M.H. Clark Discusses Tiny, Perfect Things

The Children’s Book Review

M.H. Clark is a poet and writer who has received multiple awards, including the Washington State Book Award and two Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. She has traveled the world and lived in many wonderful places—but she believes she belongs most of all in a little house with a large library, someplace where the forest meets the sea. Sounds like bliss, doesn’t it? Keep reading to learn more about M.H. Clark and her latest book, Tiny, Perfect Things …

The Children’s Book Review: Tiny, Perfect Things is the story of a child and a grandfather whose walk around the neighborhood leads to a day of shared wonder as they discover all sorts of tiny, perfect things together. It is a deeply inspiring book that reminds readers that the whole world is a treasure waiting to be found. What tiny, perfect thing was it that inspired you deeply enough to write this book?

M.H. Clark: The inspiration for this book came one weekend, while walking around my neighborhood. It was a windy fall day, and I passed by a child who was picking up a yellow leaf and holding it with wonder. I knew, in that moment, that this was the beginning of the book.

The words and pictures combined illustrate how childlike curiosity can transform ordinary days into extraordinary adventures. Can you share one highlight from Tiny, Perfect Things?

M.H. Clark: Artist Madeline Kloepper has done such an incredible job of turning this book into a visually stunning experience that it’s hard to pick just one highlight! I love her use of perspective to really focus on the little details of the day. The crows’ nest full of treasures is one of my favorite illustrations—even the crows keep their eyes out for tiny, perfect things!

The charming, Earth toned illustrations fortify the text with strong visual storytelling. How did you collaborate with Canadian artist Madeline Kloepper?

M.H. Clark: The design conversations were very much a group effort! Artist Madeline Kloepper and designer Jill Labieniec worked together to interpret the text visually in so many miraculous ways. Together, they transformed the words into a world of incredible detail and delight. Every time I open the book, I notice something new!

What has been the best reaction from a reader, so far?

M.H. Clark: I’ve been so thrilled to hear people say that the book has made them slow down and notice the world around them. I think whoever we are, no matter how old we are, there’s so much to be gained by really paying attention to the phenomenal little things in the everyday.

We read that you like to travel the world. Do you think your travels were how you learned to open your eyes and see the wonderful things around you?

M.H. Clark: Travel has absolutely shaped my view of the world! Going to foreign cities has helped me to become a careful observer, and a trip is a wonderful way to see things with fresh eyes. But I’ve worked hard in the past few years to incorporate that perspective into my everyday—in other words, to apply that careful attentiveness to my own neighborhood. I’m interested in seeing even ordinary things with more wonder.

You’ve written many books for Compendium Inc, including the best-selling You Belong Here picture book, which won the Independent Publishers Book Awards in 2017 and was a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards. What draws you to focusing on books that are relational, inspirational and gratitude based?

M.H. Clark: I love focusing on these themes because they’re the ones that resonate most with me. I think that every one of us is in need of books that remind us that the world is full of beauty and possibility, that we’re needed here, and that each one of us belongs.

Why is it, do you think, that stories can be such a powerful way to encourage self-discovery among readers?

M.H. Clark: I think storytelling is such a powerful vehicle of self-discovery because stories show us to ourselves. Through the lens of a story, we can see new things about the people we are, the problems we might face, and the possibilities within us. Stories are one of the most powerful tools we have!

What was the last book you read? What are you reading now? What will you read next?

M.H. Clark: I’ve been rereading Diane Ackerman’s wonderful book A Natural History of the Senses, which I’ve read too many times to count! It’s filled with incredible facts about the world around us, and every time I read it I’m in awe of it all. As for what’s next, that’s a tough one! I have a stack of new books on my nightstand, and it’s growing all the time!

Can you tell us something that even your most loyal fans may not know about you?

M.H. Clark: When I’m stuck somewhere in the writing process and can’t seem to find the right solution, stepping away and going for a walk is the solution. Every time! Sometimes I forget this, but the minute I get outside I realize: I should have done this sooner!

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about Tiny Perfect Things, your writing, or yourself?

M.H. Clark: I hope that Tiny, Perfect Things inspires lots and lots of shared moments together, and that it offers readers both young and old a new way of seeing the world.

Thank you so much for giving me the time and space for this interview!

It’s been an absolute pleasure! Thank YOU!

—

Tiny, Perfect Things

Written by M.H. Clark

Illustrated by Madeline Kloepper

Publisher’s Synopsis: The whole world is a treasure waiting to be found. This is the story of a child and a grandfather whose walk around the neighborhood leads to a day of wonder. With rhythmic storytelling and detailed and intricate illustrations, this is a book about how childlike curiosity can transform ordinary days into extraordinary adventures.

Ages 5-6 | Publisher: Compendium Inc | June 1, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1946873064

Available Here:

This interview—M.H. Clark Discusses Tiny, Perfect Things—was conducted between M.H. Clark and Bianca Schulze, and sponsored* by Compendium, Inc. For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with Adventure, Author Interview, Nature, and Picture Book.