The Children’s Book Review | May 14
Orit Bergman is an illustrator and a writer of children’s books. Her work has been featured in many exhibitions and won numerous awards, among them a medal from the Society of Illustrators NYC, prizes from the Israel Museum, Bologna book fair, and the Israel Ministry of Culture. She teaches illustration at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. She lives with her family in a small village on the slopes of Mt. Carmel, where she writes, paints, works in her vegetable garden, and enjoys the company of her chickens.
I make art because …
It’s my way of telling stories and because it is what I like to do best.
Latest published book …
‘The Chameleon that Saved Noah’s Ark‘ by Yael Molchedsky. Published by Nancy Paulsen Books
Inspired by …
I’m inspired by the nature around me, the changing of the seasons, and the endless variety of shapes it takes. I also draw inspiration from my frequent train rides, where I can’t help but overhear many stories (people in Israel talk loudly on their cell phones), and where I have time to daydream.
Art medium used …
I play with many techniques: pencil, mono prints, acrylic and computer
Artistic process …
I always start with a pencil sketch of the entire book, to determine the composition and pace of the story. For me this is the hardest and most important phase of creating a book. When the text is also mine, this is my chance to crystallize the story telling by moving everything I can from the text to the image.
Favorite place to create & illustrate …
My studio is my absolutely favorite room in the house, and it’s also the favorite room for the rest of the family. This is why I have a very long desk so that we can sit together, each working on his thing.
Most used art supply or tool …
I use one pencil: Pitt oil base by Faber Castell. I’m so addicted to it that I keep the pencil ends in an envelope. Only recently I found out the great invention of the pencil extender, finally I have a use for all my pencil buds.
Illustrator idols …
I love Maira Kalman’s work, Sara Fanelli, Atak, Laurent Moreau and Tove Jansson.
All-time favorite children’s book you didn’t illustrate…
A literary character to create art with …
I would love to work with the Moomin family around me, I’m sure we will make a good team.
Currently working on …
I’m working on a new good-night book called ‘Simon Says’ which will be published in Israel this fall. It is based on the playful rhythm of the game, and moves from real life to the fantastical dream world.
Connect with Orit Bergman …
The Chameleon that Saved Noah’s Ark
Written by Yael Molchedsky
Illustrated by Orit Bergman
Publisher’s Synopsis: It’s mealtime on the ark!
Striking folk-art-style paintings illustrate this charming tale about the purpose of every creature and the harmony of nature.
Noah and his family work hard to keep all the animals on the ark happy and well-fed. They find just the right food for every creature—except for the two chameleons. These picky eaters won’t eat anything! Noah is worried! What will tempt these two? It is not until the ark’s food supply is suddenly threatened, that Noah gets a surprising answer—and discovers that even the SMALLEST creatures have a BIG role to play in nature!
Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books | 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1101996768
Available Here:
Discover more picture book illustration inspiration and books like The Chameleon that Saved Noah’s Ark, written by Yael Molchedsky and illustrated by Orit Bergman, on The Children’s Book Review by following along with our Illustration Inspiration series and articles tagged with Nature.
