”
For the whimsical-minded, if you could cook and form a pizza, or bake a cake with origami-like techniques and appearance, which would you choose?
“I would choose a pizza. The flat geometric shape is easier to make than a 3D cake. We could make a square pizza by making four “triangle bases” and fitting them together, for example. You’re reminding me that it’s time to eat!”
Finally, you share “design thinking” techniques with children K through 12. What words of advice and artistic inspiration can you share with not only students but with all of us?
“The goal of “design thinking” is to create and encourage future innovators and breakthrough thinkers. Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, is also “math you can hold in your hand.” For most models, origami requires extreme precision in folding and in following directions. One missed step results in a dead end. When I teach origami, I emphasize following the steps, the importance of strong creases, etc. I also share examples of where a wrong turn led to something new. Sometimes, a closed box turns into a coin purse by accident. Or a cat head turns into a fox head – depending on the angles of the ears. Are these mistakes or are they new discoveries? Yes. Persistence and practice and an aim for perfection is important in any endeavor. Students also need to understand that a mistake can also result in a new invention. Much of art – and of scientific research or engineering projects – involves a lot of research and development – trying, testing, trying again. Students need to understand that it is okay to make a mistake and that is it okay to start over and try again. This is play with paper but it is also part of practicing how to discover new solutions.”
Thanks, Linda, and much success with your book!
“Thank you! Happy folding and happy exploring!”
The Day We Went to the Park
When I saw Linda’s paper art illustrations from the new book, The Day We Went to the Park, I was astounded, and found myself reaching out with questions and insight into her creative world. Receiving a bright response, I found her friendly, worldly, and seemingly patient with those of us who still grapple in trying to make those first few folds of paper evolve toward perhaps just a simple paper flower. Besides, when she happened to rather casually mention that she’d read around 1,000 books a year with her children when they were growing up, I knew our conversation would sparkle!
We share similar picture book influences such as The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey, and Frederick by Leo Lionni. Her influences as an artist range from the Japanese series “Guri and Gura” (by Rieko Nakagawa/Yuriko Yamawaki), The Day the Goose Got Loose (by Reeve Lindbergh/Steven Kellogg) to illustrators such as Susan Jeffers and Mark Teague.
Linda, what are you most inspired by?
“I’m inspired by the beauty that surrounds us in every season. I particularly love watching people being active outside. This may be a farmers’ market, an outdoor jazz concert, a local park or beach. In my art, I aim to celebrate both the festive and the quiet moments in our everyday lives. There is beauty of place, and of spirit, all around us, though these are often overlooked.”
You’ve spent lots of time traveling around the world and lived in Japan for several years. What’s your favorite place to travel to?
“I do love Japan, particularly rural Japan. I love narrow roads and old markets and the contrast of high-speed trains next to 800-year-old temples. Another favorite place is the fjords of Norway – hiking up a mountain to touch a glacier.”
Tell us a few things about your new book, The Day We Went to the Park.
“I am always inspired by local parks and the people of all ages and all walks of life who enjoy the parks alone or with a friend or with family in every season. The art for The Day We Went to the Park is inspired by Holmes Lake Park in Lincoln, Neb. and Grand Lake in northern Michigan.”
“The most challenging origami from my book was a child in the foreground who is kneeling on rocks poking with a stick in the water. For me, making a person who is walking or running is straight-forward (though it still takes a long time). The challenge with the kid next to the pool was in getting the right angle for the shoulders, arms and legs. I eventually recruited a model to do the movement I was looking for (though we did it bending over grass rather than at the water). I must have changed the position at least 100 times. The kid was still not glued down during the photo shoot for the book.”
“My origami landscapes take anywhere from 20 hours to six months. I love listening to audio books while I work. This helps me to keep going (what’s next in the story?) even if I am tired. I prefer finding a series because one artwork usually takes 60 hours. The Day We Went to the Park took about six months and 600 hours. I work on a ping pong table so I have a lot of space to have little origami pieces in front of me and lots of paper choices spread out to choose from. I never have any liquids on the table – and no snacks, either. I may have a cup of coffee or tea behind me on a bookshelf. The only liquid on the worktable is a little bit of bookbinding glue.”
For the whimsical-minded, if you could cook and form a pizza, or bake a cake with origami-like techniques and appearance, which would you choose?
“I would choose a pizza. The flat geometric shape is easier to make than a 3D cake. We could make a square pizza by making four “triangle bases” and fitting them together, for example. You’re reminding me that it’s time to eat!”
Finally, you share “design thinking” techniques with children K through 12. What words of advice and artistic inspiration can you share with not only students but with all of us?
“The goal of “design thinking” is to create and encourage future innovators and breakthrough thinkers. Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, is also “math you can hold in your hand.” For most models, origami requires extreme precision in folding and in following directions. One missed step results in a dead end. When I teach origami, I emphasize following the steps, the importance of strong creases, etc. I also share examples of where a wrong turn led to something new. Sometimes, a closed box turns into a coin purse by accident. Or a cat head turns into a fox head – depending on the angles of the ears. Are these mistakes or are they new discoveries? Yes. Persistence and practice and an aim for perfection is important in any endeavor. Students also need to understand that a mistake can also result in a new invention. Much of art – and of scientific research or engineering projects – involves a lot of research and development – trying, testing, trying again. Students need to understand that it is okay to make a mistake and that is it okay to start over and try again. This is play with paper but it is also part of practicing how to discover new solutions.”
Thanks, Linda, and much success with your book!
“Thank you! Happy folding and happy exploring!”
The Day We Went to the Park
January 15, 2020
"When I am drawing, I let my mind go quiet and don’t think too hard."
In its sixth year of publication, illustrator Maris Howell and I celebrate our picture poetry book specifically dedicated to the autistic, ADD and ADHD communities, Dozy Poems, Cozy Days.
Following is a summarized glimpse of Maris' responses when he was interviewed by a special ed student pursuing artistic and writing goals of her own.
"Hello Julie! It's good to hear that our book is well liked in your library. I hope I can answer most of your inquiries and provide you with encouragment on your own ambitions toward the arts.
I recently graduated college with an accounting degree and am working in a wonderful firm, but I illustrated those poems when I was 19/20 years old.
I participated in various art classes outside of school for things like drawing, sketching, and illustrating. I remember less of what I actually drew but I remember more vividly all the great teachers I had that were very passionate about art and showed me how art can be a therapeutic, healthy outlet.
When I illustrated Dozy Poems, Cozy Days I just zoned out and went to work. Most of the time when I am drawing, I let my mind go quiet and don’t think too hard.
There were no outside influences with respect to my illustrating. I find my best work is when I concentrate on the subject and let my hand do the rest! I use my imagination and focus on one drawing at a time without thinking about the bigger picture until later on.
I used many different sizes of brushes and applied different drawing methods throughout. It was fun and relaxing.
I would love to participate in more art activities in the future as a hobby because it's such a great outlet and it's good for me to use the other side of my brain!
Take your time to discover what's best for yourself. For me, I just don’t push too hard or consider any drawing a failure. Each drawing has the chance to provide you with insight and more confidence.
My advice? Don't give up on what you want to do. This has helped me with life in general. If you are ever stuck, try switching things around or make a change. This will open up more opportunities and possibilities. "Dozy Poems, Cozy Days: Poems to Calm the Active Child
Following is a summarized glimpse of Maris' responses when he was interviewed by a special ed student pursuing artistic and writing goals of her own.
"Hello Julie! It's good to hear that our book is well liked in your library. I hope I can answer most of your inquiries and provide you with encouragment on your own ambitions toward the arts.
I recently graduated college with an accounting degree and am working in a wonderful firm, but I illustrated those poems when I was 19/20 years old.
I participated in various art classes outside of school for things like drawing, sketching, and illustrating. I remember less of what I actually drew but I remember more vividly all the great teachers I had that were very passionate about art and showed me how art can be a therapeutic, healthy outlet.
When I illustrated Dozy Poems, Cozy Days I just zoned out and went to work. Most of the time when I am drawing, I let my mind go quiet and don’t think too hard.
There were no outside influences with respect to my illustrating. I find my best work is when I concentrate on the subject and let my hand do the rest! I use my imagination and focus on one drawing at a time without thinking about the bigger picture until later on.
I used many different sizes of brushes and applied different drawing methods throughout. It was fun and relaxing.
I would love to participate in more art activities in the future as a hobby because it's such a great outlet and it's good for me to use the other side of my brain!
Take your time to discover what's best for yourself. For me, I just don’t push too hard or consider any drawing a failure. Each drawing has the chance to provide you with insight and more confidence.
My advice? Don't give up on what you want to do. This has helped me with life in general. If you are ever stuck, try switching things around or make a change. This will open up more opportunities and possibilities. "Dozy Poems, Cozy Days: Poems to Calm the Active Child
December 21, 2019
When beloved children's author Lisa Wheeler exclaims, "Woolly mammoths! And dogs!", I know we'd all get a kick out of being her best friend!
Who else but children’s author Lisa Wheeler could deploy a joyful, percussive march with a bright rhythm and splash of humor to what is an important message for small children?
“People don’t bite people.
It’s nasty and it’s rude!
A friend will never bite a friend.
Biting is for food!”
Lisa’s follow up book to “People Don’t Bite People” is “People Share with People”:
“It’s good to share a blanket.
It’s nice to share some fries.
It’s great to share your crayons
BEFORE somebody cries.”
It’s no surprise this writer enjoys cardio drumming! Her verse is musical, and in my opinion, these two “People” books are most representative of Lisa’s unique style.
Inspired by Dr. Seuss flair, Humbug Witch whimsy with a touch of Charlotte Zolotow and Jack Ezra Keats sparkle, this prolific author has had a career spanning over 20 years. It’s no wonder she says it’s not easy to focus in and stop her head from spinning when I start chattering about her terrific books and work over the years.
Lisa, can you give a snapshot of your career in writing, and the circumstances or inspiration leading up to it?
“As a child, I loved books, especially books that rhymed. I also loved silly songs, jump-rope rhymes and the hand-clapping games we played on the school playground. It's no wonder I have an ear for meter, beats, and rhyme. (But, unfortunately, I cannot play an instrument or read music.)”
“It feels as though I've always had words in my head. Those words usually lined themselves up in such a way that they came out as little rhyming poems. But it wasn't until I was 32 years old that I decided to try and get published. I think I needed that time to grow the thick skin necessary to handle the rejection that comes with sending your work out into the world. So I did it. I sent stuff out and watched it come back… over and over again! Nearly 4 years and over 225 rejections later, I sold my first book to Allyn Johnston at Harcourt, Inc., One Dark Night (still in print).”
What’s the best thing about creating picture books for children?
“I love that first burst of inspiration that leads to a great new idea. When I am up to my elbows in a new manuscript, I'm all in my head and it's just me and the work. I love that part!”
‘My second favorite thing is seeing the art. It's like finally getting a snapshot of a baby you've only read about in letters. And, of course, it's the kids themselves. It still blows my mind that a child I may never meet is reading my books. It's a responsibility I don't take lightly. What if one of my books is their first introduction to reading?! That's heady stuff!”
Which one of your books would you recommend to first time readers?
“You're asking me to say which of my children is my favorite. Too hard!"
"I do have a four book easy reader series called Fitch & Chip. These two guys still crack me up! (I've often thought that I am both Fitch, an introverted wolf and Chip, a ham of a pig.)”
Do you find it more challenging to write a book, get it published, or market it?
“In order of hard to easy I'd say: market, publish, write.”
“Writing is the fun part. Yes, it can be hard, but it's where I find my joy.”
“Getting it published is something I have little control over. I can make sure the writing is stellar, but ultimately, the decision to publish it or not falls with the publisher.”
“But marketing is excruciating for me. All my insecurities come to the forefront, especially where social media is concerned. I love talking to kids at schools and am good with the whole presentation part of the job. But everything online makes me panic a little.”
What’s a favorite topic you could easily write several projects about?
“Woolly mammoths! And dogs! I have sold and unsold manuscripts about both.”
What’s your favorite holiday, and for fun, can you write us a verse about it?
“Family, food and football,
My favorite season--Fall,
Thankful hearts while holding hands
Thanksgiving has it all.”
You mentioned a book concerning the topic of skilled trades people with Loren Long is in the works. Wow, that's some sparkling collaboration from my point of view.
“I got the idea for this book while my husband and I were renovating our master bathroom. We've done many home projects ourselves and this one was fairly stressful.”
“Anyway, while struggling with tile, I recalled something my husband, who worked in skilled trades, explained to me many years ago. He had said that sometimes, the engineers and designers at his company drew plans on paper, but sometimes had no idea how they would work in 3D. So as my husband's department began working on these projects, they would have to think outside the box to make these drawings come to life.”
“Coming from a blue-collar background, I thought of all our family members who worked in trades and how these men and women are the ones who take someone's "dream" and make it reality.”
“I wrote Someone Has to Build the Dream and it sold to Lauri Hornik at Dial. The amazing Loren Long is illustrating the book and it is a true collaboration. The book comes out in 2021. I am very proud to pay homage to the people who build our dreams.”
I was so happy to see your book Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum is re-released! Are you more Wrigley’s or Bubble Yum?
“Definitely more minty than sugary! Orbit Sweet Mint is my current go-to. I only chew half a stick at a time and get rid of it after about 5 minutes.”
Illustrator Laura Huliska-Beith’s pictures are some of my favorites. You’ve worked with many fabulous book illustrators.
“I have had the privilege of having some of the best artists ever illustrate my books. I could never pick one favorite. I've met a few of them along the way--usually if we're getting an award or speaking at a conference together. One of my earlier books, Porcupining: A Prickly Love Story, was illustrated by Janie Bynum who was already a friend of mine. That was so awesome! But I didn't try to tell her how to do her job. As writers, we need to respect the illustrator and let them do their work.”
Your Dino book series is a hit with children! Enter Dino Christmas where a lot of fun holiday action takes place. If it were possible, what activities would you share with the Dinos this winter?
“I like making crafty things, so I think I'd be decking those halls with the dinos followed by a slide down the hill. Then, I'd warm up with some good cocoa. If I'm lucky, my hubby will have baked something yummy to go with the cocoa.”
Are you still finding time to offer critique services and workshops now and again to other children’s writers?
“Currently I am mentoring a picture book writer through SCBWI-MI, so I want to devote my time to her work.”
“The last few picture book boot camps I have done have been for SCBWI in various regions. I haven't organized one on my own in about 3 years. That said, two days ago I gave a shop-talk in Kalamazoo. I love talking to fellow children's lit writers and am always open to invites to speak.”
Is there something you would recommend today to the young writer you were 25 years ago?
“Yes! Believe in yourself! I was the last person who thought I would succeed. My husband, children, friends and family all had faith in my talent. I struggled (and still struggle) with self-doubt and self-esteem issues. I wake up in the morning surprised that I get to make a living doing what I love.”
Along those lines, what would you advise or share with someone just starting out in the business of children’s writing?
“Learn all you can from every resource available. When I started out, the internet wasn't an option. I limped along until 1997 when we finally went online and I began seeking out fellow children's writers. Then I found SCBWI and learned more in 3 months than I had found on my own in three years.”
“At conferences, instead of worrying about making connections with the bigwigs, I make friends with other attendees. These lifelong friends I met at conferences have taught me so much. I feel so grateful for everyone who has touched my life and my career in some way.”
Lisa Wheeler
“People don’t bite people.
It’s nasty and it’s rude!
A friend will never bite a friend.
Biting is for food!”
Lisa’s follow up book to “People Don’t Bite People” is “People Share with People”:
“It’s good to share a blanket.
It’s nice to share some fries.
It’s great to share your crayons
BEFORE somebody cries.”
It’s no surprise this writer enjoys cardio drumming! Her verse is musical, and in my opinion, these two “People” books are most representative of Lisa’s unique style.
Inspired by Dr. Seuss flair, Humbug Witch whimsy with a touch of Charlotte Zolotow and Jack Ezra Keats sparkle, this prolific author has had a career spanning over 20 years. It’s no wonder she says it’s not easy to focus in and stop her head from spinning when I start chattering about her terrific books and work over the years.
Lisa, can you give a snapshot of your career in writing, and the circumstances or inspiration leading up to it?
“As a child, I loved books, especially books that rhymed. I also loved silly songs, jump-rope rhymes and the hand-clapping games we played on the school playground. It's no wonder I have an ear for meter, beats, and rhyme. (But, unfortunately, I cannot play an instrument or read music.)”
“It feels as though I've always had words in my head. Those words usually lined themselves up in such a way that they came out as little rhyming poems. But it wasn't until I was 32 years old that I decided to try and get published. I think I needed that time to grow the thick skin necessary to handle the rejection that comes with sending your work out into the world. So I did it. I sent stuff out and watched it come back… over and over again! Nearly 4 years and over 225 rejections later, I sold my first book to Allyn Johnston at Harcourt, Inc., One Dark Night (still in print).”
What’s the best thing about creating picture books for children?
“I love that first burst of inspiration that leads to a great new idea. When I am up to my elbows in a new manuscript, I'm all in my head and it's just me and the work. I love that part!”
‘My second favorite thing is seeing the art. It's like finally getting a snapshot of a baby you've only read about in letters. And, of course, it's the kids themselves. It still blows my mind that a child I may never meet is reading my books. It's a responsibility I don't take lightly. What if one of my books is their first introduction to reading?! That's heady stuff!”
Which one of your books would you recommend to first time readers?
“You're asking me to say which of my children is my favorite. Too hard!"
"I do have a four book easy reader series called Fitch & Chip. These two guys still crack me up! (I've often thought that I am both Fitch, an introverted wolf and Chip, a ham of a pig.)”
Do you find it more challenging to write a book, get it published, or market it?
“In order of hard to easy I'd say: market, publish, write.”
“Writing is the fun part. Yes, it can be hard, but it's where I find my joy.”
“Getting it published is something I have little control over. I can make sure the writing is stellar, but ultimately, the decision to publish it or not falls with the publisher.”
“But marketing is excruciating for me. All my insecurities come to the forefront, especially where social media is concerned. I love talking to kids at schools and am good with the whole presentation part of the job. But everything online makes me panic a little.”
What’s a favorite topic you could easily write several projects about?
“Woolly mammoths! And dogs! I have sold and unsold manuscripts about both.”
What’s your favorite holiday, and for fun, can you write us a verse about it?
“Family, food and football,
My favorite season--Fall,
Thankful hearts while holding hands
Thanksgiving has it all.”
You mentioned a book concerning the topic of skilled trades people with Loren Long is in the works. Wow, that's some sparkling collaboration from my point of view.
“I got the idea for this book while my husband and I were renovating our master bathroom. We've done many home projects ourselves and this one was fairly stressful.”
“Anyway, while struggling with tile, I recalled something my husband, who worked in skilled trades, explained to me many years ago. He had said that sometimes, the engineers and designers at his company drew plans on paper, but sometimes had no idea how they would work in 3D. So as my husband's department began working on these projects, they would have to think outside the box to make these drawings come to life.”
“Coming from a blue-collar background, I thought of all our family members who worked in trades and how these men and women are the ones who take someone's "dream" and make it reality.”
“I wrote Someone Has to Build the Dream and it sold to Lauri Hornik at Dial. The amazing Loren Long is illustrating the book and it is a true collaboration. The book comes out in 2021. I am very proud to pay homage to the people who build our dreams.”
I was so happy to see your book Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum is re-released! Are you more Wrigley’s or Bubble Yum?
“Definitely more minty than sugary! Orbit Sweet Mint is my current go-to. I only chew half a stick at a time and get rid of it after about 5 minutes.”
Illustrator Laura Huliska-Beith’s pictures are some of my favorites. You’ve worked with many fabulous book illustrators.
“I have had the privilege of having some of the best artists ever illustrate my books. I could never pick one favorite. I've met a few of them along the way--usually if we're getting an award or speaking at a conference together. One of my earlier books, Porcupining: A Prickly Love Story, was illustrated by Janie Bynum who was already a friend of mine. That was so awesome! But I didn't try to tell her how to do her job. As writers, we need to respect the illustrator and let them do their work.”
Your Dino book series is a hit with children! Enter Dino Christmas where a lot of fun holiday action takes place. If it were possible, what activities would you share with the Dinos this winter?
“I like making crafty things, so I think I'd be decking those halls with the dinos followed by a slide down the hill. Then, I'd warm up with some good cocoa. If I'm lucky, my hubby will have baked something yummy to go with the cocoa.”
Are you still finding time to offer critique services and workshops now and again to other children’s writers?
“Currently I am mentoring a picture book writer through SCBWI-MI, so I want to devote my time to her work.”
“The last few picture book boot camps I have done have been for SCBWI in various regions. I haven't organized one on my own in about 3 years. That said, two days ago I gave a shop-talk in Kalamazoo. I love talking to fellow children's lit writers and am always open to invites to speak.”
Is there something you would recommend today to the young writer you were 25 years ago?
“Yes! Believe in yourself! I was the last person who thought I would succeed. My husband, children, friends and family all had faith in my talent. I struggled (and still struggle) with self-doubt and self-esteem issues. I wake up in the morning surprised that I get to make a living doing what I love.”
Along those lines, what would you advise or share with someone just starting out in the business of children’s writing?
“Learn all you can from every resource available. When I started out, the internet wasn't an option. I limped along until 1997 when we finally went online and I began seeking out fellow children's writers. Then I found SCBWI and learned more in 3 months than I had found on my own in three years.”
“At conferences, instead of worrying about making connections with the bigwigs, I make friends with other attendees. These lifelong friends I met at conferences have taught me so much. I feel so grateful for everyone who has touched my life and my career in some way.”
Lisa Wheeler
November 20, 2019
Illustrator/author Alison Jay reveals why having Ant and Bee in her workspace now would be very helpful.
About ten years ago, I became enthralled with the children's picture book, I Took the Moon for a Walk written by Carolyn Curtis and illustrated by Alison Jay. I didn't want to put it away, and it stayed on my nightstand for a very long time. I had no idea how the artist got that cool "crackling" texture across her illustrations and I loved those dear, sweet, delicate tiny faces and expressions in rather humongous moon spheres or on a child's large, round, bright head and face.
It has always been easy to follow illustrator Alison Jay's publishings over the years because her artwork is incredibly distinctive and whimsical. You see the book cover or picture, and right away you know - 'that's Alison Jay!'
This creative artist has a busy schedule, so I feel grateful that Alison and I found time for a little blog fun!
Alison, to give us a backdrop, you went to school for Graphic Design. You were involved with animation shorty thereafter. Any useful tools you take with you from that time that you use to this day as an illustrator?
“My time working in animation was useful as I started to understand storytelling with pictures. I have only written and illustrated three of my own stories so far but I always try to add little incidental narratives to the backgrounds of my books, which I guess is like a story board, and that leads straight back to my time in animation.”
Fellow author and friend, Phillis Gershator’s picture book, Listen, Listen, was illustrated by you. That’s another great read that I can return to again and again, especially because I find little details in the artwork that I could have sworn I had not noticed before. So the book is always giving me a new surprise! I really enjoy that aspect of your illustrations.
“I love adding little visual jokes, and tiny details. And it’s wonderful when children or adults write to me and say that when they look at one of my books for a second, third or fourth time they notice new details. Over the years I seem to add more and more of these tiny details -my paintbrushes have certainly got smaller and my glasses thicker!”
You have also had incredibly eclectic jobs as an artist with commercials, posters, packaging and more. What was it like working on a Kellogg's commercial?
“Ha! Yes, I enjoyed working on the Kellogg's commercial although I only really needed to paint a couple of key images. The animators did most of the work. It sounds greedy but the payment for an advertising job is very good. I haven’t had any advertising work for years now so if any agency would like to hire me I’m available : )”
Even as a child, I’ve always liked a bowl of plain cornflakes and then adding my own amount of sweetener if needed. What's your choice- plain or frosted flakes?
“Oh dear…ssshhh - I don’t really eat cornflakes. I’m a toast eater for breakfast. (Sorry, Kellogg’s!)”
Tell us about your exhibition of The Nutcracker in Tokyo.
“The exhibition in the Ghibli museum in Tokyo was amazing. I was invited by the incredible Oscar winning animator Hayao Miyazaki to participate in an exhibition of The Nutcracker. He had seen my version of the book published in Japan by Tukuman Shoten. He also invited me to the opening of the exhibition. I still can’t quite believe it all happened! I was completely blown away by Mr Miyazaki and all the Ghibli team’s generosity.”
Your latest release in the United States is titled Looking for Yesterday (Candlewick Books) Looking for Yesterday. The unique theme of the book weighs the value of science with the deeper messages of new days and adventures that in turn create new memories. All this comes via Grandad's wisdom.
Because the story is written and illustrated in such a heart-felt manner, I have to inquire if you had a grandfather who shared these type of thoughts.
“Oh, thank you so much. I've illustrated a few books since Looking for Yesterday, but that was the last book I wrote from scratch.”
“No, unfortunately I never knew either of my grandfathers. However, the old man in my book is a little bit like my dad. He had a beard, and was an engineer. He worked at an aeronautical company and helped in rocket development when he was younger.”
“My dad was very clever and seemed to just know how many miles it is to the moon and the sun, and the speed of light, sound, etc. It was brilliant when I was a child! He could very often explain any scientific questions. I thought all adults knew those things at the time. My dad also traveled quite a lot when he was younger as did my Mum - although he never rode a motorbike!”
“As far as the young boy in the story, he is a little like my brother who has always been fascinated with anything astronomical. I don’t ever remember him looking for worm holes, although he's a keen gardener now.”
Tell us about your inspiration to write the book.
“I listen to a lot of radio when I'm working, and there are lots of interesting programs. One afternoon I heard a program about theoretical physics -not that I fully understand the theories. I certainly didn’t inherit my dad’s scientific brain, but I liked the idea of all the different possibilities of time travel and repeating our best days.”
Explain your illustrative process - the oil painting and crackle glaze you use that is so distinctive to your creativity.
“I think I developed my style very gradually and I guess by trial and error. The crackle glaze effect came about by my love of old paintings. My cousin worked at a company that made decorative furniture. She used the varnish to create an aged effect on lamp bases, trays, etc. so I thought I would try it on my paintings. The varnish is quite tricky to use. It needs three different processes and seems very sensitive to moisture in the atmosphere. After years of using the varnish, I still sometimes need to wash it off and start again if it hasn’t worked properly. It can be very frustrating, especially living in a notoriously soggy country.”
What's your favorite color/shade to work with when it comes to picture books? Are there any you gravitate toward? Shapes you're drawn to?
“Good questions! I do have a pallet of colours I use all the time. I love Prussian blue - such a deep blue when used without white. I like to graduate my skies from pale to darker so it’s a great colour even for night skies. I also use a lot of green as I LOVE painting trees. I never get bored of painting them because there are so many different shapes and colours as the seasons change. I now live in a very leafy area of London. We are surrounded by trees. I think the changing light and colours of the trees has come out in my work.”
“Shapes I am drawn to seem to be round ones. The Grandad in Looking for Yesterday is very plump, and my animals are often quite overweight. Who doesn’t love a big round cuddly cat or dog? I am guessing a veterinary :)”
You have been either author/illustrator or illustrator to way too many picture books to list! Every one is such a treasure. Please tell us one or two of your favorites, and why it's special to you.
“Oh, that’s a very difficult question. I am never really happy with my books and that is definitely not false modesty. I can always see the mistakes and how I could have tried a better composition or painted bits better. For me it’s always difficult to try to depict the picture that’s in my mind’s eye. There always seems to be an element of disappointment. I guess that makes me try a bit harder for the next book or picture.”
“If I was forced to choose a favorite book of mine, it might be Bee and Me, mainly because the natural world and environment is something that means so much to me. I wrote and illustrated Bee and Me, although it’s wordless. It’s been used in schools on world book day and to promote awareness of the importance of bees.”
“I’ve received wonderful letters from children about how they have sprinkled bee friendly wild flower seeds after reading Bee and Me, so to think I have helped the natural world in some tiny way makes me very happy.”
If one of your books could be made into a mini movie, which one would you pick and why?
“I think again it might be Bee and Me. My brother, a film maker, made a sort of slide show film with music of Bee and Me. It was used for a presentation I gave a couple of years ago, but to see it as a proper animated film would be very exciting! His Bee and Me version is now on U-Tube. The publisher, Old Barn Books, posted it last year.”
What's your favorite animated movie?
“Wow, I have many. I love the Ghibli films (of course), especially Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro. When I was at the Ghibli museum, we saw a film called Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess which was wonderful. It was only 12 minutes long but is now one of my all time favorites. Another of my absolute favorite animated films is Hedgehog in the Fog by Yuri Norstein. It’s very beautiful. I also love the Pixar film UP and the very early 1930’s Disney films. There are too many to mention - I think you can tell that I LOVE animation.”
If you could have either Ant or Bee (from the Angela Banner book series) come to live as a special magical muse in your workspace, which one would you choose and why?
“Could I have both? It would be too cruel to separate them! I loved the Ant and Bee books as a child. I am illustrating a book at the moment by Hayley Barrett and it stars lots of insects, especially ants and a bumblebee, so to have Ant and Bee living with me at the moment would be very helpful. I would need to be very careful not to squash them.”
You find out Beatrix Potter loves to eat carrots...and she's coming over for dinner! What do you cook?
“My just-made carrot and coriander soup with coconut, followed by a large slice of carrot cake.”
What would you ask her?
“I might be cheeky and ask her to draw and paint Jeremy Fisher and sign it for me.”
Finally, what's the best advice you could share with a young illustrator just starting out?
“My advice would be to try not to put off being an illustrator even if you’re not as successful as you had hoped at first. Try different ways of working but avoid following trends, and above all - enjoy making pictures! For me, it’s the best job in the world.”
It has always been easy to follow illustrator Alison Jay's publishings over the years because her artwork is incredibly distinctive and whimsical. You see the book cover or picture, and right away you know - 'that's Alison Jay!'
This creative artist has a busy schedule, so I feel grateful that Alison and I found time for a little blog fun!
Alison, to give us a backdrop, you went to school for Graphic Design. You were involved with animation shorty thereafter. Any useful tools you take with you from that time that you use to this day as an illustrator?
“My time working in animation was useful as I started to understand storytelling with pictures. I have only written and illustrated three of my own stories so far but I always try to add little incidental narratives to the backgrounds of my books, which I guess is like a story board, and that leads straight back to my time in animation.”
Fellow author and friend, Phillis Gershator’s picture book, Listen, Listen, was illustrated by you. That’s another great read that I can return to again and again, especially because I find little details in the artwork that I could have sworn I had not noticed before. So the book is always giving me a new surprise! I really enjoy that aspect of your illustrations.
“I love adding little visual jokes, and tiny details. And it’s wonderful when children or adults write to me and say that when they look at one of my books for a second, third or fourth time they notice new details. Over the years I seem to add more and more of these tiny details -my paintbrushes have certainly got smaller and my glasses thicker!”
You have also had incredibly eclectic jobs as an artist with commercials, posters, packaging and more. What was it like working on a Kellogg's commercial?
“Ha! Yes, I enjoyed working on the Kellogg's commercial although I only really needed to paint a couple of key images. The animators did most of the work. It sounds greedy but the payment for an advertising job is very good. I haven’t had any advertising work for years now so if any agency would like to hire me I’m available : )”
Even as a child, I’ve always liked a bowl of plain cornflakes and then adding my own amount of sweetener if needed. What's your choice- plain or frosted flakes?
“Oh dear…ssshhh - I don’t really eat cornflakes. I’m a toast eater for breakfast. (Sorry, Kellogg’s!)”
Tell us about your exhibition of The Nutcracker in Tokyo.
“The exhibition in the Ghibli museum in Tokyo was amazing. I was invited by the incredible Oscar winning animator Hayao Miyazaki to participate in an exhibition of The Nutcracker. He had seen my version of the book published in Japan by Tukuman Shoten. He also invited me to the opening of the exhibition. I still can’t quite believe it all happened! I was completely blown away by Mr Miyazaki and all the Ghibli team’s generosity.”
Your latest release in the United States is titled Looking for Yesterday (Candlewick Books) Looking for Yesterday. The unique theme of the book weighs the value of science with the deeper messages of new days and adventures that in turn create new memories. All this comes via Grandad's wisdom.
Because the story is written and illustrated in such a heart-felt manner, I have to inquire if you had a grandfather who shared these type of thoughts.
“Oh, thank you so much. I've illustrated a few books since Looking for Yesterday, but that was the last book I wrote from scratch.”
“No, unfortunately I never knew either of my grandfathers. However, the old man in my book is a little bit like my dad. He had a beard, and was an engineer. He worked at an aeronautical company and helped in rocket development when he was younger.”
“My dad was very clever and seemed to just know how many miles it is to the moon and the sun, and the speed of light, sound, etc. It was brilliant when I was a child! He could very often explain any scientific questions. I thought all adults knew those things at the time. My dad also traveled quite a lot when he was younger as did my Mum - although he never rode a motorbike!”
“As far as the young boy in the story, he is a little like my brother who has always been fascinated with anything astronomical. I don’t ever remember him looking for worm holes, although he's a keen gardener now.”
Tell us about your inspiration to write the book.
“I listen to a lot of radio when I'm working, and there are lots of interesting programs. One afternoon I heard a program about theoretical physics -not that I fully understand the theories. I certainly didn’t inherit my dad’s scientific brain, but I liked the idea of all the different possibilities of time travel and repeating our best days.”
Explain your illustrative process - the oil painting and crackle glaze you use that is so distinctive to your creativity.
“I think I developed my style very gradually and I guess by trial and error. The crackle glaze effect came about by my love of old paintings. My cousin worked at a company that made decorative furniture. She used the varnish to create an aged effect on lamp bases, trays, etc. so I thought I would try it on my paintings. The varnish is quite tricky to use. It needs three different processes and seems very sensitive to moisture in the atmosphere. After years of using the varnish, I still sometimes need to wash it off and start again if it hasn’t worked properly. It can be very frustrating, especially living in a notoriously soggy country.”
What's your favorite color/shade to work with when it comes to picture books? Are there any you gravitate toward? Shapes you're drawn to?
“Good questions! I do have a pallet of colours I use all the time. I love Prussian blue - such a deep blue when used without white. I like to graduate my skies from pale to darker so it’s a great colour even for night skies. I also use a lot of green as I LOVE painting trees. I never get bored of painting them because there are so many different shapes and colours as the seasons change. I now live in a very leafy area of London. We are surrounded by trees. I think the changing light and colours of the trees has come out in my work.”
“Shapes I am drawn to seem to be round ones. The Grandad in Looking for Yesterday is very plump, and my animals are often quite overweight. Who doesn’t love a big round cuddly cat or dog? I am guessing a veterinary :)”
You have been either author/illustrator or illustrator to way too many picture books to list! Every one is such a treasure. Please tell us one or two of your favorites, and why it's special to you.
“Oh, that’s a very difficult question. I am never really happy with my books and that is definitely not false modesty. I can always see the mistakes and how I could have tried a better composition or painted bits better. For me it’s always difficult to try to depict the picture that’s in my mind’s eye. There always seems to be an element of disappointment. I guess that makes me try a bit harder for the next book or picture.”
“If I was forced to choose a favorite book of mine, it might be Bee and Me, mainly because the natural world and environment is something that means so much to me. I wrote and illustrated Bee and Me, although it’s wordless. It’s been used in schools on world book day and to promote awareness of the importance of bees.”
“I’ve received wonderful letters from children about how they have sprinkled bee friendly wild flower seeds after reading Bee and Me, so to think I have helped the natural world in some tiny way makes me very happy.”
If one of your books could be made into a mini movie, which one would you pick and why?
“I think again it might be Bee and Me. My brother, a film maker, made a sort of slide show film with music of Bee and Me. It was used for a presentation I gave a couple of years ago, but to see it as a proper animated film would be very exciting! His Bee and Me version is now on U-Tube. The publisher, Old Barn Books, posted it last year.”
What's your favorite animated movie?
“Wow, I have many. I love the Ghibli films (of course), especially Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro. When I was at the Ghibli museum, we saw a film called Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess which was wonderful. It was only 12 minutes long but is now one of my all time favorites. Another of my absolute favorite animated films is Hedgehog in the Fog by Yuri Norstein. It’s very beautiful. I also love the Pixar film UP and the very early 1930’s Disney films. There are too many to mention - I think you can tell that I LOVE animation.”
If you could have either Ant or Bee (from the Angela Banner book series) come to live as a special magical muse in your workspace, which one would you choose and why?
“Could I have both? It would be too cruel to separate them! I loved the Ant and Bee books as a child. I am illustrating a book at the moment by Hayley Barrett and it stars lots of insects, especially ants and a bumblebee, so to have Ant and Bee living with me at the moment would be very helpful. I would need to be very careful not to squash them.”
You find out Beatrix Potter loves to eat carrots...and she's coming over for dinner! What do you cook?
“My just-made carrot and coriander soup with coconut, followed by a large slice of carrot cake.”
What would you ask her?
“I might be cheeky and ask her to draw and paint Jeremy Fisher and sign it for me.”
Finally, what's the best advice you could share with a young illustrator just starting out?
“My advice would be to try not to put off being an illustrator even if you’re not as successful as you had hoped at first. Try different ways of working but avoid following trends, and above all - enjoy making pictures! For me, it’s the best job in the world.”
November 1, 2019
Kidlit author Buffy Silverman searches for snow fleas and happily answers questions about a worm's capability to grow in brains!
During childhood, if you spend long hours collecting insects, worms and words – well, you’re probably headed toward a career as a children’s author and poet. This describes Buffy Silverman. I’ve enjoyed Buffy’s insightful and whimsical poetry and writing for many years now and was thrilled she and I were able to make a connection!
Buffy, you’ve written over 90 books. You’ve had hundreds of poems, articles, and stories published in magazines and with educational publishers. That’s an incredible feat! With a large catalog of material already written, do you ever have days when you think you may run out of ideas that you’re passionate about sharing?
"One of the great benefits of having a dog is that I spend time outside every day—and that leads me to noticing what’s going on in the natural world. As long as my dog keeps sniffing, I’ll keep finding inspiration. There are certain topics that I’ve returned to many times (Insects! Predation!) I try to find new angles and approaches to writing about these subjects."
Tell us about your non-fiction books for kids.
"Many of my nonfiction books were written for series developed by editors. Some of these were featured subjects I knew little to nothing about. Mars? Pokemon? The Titanic? Cutting-edge Brain Science?? The trick for me is to start digging into research. The more I learn about a subject, the more interesting it becomes. And once I’ve discovered the “wow-factor”, I know I can write about a subject for a young audience."
What percentage of time do you usually spend on researching the facts versus the actual writing?
"I wish I could say I was organized enough to answer this question. Usually I go back and forth between researching a topic and writing about it. And as I’m revising, I delve into the research again. I’m a minimalist when it comes to outlining and note-taking—and that might not be the most efficient approach."
Millbrook Press is releasing a new book you wrote, titled On a Snow-Melting Day, next year.
"I don’t usually like to rush the seasons, but I’m counting the days until February 4, 2020 when On a Snow-Melting Day is released. The book will appeal to young listeners and readers, 3-8 years old."
Did it take long for you to find On a Snow-Melting Day a publisher?
"Surprisingly, no! The spark of the story began as a phrase I scribbled in a notebook on January 10, 2018. I participated in the Storystorm challenge, and on that day, Heidi Stemple encouraged writers to pay attention to what’s around them. That’s advice I give myself all the time. When Carol Hinz had an open call in spring of 2018 for nonfiction manuscripts that could be illustrated by photographs, I had recently finished my snow-melting manuscript. I almost didn’t submit it because I pictured it with illustrations, not photographs. But a friend who had read the story encouraged me to send it in. The moral of the story is to always listen to your writing friends."
What surprises can the reader expect to find “on a snow-melting day”?
"The book is an extended poem about all the changes that occur as winter retreats and spring begins. It features chickadees sipping from icicles, spotted salamanders marching over melting snow, and insects warming themselves in skunk cabbage. For a preview, read the synopsis at Kirkus Reviews which (to my amazement and gratitude) gave the book a STAR! Here’s a link to the review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re... "
Your poems are included in a variety of anthologies.
"I was thrilled to have a poem published last year in J. Patrick Lewis’ The Poetry of US (published by National Geographic.) That poem, entitled “Tulip Time Festival” is about the annual tulip festival in Holland, Michigan, which is a one-hour drive from my house. Here’s a secret… I had not been to the festival when Pat asked me to write about it. But I watched online videos of the festival, and read all about it. Since then I’ve attended the festival--twice! I have also been proud to write poems for several of the Poetry Friday Anthologies, brilliantly put together by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong."
Who are your poetry mentors?
"My writing focus has wandered over the years, from narrative nonfiction for magazines, to writing nonfiction for educational publishers, to poetry. I think I first caught the poetry bug when I enrolled in an online children’s poetry class with Laura Purdie Salas, about 10 years ago. As I delved into children’s poetry, I discovered that this is the writing I am most drawn to and is what I want to do when I grow up! Many children’s poets who bring nature to life inspire me—Barbara Juster Esbensen, Valerie Worth, Joyce Sidman, Leslie Bulion, Douglas Florian, Deborah Ruddell, and Irene Latham have written books that I’ve read over and over again. I think poetry books are really the best mentors for anyone wanting to write poetry."
When writing for children, do you think it’s always important for your poem or story to encompass a particular message, or do you feel it’s fine to write and share literary kids’ work with entertaining in mind, and perhaps simply to show the reader another way of looking at something?
"When I write poetry it’s usually for an audience of one—myself! My ten-year old self is tickled pink when I come up with interesting word-play, a clever rhyme, or a humorous view. I suppose if I were trying to include a message it would be to encourage readers to notice the magic of the world around them. I do hope that young readers pick up on my enthusiasm for nature, and that an awareness of the natural world leads to a desire to protect our environment."
Your first published book, Bat’s Night Out, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year! How wonderful - and perfectly befitting for this time of year when bats are prevalent. It would appear to be a great book to take on classroom visits.
"Yes! I often include Bat’s Night Out as part of a school program. When I speak to students, I highlight different approaches to a single nonfiction topic, including an informational book, some narrative nonfiction, and poetry. Bat’s Night Out portrays one night in a bat’s life through narrative nonfiction."
What quirky animal fact from your book, Can an Old Dog Learn New Tricks? makes you smile when you think of it?
"Kids love the gross factor that’s included in a few questions in this book. I can guarantee that I’ll get a shudder when I ask this one: Is It True That a Worm Can Grow Inside Your Brain? And every student will want to hear more. Some of the questions clear up common misconceptions, which I count as a win. I’d rather kids not think that sharks are bloodthirsty killers or that bats are blind and get tangled in your hair."
What advice could you share with a writer just starting out?
"Go to your library and read, read, read! I’m a frequenter of the new book shelf at our children’s library, so I can imbibe what’s being published today. And don’t give up…I think my Kirkus star makes me an overnight success story, only thirty years in the making."
What inspires your photography?
"I’m lucky to live on the swampy end of a small lake in Michigan, so I spend a lot of time photographing the critters that live near me—dragonflies and damselflies, monarch butterflies, ladybugs munching on aphids, and more. I especially like to photograph the change of seasons. My dog ends up in a lot of photos."
If it were a “snow melting day”, what would you photograph?
"I always search for snow fleas when the snow starts to melt, but they are not that photogenic. I keep my eyes open for skunk cabbage blooms and tree buds stretching. Most of the illustrations in On a Snow-Melting Day are stock photos, but I’m delighted that a few are mine."
Fun stuff:
Pippi Longstocking is spending the day with you! What happens?
"I’d bake a pie for Pippi, probably with the Michigan blueberries I pick and freeze during the summer. After the pie I’d bring Pippi down to my basement office and let her choose whichever books she’d like to read."
Charlotte (Charlotte’s Web) wrote “Some pig” as one of her messages to save Wilbur. There were other messages she wrote: “Terrific,” “Radiant,” and “Humble.” What message would you send out?
"I might ask Charlotte to write a new message— “Look up, look down, look all around. Notice what’s happening outside your window!” Maybe that’s a little long for a humble web. But she was some spider, so perhaps she’d oblige."
On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring
Buffy, you’ve written over 90 books. You’ve had hundreds of poems, articles, and stories published in magazines and with educational publishers. That’s an incredible feat! With a large catalog of material already written, do you ever have days when you think you may run out of ideas that you’re passionate about sharing?
"One of the great benefits of having a dog is that I spend time outside every day—and that leads me to noticing what’s going on in the natural world. As long as my dog keeps sniffing, I’ll keep finding inspiration. There are certain topics that I’ve returned to many times (Insects! Predation!) I try to find new angles and approaches to writing about these subjects."
Tell us about your non-fiction books for kids.
"Many of my nonfiction books were written for series developed by editors. Some of these were featured subjects I knew little to nothing about. Mars? Pokemon? The Titanic? Cutting-edge Brain Science?? The trick for me is to start digging into research. The more I learn about a subject, the more interesting it becomes. And once I’ve discovered the “wow-factor”, I know I can write about a subject for a young audience."
What percentage of time do you usually spend on researching the facts versus the actual writing?
"I wish I could say I was organized enough to answer this question. Usually I go back and forth between researching a topic and writing about it. And as I’m revising, I delve into the research again. I’m a minimalist when it comes to outlining and note-taking—and that might not be the most efficient approach."
Millbrook Press is releasing a new book you wrote, titled On a Snow-Melting Day, next year.
"I don’t usually like to rush the seasons, but I’m counting the days until February 4, 2020 when On a Snow-Melting Day is released. The book will appeal to young listeners and readers, 3-8 years old."
Did it take long for you to find On a Snow-Melting Day a publisher?
"Surprisingly, no! The spark of the story began as a phrase I scribbled in a notebook on January 10, 2018. I participated in the Storystorm challenge, and on that day, Heidi Stemple encouraged writers to pay attention to what’s around them. That’s advice I give myself all the time. When Carol Hinz had an open call in spring of 2018 for nonfiction manuscripts that could be illustrated by photographs, I had recently finished my snow-melting manuscript. I almost didn’t submit it because I pictured it with illustrations, not photographs. But a friend who had read the story encouraged me to send it in. The moral of the story is to always listen to your writing friends."
What surprises can the reader expect to find “on a snow-melting day”?
"The book is an extended poem about all the changes that occur as winter retreats and spring begins. It features chickadees sipping from icicles, spotted salamanders marching over melting snow, and insects warming themselves in skunk cabbage. For a preview, read the synopsis at Kirkus Reviews which (to my amazement and gratitude) gave the book a STAR! Here’s a link to the review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re... "
Your poems are included in a variety of anthologies.
"I was thrilled to have a poem published last year in J. Patrick Lewis’ The Poetry of US (published by National Geographic.) That poem, entitled “Tulip Time Festival” is about the annual tulip festival in Holland, Michigan, which is a one-hour drive from my house. Here’s a secret… I had not been to the festival when Pat asked me to write about it. But I watched online videos of the festival, and read all about it. Since then I’ve attended the festival--twice! I have also been proud to write poems for several of the Poetry Friday Anthologies, brilliantly put together by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong."
Who are your poetry mentors?
"My writing focus has wandered over the years, from narrative nonfiction for magazines, to writing nonfiction for educational publishers, to poetry. I think I first caught the poetry bug when I enrolled in an online children’s poetry class with Laura Purdie Salas, about 10 years ago. As I delved into children’s poetry, I discovered that this is the writing I am most drawn to and is what I want to do when I grow up! Many children’s poets who bring nature to life inspire me—Barbara Juster Esbensen, Valerie Worth, Joyce Sidman, Leslie Bulion, Douglas Florian, Deborah Ruddell, and Irene Latham have written books that I’ve read over and over again. I think poetry books are really the best mentors for anyone wanting to write poetry."
When writing for children, do you think it’s always important for your poem or story to encompass a particular message, or do you feel it’s fine to write and share literary kids’ work with entertaining in mind, and perhaps simply to show the reader another way of looking at something?
"When I write poetry it’s usually for an audience of one—myself! My ten-year old self is tickled pink when I come up with interesting word-play, a clever rhyme, or a humorous view. I suppose if I were trying to include a message it would be to encourage readers to notice the magic of the world around them. I do hope that young readers pick up on my enthusiasm for nature, and that an awareness of the natural world leads to a desire to protect our environment."
Your first published book, Bat’s Night Out, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year! How wonderful - and perfectly befitting for this time of year when bats are prevalent. It would appear to be a great book to take on classroom visits.
"Yes! I often include Bat’s Night Out as part of a school program. When I speak to students, I highlight different approaches to a single nonfiction topic, including an informational book, some narrative nonfiction, and poetry. Bat’s Night Out portrays one night in a bat’s life through narrative nonfiction."
What quirky animal fact from your book, Can an Old Dog Learn New Tricks? makes you smile when you think of it?
"Kids love the gross factor that’s included in a few questions in this book. I can guarantee that I’ll get a shudder when I ask this one: Is It True That a Worm Can Grow Inside Your Brain? And every student will want to hear more. Some of the questions clear up common misconceptions, which I count as a win. I’d rather kids not think that sharks are bloodthirsty killers or that bats are blind and get tangled in your hair."
What advice could you share with a writer just starting out?
"Go to your library and read, read, read! I’m a frequenter of the new book shelf at our children’s library, so I can imbibe what’s being published today. And don’t give up…I think my Kirkus star makes me an overnight success story, only thirty years in the making."
What inspires your photography?
"I’m lucky to live on the swampy end of a small lake in Michigan, so I spend a lot of time photographing the critters that live near me—dragonflies and damselflies, monarch butterflies, ladybugs munching on aphids, and more. I especially like to photograph the change of seasons. My dog ends up in a lot of photos."
If it were a “snow melting day”, what would you photograph?
"I always search for snow fleas when the snow starts to melt, but they are not that photogenic. I keep my eyes open for skunk cabbage blooms and tree buds stretching. Most of the illustrations in On a Snow-Melting Day are stock photos, but I’m delighted that a few are mine."
Fun stuff:
Pippi Longstocking is spending the day with you! What happens?
"I’d bake a pie for Pippi, probably with the Michigan blueberries I pick and freeze during the summer. After the pie I’d bring Pippi down to my basement office and let her choose whichever books she’d like to read."
Charlotte (Charlotte’s Web) wrote “Some pig” as one of her messages to save Wilbur. There were other messages she wrote: “Terrific,” “Radiant,” and “Humble.” What message would you send out?
"I might ask Charlotte to write a new message— “Look up, look down, look all around. Notice what’s happening outside your window!” Maybe that’s a little long for a humble web. But she was some spider, so perhaps she’d oblige."
On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring
October 15, 2019
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.”
September 25, 2019
Author Heidi Roemer is STEAMED!
Children’s author Heidi Bee Roemer is STEAMED! Yup, you read that right. This modest, creative, prolific writer is STEAMED – with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math!
Growing up in a rural area outside of Chicago, Heidi began her professional writing career in the 1990’s. Over the years, she has published well over a hundred curriculum related poems. Heidi is also the author of ten books and her work can be found in children’s magazines, anthologies and various educational publications.
One of her favorite ways of approaching her writing? Taking nonfiction and presenting the information in a lively, entertaining and poetic way that kids can enjoy. Just check out her science based poetry books, Who’s Nest is This? and What Kinds of Seeds are These?
Heidi, who influenced your writing?
Hi, Raven! Thanks for your kind intro.
Back in the day, Rebecca Kai Dotlich's LEMONADE SUN and Kristine O'Connell George's OLD ELM SPEAKS first sparked my interest in poetry. I swooned at Douglas Florian's clever wordplay in MAMMALBELIA and INSECTLOPEDIA. Verla Kay also played an influential role early on, with her inspired terse verse. ORPHAN TRAIN is still one of my favorites. …just to name a few!
Do you remember what inspired you to write your first book to be published?
Absolutely! Ages ago I happened upon STREET POEMS by Robert Froman, published in 1971. By today's standards, it might be considered dull. But Froman was one of the first to experiment with shape/concrete poems. I found his spare black and white shape/concrete poems fascinating and unique; a true springboard for my book, COME TO MY PARTY AND OTHER SHAPE POEMS.
PEEKITY BOO, WHAT YOU CAN DO! is your latest release. It immediately became one of my favorites since both the text and illustrations remind me so much of the bedtime routine I had with my own children when they were young.
How long did it take to write it? Was it an idea that you flushed out from beginning to end rather quickly, or something you worked at slowly over a course of time?
Thanks for sharing that, Raven! I found the cadence for PEEKITY BOO! before I found the words. Inspired by my nostalgic remembrances of putting my little boys to bed, the words came easily. "There's a belly to tickle. / Tosies to wiggle. /Jammies to slip in. / Chair to sit in." It was such a pleasure to write! I worked on the manuscript for a year and then submitted it to three publishers. Henry Holt was the first and only to respond with a YES. (You can't get much luckier than that, I know!)
Did you form a relationship with your illustrator, Mike Wohnoutka? Did you have any input regarding the artistic aspect of your book?
No, and none! But since the book came out, we've made contact (thanks, Facebook!) and I've shared with Mike how perfectly adorable- and adorably perfect his artwork is!
Anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins exclaimed, "It is my firm belief that poetry can and must be an integral part of the total school curriculum, interwoven with every subject area.” How did that motivate you?
I only learned of Lee's statement recently, but it cinches what I believe. "Sharing nonfiction in a fun way" is a philosophy I often implement when writing poems for magazines. I want my poems to amuse AND educate…and ever-increasingly so, when I started writing for Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong's wonderful POETRY FRIDAY series. I LOVE what these ladies do! I had such fun writing poems for their anthologies. I hope they have plans to create more anthologies in the future.
Tell us about STEAM. In what ways does STEAM help promote poetry in the classroom?
As you noted in your introduction, Raven, the 5-letter moniker STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. The goal of the STEAM/STEM movement is to integrate and overlap these subjects in the classroom to help motivate students and spark their imagination and interest. At STEAM Powered Poetry Videos, we want to help teachers achieve these goals by providing useful classroom resources.
Once a month we present a brief kid-friendly STEAM poetry video. We provide three downloadable options with every video:
1. Printable copy of the poem so that it can be read and discussed
2. List of experiments, charts, activities, and games to encourage hands-on learning
3. List of five or six current nonfiction books that relate to the poem's topic
Our easy-to-navigate vlog allows teachers and parents to search for videos by subject or grade. As a bonus, we feature book giveaways on a monthly or bi-monthly basis!
We only started our vlog in April of this year, but our video content is growing steadily. Additionally, and ultimately, my partner, Kimberly Hutmacher, and I want to make learning fun for students!
I noticed there were several terrific and creative women who “power” STEAM including Kimberly Hutmacher, another successful author and poet.
Yes, along with Sylvia and Janet, there are others. My long-time friend Kimberly is also my STEAM partner-in-rhyme! A poetry lover like me, as well as a successful author of more than 30 nonfiction books, Kim researches the classroom experiments, activities and crafts which we provide as downloadable supplements for every STEAM video. Kim also keeps a close tab on the children's book market. She provides the "Recommended Reading Lists" that tie into the topic of each video. Together we work to promote the vlog hoping to increase our on-line presence and grow our following.
Can you give us the information on STEAM’s book giveaways?
Giveaways are great fun! We try to schedule them regularly. Authors are invited to contact me with their STEM/STEAM titles. We'll schedule a time for their book giveaway that coincides with the "video of the month" topic or is a good seasonal fit. We also use national holidays as an "excuse" to post a related book giveaway. (For example, National Wildlife Day, National Engineer's Week, Math Storytelling Day, etc.)
Thank you, Raven, for letting me talk about STEAM Powered Poetry Videos, Pk-8 with your faithful followers!
For those of us who enjoy dabbling in whimsy, we’d love to know…
Your favorite animated movie: Shrek
Favorite food: A smooth mixture of dextrose, disodium phosphate, corn syrup, modified food starch, digylgycerides, polydestrose, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate. Otherwise known as vanilla ice cream! With a cone, please.
Poets Valerie Worth or Eve Merriam? Not fair! I'll have to flip a coin on this one.
Favorite poem or poet: If I had to choose between "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams, (unrhymed) and "My Papa's Waltz," by Theodore Roethke, I'd go with the latter. I love the waltzing meter.
Favorite book memory: Black Beauty
Finally, if I ask you to describe poetry in ten words or less, what would you say?
Here's my favorite quote: "Poetry is frozen orange concentrate. Add water and you get prose." -Unknown
Growing up in a rural area outside of Chicago, Heidi began her professional writing career in the 1990’s. Over the years, she has published well over a hundred curriculum related poems. Heidi is also the author of ten books and her work can be found in children’s magazines, anthologies and various educational publications.
One of her favorite ways of approaching her writing? Taking nonfiction and presenting the information in a lively, entertaining and poetic way that kids can enjoy. Just check out her science based poetry books, Who’s Nest is This? and What Kinds of Seeds are These?
Heidi, who influenced your writing?
Hi, Raven! Thanks for your kind intro.
Back in the day, Rebecca Kai Dotlich's LEMONADE SUN and Kristine O'Connell George's OLD ELM SPEAKS first sparked my interest in poetry. I swooned at Douglas Florian's clever wordplay in MAMMALBELIA and INSECTLOPEDIA. Verla Kay also played an influential role early on, with her inspired terse verse. ORPHAN TRAIN is still one of my favorites. …just to name a few!
Do you remember what inspired you to write your first book to be published?
Absolutely! Ages ago I happened upon STREET POEMS by Robert Froman, published in 1971. By today's standards, it might be considered dull. But Froman was one of the first to experiment with shape/concrete poems. I found his spare black and white shape/concrete poems fascinating and unique; a true springboard for my book, COME TO MY PARTY AND OTHER SHAPE POEMS.
PEEKITY BOO, WHAT YOU CAN DO! is your latest release. It immediately became one of my favorites since both the text and illustrations remind me so much of the bedtime routine I had with my own children when they were young.
How long did it take to write it? Was it an idea that you flushed out from beginning to end rather quickly, or something you worked at slowly over a course of time?
Thanks for sharing that, Raven! I found the cadence for PEEKITY BOO! before I found the words. Inspired by my nostalgic remembrances of putting my little boys to bed, the words came easily. "There's a belly to tickle. / Tosies to wiggle. /Jammies to slip in. / Chair to sit in." It was such a pleasure to write! I worked on the manuscript for a year and then submitted it to three publishers. Henry Holt was the first and only to respond with a YES. (You can't get much luckier than that, I know!)
Did you form a relationship with your illustrator, Mike Wohnoutka? Did you have any input regarding the artistic aspect of your book?
No, and none! But since the book came out, we've made contact (thanks, Facebook!) and I've shared with Mike how perfectly adorable- and adorably perfect his artwork is!
Anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins exclaimed, "It is my firm belief that poetry can and must be an integral part of the total school curriculum, interwoven with every subject area.” How did that motivate you?
I only learned of Lee's statement recently, but it cinches what I believe. "Sharing nonfiction in a fun way" is a philosophy I often implement when writing poems for magazines. I want my poems to amuse AND educate…and ever-increasingly so, when I started writing for Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong's wonderful POETRY FRIDAY series. I LOVE what these ladies do! I had such fun writing poems for their anthologies. I hope they have plans to create more anthologies in the future.
Tell us about STEAM. In what ways does STEAM help promote poetry in the classroom?
As you noted in your introduction, Raven, the 5-letter moniker STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. The goal of the STEAM/STEM movement is to integrate and overlap these subjects in the classroom to help motivate students and spark their imagination and interest. At STEAM Powered Poetry Videos, we want to help teachers achieve these goals by providing useful classroom resources.
Once a month we present a brief kid-friendly STEAM poetry video. We provide three downloadable options with every video:
1. Printable copy of the poem so that it can be read and discussed
2. List of experiments, charts, activities, and games to encourage hands-on learning
3. List of five or six current nonfiction books that relate to the poem's topic
Our easy-to-navigate vlog allows teachers and parents to search for videos by subject or grade. As a bonus, we feature book giveaways on a monthly or bi-monthly basis!
We only started our vlog in April of this year, but our video content is growing steadily. Additionally, and ultimately, my partner, Kimberly Hutmacher, and I want to make learning fun for students!
I noticed there were several terrific and creative women who “power” STEAM including Kimberly Hutmacher, another successful author and poet.
Yes, along with Sylvia and Janet, there are others. My long-time friend Kimberly is also my STEAM partner-in-rhyme! A poetry lover like me, as well as a successful author of more than 30 nonfiction books, Kim researches the classroom experiments, activities and crafts which we provide as downloadable supplements for every STEAM video. Kim also keeps a close tab on the children's book market. She provides the "Recommended Reading Lists" that tie into the topic of each video. Together we work to promote the vlog hoping to increase our on-line presence and grow our following.
Can you give us the information on STEAM’s book giveaways?
Giveaways are great fun! We try to schedule them regularly. Authors are invited to contact me with their STEM/STEAM titles. We'll schedule a time for their book giveaway that coincides with the "video of the month" topic or is a good seasonal fit. We also use national holidays as an "excuse" to post a related book giveaway. (For example, National Wildlife Day, National Engineer's Week, Math Storytelling Day, etc.)
Thank you, Raven, for letting me talk about STEAM Powered Poetry Videos, Pk-8 with your faithful followers!
For those of us who enjoy dabbling in whimsy, we’d love to know…
Your favorite animated movie: Shrek
Favorite food: A smooth mixture of dextrose, disodium phosphate, corn syrup, modified food starch, digylgycerides, polydestrose, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate. Otherwise known as vanilla ice cream! With a cone, please.
Poets Valerie Worth or Eve Merriam? Not fair! I'll have to flip a coin on this one.
Favorite poem or poet: If I had to choose between "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams, (unrhymed) and "My Papa's Waltz," by Theodore Roethke, I'd go with the latter. I love the waltzing meter.
Favorite book memory: Black Beauty
Finally, if I ask you to describe poetry in ten words or less, what would you say?
Here's my favorite quote: "Poetry is frozen orange concentrate. Add water and you get prose." -Unknown
September 9, 2019
Timothy Young, drawing with his eyes closed?
How many authors do you know of who hold a personal goal of a “50 State Author Visit Challenge”? How wonderful is that?! Timothy Young has already entertained and educated students in hundreds of schools, particularly in the Northeast, over the past decade. His illustrious career has included diverse creative directions such as animation, toy design, sculpting, magazine illustration, graphic and website design, as well as art direction.
Timothy is also the author and illustrator of numerous picture books. If you haven’t checked out I Hate Picture Books!, If You Give the Puffin a Muffin, Do Not Open The Box! or I’m Going To Outer Space! then you don’t know what you’re missing!
I met Timothy at a New York book fair this year where we were signing books and mingling with the day’s book festival crowd. As a fan of his artwork and picture books, it was an honor to finally connect with him in person. He is kind, engaging, and has a warm, friendly smile.
Because Timothy’s website and blogs are chock full of interesting ideas, tips, experience, and inspiration (https://creaturesandcharacters.com), I think our interview can afford to be a bit more quirky!
First though, I have a couple of questions regarding his books.
In your funny 2019 picture book, Untitled, the characters aren’t sure who they are suppose to be nor do they know the plot they are to follow. Would you say you’re someone who “plots” out your path or do you find you “wing it” most of the time?
Timothy: "I do a bit of both. With this book, much of the idea flowed out quickly. I wrote three-quarters of the book in one sitting. I then started designing the characters and doing thumbnails of the spreads. During that phase more plot ideas came, including the ending. The title of the book changed a few times and I started referring to it as “untitled”. Once I realized that it was the perfect title, I tweaked the story a bit and added the final lines of the book."
The Angry Puffin does a great job of appropriately depicting frustration and loneliness, and allows options for a child to deal with anger and connect with others if needed. When you’re frustrated with a project, how do you deal with it?
"I pull my hair and stomp around! Not really, if I’m stuck and need inspiration I stop trying to work it out and take a walk or drive somewhere. I have had a lot of good ideas pop into my head while driving. I’ve even written 3 books that way. It helps to have a good memory since I can’t type while driving."
Now to what inquiring minds want to know –ha!
I’d never do this again:
"Not pay close attention when proofing a book, no matter how busy I am. I was finishing Creatures and Characters when I received my proof for I’m Going To Outer Space! I didn’t notice that some of the text was missing and neither did the editors. The book ended up being delayed by a few months. My publisher and I had gotten a little too comfortable with one another and assumed that since everything in the past had gone so smoothly, it always would. We learned our lesson: Always check your work!”
My guilty pleasure is:
"Ice cream. Recently two new ice cream parlors opened in our town. I’m trying to lose weight and they did this just to tempt me."
My worst habit is:
"My wife would say that I can never just sit and relax. I work for myself so my boss is tough on me. I am always working on something. If I’m not doing a client’s job, I’m working on an illustration or writing a book. If I’m not doing that, I’m on social media promoting or posting a picture to Instagram, or I’m working on something around the house or sending out emails to try and book school visits."
I’d love to be stuck in an elevator with:
"Somebody who fixes elevators!"
One of my very favorite books is:
"Wow, that’s always one of the hardest questions! Do I pick something from my childhood like Go, Dog, Go?Should it be a classic like The Grapes of Wrath or great science fiction like The Martian Chronicles? Ok, I can narrow it down to a favorite specific book that I own - my copy of The Lorax, signed by Dr. Seuss himself at a NYC bookstore from when I was in college."
I have an irrational fear of:
"Heights, but in a weird way. Most people say that looking down bothers them when they are up high. If I’m on ladder or up on a mountain enjoying the view I get queasy if I look up."
My hero is:
"The educators I meet when I’m visiting schools. I get to go into a school and treat the students to my assemblies. They get to see me at my best and I get to see them when they are happy, excited and having a great time. Everybody has good days and bad days, and teachers and librarians are there for those kids when they really need help through the bad times. I admire that so much."
Star Trek or Lost in Space?
"I have references for both shows in my book I’m Going to Outer Space! While I would have loved to be on the Enterprise, I would be asking Captain Kirk to introduce me to Spock. And as a kid I wanted to be Will Robinson so I could hang around with B9. I took a picture with him, my favorite robot, at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh."
A funny question asked by a student:
"I draw for the students during my presentations. Last year, after I had drawn the Puffin from The Angry Little Puffin, someone asked if I could draw with my eyes closed. I said I did not know but I accepted the challenge. I was surprised that it was fairly recognizable if not a bit cubist."
A song that could be the soundtrack to my life recently:
"With the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in the news, Joe Cocker’s version of The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends” has been going through my head. Working for myself can be a bit isolating at times. I’ve been so happy in the past decade to have reconnected with old friends and made so many new ones on social media. It’s also been helpful when friends talk about my books and refer me to schools. With all these friends around the world I feel so connected."I'm Going to Outer SpaceTimothy Young
Timothy is also the author and illustrator of numerous picture books. If you haven’t checked out I Hate Picture Books!, If You Give the Puffin a Muffin, Do Not Open The Box! or I’m Going To Outer Space! then you don’t know what you’re missing!
I met Timothy at a New York book fair this year where we were signing books and mingling with the day’s book festival crowd. As a fan of his artwork and picture books, it was an honor to finally connect with him in person. He is kind, engaging, and has a warm, friendly smile.
Because Timothy’s website and blogs are chock full of interesting ideas, tips, experience, and inspiration (https://creaturesandcharacters.com), I think our interview can afford to be a bit more quirky!
First though, I have a couple of questions regarding his books.
In your funny 2019 picture book, Untitled, the characters aren’t sure who they are suppose to be nor do they know the plot they are to follow. Would you say you’re someone who “plots” out your path or do you find you “wing it” most of the time?
Timothy: "I do a bit of both. With this book, much of the idea flowed out quickly. I wrote three-quarters of the book in one sitting. I then started designing the characters and doing thumbnails of the spreads. During that phase more plot ideas came, including the ending. The title of the book changed a few times and I started referring to it as “untitled”. Once I realized that it was the perfect title, I tweaked the story a bit and added the final lines of the book."
The Angry Puffin does a great job of appropriately depicting frustration and loneliness, and allows options for a child to deal with anger and connect with others if needed. When you’re frustrated with a project, how do you deal with it?
"I pull my hair and stomp around! Not really, if I’m stuck and need inspiration I stop trying to work it out and take a walk or drive somewhere. I have had a lot of good ideas pop into my head while driving. I’ve even written 3 books that way. It helps to have a good memory since I can’t type while driving."
Now to what inquiring minds want to know –ha!
I’d never do this again:
"Not pay close attention when proofing a book, no matter how busy I am. I was finishing Creatures and Characters when I received my proof for I’m Going To Outer Space! I didn’t notice that some of the text was missing and neither did the editors. The book ended up being delayed by a few months. My publisher and I had gotten a little too comfortable with one another and assumed that since everything in the past had gone so smoothly, it always would. We learned our lesson: Always check your work!”
My guilty pleasure is:
"Ice cream. Recently two new ice cream parlors opened in our town. I’m trying to lose weight and they did this just to tempt me."
My worst habit is:
"My wife would say that I can never just sit and relax. I work for myself so my boss is tough on me. I am always working on something. If I’m not doing a client’s job, I’m working on an illustration or writing a book. If I’m not doing that, I’m on social media promoting or posting a picture to Instagram, or I’m working on something around the house or sending out emails to try and book school visits."
I’d love to be stuck in an elevator with:
"Somebody who fixes elevators!"
One of my very favorite books is:
"Wow, that’s always one of the hardest questions! Do I pick something from my childhood like Go, Dog, Go?Should it be a classic like The Grapes of Wrath or great science fiction like The Martian Chronicles? Ok, I can narrow it down to a favorite specific book that I own - my copy of The Lorax, signed by Dr. Seuss himself at a NYC bookstore from when I was in college."
I have an irrational fear of:
"Heights, but in a weird way. Most people say that looking down bothers them when they are up high. If I’m on ladder or up on a mountain enjoying the view I get queasy if I look up."
My hero is:
"The educators I meet when I’m visiting schools. I get to go into a school and treat the students to my assemblies. They get to see me at my best and I get to see them when they are happy, excited and having a great time. Everybody has good days and bad days, and teachers and librarians are there for those kids when they really need help through the bad times. I admire that so much."
Star Trek or Lost in Space?
"I have references for both shows in my book I’m Going to Outer Space! While I would have loved to be on the Enterprise, I would be asking Captain Kirk to introduce me to Spock. And as a kid I wanted to be Will Robinson so I could hang around with B9. I took a picture with him, my favorite robot, at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh."
A funny question asked by a student:
"I draw for the students during my presentations. Last year, after I had drawn the Puffin from The Angry Little Puffin, someone asked if I could draw with my eyes closed. I said I did not know but I accepted the challenge. I was surprised that it was fairly recognizable if not a bit cubist."
A song that could be the soundtrack to my life recently:
"With the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in the news, Joe Cocker’s version of The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends” has been going through my head. Working for myself can be a bit isolating at times. I’ve been so happy in the past decade to have reconnected with old friends and made so many new ones on social media. It’s also been helpful when friends talk about my books and refer me to schools. With all these friends around the world I feel so connected."I'm Going to Outer SpaceTimothy Young
August 29, 2019
Book Building!
I have the fun and fortunate opportunity to be updating and revising my children’s poetry book of action rhymes, Spinning Circles, released several years ago. You’d think it would be an easy, quick task. It’s not! Still, as a writer, a creator, I’m enjoying the job, but it’s tedious and time-consuming.
I thought this would be a good place to share some of my opinions and tips on how in general, book production creatively comes together.
The original picture book had both illustrations and photographs accompanying the verse. This time we’re producing the book for smaller hands – a smaller size, changing fonts to funkier ones and adding new photographs. A designer/illustrator was hired to add spot illustrations and work with me to make the compilation flow from beginning to end. The focus is to give the pages an update to present day exercise and creativity popular for children. That’s not to say some standard ideas and “actions” don’t work today just as well as they did decades ago (what kid doesn’t love playing with a big gift box, and finally opening it to find a stuffed animal inside?)...
Over the years I’ve read Spinning Circles and taken it into many children’s classrooms, summer camps and library workshops to read and share activities from. With its vintage feel, a game of Duck, Duck, Goose depicted in one of the poems has lost a bit of relevance to kids today, so that one for instance is being replaced with a poem about children gardening – helping to grow vegetables and flowers and getting that prerequisite bumpy wheelbarrow ride in the backyard.
As the text flushes out, the storyboard becomes developed. That’s the outline draft showing the pages- actual drawn rectangles divided in half to represent the double-page spreads of the book.
As the individual poetry and images wed, the art director and I need to start considering the flow on the whole. If one page is quite full and lively, then it’s ok to slow it down and space out the next. I don’t think a dramatic shift is needed, but keeping a gentle rocking back and forth like a teeter-totter is soothing, allowing the young reader interest in turning the next page.
Also, because you want the child to re-read the book over and over again, even if you’re creating a simple board book, add some cute, fun or surprising details in the illustrations/artwork. I still remember finding a delightful “something” I hadn’t noticed before in the picture books I read as a child. Richard Scarry was a genius at this!
Finally, the general color palette should be considered. Do you want the high point of the book to explode? Then that’s where you could incorporate a bright change of hue or splash of light. But if your book takes place in the desert, you know overall you’ll be dipping into the browns, tans, oranges, grays, pale yellows, with complimenting cactus greens and baby blue skies.
Happy book creating, and I hope it takes you to new adventures!
I thought this would be a good place to share some of my opinions and tips on how in general, book production creatively comes together.
The original picture book had both illustrations and photographs accompanying the verse. This time we’re producing the book for smaller hands – a smaller size, changing fonts to funkier ones and adding new photographs. A designer/illustrator was hired to add spot illustrations and work with me to make the compilation flow from beginning to end. The focus is to give the pages an update to present day exercise and creativity popular for children. That’s not to say some standard ideas and “actions” don’t work today just as well as they did decades ago (what kid doesn’t love playing with a big gift box, and finally opening it to find a stuffed animal inside?)...
Over the years I’ve read Spinning Circles and taken it into many children’s classrooms, summer camps and library workshops to read and share activities from. With its vintage feel, a game of Duck, Duck, Goose depicted in one of the poems has lost a bit of relevance to kids today, so that one for instance is being replaced with a poem about children gardening – helping to grow vegetables and flowers and getting that prerequisite bumpy wheelbarrow ride in the backyard.
As the text flushes out, the storyboard becomes developed. That’s the outline draft showing the pages- actual drawn rectangles divided in half to represent the double-page spreads of the book.
As the individual poetry and images wed, the art director and I need to start considering the flow on the whole. If one page is quite full and lively, then it’s ok to slow it down and space out the next. I don’t think a dramatic shift is needed, but keeping a gentle rocking back and forth like a teeter-totter is soothing, allowing the young reader interest in turning the next page.
Also, because you want the child to re-read the book over and over again, even if you’re creating a simple board book, add some cute, fun or surprising details in the illustrations/artwork. I still remember finding a delightful “something” I hadn’t noticed before in the picture books I read as a child. Richard Scarry was a genius at this!
Finally, the general color palette should be considered. Do you want the high point of the book to explode? Then that’s where you could incorporate a bright change of hue or splash of light. But if your book takes place in the desert, you know overall you’ll be dipping into the browns, tans, oranges, grays, pale yellows, with complimenting cactus greens and baby blue skies.
Happy book creating, and I hope it takes you to new adventures!
July 18, 2019
Books - bright or muted?
Recently a dear friend inspired me to further evaluate the connections between children, books and colors. Commenting that personally she'd prefer softer or less bright tones, she also wondered if bedtime reading in bold colored books perhaps affected a child falling asleep.
In general, children tend to be attracted to bright block colors rather than pastels or muted blends making brights more appealing than light or neutral shades. This preference for brighter colors is because from an early age a child’s eyes are not fully developed yet. They perceive these colors far better than fainter shades.
Although color may have an effect on the mood, looking through a colorful book will not affect sleepiness. Red has been known to increase the heart rate and therefore be more stimulating, but don't worry - it's not going to keep your child awake before bedtime when she leafs through her bright and zany Dr. Seuss collection giggling at red striped hats!
Stark or bright illustrations are more stimulating and interesting. In fact, early in life, children even learn to sort by color first, plus colors are some of the first words they tend to learn.
Most important, have kids help you choose books for them. Bright colored illustrations or not, this will help instill a love of life-long reading! Glimmer, Sing of Sun!
In general, children tend to be attracted to bright block colors rather than pastels or muted blends making brights more appealing than light or neutral shades. This preference for brighter colors is because from an early age a child’s eyes are not fully developed yet. They perceive these colors far better than fainter shades.
Although color may have an effect on the mood, looking through a colorful book will not affect sleepiness. Red has been known to increase the heart rate and therefore be more stimulating, but don't worry - it's not going to keep your child awake before bedtime when she leafs through her bright and zany Dr. Seuss collection giggling at red striped hats!
Stark or bright illustrations are more stimulating and interesting. In fact, early in life, children even learn to sort by color first, plus colors are some of the first words they tend to learn.
Most important, have kids help you choose books for them. Bright colored illustrations or not, this will help instill a love of life-long reading! Glimmer, Sing of Sun!
