This isn’t the first time illustrator Erin Stead has visited 7-Imp. About a year prior to the release of her Caldecott-winning A Sick Day for Amos McGree, written by Philip C. Stead (who happens to be her husband), she visited to share some early art and the tools she used to make the illustrations for the book. I have to say, when it won the 2011 Caldecott, you would have heard me screaming, had you been standing outside my home (yeah, I screamed that loudly in happiness and enthusiasm, but wait … why are you standing outside my home?), because back then, in 2009, my smart readers (who possess such good taste) and I all recognized it as the special picture book that it is. (To boot, she visited again in 2010, the year the book was actually released, to share even more.)
there are seeds / and they are trying’ “
(Click to enlarge)
This month saw the release of Erin’s second illustrated title, written with tremendous grace by author and poet Julie Fogliano. It’s called and then it’s spring (Neal Porter/Roaring Brook), and it’s Fogliano’s debut book. Trying to summarize it doesn’t really do it justice, I find, since it’s a poem of a picture book. But, if I must, I’ll say it’s about a young boy and his dog, who simply plant a garden. But the heart of the story is about the wait—and even the worry—that comes along with such endeavors in life. “A tender story of anticipation” is how the publisher likes to put it, but … well, yes. That nails it. Pictured above is, arguably (it’s hard to pick), my favorite spread from the book. (The spread itself, as pictured there, is sans text.)
“In an understated and intimate partnership,” writes Publishers Weekly, “Fogliano and Stead conjure late winter doldrums and the relief of spring’s arrival, well worth the wait.” Kirkus’ starred review (well-worth reading, so I link to it there) notes, “Many treasures lie buried within this endearing story, in which humor and anxious anticipation sprout alongside one another.” Indeed, it’s wonderful to see more artwork from Erin, and I also really look forward to what Julie brings readers next.
So, since I really adore this book, I’m happy that Erin is having breakfast with me so that you can get a peek inside. However, the other reason I’m pleased she’s visiting is because she gives readers a glimpse at her career thus far
Those cups o’ colors made me so incredibly happy.
Oh, the perfection of that book trailer, too. EVERYTHING was perfect, down to the tweety birds. Lovely.
And I think the barn in downtown is hilarious!
The best line? “I have got good friends.” Indeed.
very inspiring interview!
What a glorious way to begin a day! This interview is wonderful. Erin Stead’s books–treasures every one.
So….great. This is a really charming interview.
Erin Stead’s art is so gentle and inviting. I just picked up and then it’s spring the other day because of the illustrations and Amos McGee did not leave my son’s side for weeks after we bought it last year. A great interview this morning!
Erin Stead’s personality, from this interview, is so much like her lovely illustrations. Soft, animal lover, somewhat introverted. . What a joy to take a peek into her life. Thank you Jules…and thank you Erin.
And especially thank you for the peek into how Erin works. Such a wonderful treat to see.
Lovely interview! Hooray for Marc Simont, James Thurber, Louis Slobodkin (whom I met when I was four, and have a signed book to prove it, now mostly in tatters). Hooray for Erin and Philip Stead! Hooray for dogs, and boo to cocktail parties and Newt. Thanks!
I’m a huge fan of Erin Stead’s artwork. I can’t wait to see And Then It’s Spring. I may have to go to the bookstore today- it’s available already right? Thanks for another great interview Jules!
It was released on Valentine’s Day, Jill.
Comprehensive and so many good quotes. Thanks, Jules.
Also, those post of pastels make me want to create something.
Wonderful interview and insights into the brilliance of Stead Inc. Congrats on another beautiful book, Erin!
1. Now I want breakfast.
2. I totally predicted A Sick Day for Amos McGee winning the Caldecott.
3. Crushed dry pastels? Linoleum printing? Can this illustrator get even more mind-blowing?!
4. What the - Can I work at Books of Wonder too?
5. Thank you so much for all of this new information and insight into the creative process, Jules and Erin!
I love this one! Erin’s illustrations are very charming, and I am super jealous of her house! (She basically has my dream house) Thanks for sharing all of the photos and details!
Such a wonderful interview. Also, that rug is pretty much the greatest thing. Ever.
Ahhh, Ann Arbor. I hope you had lunch at Zingerman’s. I love Amos McGee and can’t wait to see her latest book.
I thought she had me at Amos but it’s possible I’ve fallen more deeply in love! What a fabulous interview and the illustrations are just to die for! Thanks as always for sharing such wonderful stuff….
Well, that was just about perfect. I knew a lot about Erin, but knowing that she loves baseball was the frosting on the cake.
When I was a little girl, we lived in Missouri as my father trained for his tour in VietNam. It was 1968 and everyone in the area, except my sister’s teacher and our family, was for the Cardinals. We were for the Tigers. When they won, we had a cookout with that teacher. I have loved baseball ever since, especially hearing baseball on the radio.
I am particularly excited to hear about the new Philip and Erin book!
I hope that French toast was yummy.
Excellent interview, Jules.
PS - Wednesday - what a face!!!
Great interview,! I like her process, especially the walks in the woods and letting things sink in part of it. What a beautiful home they have - that studio space is terrific!
I adore the earnestness of the sympathteic animals in the illustrations in “and then its spring.” That ones next up on my “To Buy” list, for sure!
Thanks for this special treat. I so look forward to “And then it’s Spring” . Hugs all around.
Can’t wait to own all of these books (except Amos, already got that one!) Thanks for a great interview.