Hello and welcome back to The Mock Turtle!
What I’m working on
I’ve been challenging myself to create meaningful and clever content for small children. Books under this category are often didactic and straightforward, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Right now I’m finishing two concept book sketch dummies. My goal for both is to include humor, character development, and layers of meaning in the content. The books will be published in Spring 2026, and I’m ready to start working on the final art.
Reflections: Should we write books for children?
We’re facing dark times for world peace and freedom of speech. In moments like this, writing books for children might sound like escapism. I just found out that during the McCarthyist 1950s, adult writers moved into children’s literature to escape, not from cruel reality, but from the FBI! Kiddie lit was not seen as a field important enough to monitor.
One important role of literature is to keep the spirit of childhood alive. Making books that nurture the sense of wonder, the possibility of play and laughter, the joy of life. Also, books that celebrate what’s good in humans—sharing stories about kindness and solidarity might become an act of dissent.
Shows to catch
Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature. On show until June 9 at The Morgan Library.
If you’re in New York, don’t miss the Beatrix Potter exhibition at the Morgan Library. Beatrix Potter was a brave pioneer in the picture book form. Pay attention to the incredibly detailed, almost photo-like drawings she made of fungi, insects, and other natural items. Then notice how her style changes into looser drawings and watercolors when creating stories for children (what I would call fictional illustration).
Also, I suggest watching this excellent documentary about her extraordinary life.
What I’m reading
Our system celebrates completion—the final product—but the process is overlooked. This book reminds me to trust the creative journey as the process where ideas come from. As Godin says at the beginning of the book, “The practice is all we can control.” A little book to question our preconceptions about muses and success.
Worth highlighting
Two weeks ago I had the great opportunity to speak with Satoshi Kitamura at the Filbo 2024. He’s one of the picture book authors I admire the most. I explored his sources of inspiration as a young artist and was surprised to discover that Winsor McCay’s Little Nemo in Slumberland was key to his decision to become an artist. I also liked what he said about boredom being his main source of inspiration.
And Congratulations!
I didn’t attend the Bologna Book Fair this year, but I was very proud to see the work of good and talented friends Cecilia Ruiz and Mariana Ruiz Johnson, and Rodrigo Morlesin at the BRAW hanging books exhibit. The whole list is on their website and worth checking out.
Call for Entries
The Unpublished Picture Book Showcase. Deadline: July 3, 2024. Fee: €55
If you have a finished picture book dummy (final art included), you might be interested in submitting your work to the Unpublished Picture Book Showcase. One thing I like about this selection is that the jury members are editors from excellent independent publishers around the globe. So it is an opportunity to show your work.
Keep working and keep making good art!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, recent exhibitions, and opportunities! It's always inspiring to read it :)
I especially love what you said - One important role of literature is to keep the spirit of childhood alive. I can whole-heartedly relate.