Author vs. Illustrator

by Donald Lemke, Designer Bob Lentz (illustrator)

At the far reaches of Earth, high upon a mountaintop, a bustling city is under attack by a . . . cute little furball? Wait—what?! That’s not right. The author wrote this book about a “ferocious beast,” not a cuddly critter. Turns out, the book’s illustrator has other plans. Page by page, these clashing collaborators are writing (and drawing) themselves into the story for a full-on creator combat—a bookmaking BATTLE ROYALE! Can the author make a successful book with no pictures? Can the Illustrator tell a tale without words? (A picture is worth a thousand of them, he says.) Or will this dueling duo get on the same page at last to create the ultimate happy ending?

From Lemke & Lentz (the quirky collaborators behind Call of Doodie and Book-O-Beards) comes a laugh-out-loud picture book about the not-so-simple process of creating a picture book. Full of over-the-top humor and under-the-radar lessons—including the skills of teamwork, conflict resolution, and respect—this book is a must-have for young writers, budding artists, and lifelong book lovers.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Childrens, Fiction, Books About Books, Graphic Novels

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2024

About the author

Donald Lemke works as a children's book editor. He has written dozens of all-age comics and children's books for Capstone, HarperCollins, Running Press, and more. Donald lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with his beautiful wife, Amy, toddling toddler, Cleo, and a not-so-golden retriever named Paulie.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good point!
This book tells vividly how authors and illustrators work together. At times, they will agree and create amazing work but there will be times when they disagree on the writing and the illustrations. This book is honest and creative. Amazing illustrations and storytelling I would say.

Thank you, Capstone, for the advance reading copy.

[Brittany Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Donald Lemke and NetGalley for allowing me an ARC to review prior to release.

Need a book that is fun, humorous, but has a lesson of friendship built in? No need to look any further! Author vs. Illustrator is a humorous book that shows the relationship between an illustrator and author, and what happens when they decide not to work together. This is a great book to teach students how to work together, as well as the importance of both an illustrator and author. Are they able to set aside their differences to finish the book? Well, you will just have to read it to find out yourself!

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I am making a mental list of the kids that I know who are going to LOVE this book. It has superheroes, monsters, beasts, and junk food! Teachers are going to love it, too! It is chock full of lessons on prewriting, collaboration, word choice, revision, and the role of the illustrator and the author. When you get this book, you better get at least two. One is not going to be enough.

[Megyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author vs Illustrator is a book about an author and an illustrator butting heads. They can’t agree on what the pictures should look like for the story.

This is a cute story! I loved the illustrations on this one, I think kids will really like the illustrations. I think the story is cute as well. It shows kids how to resolve an argument. I loved the real pictures and story at the end of the book as well.

Thanks so much to netgalley and Capstone for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Author vs. Illustrator", written by Don Lemke and illustrated by Bob Lentz, is a children's picture book. This is a clever and humorous book that will appeal to many children. It teaches how both people are needed in a partnership. Each person brings their strongest skill to the team. In this book, when the artist tries to make the book without the writer, it doesn't work. When the writer tries to create the book without pictures, that isn't as much fun either. Together, they create the best stories.

The drawings by Bob Lentz are cartoonlike and amusing. The two storylines, one of the story they are writing about the beast and the other about making their book, are both well written.

This is a great book for a family with two children, as well as for classrooms and school libraries. It is scheduled to publish August 1, 2024.

Thank you to Netgalley, Capstone Editions, and Don Lemke and Bob Lentz for providing this e-book ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the author narrates, the illustrator draws, until they realize that they have completely different ideas for the book. Can they come together and find a shared vision, or are the citizens of Sprinkletown destined to be destroyed by the hungry beast?

The illustrations are perfect and the story is a lot of fun! This is a wonderful way to introduce the craft of storytelling and the concept of cooperation. My story time kids are going to love it.


Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. My seven year old and I enjoyed Author vs. Illustrator. It was a cute story about the troubles and advantages of teamwork. The illustrations were fun and silly! I would definitely recommend this book for K-2 readers. (Bonus kids get to learn a little more about how a book is made, and the different jobs that are required.) #AuthorvsIllustrator #NetGalley.

[Cecelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this picture book, the author and illustrator share the roles, choices, and process of a creative team. Using avatars of themselves, they show and tell through comic book dialogue how books are made: a process of trial and error, listening to each other, and making joint decisions. In the book-within-the-book that they are creating on page, Captain Sprinkle must defeat a legendary beast… but why is it so small and cute?! Miscommunications and creative choices filled with elementary grade humor (they give it jalapeño breath, the hero can shoot ice cream cannons, and so on) make for an engaging lesson in book-making and storytelling.

The structure of this picture book is one of its most interesting features – the authors recreate themselves as comic characters in order to show how they go about making books. Their dialogue alternates as the author shares an idea, and then the illustrator pitches in with an innovative illustration of that snippet. As the process continues, it becomes clear that the illustrator and author have very different ideas of how the book should look, who has ultimate creative control, and how to work together successfully. While there’s not much deep characterization of the authors themselves, they hilariously demonstrate the process of creating dynamic stories and character design through their back-and-forth banter. The plot is simplistic enough for all ages to follow, though the dialogue includes advanced vocabulary that will appeal to older audiences.

This title offers a view into how books are made, but it’s not all smooth sailing. The main conflict is one familiar to anyone who has ever worked on a group project: a disagreement on roles and control. It is resolved by the characters sharing ideas gracefully and productively (but not before some shouted ALL CAPS words!). The lessons within the pages on healthy teamwork, collaboration, and resolving conflict will be welcome to all ages of creators or future-creators. As Lemke’s avatar says on page 36: “In a way, a book is a lot like a chili dog… When the parts come together, it’s totally worth the indigestion.” It’s meant for young readers, but I am tempted to use Author vs. Illustrator with my high school students to teach authorial choice as part of a unit on graphic novels. It’s definitely innovative!

Before we wrap up, the art! Lentz’s illustration style includes the aforementioned comic book avatars of the creators, including details like Lemke's dog and Lentz’s snacking, but otherwise their time on-page is mostly accompanied by white space and sparsely-traced suggestions of an office-type background. On the other hand, the “book” they are creating together gets the full color treatment. The step-by-step evolution of Captain Sprinkles’ and the beast’s character design is one of the most interesting visual aspects, and will make for a laugh or two as well. On the last page of the book, the creators include a brief collage of photos of some of their own inspiration, and how it ties into the creation of the book – a nice touch and teaching tool.

In all, Lemke and Lentz have created a picture book about making books – and as a dynamic duo have made it fun, funny, and interesting to boot. Author vs. Illustrator is silly, instructive, and honest – a great combination!

Recommended for: the early reader crowd (ages 6+), young readers who either love comics or may be interested in creating their own, and anyone fascinated by the creative interplay between authors and illustrators.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Author Vs Illustrator," written by Donald Lemke and illustrated by Bob Lentz, is an engaging and hilarious children's book that explores the dynamic and sometimes contentious relationship between an author and an illustrator. Aimed at readers aged 8-12, this book cleverly presents the creative process through a comic format, making it both accessible and entertaining.

The story begins at the far reaches of Earth, atop a mountaintop, where a bustling city finds itself under attack by an unexpected menace—a cute little furball. This whimsical twist is far from the "ferocious beast" the author originally envisioned, leading to a comical clash between the author and illustrator. The narrative unfolds as a playful battle of wits and creativity, with each collaborator trying to impose their vision on the story. The author insists on a text-driven tale about a terrifying creature, while the illustrator whimsically transforms the beast into an adorable critter, emphasizing the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words.

As the pages turn, readers are treated to a full-on creator combat, a bookmaking battle royale that is both amusing and enlightening. The humorous exchanges and exaggerated scenarios highlight the challenges and joys of collaborative creation. The author and illustrator's journey towards mutual understanding and cooperation is not only entertaining but also educational, subtly teaching readers about teamwork, conflict resolution, and respect.

Lemke and Lentz, known for their quirky collaborations in "Call of Doodie" and "Book-O-Beards," have crafted another gem with "Author Vs Illustrator." The over-the-top humor and vibrant illustrations keep young readers engaged, while the underlying lessons about the creative process and collaboration make it a valuable addition to any child's bookshelf. The book's unique approach to storytelling—where words and pictures vie for dominance—provides a fresh perspective on how books are made, making it a must-have for young writers, budding artists, and lifelong book lovers.

In conclusion, "Author Vs Illustrator" is a laugh-out-loud picture book that perfectly balances humor and heart. It's an ideal read for children who are curious about the magic behind the books they love and serves as an inspiration for future storytellers and illustrators.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale is for all future authors or illustrators out there...or for those, who simply enjoy a humorous read.

Two friends/co-creators have a new idea for a story. The author has the plot all worked out, while the illustrator is ready to work his magic. While the author's monster comes to life on the page thanks to the illustrator, the superhero, who will defeat him, seems to have a few more kinks. The author knows what he wants, but the illustrator has some amazing ideas, too. As the story progresses, the two drift further and further apart and ridiculous scenarios form. Now, it's a question as to whether the story will come to an end or not.

This is a cross between a picture book and a graphic novel, and slides nicely into the upper chapter book/lower middle grade level. The two characters are great friends and, obviously, work well together. When the first problem arrives, the two work it out with finesse, but as the differences between their opinions increase little-by-little, the tension builds right along with it. Both are enthusiastic about what they do, which makes each one just a little bit extreme...and fun. As the argument builds, it's hard not to cringe, knowing the fight will only get worse, but on the same hand, there's enough mounting ridiculousness to draw smiles and giggles, too.

The text sticks to the speech bubbles as the tale is told through the two friends' back-and-forth. The illustrations pick up everything else and deliver the scenes as well as the emotions nicely.

It's a pretty quick-paced read and not only shows the different roles an author and an illustrator play, but also hits upon friendship, disagreements, and working things out. I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and had to smile and snort a few times during this tale.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun to read. Cute idea and colorful, fun illustrations. I must admit to having to go back and reread after finding myself paying more attention to the expressions on the dog's face -- real name Huey Lewis -- than some of the other details. Not that I minded as it was just as much fun the second time. Children should love the story and the imaginative illustrations, from the not-so-ferocious fluffy monster to the, let's call them ice cream driven super team.

Even better, while being entertained, they'll be learning how collaboration works and ways to to resolve disagreements, big or small...and remain good friends at the end. In a school setting, I foresee teachers encouraging some partnerships to create their own picture books, too. Lots of humor but, hey, be prepared for them to have a sudden yen for ice cream as they read. Also, enjoy the real life pictures at the end, including of the real Huey Lewis, and note that they really do seem to enjoy their ice cream. Thanks #NetGalley and #Capstone for sharing this early and, yes, making me think maybe I need an ice cream cone, too. Fun read!

[Zoe | CozyMoodReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Author Vs. Illustrator' by the amazing duo Lemke and Lentz is an out-of-the-box read ideal for elementary schoolers.

Follow a creative author and his hungry illustrator pal as they go back and forth on the perception of words and ideas. With eye-catching, simplistic, bright, and creative graphics; witty banter, and lots of ice cream references-- This story demonstrates the power of working collaboratively and the strengths and weaknesses we all possess to complete a project.

I read 'Author Vs. Illustrator' to my kindergartener as a bedtime story the other night and she loved it.

Per my kindergartener's recommendation:
- "Some word bubbles and pages have too many words."
- (For pages that have more than one scene) "Which word bubble do I read first?"

Per parent/adult's recommendation:
- Although initially targeted for those ages 5+, I believe the age 6 or 7+ would be ideal as this reads more like a graphic novel than a picture book.

Overall Rating: 4/5 stars

📕🖊️📕🖊️📕🖊️📕🖊️📕🖊️📕🖊️📕
Thank you to Donald Lemke and Bob Lentz, Netgalley, and Capstone | Capstone Editions for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of an illustrator and an author coming up with a story together and then duking it out over their divergent ideas was a neat concept for a graphic novel or illustrated book. I'm just not 100% sure on the execution. I think I expected something a bit more fun to be honest, like they actually do duke it out. But a large part of the story was them working collaboratively together. The divergence was a very small part of the whole, and maybe that's where I kind of felt led astray. I wanted there to be some lead in and then the whole vs. to take over for a good portion of the middle until they realized how to work together. That is definitely covered in the book, but the actual conflict is the smallest part of the whole.

The artwork is fun, and I love the idea of this being a lesson in working together as much in the fiction as it is in the collaboration space. There is a good lesson here, and I do think that it is told fairly well. Just a bit better pacing would make this an awesome product.

* I received an ARC via NetGalley

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presented initially as a “how to make a book” graphic novel, the readers watch how the author, Don, and illustrated, Bob, may not always agree when they work together. Bob narrates the story within the story about a self-inserted superhero saving the town of Sprinkletown from a ferocious beast. Don draws the pictures, which do not match Bob’s vision at all, and he self-inserts another superhero of his own. The book is complete with humorous puns, adorable illustrations, and the dual storylines of the author and illustrator’s writing process and the superhero book within the book.

THOUGHTS:
Overall, this graphic novel is a great way to introduce the writing process and how authors and illustrators create books and work together. The messages about creativity, conflict resolution, and teamwork would be beneficial for both classroom and library lessons.

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for providing a digital copy of the book for an honest review.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title and cover art draw in the reader, and with each page turn, it does not disappoint. I can hear the giggles and big reactions from students as I read this book out loud. This book is more silliness and laugh than an instructional text on book making, but it is sure to inspire kids to try writing their own book. You should definitely give this book a read. Older students will laugh too. Get this book. (Reviewed an uncorrected proof at Capstone website.)

How to use this book: I can see it now. Have kids write a story with a friend. Have a jar full of random ideas. Pull an idea every few minutes or so and have your kids work the idea into the story. Imagine how silly a story will be when a rubber duck appears out of the idea jar or perhaps a water slide. Grow some imagination and write a story in the same style. Be silly and have fun.

[Cailleach · Rating 4 out of 5]

An author and an illustrator collaborating on a story find that the conflict between words and pictures that aren't in agreement can make the story much less fun. They need to learn about compromise to make their story a success.

This book is a simple and funny way to teach kids about the jobs of an author and illustrator. It highlights all the different ways in which the words and pictures in a story interact and combine to make it a pleasurable experience to read. The development in both the characters and story create an engaging and relatable scene for kids, who often find themselves in a situation where they can't agree and need to come to a compromise that makes both sides happy.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC used to write this review!

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An author has a great idea, and the illustrator is ready to add the visual details to make the story sprinkle--I mean sparkle. But when his opinions diverge, it's all out battle for the right to tell this epic ice cream adventure: author vs illustrator.

I'm pretty sure anyone who's ever worked on a team with other creative people can relate to this book. Sometimes all the ideas are good, but they don't necessarily all work together, This book would be a lot of fun as an introduction to group projects in elementary school, but it's also a fun and silly story that I'd recommend to anyone with an interest in writing or illustrating.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[BooksThrillJessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go behind the scenes to see what it takes to make a children’s graphic novel. When Bob and Don decided to make a new book they struggle with how it should be illustrated. Can the author and illustrator see eye to eye or will artistic differences ruin their writing powers?
Overall rating 5/5
Such a creative take on a children’s graphic novel. We loved the illustrations, especially the real-life beast Huey Lewis. Such an interesting way to approach conflict resolution in an age appropriate way. We look forward to reading more books by Lemke and Lentz.

*Thank you to Donald Lemke and Bob Lentz, Netgalley and Capstone | Capstone Editions for the ARC book copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 158 of 300 ~ 2024

🌟🌟🌟

A food filled introduction of why an author and illustrator need to collaborate or else they will commiserate as their story will not be told. Cheesy / corny but true.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#book158of300 #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #TheOfficialBoyfriendsColoringBook #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2024 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds

[AuntieErrica (audiobooks=life) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author vs Illustrator is an adorable children’s book showing how a good picture book can come together in pieces, especially when the author and illustrator work together. It’s cute and well-written, and I immensely enjoyed the short, fun read. The pictures were also on-point and matched the tone and plot of the story perfectly.
I also feel like the story has excellent teaching points for kids, which is always a plus.
I would read this or other books by the author or illustrator to my niece and nephews anytime!

Thank you NetGalley, Donald Lemke, and Capstone for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Capstone through NetGalley.
Lemke and Lentz capture the balance needed between an author and an illustrator to develop books. Readers see them challenge each other and also work together to create a story where superheroes save a town from a beast. We see how they make changes and argue and then create to bring this story to life. The artwork is vividly colored and pulls readers in to the story being told and the story between the two creators. Looking forward to sharing this one and opening dialogue about the creative process with an emphasis on working together.

[Jonathan (Jon)]

*𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴*

This story mean for children is the perfect read about the relationship between an author and illustrator. I really enjoyed the way the story was written and laughed a few times at the humor.

This is a great book with a meaning in it - how to work together. It’s a clever idea and the execution was very interesting. I loved the drawings and multiple storylines in this.

I could definitely see this being the perfect book for a school’s library or young reader!

📕🖊️📕🖊️📕🖊️📕🖊️📕🖊️📕🖊️📕

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with access to read this book!

[Marina Nicolás · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a joy from start to finish. The illustrations are eye-catching and cute, the story is endearing and funny, and it teaches children about an industry and a process that many will be unfamiliar with.
The book touches on the topic of both illustrators and writers having to collaborate to make a story come to life, and how they might not see eye to eye at every step of the way.
I think this is a great, short story for children, fun and entertaining, encouraging them to follow their dreams and learn to work in a team.

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content: G
The author and illustrator start out on the same page, but they soon turn their book into a battleground of opposing ideas. If they’re going to finish their book, they’ll have to see where words and pictures can help each other—and the story!
While the focus is on complementing words and pictures for a story, Lemke also provides an example of working together with different ideas and strengths. The humor of the characters’ argument balances out the real life skills being illustrated.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Cindy Person · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute quick read. It was a good depiction of how not working together can ruin something and when working together goes well, the end result is so much better. It can be translated into any aspect of a child’s life of working together, as well as adults.

I had my 8 year old daughter read it and she said she thoroughly enjoyed it. Her favorite character was Bob because she loves to draw and create art. She loved the colorful illustrations in the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Lemke & Lentz for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working together on a project can be frustrating fun. Each aspect is presented, and they work it out together to make something they both can be proud of!
The illustrations by Bob Lentz are clear, colorful, and fun complete with fun characters and thought bubbles!
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Capstone via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cooperation is the word of the day when it comes to this funny battle of wits over the creative process. The author and the illustrator both have strong opinions as to how things should "look" as they struggle to create their book. This was loads of fun, and the illustrations by Bob Lentz are bold and imaginative. Learning to work together and respecting one another's opinions is the theme here, though I think the real message is never draw on an empty stomach.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for sharing this title.

[Shateen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Capstone in exchange for an honest review - Thank you!

5/5 Stars - get it now

This was a cute story! There is a humor element which students would really enjoy and would help keep them engaged. As an Elementary Librarian, I could see reading this book to kick off our lessons in Authors and Illustrators. If you need a book to introduce what Authors and Illustrators do, this is a great option.

[Kimberly Mcdermid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about how collaborating works with authors and illustrators, and it’s not always easy. Kids will find lots of laughs in their silly antics. I enjoyed how they compared book-making to food! Good lessons and fun to read. Book written with speech bubbles so you might need to make sure you get readers understand the flow of page, but a great teaching opportunity! I received an advance ebook from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer Gillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun book! This tells a bit of a story of how the author and illustrator can collaborate to bring a story to life, but ultimately this is a book for kids to learn about working together and listening to each other, as well as inspiring young writers and artists. The illustrations are awesome and the characters/author & illustrator are funny. Will definitely be buying this for my school library!

{This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.}