One of the most common questions I’m asked as a children’s book writer is ‘Do you do your own illustrations?’.
My answer is always, ‘No’.
Although some authors are talented artists, I’m not. My strength is telling a story with words.

The next question is often ‘How do you find an illustrator for your books?’
My answer? ‘I don’t.’

Picture books are a collaborative project. Writers submit the text for a story to a publisher. If the story is accepted for publication, the publisher will commission an illustrator they feel would best represent the story in question. The illustrator is then given the text to play with. Settings and character sketches are explored, very often in consultation with editors and writers. Eventually the final art works are prepared, checked and laid out by a design team. Then the book goes to print.

Working in collaboration with an illustrator and editor to bring a picture book to life is a highlight of my writing career.

Here’s a clip sharing my perspective in the creation of the Madison books:

Author Spotlight: Penny Reeve from Youthworks on Vimeo.

And here’s one of Jemima Trappel, the talented artist who brought my characters to life:

Illustrator Spotlight: Jemima Trappel from Youthworks on Vimeo.

Penny