Review: The Chicken's Curse

It’s the Romans against twice as many Nervians when preparations for war begin in Gaul. The Romans are guided by the augur. He has read the sky and the behaviour of the birds and delivered his findings to the general. The chickens not eating their grain is a bad omen. But the headstrong General Porcius is determined to lead his army into battle.

Felix is the general’s servant. Terrified of losing his life, he wants to get back to Rome and his mother. So he runs away.

Soon after, he comes across Livia with her secret intentions, and a selfish, often stupid, sacred chicken that loves cake. They too, have run away and are being pursued by soldiers. The trio join up and set off for Rome.

Livia is smart, logical and resourceful. Felix is open and honest; the sacred chicken a hindrance.

Pooling all their knowledge, courage and survival instincts, these travellers encounter challenges that test their morals and their trust of one another.

Livia is forced to disguise herself as a boy, and the sacred chicken joins a flock of geese and departs.

Their travels are filled with surprises; not always good ones! They face disbelief, accusations, hunger and bandits. Included in their encounters are a talking camel, a grumpy over-used magic carpet, a sceptre, golden coins depicting Caesar, and an ostracised poet gives them shelter when they are shipwrecked.

Danger follows Felix and Livia on their epic journey to Rome. Can they get there in time to save Livia’s brother from the arena? Or will they too, fall beneath the shadow of the chicken’s curse?

These lovable characters are stars, all shining together within an historical setting. The story is filled with humour and some silliness (mostly from the pursuers). Frances Watts builds an entertaining plot that gradually evolves into an exciting adventure. Lots of underlying messages are hidden within the storyline. I enjoyed it immensely!

Title: The Chicken’s Curse

Author/Illustrator: Frances Watts

Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $16.99

Publication Date: 4 February 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760523569

For ages: 8 - 12

Type: Middle Grade Fiction

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/3aRzNfv

Meet The Illustrator: Zoë Collins

Name: Zoë Collins

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.

Abstract, witty and rebellious art applied to all kinds of curiosities.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?

I must have everything I need in reach. I often have multiple illustration projects on the go — I design and produce earrings here in Brisbane; I take online classes every year and I am building my portfolio, aiming for a range of pieces from kids book illustrations, to home decor, greeting cards, wall art, and whatever else I dream up.

If I’m painting I’ll have quite a few different surfaces on the go, plus the computer close by. It gets out of hand most days with paintbrushes mixing in with the markers, pencils, etc. I draw digitally in Procreate and Fresco and paint or draw on whatever I can find. I often work beyond the time I should leave to pick up kiddos from school, so it looks like a crime scene. You know the ones where the detective comes in and says something like ‘it’s obvious she was interrupted’. Also, I cannot live without my long-arm stapler for making my own artist’s books, metal ruler, a good sharpener and a lot of paper. My studio is small but beautifully lit — with double doors opening to a little courtyard garden. I LOVE the space.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?

Short answer: no.

Long answer: My favourite thing to do is to play, so I intentionally don’t allow myself to master one particular medium or approach. If I did, I think my work would be a parody of illustrators far more skilled than I am. I think my needs as an artist and illustrator are met most when I pick up whatever I’ve got and see if I can make a beautiful bit of art to go on a pair of earrings, or a repeat pattern, or that little monkey which was my first go at digital illustration on a wacom tablet.
I go through mini obsessions — markers, textured mediums, paper for collage, gouache and acrylic, dirt from the garden, leaves, thread and a sewing machine… Last week I borrowed the neighbour’s mitre saw to chop bed slats into skinny ‘canvases’… For commercial work though, I always end up taking what I’ve got and making use of it on the computer with Photoshop. It’s such a reliable tool in that I know how it works and I don’t need to spend much time experimenting. Plus the undo feature is a miracle of modern technology.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.

ONLY THREE?!?!
Hm… Mirka Mora, Donna Malone, Maira Kalman. I’m sure you’ve heard of Mirka and Maira, but perhaps not Donna. Donna is a Brisbane artist. Her work is an expression of who she is, without any apologies, just lots of love and an almost naive, but intelligent honesty. She’s been a wonderful teacher and Mentor to me since I first met her in an art class we took together.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?

Just for a visit, because I’m quite happy in this period… um… I honestly don’t know! I mean, how would I get there? What would I have to pack? Will I be warm enough? Can I shower regularly? Would I be able to join in with the art, or would I be scuttled off to the kitchen or the nursery? I think I’ll just stay here if that’s ok. Although I might have enjoyed a chat with Andy Warhol and Jean Michel Basquiat. Oh and imagine hanging with Annie Liebowitz in her Rolling Stone days, or any day really! Can somebody get her on the phone for me now? Wooooo! (I would scream and run away if that actually happened). 

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

I thought I became an illustrator by accident, though it makes so much sense to me now that that’s what I was heading towards! People who inspired me (and still do):
1. My high school friend Caitlin, whose house was filled with art, books and the opinions of intimidating parents and siblings. I remember enviously eyeing off the bookcase in her bedroom. She introduced me to the works of living artists, incredible art galleries; handed over novels when she’d finished with them; and, made me watch very confronting movies and then discuss them like grown ups. She’s amazing.
2. A graphic design teacher, who I adored, who became my boss, who then made me cry a lot. He wasn’t as mean as he sounds. He was extremely clever and probably the first person to point out how much self awareness I lacked. He helped me realise that illustrating can be really hard or really simple — and that both approaches work.
3. The women around me — smart, industrious, powerful forces who lift me up and make me feel like I am playing tennis with a pro. These are the people who show me their strength through vulnerability. They look at my work and encourage me to keep going. Their presence and acknowledgement are priceless!

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.

My desk is always messy. My paper storage desk was handmade 20 years ago by the dad of a kid I went to school with (some 18 year olds I knew spent their money on cars, drugs and alcohol; I saved for a bespoke plan drawer with dovetailed joints. I am REALLY fun at parties). I also have lots of drawers filled with stuff, louvres which let in light and air; and some plants outside for when I need a break. I also have my door which was the front door of the first house my husband and I bought together. My record player STILL doesn’t have speakers. I just can’t find the headspace to figure out where that should go. Any ideas are welcome. Email me ok?

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

The bits that don’t involve crying, gnashing of teeth or feelings of emptiness.
SO, the beginning and the end. Or the middle bits where I amaze myself at what I have done… right before I go too far and end up with lots of brown paint and an irritation that will outlast humanity. Hooray for the Macbook Pro! Hooray for photographing the good bits for later use! Plus, I am a grown up who is (mostly) learning to reign in my enthusiasm for extended play and experimentation when there’s a deadline involved. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

OK, here’s something you may not have heard before: listen to your inner critic. Sometimes she’s right. But, listen with intelligence and guts. Know what YOU want before you ask others for advice. And then all the usual advice which is really true for me: draw often, every day if you can; take as many classes and workshops that your budget allows for; spend time with other illustrators in order to lift your game; be interested in the world around you; ask lots of questions; be kind to yourself.

Zoë Collins is a problem that can’t be solved — no… I mean that in a nice way! Wink. Anyway. She’s an illustrator, graphic designer, creative mentor and someone who has an insatiable appetite for creative thinking, making and observing.

Zoë has taught typography, design and illustration to lots of lazy young students and the odd creative genius who made her heart sing. She loves nothing more than fostering other peoples’ creative journeys whilst tinkering with her own.

She lives in Brisbane with three loveable humans, the best dog in the world and a very bad cat. For more information please visit Zoë's website or follow her on instagram .

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2KM4hFa

Profiles of the Past: Leo Politi

Children’s book author and illustrator, Caldecott Medal winner, writer and artist, Atiglio Leoni Politi, known as Leo Politi, was born November 21, 1905, in Fresno, California to Italian-American parents.

At the age of seven, the family returned to Broni, near Milan, to his mother’s village. That’s when Leo started sketching all that he saw and for all his life, he loved Broni more than any other place.

Very soon the family scattered. Father Lodovico took a job as cobbler in another province. 

His elder sister Marie went to live with a poor aunt who ran a roadside inn. Leo was placed in a boarding home. He continued to draw.

In 1920, the family reunited and went to live in London. There, Leo was exposed to a cosmopolitan life of museums, theatres, and live shows. Within this environment his creativity expanded. After a year, the family returned to Broni. There he embarked on a six year scholarship at the Superior Institute of Fine Arts at the Royal Palace at Monza, near Milan.

Leo was twenty-two when he left Italy to return to California by boat via the Suez Canal. Central America and the Mayan Culture impressed him greatly and his future work would reflect the impression the Mexican-American people left on him.

He continued to sketch all that he saw and later worked in oils, watercolour and wood sculptures. It was at Alma Reed’s Delphic Studio in New York City and his one-man show that launched his career in children’s books as author and illustrator, which would showcase the Latin themes close to his heart.

Little Pancho published in 1938 led him to the position of Script magazine’s art editor and launched his career as children’s book author and illustrator. He used his characters Pancho, Lupita and Rosa, as a mouthpiece for his pacifist beliefs as WW2 neared.

His amazing life opened up like the petals of a flower and his extensive art collection is keenly sought after even today.

Pedro, the Angel of Olvera Street, 1946, was runner up for the Caldecott Medal as was Juanita in 1948.Finally, in 1950, Song of the Swallows was a winner. He wrote 20 children’s books and several books for adults. Leo died in March, 1996. His life and art is worth a look!

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2YgokDJ

Book List: Mums are special

Mothers feature highly in many picture books. There are mums who are busy, and those who are strong, and mums who have extra special talents. Sometimes mums are not able to be with us, but they love us just the same. Here are some of our favourite stories celebrating mums and our special relationship with them.

My Mum is a Magician by Damon Young and illustrated by Peter Carnavas, University of Queensland Press, $24.95, 9780702259944.

A Bit Lost by Chris Haughton, Walker Books, $16.99, 9781406333831. (KBR Review)

Everything by Emma Dodd, Templar Books, $29.99, 9780763671280.

My Mum Always Looks After Me So Much! by Sean Taylor and illustrated by David Barrow, Frances Lincoln, $12.99, 9780711251953.

There's Only One Mum Like You by Jess Racklyeft, Affirm Press, $19.99, 9781925712902. (KBR Review)

Mummy Time by Judith Kerr, Harper Collins, $24.99, 9780008306809.

Mother's Day by Shirley Hughes, Walker Books, $16.99, 9781406381719.

The Strongest Mum by Nicola Kent, Pan Macmillan, $14.99, 9781509852321.

My Mum is Fantastic by Nick Butterworth, Walker Books, $20.99, 9781406312423.

I Wish My Mum Was An Octopus by Shona Revie Keenan and illustrated by Lee Burgemeestre, Ford Street Publishing, $22.95, 9781925000375.

My Mum Says the Strangest Things by Katrina Germein and illustrated by Tom Jellett, Walker Books, $16.99, 9781925126310. (KBR Review)

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2VJABi8

Review: Mr Walker Braves the Night; Mr Walker and the Perfect Mess

Mr Walker Braves the Night is the fourth book in this delightful series inspired by the real-life Guide Dog Ambassador, Mr Walker, whose home is the Park Hyatt Melbourne.

Life is a sensory experience for Mr Walker. He loves walks. They offer up different smells, sights and opportunities for a chase. He dreams of walks and chasing rabbits, although he has never encountered a rabbit in his life.

Halloween is drawing near. Mrs Reeves is looking forward to her sister coming to visit with her eleven year old son Lawrence. 

Sophie and Amanda want to go on their first trick or treat. The girls demand a scary story from their dad. But it is Mr Walker that has bad dreams that night.

Lawrence arrives with a bored expression on his face. He’s rude and definitely not what the girls expected. Even Mr Walker senses trouble afoot.

Elvis, in charge of the laundry department, suggests trolley-racing to liven things up. They have a great time! Omid challenges them to a game demanding stealth, silence and invisibility. Then, before they know it, it is evening.

Chef Remy and Elvis hollow out pumpkins and shape them into jack-o’-lanterns. To add to the atmosphere, Elvis takes the three children through the hotel’s secret and spooky passageways, while he recalls a ghost story that scares Mr Walker more than the children.

What is that noise that Lawrence and Mr Walker hear at night? Can it be ghosts? Why does Mr Reeves tell them to stay away from the nineteenth floor? When the girls hear it too, they all set out together to discover the scary source.

Again entertained by the intelligent, lovable, always helpful hotel Labrador, Mr Walker, the Park Hyatt’s Ambassador role includes lookout when called for. He is also a useful instrument of diversion when needed. Mr Walker and the Perfect Mess is the fifth book in the series.  

The Reeves household prepares for Christmas with a new advent calendar and a humorous made-up rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas based on Mr Walker’s favourite thing - food!

It is the groundskeeper Josephine’s last Christmas at the Park Hyatt. Her father is retiring and she is taking over the farm. So it is to be a special festive celebration and send-off combined.

This isn’t the only special event on a program filled till well into January. The Guide Dogs fundraiser is keeping them busy but the family is determined to find the right gift for Josephine.

Mr Walker comes up with a brilliant idea. He uses his extensive communication skills to convey it to the humans.

Sophie and Amanda get on with making paper chains and decorations to hang on the tree, plus something special for Josephine. But a heatwave, followed by a power cut and the imminent arrival of the new groundskeeper, has the staff at the Park Hyatt in high speed mode. Luckily, they are always up for a challenge, especially when a storm breaks out as well and adds to the mess!

Can the girls, Mr Walker and the unflappable staff, succeed in making Josephine’s last days at the Park Hyatt memorable ones?

Delicate fine line black and white images by Sara Acton decorate the pages and complement the simple entertaining text.

Designed for independent readers, Jess Black’s delightful and humour-filled series steals hearts, especially those of dog lovers. It carries positive messages on problem-solving, imagination, patience and alternate thinking, while Mr Walker’s accidents always transform into happy outcomes.

At the end of each book, there is a list of all the characters under Friends of Mr Walker. This is followed by a page on the real Mr Walker, one on About Guide Dogs in Australia, and another about the author and illustrator.

Title: Mr Walker Braves the Night; Mr Walker and the Perfect Mess

Author: Jess Black

Illustrator: Sarah Acton

Publisher: Penguin, $14.99, $14.99

Publication Date: August 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780143793106; 9780143793113

For ages: 6 - 8

Type: Junior Fiction

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2zCVfYL

Review: Coronavirus For Children

12 Curly Questions with author/illustrator Caitlin Murray

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.

My birthday is on Christmas day.

2. What is your nickname?  

Muzza! Or Pesky.

3. What is your greatest fear?  

Losing the health of my family.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.  

Short and sweet. Hopefully amusing and a little bit cheeky!

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.

Cheeky, silly, inventive, minimal, fun.

6. What book character would you be, and why?  

Abigail in Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park. See below for explanation!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?  

What a great question! I am totally fascinated by time travel. I’d go back to the 1850s to see what my convict ancestors were up to. I also particularly love the Victorian era of architecture. Melbourne was in the middle of the gold rush boom and I’d love to go back for a few days to check it out. Then return to 2020 for a hot shower and a decent feed!

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?  

YIPPEE!!! Keep drawing book covers and one day you will write the stories to go in them too!

9. Who is your greatest influence? 

 My nephews and nieces.

10. What/who made you start writing?  

It’s in the blood I think. I come from a creative family. I think I’m the first one to write children’s books but there is a long line of writers of various types going way back. I think for me it began when I started writing a blog back in 2011. I really got a kick out of using only a few words to convey a message in an interesting way. It was around this time that I decided I wanted to pursue writing as well as illustrating.

11. What is your favourite word and why?  

Bonza! Because it’s a rippa of a word and it reminds me of my Grandpa.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?  

Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park. (The time travel thing!)  

Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Education from Melbourne University and a Diploma of Illustration from NMIT (now Melbourne Polytechnic). She spent 10 years in the fashion industry, designing prints and graphics for some of Australia’s largest retailers before returning to the non-garment world of illustration in 2014. These days, when she’s not writing and illustrating children’s books, Caitlin works as a designer for Melbourne Toy Company Tiger Tribe. For more information, see www.caitlinmurrayillustration.com.

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2W7ae4V

Review: Counting Our Country

Review: The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Australian Friends

There's plenty to love about picture books, and especially so when Australian animals are given the Eric Carle treatment.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Australian Friends is a good sized board book. With flaps!

In this book you'll take a journey across Australia and some of its different environments. From below the sea and at the seashore, to the rivers, rainforests and outback.

Rhyming text describes the look and feel of the places, and asks the reader a simple question about who lives there.

Lift the flaps to uncover the animals who are hiding behind rocks, in trees, and in the water. There are three flaps on each double-page spread, and fifteen in total.

The illustrations are all bright and colourful, and the animals are easily identifiable. They include hermit crabs and a platypus, plus lizards, parrots, kangaroos, and others. You might just be able to spy a hungry caterpillar as well.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Australian Friends is perfect for young children as a introduction to animals and the environment, or as a simple and enjoyable reading activity.

Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Australian Friends
Author/ Illustrator: Eric Carle
Publisher: Picture Puffin, $16.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780241401583
For ages:  2+
Type: Board book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2y3dmqd

Winner: Middle Grade Fiction Super Bumper Prize Pack!

Our lucky winner is...

Sarah Ellwood, TAS

Congratulations!

You have won the Bumper Prize Pack guaranteed to keep you busy reading whilst stuck at home.

These middle grade titles are all about exploration, excitement, and adventure. 

• Elizabella books 1-3 (Elizabella and the Haunting of Lizard Lake is the new release)  byZoe and Georgia Norton-Lodge (MG)
• Nightshade by Anthony Horowitz (MG-YA)
• Hapless Hero Henrie and Henrie's Hero Hunt (new release)  by Petra James, Illustrated by  A Yi (MG)
• Malamander and Gargantis by Thomas Taylor (MG)

Thank you to ALL who entered. Great to see so many adventurous souls out there. Be sure to visit again. We'll be running another fantastic competition very soon!

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/3bBSmFC

Review: Dreaming Soldiers

Bookish Places: The Belgian Comic Strip Centre

The Kids' Book Review Bookish Places posts are a chance to celebrate museums, galleries and other places with a connection to children's literature and reading. The posts are compiled by KBR's Consultant Librarian, Sarah Steed, our intrepid traveller and hunter-gatherer of amazing places!

You’ll find plenty to explore on a visit to The Belgian Comic Strip Centre at 20 rue des Sables, B-1000, Brussels. An exciting opportunity not to be missed, it’s right in the centre of Brussels, and is within easy walking distance of public transport.

The museum's grand entrance has lots to grab your attention (Photo: Sarah Steed)

The Belgian Comic Strip Centre has something for all ages, from young children through to adults, and is packed with fun photo opportunities. Housed in an historic art nouveau building, the museum which celebrates European comics, first opened in 1989.

You can wind your way through comprehensive permanent exhibitions about The Invention of the Comic Strip (which was much earlier than you might think) and The Art of the Comic Strip. You'll learn more than you expect about genres, styles, formats, and the important role of comics. And you'll probably be inspired to try your hand at drawing, too.

Part of the permanent exhibitions (Photo: Sarah Steed)

Part of the permanent exhibitions (Photo: Sarah Steed)

Part of the permanent exhibitions (Photo: Sarah Steed)

Two of Belgium’s most famous creations feature in special permanent exhibitions. The Hergé Area takes you on a journey with the artist known internationally as Tintin's creator, while The Peyo Exhibition takes you into the world of The Smurfs.

In addition to the fantastic permanent exhibitions, there’s also a schedule of informative and entertaining temporary exhibitions. Each have multilingual captions and labels.

A corner of The Hergé Area (Photo: Sarah Steed)

Celebrating The Smurfs (Photo: Sarah Steed)

The Belgian Comic Strip Centre is also home to The Comic Strip Library (with 60,000+ works), and a bookshop which is a chock-a-block with goodies.

Check the Belgian Comic Strip Centre website for opening hours and entry fees, and be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to explore on your visit.

Interested in taking a Bookish Places trip around the world with Sarah? Enjoy this sensational map, also created by Sarah, and check out our other Bookish Places posts here.

Comic creations in 3D can be found around the museum and make for great photos (Photo: Sarah Steed)

Inside the museum (Photo: Sarah Steed)

Look out for fantastic street art around Brussels (Photo: Sarah Steed)

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/3cK9qJP

Review: Coming Home To Country

Coming Home To Country invites readers to journey with acclaimed Australian author and illustrator, Bronwyn Bancroft, a descendant of the Djanbun clan of the Bundjalong nation.

Under the deep blue sky, between the stark tree trunks, is the valley leading on to the three hills to home. Bancroft's words and images strongly invoke that moment of recognition of returning to where one belongs.

With each turn of the page, readers are immersed in the palette of leaf green, red rust, yellow ochre, deep blue and crimson. The flowing style of Bancroft's art sweeps readers along from inhaling the breath of the valley to the wonder of a majestic downpour.

Bancroft's narrative and images, whirl together to create an immense sense of love, belonging, joy and peace. 

Bronwyn Bancroft has illustrated and been both author and illustrator of many children's books, including Clever Crow, Shapes of Australia, Remembering Lionsville and Why I Love Australia.

Title: Coming Home To Country
Author/Illustrator: Bronwyn Bancroft
Publisher: Little Hare Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 February 2020
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760501921
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2Y07zfV

Review: Rise of the Mythix: Golden Unicorn

William is The Soul Collector, a physically weak man filled with greed who boosts his energy with his daily rituals. He is obsessed with collecting and owning unusual and unique artefacts. Part of this collection is The Holy Grail and Lucifer’s Ring, artefacts of Heaven and Hell…together united in defiance against their creators.

Everybody and everything is monitored for any change or the emergence of a specific gift that can be added to his collection.

Kelly Swift is extraordinary. All she wants to do is run, but she has learned to be unremarkable to survive. When her mother Hannah has her bag snatched, Kelly realises just how powerful she is when she gives chase to the culprit. A transformation begins.

A horn begins to grow from the middle of her forehead.

She can hear the thoughts of others; run at incredible speed.

Stanley is the Collector’s finder. He hates his master and wants to change his situation. He discovers an ancient text on Prophesies and Portents that speak of three instruments of power – The Golden Unicorn, the Minotaur and the Griffin, that will return in human form, unite, and restore balance and harmony to the Kingdom.

The Soul Collector is no fool. After Kelly and Stanley escape his attempts to capture them, he is not fazed by this defeat. He holds Hannah as the trump card.

Can Kelly use her new-found powers to save her mother?

This thrilling, fast-paced adventure series for older children comes hot on the heels of the Wolf Girl books. With the creation of another powerful, courageous and multi-skilled heroine, the talented Anh Do knows how to keep his fans turning the pages.

Rise of the Mythix: Golden Unicorn is fully illustrated by Chris Wahl, Australian illustrator and comic artist. His fantastic artwork is visually aligned with Anh Do’s minimalistic yet strong text which drives the imaginative storyline and forces the reader onward.

Title: Rise of the Mythix: Book 1 - Golden Unicorn

Author: Anh Do

Illustrator: Chris Wahl

Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $14.99

Publication Date: October 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760525132

For ages: 10 – 14

Type: Middle Grade Fiction

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/3bxRGB7

Behind Bedtime Daddy

Meet The Illustrator: Nan Cao

Name: Nan Cao

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Colourful, abstract, poetic, dreamy, unrealistic, symbolic, metaphoric, warm, philosophical, organic.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My drafting table from Amazon,

which is simple and user friendly,

stacked with art supplies. Next to my working table is a lower desk with my computer,Wacom Cintiq and scanner. It’s a typical spot for looking at the New York brand skyscrapers outside of my window. Another essential in my studio is my drawers and shelves full of novels, illustration and fairy tale books.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?

I have changed my medium over time. Before I began my illustration studies, I used to paint with oil on canvas or work with soft pastel and pencil. I followed this by teaching myself how to use digital programs and audit classes to polish my skills. Lately, my preference has been to work with ink and digital colour in most of my illustration projects with consideration of efficiency and flexibility. However, I’ll paint with gouache and acrylic for long-term projects or gallery work. The soul behind most of my artwork is stories and concepts, and just like an operatic performance, the medium is the different instruments that play for the art piece that is destined to sing.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.

Joan Miró, Brad Holland, Charley Harper

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?

17th to the 19th centuries in Japan. I love the ink drawings by Katsushika Hokusai, all types of Japanese woodcut and Japanese demon art. Also, 1880-1890 is a good time since I am a big fan of Vincent van Gogh’s art. I really love the raw and fresh energies in his paintings and drawings. 

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

From an early age, drawing images was my way of interpreting and reacting to the world around me. I was the only child and my parents used to be very busy. Since my mother was an avid book reader, I was always left with tons of text-only fiction and fairy tale books along with some paper and colour pencils to entertain myself. Inspired by the stories and colourful characters from the books, I started to draw the creatures and imaginative narratives on paper. The drawing process not only satisfied my curiosity for fantasy but also brought me a strong sense of pride and fulfilment. This inspired my path to pursuing illustration. 

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.

I’m sharing a small apartment with friends so my work space is quite tiny and I’d like to keep it organised and clean. You can see some small art prints on my walls, some in progress sketches and a calendar that helps me keep my schedule in order. I prefer to put my sketches on the wall for a while before starting the final piece. It helps me to see my work with fresh eyes everyday. 

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

I enjoy both of my inking and colouring process. As for inking, I get senses of peace and fulfilment by having something down on the paper. And there’s so much possibility at this stage to let me play with different visual languages and ideas. Also, I am always excited to apply different colours to my work to make the characters become more alive.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

As an illustrator, drawing and painting are very natural activities in our daily life. If we being honest and express our true feelings through our work, the process of making art can become therapeutic and bring harmony and happiness to the illustrator as well as our readers.
We can never lie to the audiences through our artwork, because we’ll never able to bring pleasure to people if we are not enjoying the kind of work we’re doing. The advice I am having now is to keep working hard and really love what you choose to do. Don’t be afraid if your “art style” is not trendy or popular in a short term. Try to know better the weaknesses and strengths in your work, accept your limitations, but most importantly, be persistent and make your strengths stronger and shine.

Nan Cao is a New York-based illustrator and painter from Beijing, who graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art and received her Master's degree from the School of Visual Arts. Nan creates art for newspapers and magazines such as the Spectrum and Baltimore City Paper, makes visual projects running across the 1700 Link NYC screens in all five boroughs in New York, works on paintings, which have been exhibited internationally and across the country. As an illustrator and painter working and living in New York, Nan gets inspiration from surrealistic imagery and her daily life in the big city. Her work has also been recognised by American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, AOI, 3x3 Magazine among others.

For more information please visit Nan's website or follow her on instagram .

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/3busJ9T

Special Feature: A Dutch Picture Book Experience

Review: Bear Was There

Bear was There is a cosy, comforting story about a little mouse’s journey through life and feelings.

In this gorgeous tale, readers follow Mouse from the warmth of his mother’s embrace, learning and growing through seasons to a time which seems somewhat full-circle. Bear’s place in the story is clever with a sense of wonder and anticipation. I adore the beautiful language used to describe Mouse’s first feelings of love, excitement, fear and more; they set the scene both emotionally and environmentally.

There is perfect unity between the text and the stunning, loose, textured artwork. I love how the colour palette beautifully emerges over seasons, working with illustrations that convey nature, weather, emotions and endearing character details.

Bear Was There is a gorgeous wholesome story which would be perfect to share with a loved one cuddled in a chair, or to learn from and analyse in a classroom setting. The beautiful high-quality cover and thick pages are the icing on the cake for this one!

Sally Anne Garland is an Author Illustrator based in the UK, two of her other books include Percy and His Amazing Box of Disguises and Fiddlesticks!.

Title: Bear Was There
Author/Illustrator: Sally Anne Garland
Publisher: New Frontier, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 March 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925594935
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2RTpNeT