The blog log
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, simplify and use creative book techniques like die-cuts effectively, it can have the most amazing results. Two of my current favorite picture books that exemplify this are Laura Vaccaro Seeger‘s Green and Lizi Boyd‘s Inside Outside.
Be curious: moulding a scientific mind through picture books
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!
Don’t forget to doodle & other sketchbook secrets
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.
3 picture books deal with 2 complex issues: death and domestic violence
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 favourite resource books as a picture book creator
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 do focus on the visual side more, but I think authors can benefit from it too. Primarily because the picture book medium at its core is visually rich, which means authors need to learn how to write keeping illustrations in mind.
An eclectic group of good reads
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.
Experiments in negative space: Papercutting
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…
Celebrating “The Book”: The works of Suzy Lee
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.
Ezra Keats and multicultural picture books
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.
No, picture books are not just for children
As an adult who avidly collects picture books for myself, it makes me exasperated when people talk about them only in the context of books for young children. Toddlers, even. For some reason there is an assumption that the apparent simplicity of picture books are not demanding enough for older readers. I would argue that they are layered and challenging not only for older children, but also adults. It is the balanced interaction of the visual and written that creates the space for an entirely different and complex way of experiencing a book.
