When I recently fell in love with Katie Cleminson’s newest book, Otto the Book Bear, I had fun re-reading an interview I did with her last year. It was my first ever interview with an author/illustrator and I was so nervous!
Since then I’ve got to know Katie a little better and so I recently asked her if she would share with us 8 books that reflect pivotal moments in her life so far, with particular reference to her journey towards becoming a published author/illustrator. Here’s what she had to say…
“The amount of time between first deciding I’d love to make my own picture books for a living, and doing it for real, was only about three and a half years. That was the length of my course at Art School, and so this list is from that time. Before that, my mind wasn’t on children’s books – I’d thought of becoming everything from a muralist, wildlife artist, to an interior designer.”
The House at Pooh Corner written by A.A Milne, illustrated by E.H Shepherd.
“Shepherd’s illustrations have been imprinted on my mind since the age of 6. However looking at these drawings as an adult, and still feeling the pull of them, reignited a childhood desire to create my own illustrated books.”
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
“Shelley wrote this breathtaking book between the ages of 17-19, that fact blows me away every time. I first read this aged 20, and I couldn’t believe something so complex, complete and powerful could come from such a young mind. It made me feel like anything was possible.”
Alice in Wonderland by Suzy Lee.
“During the summer I turned 22, I went with a friend to visit her Aunt who lived in Milan. We visited the Corso Como bookshop and I found this, and I’ve been a fan of Suzy Lee ever since. It felt as though I’d found a masterpiece! Also, for the first time the production of a book, the printing, binding, fonts, even the paper, really interested me.”
Belleville Rendez-Vous is soooo great!
I cannot understand why Olivier Tallec is not published more in this country; “Mercredi a la librairie” and “Il Faudra” are just wonderful.
I would LOVE to go to Bologna Book Fair *sigh*
Great post :0)
A fascinating post! I adore Belleville Rendezvous as well.
Thanks Library Mice and Ali for your comments. With its cycling theme we too love Bellevill Rendezvous. I was delighted Katie bent the “rules” a little to include her two films.