Gayathri

More than just a novelty: the art of die-cut picture books...

I think ‘novelty’ is a rather unfortunate term commonly used to reference certain types of children’s books. I suppose books that use die-cuts or other techniques in their printing process are seen as ‘jazzed up’, and hence have a novelty factor. It still bothers me that just because these books have something more than the regular printed page, they are often times considered slightly better because of their bells and whistles. It is very similar to how many people equate good apps as those with more animation and interactivity, losing track of the fact that at its core a successful kid’s app is one with a great story. A lot of the time these types of ‘special effects’ distract from, rather than focus on, the essential storytelling aspect. However, when creators have a unique story,...

Be curious: moulding a scientific mind through picture books...

by Gayathri

I used to despise physics and mathematics in school. I was happy to leave them far behind as soon as it was possible. I couldn’t relate to them in any way and they felt so distant, boring and inconsequential. It was clearly a result of the way I was introduced to the subjects. I just wish someone had inculcated in me the wonder and spirit of science at the start. I found it so limiting, which it is everything but. Two picture books I read recently made me feel like science was exciting; a revelation indeed! Infinity and Me (written by Kate Hosford and illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska) is a picture book that was published in 2012, and talks about the mathematical concept of infinity. Through the inquiring mind of 8-year-old Uma, we begin to ponder about...

Don’t forget to doodle & other sketchbook secrets...

by Gayathri

Probably the best advice I’ve received about getting past creative blocks is (1) don’t underestimate doodling (2) always keep a sketchbook. Doodling is such a freeing activity, and most of the time when you’re really stressed out over an idea or concentrating too hard, it feels like a lot of work. And the minute something feels like work, it gets less interesting and the results are, usually, disappointing. I guess that’s why everybody always talks about the importance of keeping your artwork fresh. For a person who got very self-critical when things didn’t turn out as I planned, doodling was a welcome break. I’ve found it hugely beneficial to doodle because it’s a completely subconscious process. Since I don’t have a plan to start off with, it lands up being an exciting journey. Most...

3 picture books deal with 2 complex issues: death and domestic violence...

by Gayathri

What could be more difficult that dealing with the loss of a parent? It’s a subject that most people have a hard time even comprehending, forget making it a subject of a book for children. But picture books aren’t meant to shield children. That’s my opinion, at least. There are people in the other camp who believe that hard subjects like death, loss, violence and abuse should be left out of books for children. But they’re all a reality of life, unfortunately. Isn’t it inevitable that they will have to deal with a whole host of issues as they grow up? Two beautiful picture books that I read recently reflect that if it’s done in the right way, they can be very valuable and effective. My Father’s Arms Are A Boat (written by Stein Erik...

My favourite resource books as a picture book creator...

by Gayathri

Right now there are so many places you can get advice and help with your creative process as a picture book author/illustrator. From other creators’ sites where they give insights into different techniques and writing exercises, to the grand, old Internet for all those really specific questions that you’ve been breaking your head over. You know, like a Photoshop tutorial for how to rasterize layers (aaaargh.) Since the Internet is your oyster, I figure you don’t need help with the particulars, but maybe some general resource books will be helpful. I have some old and trusted resources that I like flipping through once in a while when I feel stuck. I find that helps me a lot. Admittedly, this list is more helpful to those of you who both write and draw because they...

An eclectic group of good reads...

by Gayathri

And Then It’s Spring is an enchanting picture book written by Julie Fogliani and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten! is another charming read written and illustrated by Hyewon Yum. Do they have anything in common? Well they did both win the 2013 Ezra Jack Keats Award for New Writer and New Illustrator , which I spoke about in this post. Let’s start with And Then It’s Spring. Too often picture books and children’s books are littered with horribly bad rhymes and verse. I’m almost allergic to it now. This book on the other hand reads like a soft, gentle ode to spring; so naturally lyrical. It is poetic in the most beautiful way. Combined with Erin Stead’s gorgeous wood block print illustrations, it’s a true winner. I was already a...

Experiments in negative space: Papercutting...

by Gayathri

I grew up in a house full of exciting craft projects, thanks to my ridiculously talented mother. From marbling paper to making Christmas decorations, there was always some activity to partake in. Of course half the time my sister and I would sit dumbfounded watching Amma and wonder where she found the energy, patience and motivation to sit for hours on end working away painstakingly. I guess that’s why using only traditional illustration material like paints, pencils and crayons always felt incomplete to me. I craved making something with my hands — cutting, folding, pasting… I have so much respect and awe for what you can create just from paper. Amma has made everything from paper bags and boxes to photo frames with it. So I began to think about how I could illustrate...

Celebrating “The Book”: The works of Suzy Lee...

by Gayathri

I can safely say that one of my favorite picture book creators of all time is Suzy Lee. I own every book she’s made expect for the few that don’t have English editions. I’m hoping that there will eventually be translations, and that I can read them someday. But I’m thrilled that I got my hands on her latest work as illustrator called Open This Little Book. The concept behind this gem came from the imaginative mind of the author, Jesse Klausmeier. This great little interview with the author/illustrator duo will give you some background on their creative and collaborative process. The result of their combined efforts is the most innovative book I’ve seen so far this year. As much as I’d love to share pictures of the inside pages to show you just how ingenious...

Ezra Keats and multicultural picture books...

by Gayathri

Today is a very special children’s book icon’s birthday: Ezra Jack Keats‘s. He is widely credited with introducing multiculturalism into mainstream children’s publishing in the US. For over 25 years the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation has given an annual award to the best new author and illustrator that represents the “universal qualities of childhood… and the multicultural nature of our world.” In fact, this year’s winners were announced just a few days ago. So today seems especially apt to look back at this wonderful author and illustrator, because what he contributed and represents are the most important elements to me as a reader, lover, and creator of picture books — inclusion and diversity. The book that brought widespread recognition to Keats was The Snowy Day. It is a delightful picture book with an endearing African-American boy (Peter) as its protagonist,...