Illustrator Interviews
It's time to get to know your favorite (or soon to be favorite) illustrators by reading our exclusive interviews! Get ready to feast your eyes on some truly super artwork.
Artwork is a very important part of children’s books, especially picture books and graphic novels, and now many chapter books too. When you read an illustrator interview on The Children’s Book Review, you’ll often get an insiders look or a behind the scenes visit of the illustrator’s studio and creative process. You could also learn how the illustrator’s own life experiences shaped their artwork and storytelling abilities, or what their most used art supply is, or which children’s book character they would love to create artwork with. With so many featured illustrators, there is certainly something for everyone here, but we wonder which illustrators will be or are your faves. Be sure to let us know through our Twitter handle, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram or Facebook with #thechildrensbookreview.
To get you started, here are some of our more recent illustrator interviews:
Illustration Inspiration: Renée Graef, Illustrator of Thérèse Makes a Tapestry
Caldecott Honor-Winning John Rocco Talks About Blizzard
Deborah Underwood and Claudia Rueda Discuss Here Comes the Easter Cat
Be sure to peruse through the illustrator interviews below, you’ll be so glad you did!
An Interview with Brigette Barrager about Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True. Unicorns, Rainbows, and Illustrating Picture Books!
Come inside the studio of Erica Sirotich. Her artwork has graced kids’ publications, toy packaging, greeting cards, websites, and apps.
Susanna Chapman studied illustration at Rhode Island School of Design and now designs children’s books for a publisher outside Boston.
It’s Just So … Little is the second book starring your effervescent Lizzy character. Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco discussed why they picked the theme of preparing to be a big sister for this new story.
Here’s a lovely chance to listen in on author Kallie George and illustrator Stephanie Graegin as they discuss the delightful series Heartwood Hotel.
In the case of the hilarious LADY PANCAKE AND SIR FRENCH TOAST picture books, Josh Funk is from the US and Brendan Kearney is from the UK. After already collaborating on 2 books together, this is the first time they have talked to each other about their processes and inner thoughts.
Writer and illustrator Marty Kelley lives in NH. His picture book, Twelve Terrible Things (Tricycle Press), received a starred review in School Library Journal and a glowing write-up in The New York Times by none other than Lemony Snickett.
Discover why Will Hillenbrand makes art, what inspires him, and the art medium he used to create his newest published book Share, Big Bear, Share!
Tim Miller is the author-artist of Moo Moo in a Tutu, Snappsy the Alligator, and the the illustrator of the middle grade Hamstersaurus Rex books.
Benjamin Schipper is the illustrator of Henry and the Chalk Dragon. Get to know more about him and his latest book.